Make A Monster! Halloween Fun and PreK Learning wIth Ms. Liz
We'll read stories like "Are You My Monster" and "Monster Needs A Costume", engage in monster themed color, letter, number and shape recognition games and create our own monster with the included printables.
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 will read two favorite monster books, "Are You My Monster" by Amanda Noll and "Monster Needs A Costume" by Paul Czajak. We will practice skills to prepare us for kindergarten like listening, speaking in turn, letters/sounds, numbers and counting! 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. We'll start by welcoming everyone individually, introduce our book(s) and chat about important skills like active listening and taking turns. We will talk a bit about our stories, make predictions about what might happen before we read each story and use our listening and observation skills as we read together. My classes range from 1-5 learners so I can ensure every learner has the chance to discuss and share. But, I will run class with one learner! In between our stories we will look at silly monster pictures and engage in visual discrimination, letter, number or shape games inspired by the monsters in our stories. At the end of class we will build a monster of our very own using the printables provided to registered learners. Learners will be encouraged to ask questions as we read our stories, listen and take turns speaking. Learners who are excited to share their observations and creations are encouraged to do so, but it is not required to be a part of this 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.). **
Learning Goals
Learners will strengthen literacy, listening and sharing skills and observation and speaking skills while we listen to stories and ask and answer questions throughout the readings and practice taking turns talking, sharing predictions and observations about the books we read. We will also work on skills like letter/sounds, numbers, shapes, visual discrimination and fine motor when we build our monster with the provided printables.
**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. If your learner is working on scissor skills, an adult can help with cutting apart the different monster pieces before class begins.
Supply List
Please view and print out the multi-page monster parts printable. Ask your learner to select and cut out the parts they want to use BEFORE class so we are ready to build our monsters togther during class. For example; choose a body, a mouth, a set of eyes, arms, legs, horns and "other parts". Please bring a glue stick to class... the monster can be glued togther after class too! If a printer isn't available, learners are welcome to draw the monster using the printable for examples of monster parts. **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.). **
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 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 3-5
1-5 learners per class
