Tuesday, October 25, 2011

"A Funny Sight in the Window"

During this time of year, I love teaching my students this traditional German folk song about a Jack-o-lantern:

Jack-o-lantern, Jack-o-lantern,
You are such a funny sight!
As you sit there in the window,
looking out at the night.

You were once a yellow flower
Hanging on a sturdy vine.
Now you are a Jack-o-lantern,
See the candle that shines!

I appreciate how the song sheds light on the life cycle of a pumpkin, which is another topic of learning these days.  To go along with the song, I put together a simple craft activity which the kids have been enjoying in the classroom.

Paper plate Jack-O-Lantern.

Here are the materials on a tray at a table with an art mat.
I demonstrated the process at circle time and set up the materials at a stationary table, rather than on a shelf.  This was simply because I ran out of shelf space and had nowhere else to put it!  I find, however, that a lesson placed at its own table generates a lot of activity in the classroom - everyone wants to do it! :)  Now, we have our own "funny sights" for our classroom windows!

Our Jack-O-Lanterns "looking out at the night." 

4 comments:

  1. This is a great idea to use in the classroom environment and at home. I was looking for an easy craft for Antek and yours seems just perfect for him.
    Thank you Sasha for posting this

    Lots of Halloween love
    Ewa

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  2. Caroline was singing this to me yesterday...now I know the words too...!!! :) BTW, John joined in too - he seems to know the words from his time with you !!!

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  3. Ewa, I'm glad you will be able to use this idea. It is so simple, yet fun - enjoy! Sasha

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  4. John, How perfect is that?! I am so happy that now you can join in the singing fun- and I'm not surprised that John joined in too! This is one is always a classroom favorite! Thanks for the comment! :)

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