Terrific, Tall T—Turtles, Trains, Trees, and Teeth

Focus: Introducing the letter shape and a "tongue-tapper" /t/ sound.

Lesson: Introduce the letter T. It’s a tall pole with a rooftop! Practice the "t-t-t" sound—tap your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
Craft: Paper Plate Turtles. Paint a plate green for the shell. Use green construction paper to add a head, four legs, and a Tiny Tail.
Activity: The Turtle Tuck. Have the children crawl slowly around the grass. When you shout "Turtle in the shell!", they must tuck their arms and legs in and stay very still.
Books to Read:
- Franklin in the Dark by Paulette Bourgeois.
Song: "Tiny Tim the Turtle."
- Tune: Traditional / Simple Chant
- I had a little turtle,
- his name was Tiny Tim,
- I put him in the bathtub to see if he could swim.
- (Pretend to place a turtle in water)
- He drank up all the water,
- he ate up all the soap,
- (Make a "gulping" sound)
- And now he's in his bed with a bubble in his throat! Bubble, bubble, bubble... POP! (Clap hands loudly on the "POP")
Snack: Tangerines or Tortilla chips with mild salsa.

Focus: Patterns and linear movement.

Lesson: Discuss Trains. They stay on the Tracks and go Thou-Thou!
Craft: Shape Trains. Use rectangles, squares, and circles cut from construction paper to build a Train on a long strip of paper.
Activity: The Human Train. Have the children line up, holding the waist of the person in front of them. March around the backyard "tracks" making "Chugga-chugga, choo-choo" sounds.
Books to Read:
- Freight Train by Donald Crews.
Song: "Down by the Station."
- Tune: Traditional
- Down by the station,
- early in the morning,
- See the little puffer-trains all in a row. (
- March in place)
- See the engine driver,
- pull the little lever,
- (Pretend to pull a handle)
- Puff, puff, toot, toot, off we go!
Snack: Toast with Top-pings (like honey or jam) or Turkey slices.

Focus: Nature textures and height.

Lesson: Look at the Tall Trees in your yard. Feel the bark. It is Tough and Textured.
Craft: Twig Art. Collect Twigs from the backyard. Glue them onto a piece of paper in the shape of a large letter T.
Activity: Tree Pose. Practice balance by standing on one leg like a Tree. See who can stay still the longest without Toppling over!
Books to Read:
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (The Tree is the star!).
Song: "The Green Grass Grows All Around."
- Tune: The Wheels on the Bus
- The branches on the tree go up and down,
- Up and down, up and down.
- (Raise and lower arms like branches)
- The branches on the tree go up and down,
- High above the town.
- Continue with....
- The leaves on the tree go flutter-flutter-flutter...
- The roots of the tree go deep in the ground...
Snack: Trail mix or Tomatoes (cherry tomatoes).

Focus: Health and phonics.

Lesson: Use a mirror to look at our Teeth and Tongues. Discuss how we use them to talk and eat.
Craft: Toothbrush Painting. Use old toothbrushes dipped in white paint to "brush" a large tooth shape drawn on blue paper.
Activity: Tongue Twisters. Try to say "Tiny Tommy Toad took ten tomatoes" three times fast!
Books to Read:
- How Many Teeth? by Paul Showers.
Song: "Brush Your Teeth."
Snack: Tuna salad on Toast or Tofu cubes.

Focus: Review and imaginative play.

Lesson: Review all "T" words. Talk about how we can sleep in a Tent under the stars.
Craft: Tea Party Hats. Decorate paper plates with flowers and ribbons to wear for a celebration.
Activity: Backyard Tent. Set up a simple Tent or use a sheet over a table. Have a "Tea Party" inside with water and snacks.
Books to Read:
- The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr.
Song: "I'm a Little Teapot."
- Tune: Traditional
  I'm a little teapot, short and stout, (Crouch down slightly) Here is my handle, here is my spout. (Put one hand on hip and extend the other arm) When I get all steamed up, hear me shout, "Tip me over and pour me out!" (Lean to the side)
Snack: Cooled Herbal fruit tea and Tarts.