Educational Adventures Await: Exploring "My Greater World" with Phoebe Phonics

As spring approaches, The Learning Experience is diving into a world of discovery, gratitude, and literacy with our March curriculum theme: "My Greater World." This month, children will embark on an educational adventure led by Phoebe Phonics, our beloved bookworm and literacy champion. Through hands-on activities, storytelling, and interactive projects, our little learners will explore what makes our world wonderful, from plants and trees to animals and books.

Big Ideas: Exploring the Wonders of Our World

Children are naturally curious about the world around them. Throughout March, we will encourage them to ask big questions, such as:

• What makes our world special?
• How do plants, trees, and animals contribute to our environment?
• How can books take us on new adventures?

Through engaging stories and activities, children will develop a deeper appreciation for nature and the magic of literature.

Philanthropy Focus: The Joy of Giving

This month’s philanthropy lesson is all about donating—giving to others without expecting anything in return. Children will participate in a pretend donation drive in the dramatic play area, practicing generosity and empathy. Additionally, classrooms may choose to host a real book donation drive, reinforcing the importance of sharing knowledge and resources with others.

Manners & Social Skills: Practicing Gratitude

Gratitude is an essential value that helps children develop kindness and appreciation. To cultivate this skill, students will:

• Contribute to a “Gratitude Wall” filled with pictures and words representing what they are thankful for.
• Learn how to care for books by creating a “Book Hospital,” where they can repair and protect well-loved stories.

Classroom Focus Project: A Celebration of Literature

Inspired by Phoebe Phonics, our focus project this month revolves around books and storytelling. Classrooms can engage in:

• A classroom book exchange, allowing children to share their favorite stories.
• A community book drive, supporting literacy beyond the classroom.
• A collaborative class book, with each child contributing a page to be added to Phoebe’s library.

Sign Language Focus

Children will enhance their communication skills by learning the following sign language words:

• Infant: More
• Toddler: Clean Up
• Twaddler: Hurt
• Prepper: Hands
• Preschool: No

Weekly Themes & Learning Highlights

Week 1: Hints of Spring

As winter fades, children will observe the first signs of spring. Activities include:

• Exploring books and pictures about seasonal changes.
• Using magnifying glasses to investigate nature.
• Practicing butterfly and tree yoga poses.

Week 2: Creepy Crawly Bugs!

It’s time to explore the world of insects! Children will:

• Go on a bug hunt to observe real or pretend insects.
• Create spider webs using paint, yarn, and pipe cleaners.
• Use math skills to group, count, and pattern insects.

Week 3: Look Who’s Waking Up!

As animals emerge from hibernation, children will:

• Listen to different nature sounds and identify them.
• Create bird crafts and learn about birds’ nests.
• Observe shadows made by their crafts.

Week 4: Born to Grow

This week focuses on plant growth and life cycles. Activities include:

• Planting classroom gardens and tending to them.
• Learning about seeds and plant cycles through hands-on experiences.
• Creating artwork using different types of seeds.

Focus Books for Each Age Group

Our reading list for March includes:

Infants & Toddlers:

• Early Bird by Tony Yuli
• Hello, Bugs! by Smriti Prasadam
• The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

Twaddlers & Preppers:

• Birds by Kevin Henkes
• Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
• The Listening Walk

Preschool:

• The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
• We Planted a Tree by Diane Muldrow
• The Animal Boogie by Debbie Harter

Benefits of This Month’s Curriculum

By engaging in this month’s learning adventures, children will:

• Develop a sense of independence and responsibility by caring for plants.
• Build an appreciation for the natural world around them.
• Strengthen fine motor, literacy, and problem-solving skills.
• Foster a love for books and storytelling.

At-Home Activities to Extend Learning

Families can support their child’s learning by engaging in activities such as:

• Infants & Toddlers: Go birdwatching and repeat bird sounds.
• Twaddlers & Preppers: Read books about baby animals and practice their sounds.
• Preschoolers: Use magnifying glasses to investigate flowers and other natural objects.

Character Spotlight: Phoebe Phonics

This month, Phoebe Phonics will guide children on a reading journey filled with exciting books, storytelling, and new vocabulary. From classic literature to poetry and nonfiction, children will experience the magic of reading in new and exciting ways.

March is set to be an exciting month full of growth, discovery, and adventure. We can’t wait to see how our little learners explore “My Greater World” and embrace the joy of literacy!