Ideas from Miss Kay - Calendar Counting and Teaching the Days of the Week

Miss Kay, a retired Kindergarten teacher, Has a great idea for reinforcing counting skills and for learning the days of the week by using an inexpensive calendar and some Popsicle sticks. This lesson works well at home or in the classroom.

There are so many simple things parents of 4 and 5 year olds can do at home to reinforce the lessons being taught in school. How about buying one those very big desk calendars that you lay flat on a desk. Hang it on the wall or fridge. Everyday have your child mark off the day . Encourage him to read that number and all those before it. Show him how to find the name of the day and repeat the days of the week with him. Teach the meanings of before , after, yesterday, today , tomorrow, above, below, next, last, first. Etc.
Make a special pointer or wand and hang it next to the calendar. Use it for pointing as the numbers are read . See how many numbers can be recognized as you move the pointer around the calendar. A large box of popsicle sticks from the hobby store are so handy, also. Use them as counters as you talk about the numbers.
Encourage your child to play school with you, or to use their imagination playing with their friends, with their dolls or stuffed animals reviewing these concepts. Make it a game. Have fun!!!!!!

Seven Spunky Monkeys written by Jackie French Koller and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger is fun book to use to teach the days of the week. See the post about Seven Spunky Monkeys for more Counting and Days of the Week activities.

Here is a song from my childhood but the kids still love it and it will work very well with your daily calendar time:

Today is Monday
Today is Monday, Today is Monday
Monday -- string beans
All you little children, come on and eat!

Today is Tuesday, Today is Tuesday
Tuesday -- spaghetti
All you little children, come on and eat!

Today is Wednesday, Today is Wednesday
Wednesday -- soup
All you little children, come on and eat!

Today is Thursday, Today is Thursday
Thursday -- roast beef
All you little children, come on and eat!

Today is Friday, Today is Friday
Friday -- fresh fish
All you little children, come on and eat!

Today is Saturday, Today is Saturday
Saturday -- chicken
All you little children, come on and eat!

Today is Sunday, Today is Sunday
Sunday -- ice cream
All you little children, come on and eat!

Songs for Teaching has another version of this song, the lyrics in Spanish, a sound clip and other songs to teach the days of the week.


For more hands on learning activities check out Ideas from Miss Kay.