Dynamic Diggers! Fun Facts About Squirrels: Prek Learning With Ms. Liz
We'll read stories like "The Busy Little Squirrel", compare types of squirrels, talk about where they live and what they eat, engage in squirrel themed vocabulary and number activities and put together our own squirrel puzzle in class!
Ms. Liz
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(401)
What's included
1 live meeting
35 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade Preschool - Kindergarten
Beginner Level
In this one-time class, we'll read stories like "The Busy Little Squirrel", compare types of squirrels, talk about where they live and what they eat, engage in squirrel themed vocabulary and number activities and build our own squirrel puzzle friend in class! Little learners can build great listening, observation and creative thinking skills during storytime, asking questions and using their imagination. In fact, did you know that reading aloud to kids has clear cognitive benefits? For example, brain scans show that hearing stories strengthens the part of the brain associated with visual imagery, story comprehension, and word meaning. One 2019 study from the National Library of Medicine estimated that children who are regularly read to in the 5 years leading up to kindergarten are exposed to 1.4 million more words than children who aren’t read to during those years. While we read our stories and look at pictures we will make observations about what squirrels look like, how they look different, where they live, how they behave and what they are looking for when they dig. We will learn new vocabulary words and fun facts about squirrels and squirrel families. After our stories, we will engage in themed activities like vocabulary, counting, number writing, I Spy and Patterns. While we engage in our in class projects we will work on visual discrimination, counting and fine motor skills, listening and following directions. Lots of opportunities for discussion and sharing which is encouraged but not required to be a part of this class! My classes range from 1-5 learners so I can ensure every learner has the chance to discuss and share. (I will run class with one learner!) We'll start by welcoming everyone individually, introduce our book(s) and chat about important skills like active listening and taking turns. *It's not mandatory that your learner participate in the projects. If they prefer to observe and work on the I Spy project and squirrel puzzle after class, that's OK too! **In order to promote class discussions and participation I do not mute learners' microphones. This also helps learners practice their social skills such as active listening and taking turns. In order for this to work, students need to be in a quiet setting away from background noises (loud conversations, telephone calls, t.v, etc.).
Learning Goals
Students will listen to stories and look at pictures and ask and answer questions throughout, practice taking turns talking, listening and sharing observations about squirrels. We will also work on our fine motor, number and listening skills working on the included printables.
Learners will find out fun facts about squirrels, strengthen fundamental PreK skills like literacy, listening and sharing, predicting, problem solving, observation and speaking in turn while we talk about squirrels and practice fine motor work engaging with the in-class squirrel projects.
**In order to promote class discussions and participation I do not mute learners' microphones. This also helps learners practice their social skills such as active listening and taking turns. In order for this to work, students need to be in a quiet setting away from background noises (loud conversations, telephone calls, t.v, etc.). **
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Because of the age of the class I recommend a grown up be within "ear-shot" to help with any technical hiccups (mic and video) that might come up. *Please print out the included I Spy count and write pages and the squirrel puzzle page. BEFORE CLASS, please cut apart the 10 squirrel puzzle pieces and mix them up so we can put our squirrel puzzle back together as a class.*
**In order to promote class discussions and participation I do not mute learners' microphones. This also helps learners practice their social skills such as active listening and taking turns. In order for this to work, students need to be in a quiet setting away from background noises (loud conversations, telephone calls, t.v, etc.). **
Supply List
Please print out the I Spy count and write pages and the squirrel puzzle page. BEFORE CLASS, please cut apart the 10 squirrel puzzle pieces and mix them up so we can put our squirrel puzzle back together as a class. Please bring your favorite writing tool to class! ** It's not mandatory that your learner participate in each activity. If they prefer to observe and complete the projects after class, that's OK too!
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Wisconsin- Madison
Hello Outschool Families!
My name is Liz Stone, better known as Ms. Liz, to my 3, 4 and 5 year old friends. Did you know that reading aloud to kids has clear cognitive benefits? For example, brain scans show that hearing stories strengthens the part of the brain associated with visual imagery, story comprehension, and word meaning.
Experts from the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning also explain that reading books to kids helps expand the number and variety of words they use. Think about it: The books you read often contain words you might not otherwise use in your everyday communications.
While reading a book, you might end up using more specific names for different plants or animals or use more adjectives altogether. And this adds up.
One 2019 study from the National Library of Medicine estimated that children who are regularly read to in the 5 years leading up to kindergarten are exposed to 1.4 million more words than children who aren’t read to during those years.
Another study found that kindergarten children who were read to at least three times a week had a “significantly greater phonemic awareness than did children who were read to less often.”
I created The Pebble Academy, an online learning and play experience for 3-5 year olds, after I fell in love with teaching and learning with Pre-K kiddos as I watched my own kids grow-up. I'm the mom of three and an early childhood educator who wants to help make reading togther and creative learning for 3-5 year olds more accessible! I've observed the confidence my students gain when I encourage them to participate in an online learning and play experience that is welcoming, comfortable and tailored to them.
In my 30-40 minute interactive classes, I will introduce your children to new ideas with activities like picture book reading, songs, show and share and themed activity pages and projects we work on together. Most of my classes include in class activities or ideas for post class at home activities and all my classes incorporate ideas that promote pre-reading skills, early math strategies, nature, community, family, arts and crafts, music and physical activity.
Over the past 12 years, I have worked as a teacher and Site Coordinator for Northwestern University’s Weekend Enrichment Program, I’ve taught in my community's Early Childhood Program, I’ve been a lead teacher for 3 year olds at a local early childhood center and I created The Pebble Academy!
Incorporating fun into reading and learning is what it's all about! For me, nothing compares to sharing an “Aha!” moment with a student. I hope we have the chance to learn together soon and I look forward to meeting you in one of my classes!
**If my posted class schedules don't work for you, I'm happy to try and schedule a class that is more convenient for your learner!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
35 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 3-5
1-5 learners per class
