Day 1: Introduction to Mushrooms

Learning Objectives: 1. To introduce preschool children to the concept of mushrooms and their characteristics. 2. To develop an understanding of different types of mushrooms. 3. To enhance sensory skills through hands-on activities.

Book: “Up, Up, Up! It’s Mushroom Time!” by Joan Holub

Activities: 1. Mushroom Hunt: Take the children on a nature walk to search for mushrooms. Encourage them to observe different shapes, sizes, and colors of mushrooms. 2. Sensory Play: Set up a sensory table with different types of mushrooms (real or plastic) and allow children to touch, smell, and explore them. 3. Mushroom Art: Provide materials like paper, paint, and sponges to create mushroom prints. Let children use their imagination to decorate their prints.

Day 2: Mushroom Life Cycle

Learning Objectives: 1. To introduce preschool children to the life cycle of mushrooms. 2. To develop an understanding of the growth process of mushrooms. 3. To enhance fine motor skills through hands-on activities.

Book: “The Mushroom Fan Club” by Elise Gravel

Activities: 1. Life Cycle Sequencing: Use pictures or drawings to show the different stages of a mushroom’s life cycle. Have children arrange the pictures in the correct order. 2. Mushroom Garden: Provide materials like clay, soil, and mushroom spores. Guide children to plant their own mushrooms and explain the process of growth. 3. Fine Motor Activity: Set up a mushroom-themed threading activity using cardboard mushrooms and shoelaces. Encourage children to thread the laces through the holes.

Day 3: Mushroom Parts and Functions

Learning Objectives: 1. To introduce preschool children to the different parts of a mushroom. 2. To develop an understanding of the functions of each part. 3. To enhance cognitive skills through hands-on activities.

Book: “Mushroom in the Rain” by Mirra Ginsburg

Activities: 1. Mushroom Dissection: Provide real or plastic mushrooms for children to dissect. Guide them to identify and discuss the different parts, such as cap, stem, gills, and spores. 2. Sensory Bin: Create a sensory bin with soil, mushrooms, and magnifying glasses. Encourage children to explore the bin and observe the different parts of the mushrooms. 3. Mushroom Puzzle: Provide a mushroom puzzle and guide children to assemble it. Discuss the functions of each part as they complete the puzzle.

Day 4: Mushroom Colors and Patterns

Learning Objectives: 1. To introduce preschool children to the variety of colors and patterns found in mushrooms. 2. To develop an understanding of patterns and colors in nature. 3. To enhance creativity through art activities.

Book: “Mushroom in the Forest” by Anthony D. Fredericks

Activities: 1. Mushroom Color Sorting: Provide a variety of mushrooms in different colors. Guide children to sort them into color groups and discuss the different shades and patterns. 2. Mushroom Collage: Provide materials like colored paper, glue, and mushroom pictures. Encourage children to create their own mushroom collages, using different colors and patterns. 3. Mushroom Pattern Walk: Take the children on a nature walk and ask them to find mushrooms with different patterns. Discuss the patterns they observe and encourage them to create their own patterns using natural materials.

Day 5: Mushroom Cooking and Tasting

Learning Objectives: 1. To introduce preschool children to the concept of cooking with mushrooms. 2. To develop an understanding of different ways mushrooms can be prepared. 3. To enhance sensory skills through tasting and smelling activities.

Book: “Mushroom in the Rainforest” by Valerie R. Johnson

Activities: 1. Mushroom Cooking: Prepare a simple mushroom dish, such as mushroom pizza or mushroom skewers, with the children. Discuss the ingredients and cooking process. 2. Mushroom Tasting: Provide a variety of cooked mushrooms for children to taste. Encourage them to describe the flavors, textures, and smells they experience. 3. Mushroom Art: Provide materials like clay or playdough for children to create their own mushroom sculptures. Encourage them to use their imagination and incorporate the knowledge they have gained throughout the week.

Note: It is important to ensure the safety of children during all activities, especially when handling real mushrooms.