Lesson Plan for Toddler - Poems and Rhymes - 5 Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed

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.