Fall Story Time and CeCe’s “Team Building”
Begin the fall lesson plan by reading Leaf Hunt, written by Steve Metzger and illustrated by Miki Sakamoto. This delightful read-aloud is a lovely tribute to collaboration and a perfect way to introduce Ms. CeCe’s “Team Building.” Partners and community – teammates – a friend, and you. Let’s do something really wow. I know. We can start right now. A fall design with a friend. Teamwork. Teamwork – go go go!
Fall Team Design
Next, invite a helper to join you. He or she will draw teammates from the community grab bag. Teams are each given a bag to collect fall finds. After collecting signs of fall on a classroom nature walk, each pair receives a poster board (with craft glue). Let the team designing begin!
Gathering Time – “Teamwork Around the Circle” and Sharing Fall Nature Designs
After that, Ms. CeCe’s “Teamwork Around the Circle” (join hands). Friends around the circle, friends around the circle, we’re moving to the right, we’re moving to the right. Friends around the circle, friends around the circle, we’re moving to the right, we’re moving to the right. Friends around the circle, friends around the circle, we’re moving to the right, we’re moving to the right. Friends around the circle, friends around the circle, we’re moving to the left, we’re moving to the left. Friends around the circle, friends around the circle, we’re moving to the left, we’re moving to the left. Friends around the circle, we’re moving to the left, we’re moving to the left. Now let’s sit!
(Partners share collaborative nature designs. Art is displayed in the classroom.)
Next, time to get up and move with CeCe’s “Ready-Set-Go!” Reaching up high, reaching down low. Hands-on your hips, we’re ready to go! Now find your partner (from the nature walk) to make a bridge —for your friends to pass under. Ready, set, go!
Lastly, share Bella’s Fall Coat, written by Lynn Plourde and illustrated by Susan Gall. Bella has a favorite fall coat that is now too small. Vivid fall colors, and a story capture Bella’s relationship with her grandmother. A beautiful book about the changing seasons of life.
Fall book corner suggestions? The Autumn Visitors by Karel Hayes, Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak, and Leaf Jumpers by Carole Gerber and Leslie Evans.