Tears, Love, and Dirt: The Kissing Hand

The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn, is a story about Chester, a little raccoon who wants to stay home with his mother rather than go to school. His mom tries to ease his fears by telling him of all the fun he will have at school, and then shares a family secret called The Kissing Hand. She then kisses Chester's, palm to reassure him of her love. When Chester feels a little scared he can put his hand to his cheek and remember his mom's kiss.

Monday

To start out our first week I introduce Chester the raccoon to the class. I read the book. Of course I kinda skim over the words, because I find it a little long for my age group. After showing the book, and still have their attention. I talk about it with the class and ask them how they feel when they come to school.

For our activity we made hand prints with a poem for their mom. The poem is sweet and to the point. I love the part about this hand print is the first of many memories they will make.

It's my first day of school,

and I'm thinking of you

I made this precious hand print,

So you'll think of me, too

On my first day of school

"The Kissing Hand" is what we read

It's about a raccoon named Chester,

Who did just as his parents said.

Like the raccoons first day at school,

I was scared and a little shy.

But because I thought of you,

I was brave and I got by.

All through the year,

I'll make more things for you.

So as I learn and grow,

You can share in the fun too!

Tuesday

Today we again talked about our feelings of school. I asked about how Chester had felt. I also was happy to find another book about a raccoon. I always write my lesson plans down for the month and head over to our library in town. That way I have all kinds of books that are on the same subject. The best part is that I did not have to pay for them.

What better way to start off a Tuesday than making our own Chester the Raccoon.

We also read Timothy goes to school by Rosemary Wells

Wednesday

Well our schedule was off. Our day care was closed due to weather by Isaac. Every Wednesday we have Show and tell. They were suppose to bring an object that would make them sad if they did not have anymore. There most favorite heart warming object.

For our project we was suppose to trace our hands on paper plates. Then color and cut out leaving bottom uncut to make a pop up kissing hand. Kids then could glue a heart or a kiss on the palm. Sorry for no picture.

Thursday

Today we reviewed Kissing hand and everything we made this week. We talked about how what we made was connected to the story and our feelings. For our project we used cookie cutters as stamps to make heart patterns. My heart cookie cutters had a small heart in the middle of the big heart. So we had extra hearts. It was just a heart loving day.

He had to stop and admire his art work for a minute. I guess he was surprised cookie cutters and paint can do that.

Friday

Freeday Friday!!! Usually every Friday is review and Freeday. I also try to let the kids make a snack based on something we learned that week. Then when made we turn out the lights and put on a quick movie and dine out. We made Heart cookies like the ones we painted. Of course not with the same painting ones. I have an extra set. Sorry for no pictures. After they ate pretty much the movie was not important to them so I turned it off and we played in centers.

I called two at a time to sit with me at a table. I thought we could try our hand at cutting with scissors. It was cute to teach and watch.