Title: 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed - Toddler Lesson Plan
**Objective:**
To introduce toddlers to the poem "5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed," enhance their listening and speaking skills, and develop basic counting and motor skills through interactive and engaging activities.
**Duration:**
30-45 minutes
**Materials Needed:**
- A printed copy of the "5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" poem
- Monkey finger puppets or monkey plush toys
- A small bed or a large piece of fabric to represent a bed
- Visual aids (monkey images, number cards from 1 to 5)
- Craft supplies (crayons, scissors, glue, paper, googly eyes, pipe cleaners)
- Simple percussion instruments (tambourines, maracas, etc.)
- CD player or speaker for playing the "5 Little Monkeys" song (optional)
**Activities:**
1. **Introduction (5 minutes):**
- Greet the students warmly and have them sit in a circle.
- Introduce the topic by showing pictures of monkeys and asking if anyone knows what a monkey is.
- Briefly explain that they will be learning about “5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.”
2. **Reading the Poem (10 minutes):**
- Read the poem enthusiastically, using varied tones and expressions to capture attention.
- Use monkey finger puppets or plush toys to act out the poem as you read.
- Encourage the children to join in with the repeated phrases, like "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
3. **Interactive Counting Activity (10 minutes):**
- Lay out number cards from 1 to 5 on the floor.
- As you read each line of the poem, encourage the children to place the corresponding number of monkey puppets on the "bed."
- Reinforce counting by asking them to count the monkeys together after each verse.
4. **Motor Skills Activity (10 minutes):**
- Arrange for a pretend "bed" area using a large piece of fabric or mats.
- Let the children take turns jumping gently on the "bed" while chanting along the lines of the poem.
- Emphasize safety by ensuring they jump one at a time and reminding them gently to avoid real beds for jumping.
5. **Craft Activity (10 minutes):**
- Provide pre-cut monkey shapes, crayons, glue, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners.
- Guide the children in making their own monkey puppets to take home.
- Encourage them to draw faces and add details, assisting where necessary.
6. **Music and Movement (Optional, 5 minutes):**
- Play the "5 Little Monkeys" song on CD or a digital device.
- Hand out simple percussion instruments and let the children play along with the rhythm.
- Encourage them to sing and dance along to the song.
7. **Closing (5 minutes):**
- Gather the children back in a circle and congratulate them on their participation.
- Repeat the poem one more time, allowing them to showcase their monkey puppets.
- End with a short discussion on what they enjoyed most and remind them of key points like counting and the importance of safety.
**Assessment:**
- Observe participation and engagement during activities.
- Note ability to follow directions, count accurately, and engage in movements.
- Encourage feedback from children to assess their understanding and enjoyment.
**Extension:**
- Send a note home to parents explaining the day's activities and encourage them to recite the poem and practice counting with their children at home.
- Suggest a follow-up activity where children can make a mini book of "5 Little Monkeys," drawing and coloring each scene from the poem.
This lesson plan aims to create a fun and educational experience surrounding "5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" while fostering essential early childhood skills.