A Rainy Day Circle Time “Singing in the Rain” and Ms. CeCe’s “Rainy Day Umbrella Game”

Begin circle time with the classic, “Singing in the Rain.” The children’s version is written by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown, with pictures by Tim Hopgood. The title page reads, “For everyone who smiles in the rain.” Sing to the children while turning the pages.

Next, play Ms. CeCe’s “Rainy Day Umbrella Game.” Simple cards with umbrellas (outlined in crayons or markers) are placed in a raincoat pocket. Children retrieve and find a matching friend. Partners pass under the teacher-held umbrella while singing “Singing in the Rain.”

Rainy Day Color Match Game

Then, children receive a simple bingo card with six squares— each with different umbrella colors (including bingo markers). The teacher or caller holds up a square or umbrella of the matching color. Play fill the row, or fill the card! Children may follow as callers.

“Singing in the Rain” Song and Movement Around the Circle

After that, time to move with our friends! Each child takes a turn, moving the group around the circle to the left or right while the children sing “Singing in the Rain.”

Rainy Day Read-Aloud Story Time

Lastly, share pre-k rainy day read-alouds. The kind and inclusive The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates, “There is always room.” Rain by Sam Usher. The back cover reads, “It’s raining, but one little boy can’t wait to go outside for an adventure with his grandad. The Puddle Hunters is whimsical rainy day fun! “Clouds as fat as polar bears tumble in the evening sky. Tomorrow will be another good day for puddle hunting.”

 

 

 

 

 

Artistic Arrival Activity and CeCe’s “Hello Autumn: How are You?”

Start by placing pre-cut leaves on the tables. Children decorate with markers or crayons. Next, call friends to circle time with “Hello Autumn: How are You?” (sing to the tune of “Where is Thumbkin?”)  Hello autumn, hello autumn, how are you, how are you? Time for cooler weather, time for coats and sweaters. Hello fall, hello fall. We welcome you. We welcome you.

 

Story Time – Set the Stage for Ms. CeCe’s Autumn Games and Design: Welcome Fall Read-Alouds

Next, share autumn with these fun fall books. Hello, Fall! by Deborah Diesen and Lucy Fleming. A grandfather and his granddaughter greet fall in this lovely read-aloud: “…Back home, we both had the same excellent idea about the leaf pile. ‘Hello, fall’ we said as we ran toward it, and fall replied. ‘Jump in!'” Let it Fall by Maryann Cocca-Lefler. “Let it fall! It’s autumn!” Autumn and fall are words used for this time of season. “Early mornings, crisp and cool…Mounds of color raked up high. Jump right in and watch the sky.” Full of Fall by author and photographer April Pulley Sayer. “September sun is low in the sky. So long summer. Green goodbye. One leaf. Another leaf. Colors surge…Hello yellow. Greetings gold. Oh – it’s orange, red be bold.”

 

Designing with Friends and a “Welcome Autumn” Movement Around the Circle

What might autumn look like? We’ll create fall with our friends today (cover tables with paper – secure by taping underneath). After designing fall with friends, sing CeCe’s “Hello Autumn: How Are You?” Invite children to join you, holding hands around the circle (singing to the tune of “Where is Thumbkin?”). Gather ’round the circle, gather ’round the circle, holding hands, holding hands. (The teacher takes the first turn, moving around the circle – singing “Hello Autumn: How are You?” Next, invite each friend to lead while singing—My Friend (Child’s name). Take the lead. Take the lead—My Friend (Child’s name). Take the lead.

CeCe’s “Fallen Leaves: Hide and Seek” and “Leaf Pile”

Next, while children hide their eyes— place the leaves from the arrival activity (in plain sight). Then, each child will take a turn in placing the leaves. This game of hide and seek fallen leaves will become a fall favorite!

After that, play another fun favorite, “Leaf Pile!” Just a few leaves work best. While the teacher sings “Hello Autumn: How are You?” children pass leaves behind their backs. When the teacher stops singing, those children with leaves in hand – land in the middle of the circle – or the leaf pile!

Lastly, friends gather and share autumn art with the group.

Ms. CeCe has served as Vice President and President of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (Affiliate). She has experience in various early childhood settings, and is director qualified. Her lessons have been published and featured.