The Sun - Rhyme and Activity
What you need:
Sun stick puppet
Sun picture
Learning Goals and Standards:
Children will:
- learn that the sun rises and sets
- understand why we need the sun
- name that the sun gives warmth, helps us stay healthy, and makes plants grow
- express ideas through movement and language
What you do:
Circle Time Introduction
Gather the children in a circle.
Speak in a calm, mysterious voice:
Sun Riddle
I am round and bright, so wonderful,
high in the sky, shining clear.
I make you warm—that is my job,
I help plants grow year after year.
What am I?
(Answer together: The sun!)
Talking About the Sun
What is the sun?
“The sun is a big, hot star in the sky that gives us light and warmth.”
Do we always see the sun?
We do not always see the sun.
In the morning, the sun rises.
In the evening, the sun sets.
At night, the sun hides, and it gets dark.
What color is the sun?
“What color is the sun?”
Collect answers and summarize:
“The sun is yellow and bright.”
How does the sun feel?
“How does the sun feel on your skin?”
Offer vocabulary:
- warm
- cozy
- nice
- bright
Say together:
“The sun makes us warm.”
Why Do We Need the Sun?
Explain simply and calmly:
- The sun keeps us warm.
- The sun is good for our bodies.
- The sun helps plants grow.
Movement:
Gently rub arms to feel warmth
Grow tall like flowers reaching for the sun
Sun Rhyme with Movement
Say:
“Now we know a lot about the sun.
Let’s move the sun with our rhyme.”
Sun Rhyme (with Sun Stick Puppet)
In the morning, up it goes
- Move the sun stick puppet slowly upward
slowly rising as it glows
- Hold puppet high and still
Across the sky it moves each day
- Move puppet slowly from left to right
warming us along the way
- Hold puppet in the center, rub arms for warmth
Plants grow tall, so strong and bright
- Lift puppet higher, grow upward with free hand
the sun goes down and says good night.
- Slowly lower puppet, hide it behind your back and become quiet
Closing
Children sit quietly.
Take a deep breath in and out together.
Optional:
Whisper together: “Good night, sun.”