a is for alligator

We spent a day talking about alligators. Here are some of the things we did as well as things we plan to do next time around:


Sign Language 


We reviewed the sign for alligator.

Books 

The Lady With the Alligator Purse by Nadine Westcott

Jonathan really enjoyed this nonsense rhyme about a sick baby named Tiny Tim and the cure for the baby's illness: pizza! This brought out giggles as we'd sing the rhyme.

There's An Alligator Under My Bed by Mercer Mayer

I was a little worried that this book might give Jonathan nightmares-- but my fears were unfounded. This book is about a little boy with an alligator under his bed, but instead of focusing on how scary the alligator is, the book focuses on the boy's plan on how to lure the alligator away from his bed. The story ends up being silly rather than scary!.

Who Stole Alligator's Shoe? by Jacquelyn Reinach

Growing up, I remember loving the Sweet Pickles series of books. There's an animal for each letter of the alphabet with each having a different dominant character trait. Alligator is known as accusing alligator because she won't accept responsibility for her actions. As a parent, I had mixed reviews on this book. For one thing, alligator doesn't learn a lesson. It's up to the parent and child to discuss what alligator should have done. Alligator also consults her horoscope, which is something parents may want to address. We did enjoy the book, and I think it could provide good discussions as Jonathan and Grace grow older.

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Green by Keith Baker

This was a really sweet, enjoyable good read. There are four Mr. and Mrs. Green books, each one containing three different short stories about a loving alligator couple and their adventures. The stories are fun and short enough to hold Jonathan's attention. In this book, Mr. and Mrs. Green go camping, eat pancakes, and go to a fair. The alligators have such a loving, supportive relationship that it's hard not to like them. We'll definitely be reading more about the Green family!






Library Links- 


The Lady with the Alligator Purse
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Green
There's an Alligator Under My Bed!
Who Stole Alligator's Shoe?


Art: 


We did an alligator Do a Dot page from Homeschool Creations. Nothing fancy, but Jonathan loves his do a dot markers!

Puppets 


My mom had made a set of felt Sweet Pickles puppets when she taught preschool. We pulled out the alligator finger puppet and Jonathan played with it a little bit. Puppets just don't hold his attention right now.

Web Resources:


A is for Alligator @ First School
Alligator Craft @ Totally Tots
Alligator Swamp Game @ FamilyFun
Alligator Cake @ FamilyFun