USA/ELECTION WEEK- PK-3

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Ana's Blog

If your response to the idea that I tried to do a unit on the United States of America with a three-year-old is that I’m a bit mental, I totally agree with you. The week was definitely a bit too much to take on. I should have possibly given myself a month for something like this, yet it really is probably too big of a concept for a 3-year-old to wrap her head around. However, I went into the week with very simple goals for myself, which were that by the end of the week she knew what state we live in and the country we live in, and she actually achieved these goals. Therefore, I consider the week a success. My timing of the unit is related to two things: the presidential election next week and Thanksgiving. I of course did not really address much about the presidential election with her, as even I find the electoral system confusing at times. I did, however, want to introduce her to voting and the concept of America. I wasn’t sure how I would talk about the first Americans in a Thanksgiving unit without a simple understanding of America!

The absolute best thing I felt I could do this week was find very, very simple books online that explained America and make them ourselves. I found two great options, one on George Washington and one on the election that we read over and over at bedtime and nap time. I just didn’t want to overload her with ideas by reading a bunch of different books. We did a day to introduce America, during which we made an awesome flip chart that went from planet all the way down to house to give an idea of spatial orientation. We also played with a United States of America puzzle (an absolute must have), and played it again each day for the rest of the week. Aria’s favorite snack activity was putting puffs on a placemat USA map (something I laminated and made), and we would say each state’s name as she ate. Aria made an apple pie with Zach, which she probably enjoyed eating more than making. We made an American flag and practiced gluing. We talked about George Washington one day and skimmed a far-too-difficult book about who he was. We also held our own candy election (something I made up last second) and made our own ballot box with an empty tissue box.

There is not much out there having to do with America for preschoolers to watch, so I found a few silly George Washington songs online and bought Schoolhouse Rocks America. I can’t speak highly enough about Schoolhouse Rocks! I will definitely use the Mayflower song again for Thanksgiving!
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Taking the next two weeks off for travel and recover, but I will come back refreshed and ready to hit school again full force for the holidays! Can’t believe we are already at the most wonderful time of the year!