For this playgroup, I used the names of some common toys as well as action words.
BOOKS:
For this playgroup, I used some nursery rhymes.
Jack Be Nimble can be used for jump and fast (quick.)
Hey Diddle Diddle can be used for cat, cow, jump, moon, dog, laugh, to see, dish, ran, with, spoon, fun.
Humpty Dumpty can be used for sat, fall, horses, again. (Check out the sign writing for Humpty Dumpty.)
Mother Goose Land has some great print outs of these nursery rhymes with drawings and the words to share as you share the signs. Since many kids and most parents are familiar with these rhymes, it is easier for them to concentrate on learning the signs to go with them.
Games and Activities:
1. Simon Signs is a good game to play with the action words. The leader starts by signing one of the action words and the rest must do the action. Let the kids take turns being the leader. This is a good one to use in mixed age groups because the older kids can be the leader, while the younger ones do the actions.
2. Jump the Candlestick: I had a crocheted candlestick that I let the kids jump over as we recite the rhyme.
3. Beanbag Toss: I put pictures of the toys or people doing the action words on paper plates. The kids throw a beanbag or sticky ball at the plates. The thrower signs whatever word the ball lands upon.
4.Simple Board Game: I made some simple board games at a English as a Second Language site with pictures of the words we are practicing. Kids roll a die, move to a spot on the board, and sign the word.
5. Parachute: Using the parachute we practice ball, slow, fast, stop, and go.
Crafts: I have a set of stencils of kids doing various outdoor activities that kids can trace and draw pictures. I also print out copies of nursery rhymes coloring pages, like these: Jack Be Nimble, Humpty Dumpty, Hey Diddle Diddle
Songs:
1. Signing Time: I’m Really Good At
2. Baby Signing Time: I Can Keep It Still
3. Jim Along Josie from Games, Games, Games by Wee Sing
