A Day of Mother Goose Time

 Mother Goose Time makes it easy to just open and go.  Very little prep work is required.  We don't always start at the same time, but we have a set routine we follow.  It makes it easy to transition from one task to the next when Elli knows exactly what to expect.  We always start with circle time.  This is when we look at the daily topic poster and discuss what we're learning.  We also sing songs and go over the weather and calendar.  

Sometimes there are short games to play during circle time, such as guessing what sounds animals make when they're in danger.  

I also use the daily coloring pages from member resources during circle time.

Once that's all done we start on the days lesson.

 There are usually a few games for the kids to play.  Today Elli worked on recognizing the letters and their sounds for Y, G and Q.  Games make literacy and math work more fun. 

Each day usually has either a make and play craft or an invitation to create.  Today Elli made a duck call.

Every day has a suggested book that ties in with the theme.  When we don't have the book and can't find it at the library I'll either find a different related book or see if I can find it being read on youtube.  

Elli loved playing Be Careful Bunny, and we played it multiple times.

Closing time is when we complete the my little journals and talk about what we learned.  It's also when we do the STEAM station ideas.  Today Elli played different instruments and listened to the sounds they make.  She really likes using the ukulele.  

We also receive add ons from Mother Goose Time that I incorporate into our day.  We use the dance n' beats at different times.  Sometimes Elli dances after breakfast while I clean up around the house, other times we do it for our closing time, and sometime she waits for her sister to get home from school so they can dance together.  Dance n' Beats comes with a DVD of choreographed dances for the songs on the monthly CD.  It also has a book with extra ideas.  Dancing is a great way to get the kids up and moving, all while having fun.  It helps increase their balance and coordination and enhance their gross motor skills.