Theme for the Week - Pumpkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since we're starting to get closer to Halloween, we picked Pumpkins for the theme to learn a little more about them. Most stores are carrying them now so it should be easy to talk to your toddler about them. Learn the sign for pumpkin and orange, decorate a pumpkin, and sing a song about pumpkins that helps teach emotions. Have fun!

 

Letter of the Week: M  -  for melon (we did P recently). Show your child a picture of both a capital M and a lower case m. Draw an M on paper, or use their finger to draw it in the sandbox or dirt. Use bath tub or refrigerator letters to show them this letter as well. 

 

Number of the Week: 5 - When you show your child anything say "5 pumpkins" and show them a picture of the number 5. Write the number 5 on paper. Show them 5 things at a time and count them - "one, two, three, ..." - so your child gets used to the pattern. 

 

Songs of the Week: Five Little Pumpkins - Here is a great song that helps teach emotions for each little pumpkin. Not the traditional "5 Little Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate"

 

Story of the Week: Cinderella

The original story from 1884 which was only 6 pages! They make the note that Disney made an entire movie from a 6-page book. While this version might not be as exciting, it is short. I picked this story because of the pumpkin in the Disney story. 

 

Snack of the Week: Tangerine Pumpkins - We like this one because it's healthier than other snacks and it's SOO cute. If you scroll down, you'll see other ideas for pumpkin-themed healthy snacks too.

 

Spanish Words of the Week: pumpkin - la calabaza, pie - el pastel, seed - la semilla

 

Do-It-Myself Activity: Pick out a Pumpkin - It doesn't have to be the one to carve just yet but you can let your toddler pick out a tiny pumpkin-like gourd from the grocery store to do our craft with for this week. 

 

Craft of the Week:  Decorate a Pumpkin - If you let your child pick out a tiny pumpkin or two, then you can help him or her decorate it at home with markers, glitter, stickers, etc. You don't have to carve a pumpkin to have fun!

 

Yoga Pose: Plow Pose - This looks hard but it's really pretty much a back somersault you just don't finish. It's a great back stretch, especially if your shoulders are tight. Your child will probably only make it over partway, and that's fine! They'll love seeing you do it!

 

Sign Language Sign of the Week: Pumpkin, Orange, Seed -  If your child is still learning to speak, sign language can really help with frustration. Also, my son speaks very well - he's 2 1/2 now - but when I sign to him and say it, he pays attention better, such as  signing"time for" "bath" works better than just saying "bath time!"

 

Most of all - give your little one a hug and say "I love you" as many times a day as you can think of! You can never give them enough love.