Thematic Poems, Songs, and Fingerplays offers many ways to empower children and foster a love of learning. Opportunities to participate in small groups or perform individually will develop a spirit of cooperation and build self-esteem. Invitations to embellish a selection by creating a prop or playing a simple musical instrument will spark creativity. And more good news: These poems and songs offer a natural extension for creating new verses or encouraging other kinds of writing. .Each of the 45 poems and songs in this book includes a special page filled with ideas for reading the selection, extension activities, and a list of theme-related children\’s books. The verses themselves can be presented in a number of ways. For example, you might copy them onto large chart paper, prepare transparencies for the overhead projector, or provide students with individual photocopies-it\’s up to you and the needs and interests of your students. There are many ways to use Poems, Songs, and Fingerplays, but only one

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