Language Skills for Preschoolers: Earth Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 4
Language Skills for Preschoolers: Earth Theme
- Earth pom pom mat
- Earth globe cards in big, medium and small sizes
Kids cover the dots on the Earth mat with pom poms and sort the globes by size.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Scissors
- Pom poms
Standards for Size Words and Fine Motor
These pages support early learning standards connected to size words and fine motor control.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.5.B: Demonstrate understanding of frequently occurring verbs and adjectives by relating them to their opposites (antonyms). Kids use big and small to describe the globes.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.A.2: Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has “more of”/”less of” the attribute, and describe the difference. Kids compare the globe sizes.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS
- PK4.V.D.1: Child recognizes and compares heights or lengths of people or objects. Kids sort the globes by size.
- PK4.IX.B.1: Child shows control of tasks that require small-muscle strength and control. Kids place a pom pom on each dot.
Virginia Standards of Learning
- English K.RV.1.F: Use newly learned words and phrases in discussions and speaking activities. Kids use big, medium and small.
Language Skills for Preschoolers: Earth Theme gives toddlers and preschool kids simple Earth Day activities for size words and fine motor skills.
Kids cover each dot on the Earth with a pom pom, then sort the globe cards into big, medium and small.
Use tweezers to pick up the pom poms for extra fine motor practice.
How to Use Language Skills for Preschoolers: Earth Theme
- Print and laminate the mat and globe cards.
- Cut out the globes.
- Kids cover the dots on the Earth mat with pom poms.
- Kids sort the globes into big, medium and small.
- Kids describe each group.
Earth Day: Use the mat during an Earth Day or space unit.
Fine Motor Center: Add tweezers and pom poms.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Earth Activities
Every group has a mix of skills and needs. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Use big and small only.
- Use large pom poms.
- Model the size words.
- Sort together.
For On-Level Practice:
- Cover every dot.
- Sort all the globes.
- Use size words.
- Count the globes in each group.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Use tweezers.
- Put the globes in size order.
- Count the pom poms.
- Find big and small things in the room.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Show each step and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use real objects and photos to build vocabulary.
- Repeat the same activity across several days.
Language Skills for Preschoolers: Earth Theme Is Perfect For:
- Toddlers
- Preschool and pre-K
- Earth Day and spring themes
- Fine motor centers
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
