Preschool Alphabet Games - V is for Volcano

We’re on letter “V” in our preschool alphabet games. This week “V” is for volcano.

This is our family’s version of a Tot school for my 34 month old son. We’re using a Montessori method of challenging little ones to learn by using their natural tendencies towards learning. You can read more about it on my Preschool Planning Post. On my planning post you can download a FREE planning chart and organizing chart.

: A “blank” copy of what the plan looks like.

The purpose of this tool is to help brainstorm new ideas on ways we can implement learning and I’m not using it like a checklist but more like a brainstorming tool. Some of the things we do during the week are also great for learning but were never planned. I think that having tools like this mainly helps me to be more intentional about the time I spend with my little ones. There are 12 categories and each week I load up drawers full of activities that help us to do at least one activity in each category. For this week (Letter “V”) here is what the drawers looked like:

I’ve been asked by a few moms how long it takes to do these activities. I’d say it’s anywhere from five to fifteen minutes per activity and I only do two or three a day. The rest is free play. Sometimes Peanut will take a real interest in something and spend more time at it, if he does, I let him lead. I’m just trying to introduce him to concepts and make it FUN. 😉

If you are a subscriber to Happy and Blessed Home, you can now download a FREE Farm Animals bundle. This new bundle will show up at the bottom of your subscription. To download the FREE Letter “V” printables with this lesson keep reading this blog post.

preschool farm animals

Every day starts with character building and this week we’re focusing how much God values us. Genesis is a great place to talk about how God created us and how much He loves us. We read bible stories every morning before breakfast to make sure we start our days off right.

Veggie Tales videos are great for character building

Our set-up for our letter “V” study included flashcards of a valentine, vase, vulture and volcano. We use “Hooked On phonics” flash cards and these “Go Fish” flashcards by School Educational Products. If you’re looking for a way to get inspired and organize your preschool activities, please check out my post: Preschool Planning Post.

Our favorite puzzle for teaching Peanut phonetic sounds is the “Sound Puzzle” by Melissa and Doug, click the image for more info.

Our theme for the week is Vegetables. Both my boys were fascinated with the cucumbers I placed on the play table. I had carrots on the table too, but the cucumbers were the biggest hit.

“Mommy, can I touch the cucumbers?”

“Mommy, these cucumbers are cold!”

One of the high points for our Letter “V” study was our Volcano. Here’s a short video of our volcano “erupting”. 😉

Ingredients & directions:

Large container filled with dirt
jar or vase to hold “lava” – needs to be able to hold 2 cups of fluid

Embed container that holds lava into dirt and build up to look like volcano.

Then add to container:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup baking powder
2 tablespoons dish soap (I used an orange dish soap)

(mix these together)

Get everybody lined up to watch the action & then add:

1/2 cup vinegar

Viola! You have an active “volcano”.

Two great books for use when studying the alphabet are: “Eating the Alphabet” by Lois Ehlert and “A is for Apple” by Tiger Tales. “A is for Apple is a great sensory book b/c the letters are hollowed out of cardboard for tracing with your fingers. Great for “feeling” the alphabet. Click the book for more information.

We reviewed the sound the letter “V” makes and talked about the flashcards and the drawings I completed for this lesson. To download a FREE copy of the PDF slides of the Letter “V” click here: Letter “V”

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Thank you for joining us on our journey through the alphabet. For me the letter “V” makes me think of the word “Vision”. I want to have a vision for my family. I want to raise young men who have manners and kindness. Who are smart AND fun to be around. What are some of your goals/visions for your little ones? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

In His Grip,