With this beloved classical rhyme, I start my posts. I remember it was the first unit I designed back when I was a student, so these resources are years of trial and error.
Topic: Incy Wincy Spider
Context: EFL/ESL
Activity: PBL
Level: Preschool
Incy Wincy Spider, with this beloved classical rhyme, I start my posts. It was the first unit I designed when I was a student, so these resources are years of trial and error. I was used to introducing nursery rhymes in ESL contexts to 3 year olds, but this time I taught it to 4 year old children who hadn’t heard it before.
Is it better?
- At four, they are more aware of moving fingers independently, so it seems that hand movements is not confusing after all.
- They are more capable of following the language, understanding meaning and repeating more clearly.
So, although I was reluctant at first, I have to admit it worked even better than expected. This was the exact moment when I started creating resources, with better clip arts and a clearer purpose behind them.
What do I have for Incy Wincy?
- Flashcards, inspired by Super Simple Songs version of Itsy Bitsy, using flower for the follow up of words (only for kids who start identifying letters/words) Color & b/w.
It can also be used as poster guides to recite the song/poem, hang on a wall so they can point and play during the day, specially if your kids don’t read yet or you’re on an alternative schools where children are supposed to start reading when they’re 6.
- A memory game with he vocabulary I wanted to focus no only in context but correct pronunciation. Color & b/w
I printed it both sides and explained how to play memory for their first time. They didn’t get the «respecting turns» or «we have to wait the other mates and then is your turn» until the 5th time we played it (LOL)
The key is repetition & observation: repeting the rules befores, while & after playing and observing their maturity, maybe you have to play memory on the wall using «blu tag» or something similar to stick the cards, so they can see the process a few times.
With 3 years-old, we played «finding the pair» sticking one set on the front wall while we where in the circle time, and the other set in different parts of the classroom (other walls) very visible.
- A pattern / sequencing activity to see if they were really getting the order of the story. Color & b/w. Check the video here.
I used it as part of an assessment. They had to identify the image then organize them logically. In the resource, you’ll find 3 different worksheets:
- Ideal for toddlers/3 years-old kids. It has only pictures they cut & glue. Level 1
- It has both pictures to cut and organize & phrases so they can read. Ideal for children who are learning to read. level 2
- It has both pictures & phrases that can be all cut and they have to sequence what they see & what they read. Level 3
- A mini book. Since we were working for 5-10 min of the hour lesson on this rhyme, I thought it could be a CUTE gesture to print a book version, so they could read it to adults at home.
It is super EASY to assemble but if you are struggling how, click here.
We are always reading to children, why not backwards? plus it’s a good way for them to reinforce what they learn, specially if they have their own audience at home (grandparents, cousins, etc) I printed ithem both sides & assembled 25 of these. The last week, we rehearsed everyday, I gave them each a book and after the magic words «1, 2, 3, once upon a time» they all started reading with me like a chorus. CHECK OUT HERE!
They took it home on a Friday, next Monday I was hearing all about froms parents, emails, showing me pictures & videos……. they were thrilled!
To sum up, this set has a little bit of everything, there is a:
- vocabulary introduction activity in context (flashcards),
- a vocabulary recognition game (memory),
- a worksheet to reinforce what they are learning as a sort of assesment if you will (sequencing sheet), and
- a take home mini book (which we had practiced reading together several times before sending them home) as a end-of-proyect activity .
The result of my Incy Wincy adventure was that parents went to school or sent me videos of their children reading the books aloud to the rest of the family. It is true, they did look super cute reading in another language (English) & feeling confident about it. They were happy, parents were happy & all I worked for was worthy.
I feel blessed for being a teacher & how rewarding it is teaching very young learners!!!! I hope you enjoy my teaching practice. If you have anything to ask, suggest or questions, don’t hesitate to write right on the comments below.
Kind Regards.
Elda
