Submitted by Connie Herbon, Iowa
Idea posted May 13, 2003
My Pre-K guys have been working on and off throughout the winter on owl activities (search the Idea Bank for "Owl Conversations" for another teaching idea). In addition to that, we also practice assorted flying styles, such as owls, eagles, hummingbirds, Superman, and airplanes. This part of our warm-up always ends with the airplanes landing, in other words, going back to their seats.
I wanted a rhyme in the style of "Five Little Pumpkins," so here is what we've been doing: (The words in CAPS are ones we sign. Actions would also be appropriate.)
"Five Little Owls"
FIVE little owls sitting in a TREE.
ONE said "Whoo, whoo, look at ME!" (We do the sign for owl on "whoo, whoo.")
NIGHT is near; it's time to FLY.
OFF I'll go into the SKY.
Sometimes we repeat with decreasing numbers in the traditional format, but we often do it just once. My more advanced guys like to take turns leading the group, but yesterday I had a pleasant surprise. A new boy, with us only a few weeks and coming to us as nonverbal, came to stand beside me and recited the rhyme by himself. About half the words were understandable, and he did most of the signs! Aahh, the power of rhythm in language development!