American Parade

Materials

1. Flag stickers
2. Small American flags
3. Red, white, and blue streamers
4. Tape or CD player
5. Patriotic and marching music

Instructions

1. Assemble the children in a few straight lines or some kind of parade formation outside.
2. Let the children stick flag stickers on their shirts or other clothing. Pass out streamers and flags to each child.
3. Explain to the children that they will be having a parade and that they should wave their flags and streamers as they march.
4. Play patriotic or marching music. Be sure to vary your marching pattern slightly from song to song so that the children may use a variety of muscles and skills. The parade is fun and the children really enjoy it!

Instructions

* Make a set of butterfly wings out of poster board for each child in the class.
* Attach string to make straps so that the children can put them on themselves.
What to Do
1. Read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle to the children. Afterwards,
engage the children in a discussion about caterpillars.
2. Set out the materials and explain to the children that they will be making
butterfly wings.
3. Have the children decorate the wings with crayons, markers, and glitter.
4. Attach the pipe cleaners to the headbands to make antennae. You can use
small pompoms or small Styrofoam balls at the end of the antennae.
5. Let your little "butterflies" fly around the classroom or do a butterfly dance.
Let them pretend to fly from flower to flower.
6. The children can also act out the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It's a
great way to have fun.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Are the children able to decorate their butterfly wings?
* Are the children able to act out the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar?