I came up with this unit out of a desire to show that language is symbols, just as our alphabet is symbols for sounds-so is hieroglyphics. My goal was to demonstrate the “concept” of the alphabet, as well as incorporate lots of art/engineering and diversity.
Kids love mummies! THAT was the interest “hook”!
We did these over the course of a month, one or two activities a week. I introduced the unit with a scooby doo mummy caper library dvd.
Cartography necklace made with hieroglyphsAfter learning about pyramids and burial, they made their own “mummy” stuffed animalsUsing my contact paper blocks, they built a pet cemetary and pretended to be pets.He is being a mummy cat
We also built pyramids with Jenga blocks, egg carton cups,sugar cubes (i don’t recommend because they kept eating haha) and a 3d paper pyramid from a template.
Pyramid building and later days these cups became a favorite as they expanded into castle building.
Pyramid building extension activity. The next month, 4.5yo used Jenga blocks to make a sarcophogus in his own play. He also practiced drawing the “dog god” (anubis)The printable pack has the lesson plan, links I used for some activities, center ideas, video links.
There is a link to an easy pharoah headdress to print and color which the boys enjoyed making and other activities we did not do. There are lots of choices to personalize for students. There is also a complete alphabet pack of hieroglyphic cards included.
My preschoolers adore reward and star charts! They color, mark or place stickers on the stars and are very proud doing it!
So, I created this to reward for when emotions are expressed properly. This occurs during free play. A star can also be counted after completing an emotion activity, or identifying emotions, anything about emotions, really.
The star chart participation enables children to recognize and self identify emotions internally, “get in touch with feelings”.
In the pack are 10 unicorn feeling cards, 3 different star charts, and 2 different page “Good Mood” posters (example below).
( NOTE: I only use this tool ONCE for whole alphabet. When I use it again, it is for numbers. Because this is alphabet review, and they have 75% letter recognition, the content (letters) is familiar enough they can explore the number bond tool. Any repetition of using the bond for letters, may build an expectation of that’s the purpose.
Alphabet Magnet Letter Match and Trace
I tested each of the 3 step process with my preschoolers. The skill range combined= some Kindergarten skill standards mastered – some preschool standards not mastered.
I have after school kids that I give homework support to. The first grader met all standards in Kindergarten, but fell behind Common Core math standards in the second half of first grade.
The 2nd grader had met all standards until the second half of second grade, then fell behind in Common Core math.
These students only needed more time to internalize the processes/steps they were taught. There’s so much packed into a short time-there really isn’t time for common core tools (like the number bond) to become second nature.
Construct Alphabet Letter I : Uppercase/Lowercase Trace/ I is for Iguana
I came up with Letter Bonds, to build my preschoolers familiarity with the number bond structure that is used, so that by the time they get to Kindergarten, the tool is so familiar, using it is automatic.
My theory is that the number bond format is about constructing and deconstructing, it doesn’t matter WHAT DATA is put into the areas. For example, my first grade student KNEW how to solve the problem, but he didn’t remember to draw his frame right-or his bonds right because he was in a hurry.
IF the number bond is a common tool that my preschoolers get introduced to it in preschool, then practice it with numbers later, they will just KNOW.
***NOTE: Again, I will only use this tool ONCE for whole alphabet. When I use it again, it will be for numbers. But because this is alphabet review, and they know 75% of their letter recognition, the content (letters) is familiar enough they can enjoy the number bond tool. Any repetition of using the bond for letters, would possibly build a student expectation that this is what its ALWAYS used for.
Perhaps 3 months after we finish with the pack, I will introduce simple 0+1 addition using the number bond. That practice with manipulatives and writing will include repetitive explanation of the Number Bond.
Preschool Common Core Prep and Literacy
There are 3 packs to direct download separately. The packs are made to teach sequentially. Each direct download link, will be under each page example IMAGE.
