Week # 4 of homeschool lesson plans for pre-K.  Have you wondered what happens if Day 1 does not correspond with a Monday, or Day 2 with a Tuesday?  You just move on.  You work Day 1 the first day you have an opportunity.  If the next day is filled with dentist appointments, you do Day 2 the day after that!!!  Homeschooling can be very flexible.  A week can take longer or shorter than a calendar week. 

I again recommend Tobin's Lab, which is a wonderful resource for all things science.  The possibilities for reptiles and frogs are endless!!! 



The book "Pets in a Jar" is also priceless on a subject like this, especially if your student is a boy!  One day when my son was around 7 years old, I walked into my bathroom to find the tub filled with dozens of frogs, toads (he assures me there is a difference!), turtles and skinks.  I handled it perfectly!!  I took a deep breath, walked out of the bathroom, and told my son to have them all out of the house by the time I wanted to take a bath!!!!  It was a great moment!  I wish I could have reacted so perfectly to so many other situations as they were growing up.  Oh well, . . .  






WEEK #4: Reptiles/Amphibians

Day 1:

Math: MUS lesson(s); play Sum Swamp (link by Day 5)
Language: Explode the Code lesson(s); read aloud time; Draw Write Now
Science: Teach some characteristics of reptiles. Reptiles are cold-blooded – they cannot warm themselves so they sit in the sun if they are cold, or they go to a cool place if they are hot. That is why you find turtles and snakes on the roads.
History: Read about Moses and Aaron before the Pharaoh, turning the stick into a snake. Add to the time line.
Field Trip: Go to public library and check out reptile/amphibian books. Go to local pet store, asking the clerks to get a reptile out for your child to touch. If you’re really brave, buy a pet reptile!!!
Life Skills/Home Ec: Make Playdough.
Art:  Make snakes out of playdough.


Flour 3cups
Salt 1 1/2 cups
Water 3 cups
Vegetable Oil 2TB.
Cream of tartar 1TB.
Food coloring few drops or unsweetened "Kool-Aid" 1pkg.

Mix ALL of the ingredients in a large saucepan.
Cook over medium low heat, until the dough comes away
from the edges of the pan and it becomes difficult to move the spoon. Remove from heat. Cool until it can be handled.  Place on counter or wax paper knead 3-4 times.  Store in an air tight container.


Music: Sing ‘Sneaky Snake’ Youtube by Tom T. Hall
REMEMBER TO PLAY!



Day 2:

Math: MUS lesson(s); play Sum Swamp (link by Day 5)Language: Explode the Code lesson(s)
Science: Teach characteristics of amphibians. During their lifetime, they live both in water and on land. Teach that amphibians go through metamorphosis like some insects do. P.E. Go to a local creek or pond, looking for tadpoles, frogs and salamanders. Don't forget to turn over rocks!  Play Leap Frog on the way home.Cooking: Cook frog legs for dinner. Or turtle soup. Or eat some rattlesnake – it tastes like chicken, ya know! (In all honesty, there’s no way I would do this one!!)Music:  "Froggy Went a Courtin" Youtube
PLAY!!!Day 3:

Math: MUS lesson(s);play Sum Swamp (link by Day 5)
Language: Explode the Code lessons(s)
Science: find reptile and amphibian toys, and sort into the appropriate category.
Geography: Find the Galapagos Islands on the globe. Share a book about the giant turtles.
Art: Make a life-sized giant turtle. Print shops or Newspapers often have end rolls of paper to give away or purchase cheaply. This is an excellent resource.
HAVE FUN!!!!










Day 4:
Math: MUS lesson(s); play Sum Swamp (link by Day 5)

Language: Explode the Code lesson(s); read aloud time
Science: Desert reptiles. What makes them suited for life in the desert? How do they survive?
Geography: Find several major deserts on the globe. Which desert reptiles live in each one?
P.E.: Play in the sand.
Reading Activity: Pile all the reptile/amphibian books in the middle of the floor, then walk away. When the students begin going through them, join them on the floor. Resist the urge to direct them to a certain book, or to read one to them. Let them lead this activity, and only read when asked to.
DON'T FORGET TO PLAY!Day 5:

Math: MUS lesson(s); play Sum Swamp
Language: Explode the Code lesson(s); Read aloud time
Science: Review the characteristics of reptiles vs amphibians. Which ones live around your home?
Life skills: 1st aid for snake bites
History: Moses spent time in the desert prior to The Exodus.  How would he have survived?  Would he have eaten any reptiles?  Review the story of the 10 Plagues, the day of the frogs.  Place on time line.  (See next post for an essay on time lines.)



That's one month's worth of lesson plans all laid out for you.  They can be used as presented here, or as a model for you to design your own homeschool.  Please notice that the basic premise here, for ages pre-K, is to have fun.  There are some academic principles presented, but keep it fun.  They have plenty of time to prepare for their SAT's and ACT's!!!  However, do not underestimate your kids.  Some of them will want to go deeper into these topics, some won't care at all.  It's all good!  They're only about 4, so let them be kids!!!