The Georgia Early Learning Standards Activity Guides may - gapitc

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“I Can” Can
Collect cardboard tube containers with plastic lids, such as the ones tennis balls
or potato chips come in, for each child.
Cut pieces of construction paper large enough to go around the cans and have
the children decorate theirs. Tape the decorated paper to each can.
When a child accomplishes a new task, write it on a slip of paper with the date
and put it in the child’s “I Can” Can. For example, “Clintona can pedal a tricycle,
2/12/07”
Occasionally, read the slips of paper to the children and talk about how proud
they must feel about all they can do.
Encourage parents to look through their child’s “I Can” Can, too!
The Little Engine
Read The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper.
Show a toy train engine as a prop as you read the story.
After reading the story, have one child stand in front of the group as the
“engine,” and say something they are proud they can do.
Continue around the group, having each child stand, say something they are
proud of, and become a “car” of the train. For example, “I can hop up and
down,” or “I can brush my teeth.”
Let the children move around the room like a long train saying “I think I can,
I think I can…” like the Little Engine that Could!
Special Needs Tip
Choose a child in a wheelchair to be the engine and lead
the train!
Find opportunities to encourage children’s efforts AND their accomplishments.
Encourage children to take pride in their own efforts and accomplishments.
Although children like to hear praise from adults, it is important that they learn
to feel their own sense of pride, too.
When children say, “I can’t do it,” encourage them to “try again” or break the task
down into smaller steps so they can be successful one step at a time.
Encourage children to “stretch” their abilities. When they have mastered a skill,
encourage them to try something a little more difficult.
Help parents understand that the process of trying is more important than a
finished product.
Share children’s efforts and successes with their parents.