PRE-MATH ACTIVITY
THEMES: Space, Nursery Rhyme (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star), Alphabet (Ss: S/star), Opposites (Night vs Day), Concept of Time (Night-time), Christmas, Shapes (Star)

STARS AND MORE STARS: In advance, cut out lots of felt stars in various sizes and colors and place them in a flat container (box lid is perfect).  During Group Time, using the flannel board, have children take turns moving the stars about as you direct them to do.  For example: "Cindy, can you put three big yellow stars and two little blue stars on the flannel board?  Now, can you take away one of the yellow stars?  Now, how many stars do you have altogether?"

Variation: You could have two children come up and do the exercise together as a team.

Skills Practiced:
Communication/Language: Listening to directions
Social/Emotional: Waiting for turn to play, working as team (if children come forward in pairs)
Thinking: Pre-Math: Practicing mini-addition/subtraction, size/color discrimination

Mini-Environmental Ed: This activity fits perfectly with a "Beautiful Sky" unit (stars)