Animals, especially zoo animals, never fail to capture the interest of children. We will be utilizing that interest to motivate the children to master some of the basic preschool concepts of numbers, shapes, and colors. Hopefully, they will also become more aware of their environment by discussing animals that are nearly extinct and the conditions that cause this. We will also be polishing our reasoning and categorizing skills as we decide which animals will be able to join the “MAMMAL CLUB”. To be considered for membership the animals must: 1) have hair 2) have at least four appendages 3) breathe air 4) have their babies born alive, and 5) be able to feed babies milk from the mother’s body. The homework assignment for you and your child this month is to cut out pictures of animals and bring them in. If you can help them to look up information about the animals which will allow them to make the decision… mammal or non-mammal… you will be providing a great motivator for your child.

Beginners will have fun learning to reproduce the sounds of zoo animals and sorting animal cards that are alike and different. Common objects will be named and identified by function. They will practice with pop beads, string beads and work with snaps to make independent dressing easier.

Preschool children will practice grouping objects by appearance, relationships, and specific criteria. Numbers will be emphasized as they work on recognizing coins and their values. They will sharpen balance and coordination skills as they move like animals.