Radiant, Rolling R" --Rainbows, Rabbits, Robots, and Raccoons.

Focus: Introducing the letter shape and the vibrating /r/ sound like a little motor.

Lesson: Introduce the letter R. It’s a tall line with a little bubble head and a leg that slides out! Practice the /r/ sound—make your tongue "growl" like a friendly dog.
Craft: Fruit Loop Rainbows. Glue colorful cereal in arches on a piece of paper. Add cotton ball "clouds" at the ends.
Activity: Rainbow Search. Head to the backyard and look for things that match the colors of the Rainbow (red ladybugs, green grass, yellow sun).
Books to Read:
- A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman.
Song: "The Rainbow Song."
- Tune: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
- Red and orange, yellow, green,
- Prettiest sight I’ve ever seen.
- Blue and purple, bright and bold,
- A beautiful story to be told.
- Rainbow, rainbow, in the sky,
- (Draw a big arch in the air)
- I love to see you way up high.
Snack: Rainbow fruit skewers (Raspberries, Red grapes, and Ripe melon).

Focus: Hopping and soft textures.

Lesson: Discuss Rabbits. They have long ears and love to eat Root vegetables.
Craft: Handprint Rabbits. Trace a hand on paper. Fold down the middle finger to create two "ears" (the index and ring fingers) and a "head."
Activity: The Rabbit Race. Have the children crouch down and Race across the yard using big bunny hops.
Books to Read:
- The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown.
Song: "Little Peter Rabbit."
- Tune: Traditional / Battle Hymn of the Republic
- Little Peter Rabbit had a fly upon his nose,
- (Wiggle a finger on your nose)
- Little Peter Rabbit had a fly upon his nose,
- Little Peter Rabbit had a fly upon his nose,
- And he flipped it and he flopped it and it flew away! (
- Make a "shooing" motion)
Snack: Raw carrots and Ranch dip.

Focus: Stiff movements and mechanical sounds.

Lesson: Talk about how Robots move and talk in a "bip-bop" way. Practice the "R-R-R" vibrating sound.
Craft: Recycled Robots. Use cereal boxes, aluminum foil, and toilet paper Rolls to build a 3D Robot friend.
Activity: Robot Says. A version of "Simon Says," but the children must move in stiff, mechanical ways to follow the instructions.
Books to Read:
- The Wild Robot (picture book version) or Robots, Robots Everywhere!
- Song: "I Am a Little Robot."
- Tune: I'm a Little Teapot
- I am a little robot, watch me go,
- (Walk stiffly in place)
- Here are my buttons, all in a row.
- (Point to buttons on your chest)
- When I get all charged up, then I say,
- "Bip-bop-beep" in a robot way! (
- Make a mechanical arm movement)
Snack: Rice cakes or Rice Krispie treats.

Focus: Night animals and masks.

Lesson: Discuss the Raccoon. They are famous for their "mask" and for being very clever with their paws.
Craft: Raccoon Mask. Cut out a mask shape from gray paper. Have the children use black paint or markers to draw the "mask" around the eye holes.
Activity: Raccoon Scavenger Hunt. Hide shiny objects (like foil balls) around the yard. Tell the kids that Raccoons love shiny things and see how many they can find.
Books to Read:
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.
Song: "The Raccoon in the Tree."
- Tune: The Wheels on the Bus
- The raccoon in the tree has a black, black mask,
- Black, black mask, black, black mask.
- (Circle your eyes with your fingers)
- The raccoon in the tree has a black, black mask,
- Hiding in the leaves.
- Continue with:
- The raccoon in the yard has a ringy-tail...
- The raccoon in the yard has clever paws...
Snack: Raisins and Rolled ham slices

Focus: Review and auditory play.

Lesson: Review all "R" words. Talk about how the Rain helps the plants grow in the spring.
Craft: Rain Sticks. Use cardboard Rolls filled with Rice. Tape the ends shut and listen to the Rhythm of the "rain" as you tilt them.
Activity: Rhythm Sticks. Use two sticks from the backyard to tap out a Rhythm. Practice tapping Rapidly and then slowly.
- Books to Read: R
  Rain by Sam Usher.
Song: "Rain, Rain, Go Away."
Snack: Raspberry muffins or Roasted sweet potatoes.