MA Standards:
Speaking and Listening: SL.PK.MA.1a: Observe and use appropriate ways of interacting in a group (e.g., taking turns in talking, listening to peers, waiting to speak until another person is finished talking, asking questions and waiting for an answer, gaining the floor in appropriate ways).
Head Start Outcomes:
Social Emotional Development/Self-Regulation: Follows simple rules, routines, and directions.
Language Development/Receptive Language: Attends to language during conversations, songs, stories, or other learning experiences.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
English Language Arts/Language 1: Observe and use appropriate ways of interacting in a group (taking turns in talking; listening to peers; waiting until someone is finished; asking questions and waiting for an answer; gaining the floor in appropriate ways).
English Language Arts/Reading and Literature 12: Listen to, recite, sing, and dramatize a variety of age-appropriate literature.
Greeting Song: “Yes, I Can!” #1
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
ELA Focus Skills: Gross Motor Skills, Name Recognition, Phonological Awareness, Speaking and Listening
Have children sit in a circle. Talk about an action you like to do (for example, hopping on one foot). Demonstrate the action as you say, I can (hop on one foot). Think of something you can do. Then explain that you will sing a song about the things we can do.
Sing a verse of “Yes, I Can!” about yourself.
- Then turn to a child next to you and ask, What can you do?
- Encourage each child act out their response. If children have trouble thinking of something to do, prompt them with clues about something you saw them do, such as, James, I heard you count to ten. That is something you can do!
- As the child does the action, invite the rest of the group to sing a verse of the song with you. Repeat for each child.
Yes, I Can!
(sung to the tune of “Skip to My Lou”)
James can (count to 10).
James can (count to 10).
James can (count to 10).
Let’s all cheer for James now! Hoorah!
Social Emotional Tip: Allow children to be recognized by their peers to help them build self-confidence.