Building Early Skills

Grade Level

Preschool (Ages 4-5)

Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

20 students

---

Learning Objectives

Aligned to Common Core State Standards (CCSS Early Learning Extensions):

• Literacy:
  • Identify and name common objects and pictures (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.PK)
  • Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.PK)
• Numeracy:
  • Understand number names and the counting sequence (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.1)
  • Count to tell the number of objects (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4)
• Motor Skills:
  • Develop fine motor skills through drawing, cutting, and manipulating small objects (aligned with physical development goals)
• Social Skills:
  • Engage cooperatively in group activities, taking turns and sharing (aligned with social emotional learning enhancements)
• Creative Play:
  • Express ideas and feelings through art and movement (supports Language Arts and Social Development)

---

Materials Needed

• Picture cards of common objects (animals, fruits, household items)
• Plastic counting bears or colorful blocks (20 sets)
• Large sheets of paper & washable markers/crayons
• Child-safe scissors and glue sticks
• Music player for short songs
• Coloring/sticker sheets for creative activity
• Name tags for social interaction game

---

Lesson Activities

1. Welcome & Circle Time (7 minutes)

• Objective: Build listening comprehension & group participation skills.
• The teacher greets each child by name; children repeat the greetings back aloud to practice their speech and recognition skills.
• Use picture cards to introduce 5 new objects with their names. Show pictures, say the name slowly, and have children repeat it.
• Ask children to point to the picture when the teacher says the word to reinforce vocabulary recognition.

2. Counting Bears & Story Time (10 minutes)

• Objective: Develop counting skills and number recognition.
• Read a short story featuring numbers and animals. Pause to count items on the page together using counting bears.
• Children place bears on corresponding numbers on a number mat (1 to 10). This meets CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.1 and K.CC.B.4 standards.
• Encourage children to say aloud the numbers while counting the bears.

3. Fine Motor Skills – Cut & Paste Art (10 minutes)

• Objective: Improve fine motor control & creativity.
• Children cut out pre-drawn shapes on paper (simple shapes: circles, squares).
• Use glue sticks to paste shapes onto a larger paper to create a collage or a "shape monster."
• Assist as needed; praise efforts to encourage persistence.

4. Social Skills – Turn Taking Game (8 minutes)

• Objective: Practice sharing and cooperative play.
• Using name tags, children form a circle. A soft ball or beanbag is passed around while music plays. When music stops, the child holding the ball shares one thing they like (encourage simple answers, e.g. favorite animal or color).
• Teacher models respectful listening and turn-taking language.
• Reinforce social skill vocabulary: "Please," "Thank you," "Your turn."

5. Creative Movement & Expression (8 minutes)

• Objective: Express feelings and ideas, promote gross motor development.
• Play a short upbeat children’s song.
• Encourage children to move freely or mimic animal movements introduced earlier (e.g., hopping like a bunny, wiggling like a worm).
• End with a “freeze” moment encouraging children to hold a silly pose and then relax.

---

Assessment Ideas

• Observation Checklist:

  • Can the child name at least 3 of the new vocabulary pictures?
  • Does the child count from 1 to 5 with support?
  • Is the child able to use scissors with some control?
  • Does the child wait their turn during the game?
  • Is the child able to follow movement cues during the song?

• Teacher Notes:

  • Track individual participation and any need for additional support.
  • Use informal questions and prompts to assess language comprehension (e.g., “Show me the apple,” “How many bears do you have?”).

---

Reflection & Extensions

• Repeat vocabulary from the first activity in a future lesson, gradually adding more complex words.
• Introduce simple patterns using colored blocks next time to build on numeracy skills.
• Create a "sharing jar" reward system tied to social skills to reinforce positive interactions outside structured activities.

---

This dynamic and developmentally appropriate session blends literacy, numeracy, motor development, social awareness, and creativity firmly grounded in Common Core standards. It addresses holistic preschool development with engaging, memorable activities for 4-5-year-olds.