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Skeleton preschool theme? It’s only something I considered doing recently. In the latter part of October, my activities usually focus on pumpkins…bright orange, happy ones! My preschoolers are encouraged to dress up in non-scary costumes. Skeletons are not on the list to plan a theme around for my little students.
But I couldn’t help notice a glammed-up skull one fall day. Inspired by its beauty, my thoughts turned to “Yes, I can introduce some skeleton activities, and do it in a way that is non-threatening to preschoolers.”
A focus for fall purchases became skeletons of all kinds. They were not hard to find … or expensive. Here’s what I bought and here’s what to do.
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Introducing The Preschool Skeleton Theme
COLLECT:
books about human bodies
X-rays of body parts
ADD:
light table or a DIY lightbox (plastic tub with led lights)
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Set out a variety of books featuring human bodies and skeletons.
Display x-rays of human bones on a light table.
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Led string lights inserted in a covered, clear tub can serve as a DIY lightbox.
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Stress that our bodies have skeletons and bones in them.
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Felt Skeleton Activities
THE FINDS:
- felt skeleton (without bones)
- felt, hinged skeletons (with bones)
- cardboard skeleton (with bones)
- toy bones
ADD:
- Q-Tips
- paper fasteners
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ACTIVITY ONE: Add Bones To A Skeleton
Cut a few Q-Tips in half, and others into thirds. Leave some whole. Let children add toy and Q-Tip bones to the felt skeleton, using the cardboard one as an example.
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ACTIVITY TWO: Skeleton Poses
Take turns moving a hinged, felt skeleton in different ways. Discuss what it might be feeling and communicating.
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ACTIVITY THREE: Put A Skeleton Back Together
Take apart the sections of a hinged, felt skeleton. Offer paper fasteners and invite children to put it back together, using the other skeleton as a model. This activity is great for enhancing fine motor skills.
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Plastic Skeleton Activities
THE FINDS:
- three large, plastic hinged skeletons
- pet costumes
- adult fingerless gloves
- children’s gloves and socks
- beaded jewelry strands
- stuffed animal
- candy bag
ADD:
- sticker gems and pearls
- large roll of paper
- felt pens
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ACTIVITY ONE: Compare Height With A Skeleton
Decorate one skeleton with sticker and pearl gems to “glam it up.”. Add some jewelry strands. Hang the skeleton on a wall with the caption: “ARE YOU TALLER THAN THIS SKELETON?”
Invite children to stand next to the skeleton. Measure and record who is taller.
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Take a picture of each child next to the skeleton for a unique photo op.
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ACTIVITY TWO: Dress The Skeleton
Set out a skeleton along with clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Invite children to dress the skeleton, offering help as needed.
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ACTIVITY THREE: Traced Body With Skeleton
Trace each child’s body on a large section of paper cut from a roll. Take a hinged skeleton apart and set the bones near the body tracings. Encourage children to add bones.
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Jumbo Skull Activities
THE FIND:
jumbo felt skull
ADD:
- calendar pictures of animal heads
- 12 x 18 pieces of paper
- pastel crayons
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ACTIVITY ONE: Guess The Animal
Slide the skull over each calendar animal head picture and ask children to “Guess The Animal.”
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ACTIVITY TWO: Trace The Skull
Place the skull on a table along with large pieces of paper and pastel crayons. Encourage children to trace and decorate the skull.
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ACTIVITY THREE: Jumbo Mask Photo Op
Take pictures of children holding the skull as a “jumbo mask.” The wall skeleton can be part of the backdrop.
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Glitter Skull Math Activities
THE FIND:
two tree branches decorated with metallic skulls
ADD:
plastic, rubber, or wooden numbers
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ACTIVITY ONE: Make Patterns
Take the skulls off the tree branches. (The branches can be saved for other activities.)
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Have children make patterns with them.
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ACTIVITY TWO: Count And Sort Skulls
Set out the skulls, and numbers 1 – 9. Invite children to count them and add the correct number. Encourage skull sorting.
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Neon Skull Activities
THE FIND:
neon skeleton party favors
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ACTIVITY ONE: Sort And Match Skeletons
Have children sort and match skeletons according to their color.
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ACTIVITY TWO: Make Patterns
Invite children to make patterns with the neon skeletons.
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Skull Printable
Download this cute skull printable that features basic shapes. Discuss the shapes. Invite children to glam it up with their favorite art medium and sticker gems and pearls.
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Download the skull printable here. (This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.)
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My “go-to” activities for late October are still pumpkins. But I’m sticking a few skeleton preschool theme activities in with the mix!
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How do you feel about doing a Skeleton preschool theme with young children?
Are there some activities you would choose? Are there others you would stay away from?
Are there new activities you can suggest? Share below!
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You may also like:
This tray features tiny skulls, bones, and spiders.
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Ugly Christmas Sweater Activities
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Don’t forget to share this post on Pinterest. Sharing is caring!
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© Annette Kaminsky October 28, 2019
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