### Lesson Plan for Toddlers: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"
#### Objective:
- Introduce and familiarize toddlers with the classic nursery rhyme "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"
- Develop early literacy skills through repetition and rhythm
- Engage children in interactive and creative activities related to the rhyme
#### Materials Needed:
- Picture book or poster with the rhyme "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"
- Toy boats or images of boats
- Blue cloth or paper to represent water
- Art supplies (crayons, paper, glue)
- Musical instruments (optional, e.g., tambourines, maracas)
- Puppets or props (e.g., toy fish, toy animals)
#### Lesson Structure:
1. **Introduction (5-10 minutes):**
- Welcome the children and gather them in a circle.
- Show them the picture book or poster with the rhyme "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."
- Briefly talk about boats and water. Ask if anyone has seen a boat before or ridden in one.
2. **Reciting the Rhyme (10 minutes):**
- Sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" to the children, emphasizing clear pronunciation and rhythm.
- Encourage the children to join in by repeating after you line by line.
- Use hand motions to mimic rowing a boat, and encourage the children to do the same.
3. **Interactive Activities (20-30 minutes):**
- **Role-Playing:**
Have a blue cloth or paper laid out to represent water. Give the children toy boats or images of boats to hold. Encourage them to "row" their boats on the "water" while singing the rhyme.
- **Creative Movement:**
Sing the rhyme again and add other verses (e.g., "If you see a crocodile, don't forget to scream!"). Use puppets or props to act out the additional verses.
- **Art Activity:**
Provide crayons, paper, and other art supplies. Encourage the children to draw boats or anything they imagine related to the rhyme. Help them glue their boats onto the blue paper to create a water scene.
- **Musical Instruments:**
If available, let the children explore different musical instruments like tambourines or maracas. They can play along as you all sing the rhyme together.
4. **Story Time (10 minutes):**
- Read a short, picture-heavy book related to boats or water adventures. This could be a simple story that incorporates elements from "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."
5. **Closing (5 minutes):**
- Gather the children back into the circle.
- Sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" one last time, reinforcing the motions and inviting everyone to participate.
- Praise the children for their participation and creativity.
- Remind them of the rhyme and encourage them to sing it at home with their family.
#### Extension Activities:
- Provide parents with a copy of the "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" rhyme to practice at home.
- Encourage parents to take the children on a mini "boat" trip using a tub of water and toy boats, or visit a nearby pond or lake if possible.
#### Evaluation:
- Observe the children’s participation and enthusiasm during the activities.
- Note their ability to recite parts of the rhyme and follow along with the actions.
- Assess their creativity and engagement during the art and role-playing activities.
This lesson plan aims to make learning dynamic, interactive, and fun, fostering a love for rhymes and early literacy in a playful environment.