Hooray for Holiday Helpers! Lesson Plan

What We Are Learning

holidays

rolling pin, measuring cup, egg beater, cookie pan

helping

critical thinking

Start the lesson by asking children how they help their families at home. Record their answers on chart paper. Then tell them that the holidays are an extra-special time to be big kid helpers! activate background knowledge

Art: Make Your Own Wrapping Paper

Materials: butcher paper, paint, brushes, tape, scissors, basket, small items from the classroom (e.g., plastic animals, small blocks)

In this activity, children practice cutting, taping, and wrapping and unwrapping presents.
Cover a table with butcher paper, and set out paints and brushes. Let children take turns painting butcher paper. Remind them that it’s a group painting, so it’s OK if someone adds to your part. Model this with a teaching partner or child.
When dry, draw lines to divide the butcher paper into smaller sheets. Have students cut it with scissors.
Let children wrap a small item and tape it closed.
During circle time, children can take turns closing their eyes, taking a wrapped present from the basket, and guessing what’s inside. Then they can unwrap it and return it to its place in the classroom. fine motor

Materials: silverware, pots/pans, napkins, plates, cups, recipes loose items (e.g., packing peanuts, buttons, acorns)

Note: Using loose items as “food” allows for more open-ended play. Items can be whatever food they imagine!

Provide materials for children to “cook” with. For inspiration, set out recipes with pictures. You can even ask families to send a favorite recipe from home.
As children “cook,” ask questions like “What else do you need to add?”
Then invite children to set the table and serve the meal. This is a good time to guide with questions like “What does a table need on it to be set?” life skills/dramatic play