Share this rhyme with children by reading it aloud. Hold up a picture of each object in the poem as you read its name aloud. After several readings, distribute pictures to children and let them hold up the correct one as you read its name aloud.
HAPPY KANGAROO TO YOU
Read to children Katy No-Pocket by Emmy Payne. Then try this fun kangaroo activity: Cut from brown construction paper a mama and baby kangaroo shape. Next, cut a paper pocket and apply glue around its edges so it can be glued onto the mama. Slip the baby into the pocket and let each child give his or her kangaroo a name.
CAN YOU KAZOO?
Let children make kazoos using toilet paper rolls. Give each child a roll to decorate with ribbon, sequins, feathers, or other items. Use a rubber band to secure a piece of wax paper across one end of the toilet paper roll. Children can sing, repeat rhymes, or talk into the open ends of their kazoos.
Cut bread into kite shapes and give one or two to each child. Next, mix together 1 tablespoon milk, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, and a few drops of food coloring. Let children paint their kites using one color or several different colors. Toast bread in the oven or a toaster oven until golden. Let children add a string of red licorice to the bottom points of their kites and enjoy!
MY KEY TO THE WORLD
Provide an assortment of keys for children to view. Discuss the various shapes and sizes. Then invite children to draw a picture of a magic key that will open anything in the world. Next, let children draw a picture showing what the magic key will open, and another picture of what they might see after the key has opened it. Bind drawings together in a booklet titled “My Key to the World.”
LET’S VIST KANSAS
On a flat U.S. map point out to children the location of Kansas. Explain that Kansas is one of our fifty states. Provide picture books about the state for children to view and visit Kansas on the Net for more facts about Kansas.
YOUR WORD CORNER
Here are some words you will need.
See them, say them … hey, you can read!!
kind king kick
Write the words on a chart and review them. Then read aloud each sentence that appears below. Try each word in each sentence. Let children tell you which word fits.
1. Sara can __________the ball well.
2. The __________rules the land.
3. I hope you are _________to your friends.
Check out the following Web sites for additional background and activities.
Kwanza Theme Crafts and Activities You might like to share with children the traditions and activities that take place during Kwanza, the African-American holiday. This site provides lots of info. Follow up by inviting someone who celebrates the holiday to visit your classroom to speak about it. http://childfun.com/index.php/holidays/winter-holidays/kwanzaa/303-kwanzaa-theme-crafts-a-activities.html
Story-time Topic: Kindness Kindness counts! Spread kindness around your classroom with some of these sweet stories. The listing provides the book title and author as well as a summary. http://www.thebestkidsbooksite.com/storydetails.cfm?TopicID=241
K Is for Kleenex Try this craft to reinforce the letter K. http://www.thebestkidsbooksite.com/craftdetails.cfm?TopicID=762