Yummy, Yellow Y— Yellow, Yo-yos, Yaks, and Yoga.

Day 1: Y is for Yellow & Yo-yo

Focus: Introducing the letter shape and the /y/ sound, which feels like a little squeeze at the back of your tongue.

• Lesson: Introduce the letter Y. It looks like a "V" standing on a little leg! Practice the /y/ sound—it’s the sound you make at the start of "Yes!"

• Craft: Yellow Yo-yos. Use two paper bowls taped together. Let the children paint them bright Yellow and attach a piece of Yarn to the middle so they can "bounce" them up and down.

• Activity: The Yellow Search. Go out into your backyard and find everything that is Yellow (dandelions, the sun, certain toys).

• Books to Read: Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett.

• Song: "The Yo-Yo Song."

  • Tune: The Wheels on the Bus

  • The yo-yo on the string goes up and down,

  • Up and down, up and down.

  • (Move your hand up and down like you're holding a yo-yo)

  • The yo-yo on the string goes up and down,

  • All around the yard!

• Snack: Yellow food: Bananas, corn, or yellow bell peppers.

Day 2: Y is for Yak & Yard

Focus: Large animals and outdoor play.

• Lesson: Discuss the Yak. They are big, shaggy animals that live in the mountains. Talk about how much we love playing in our Yard!

• Craft: Shaggy Yak. Cut a large "Y" out of cardboard. Have the children glue long pieces of brown and black Yarn all over it to give the Yak its shaggy coat.

• Activity: Yard Games. Play a game of "Duck, Duck, Yak!" in the grass. It’s just like Duck, Duck, Goose, but you have to "moo" like a Yak when you're tagged.

• Books to Read: The Yak Who Yelled Yanky (or any animal alphabet book).

• Song: "The Yak in the Yard."

  • Tune: The Farmer in the Dell

  • The Yak is in the yard,

  • The Yak is in the yard.

  • (Point to your backyard)

  • Heigh-ho, the derry-o,

  • The Yak is in the yard.

  • Continue with...

  • He has a shaggy coat...

  • He says a loud, deep moo...

  • He likes to play with Y...

• Snack: Yogurt with honey.

Day 3: Y is for Yoga & Yawn

Focus: Stretching and quiet time.

• Lesson: Talk about how Yoga helps our bodies feel strong and calm. Practice a big Yawn and talk about why we do it when we're sleepy.

• Activity: Backyard Yoga. Lead the children through simple poses: The Tree (standing on one leg), the Cat (stretching the back), and the "Y" pose (arms reached up wide).

• Craft: Y is for Yoga. Give the children "Y" shaped pipe cleaners and have them bend them into different "stretching" positions.

• Books to Read:

  • I Am Yoga by Susan Verde.

• Song: "The Yoga Stretch."

  • Tune: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

  • Stretch your arms up to the sky,

  • (Reach high)

  • Like a "Y" that’s way up high.

  • Touch your toes and then your knees,

  • (Touch toes, then knees)

  • Stand as tall as forest trees.

  • Yoga makes us feel so good,

  • Moving like we know we should.

• Snack: Yams (baked sweet potato fries—a Joyful Chapters favorite!)

Day 4: Y is for Yes & Yesterday

Focus: Positive words and time.

• Lesson: Practice saying "Yes!" with a big smile. Talk about "Yesterday"—the things we did at daycare the day before.

• Craft: The "Yes" Banner. Decorate a long piece of paper with "Y"s and smiley faces. Hang it up to remind everyone to be positive and kind.

• Activity: The "Yes" Game. Ask funny questions like, "Do cows fly?" (No!) or "Do we like to play?" (Yes!). The children have to jump up high every time the answer is Yes.

• Books to Read: The Yes Day by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

• Song: "The Yes Song."

  • Tune: If You're Happy and You Know It

  • If you're happy and you know it,

  • shout out "YES!" (Shout YES!)

  • If you're happy and you know it, shout out "YES!"

  • If you're happy and you know it, and you really want to show it,

  • If you're happy and you know it, shout out "YES!"

• Snack: Yorkshire puddings or Yellow cheese cubes.

Day 5: Y is for Yacht & Yarn

Focus: Review and texture.

• Lesson: Review all "Y" words. Talk about a Yacht (a big, fancy boat) and how it sails on the water.

• Craft: Yarn Art. Dip pieces of Yarn in paint and "drag" them across paper to create swirling, colorful patterns.

• Activity: Yacht Race. If you have a water table or a small pool in the backyard, use plastic containers as "Yachts" and see whose boat can sail the fastest when you blow on the sails.

• Books to Read:

  • The Yarn Bomber or Toy Boat.

• Song: "The Yacht Song."

• Snack: Yellow cupcakes with Yellow frosting for a "Y" party!