Valentine's Day With Hearts and Chocolates: Prek Learning With Ms. Liz
In this one time class we will read Valentine's Day stories like "One Zillion Valentines", by Frank Modell, make and count our own box of chocolates like the one in the story and engage in Valentine themed letter and number activities.
Ms. Liz
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(401)
What's included
1 live meeting
35 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this one-time class, we will read and discuss Valentine's Day themed stories like "One Zillion Valentines" by Frank Modell or "Hug Machine", by Scott Campbell. 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 will meet and greet the first few minutes of class so everyone gets comfortable, talk a bit about our stories, make predictions about what might happen and use our listening and observation skills as we read our stories together. In between our stories we will look at Valentine's Day symbols, play letter and number games inspired by Valentine's Day images and make and count our own box of chocolates like the one in "One Zillion Valentines" with the included printables and a dice from home. 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 activities and work on them 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.). Learners who are excited to share their observations and creations are encouraged to do so, but it is not required.
Learning Goals
Students will strengthen literacy and listening skills, prediction, problem solving and observation skills and will practice fine motor work, counting and using their imaginations as they create their own box of chocolates like the one in our story "One Zillion Valentines" with the included printables for enrolled learners.
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.
**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 cut out the pieces in the included chocolate box printable so they are ready to go before class. (a color printer works best but is not necessary). The heart paper will serve as our box for our chocolates or you can draw and cut out a large heart of your own if you would prefer. (If a printer is not available, learners can draw pieces of candy to use too!) And, If your learner wants to stick the chocolates into place, please bring a glue stick or tape to class. If you have one dice your child can use for the game, please bring it to class. If not that's OK! It's not mandatory that your learner participate in the heart cutting and chocolate counting 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
$14
per classMeets once
35 min
Completed by 23 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 3-5
1-5 learners per class
