Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Yum-Yum eat 'em up!

If your squirrles are anything like the ones around our town, it must be an indication of an early winter. The fluffy tails are manic in their movements, digging and darting all over the place. I have been dodging them as they dart in front of our car, shooing them away as they dig up our flowers.



Now here's a squirrel the kids are sure to love, one even a mom or dad won't mind having in the house. Invert an empty oatmeal container so lid is on bottom for easy removal of contents. Hot glue on faux fur or felt. Cut a wide mouth, add google eyes. This squirrel is a grandpa; he's been a round for quite a few years, but he has provided years of fun for preschoolers. Think of all of the concepts you could target: shapes, colors, letters, numbers, simple addition.

I sit with the child as they feed the squirrel, and I say "yum-yum-yum" as they drop the block in. When they least expect, I shake the squirrel and pretend it is gobbling the shape. I shout, "YUM-YUM", and the children squeal with delight/fright and say, "Do it again!" But they never know when ... This keeps them interested and I can work on a few shapes in one sitting.

Song: (do the actions)
Gray Squirrel, gray squirrel, swish your bushy tail.
Gray squirrel, gray squirrel, swish your bushy tail.
Put a nut between your toes, wrinkle up your little nose.
Gray squirrel, gray squirrel, swish your bushy tail.

Go outdoors and look for squirrels and sing this song to the squirrels.

10 comments:

Claudia Moser said...

You are such a creative teacher, wow!

Nancy's Notes said...

That was great and I love that little song! Will teach it to my grandkids!

BECKY said...

Hey Linda, I'd love to see you go outside and sing that song, but just by yourself....like at your house, or in a public park! :D

Kim Lehnhoff said...

That's one good lookin' squirrel. He must be getting overfed though, he looks a lot heftier than the anorexic-looking rodents we have in our yard.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

I hope my grand-kids (assuming I ever have any that aren't Dachshunds *sigh*) are blessed with a teacher just like you. You rock, Linda!

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Linda,
You are so creative. Your students are so lucky to have such a great teacher!
Donna

Val said...

Dang! That's a toothy rodent! At first glance, I though he was having some fondue. You are SO crafty and creative. It's good that you can take time out from your busy superhero schedule of chasing (alleged) criminals to make learning toys like this.

Lynn said...

That is adorable. Love it.

Janet, said...

That is so cute! I love it and I know your kids do, too. You could make a number of different animals with that oatmeal box.

Tammy said...

Yes! What is with the suicidal squirrels this year??! I've been trying to dodge them with the car, too. One of my high school students even mentioned the phenomenon last week. Yours is adorable!!