Pete Gets Dressed

The kids are all in love with Pete the Cat. They want to see him everyday. It is also the time of year where we have lots of snow here in Canada and that means getting on lots of clothes when it is time to go outside. We want as many of the kids as possible to get on as much of their outdoor gear as possible on their own! One of the biggest problems my kids had was forgetting which order to put stuff on. Nothing like trying to get snow pants on after you put on your mitts and and boots. So Pete gets dressed was born. . .

I do this activity during circle time. I put Pete up and then get the kids to tell me what he needs to put on next. We, of course, sing a little Pete like song after each piece of clothing is added.

My snow pants, my snow pants

I put on my snow pants

My snow pants, my snow pants

I put on my snow pants

 and so on until Pete is ready to go outside. The great thing about having a song to sing after each piece of clothing is that kids can sing the song for themselves as they get dressed. This motivates some of the kids to get dressed very fast and others to just attempt to put on difficult pieces of clothing. I also leave this activity out on the table so that the kids can practice what order to put on Pete`s stuff on their own. As in real life, if you put on the jacket before the snow pants it doesn`t work well. I do love activities that promote independence in a fun way!