As you do “G” week, it is helpful, and less confusing for children who are learning the sounds for the first time to have the two different sounds of the letter G, introduced one week at a time. And remember that this should all be fun, so if they become bored, distracted or start to throw tomatoes, head out to the sandbox.

Preschool Activities for “G” week 

Gymnastics

Have your own gymnastics meet: hang from your knees on the swing set, set up a board for a balance beam, turn as many somersaults as you can, and have a “follow the leader” floor routine. Make big cards numbering from 0 to 9 to use in giving a score for each event.

Grandma And Grandpa 

Take some time to think of the things that remind you of Grandma and Grandpa; smells, sounds, tastes, sights, and other specific details. Then write them a letter and share the things you remember with them. Be sure to draw some pictures to illustrate your letter.

All The Games 

This week, gather all the games your children love to play (“Uno”, “Candyland”, “Twister”, etc.), then play a different game each day; include more physical games like “Hide and Seek”, or “Red Rover”.

Gingerbread 

Read The Gingerbread Man, then make your own gingerbread men or make gingerbread houses out of graham crackers and frosting. Have fun decorating them with all different kinds of candy.

Musical Goblets 

Get out your goblets and show your children how to make that incredibly annoying ringing sound by rubbing your wet finger around the rim of the glass. Have them make a hypothesis about why this happens. Be sure to write down their ideas and discuss them.

Get Silly With Gargling 

Get big cups of water and practice gargling. For your own sanity, emphasize that there is a time and a place for gargling. (I will not be held responsible for any embarrassing incidents in public.) Also, you may want to make sure the neighbors aren’t watching this little activity.

Glue And Glitter 

Draw some pictures of objects that start with the letter G, then decorate them with glue and glitter.

A Goofy Song 

Here’s one for you parents with strong stomachs. I think it’s called, “What I Ate For Lunch”: (sing to the tune of “Here We Sit Like Birds in the Wilderness”—call me if you don’t know it). 

Great, green gobs of greasy, grimy gopher guts.
Mutilated monkey feet.
Chocolate baby parakeet.
Great, green gobs of greasy, grimy gopher guts.
Ugh, I think I'm sick!

There, now wasn’t that time well spent?

Having Fun With “G” Week

I hope you enjoyed these “G Week” activities! Have you tried them out at home yet? Or have any other ideas for “G week”? Let us know in the comments! Remember that the object in all of this is to have some fun with your children and help them learn a little at the same time. If the kids are getting bored or lose interest, drop what you are doing and head for the sandbox.

Originally printed October 5, 2005 in the Eagle Mountain town newspaper.