Horse Powered Reading and Math: October-December 2024

Horse Powered Math Program Overview:

Our 6-Week Equine Assisted Learning Math Skills Program is a fun and interactive way for young children in grades K-2 to develop foundational math skills through engaging activities with horses. This program integrates the excitement of working with these gentle animals with educational exercises designed to strengthen basic math concepts, making learning both enjoyable and memorable.

Week 1: Counting with Horses

• Introduction to the program and the horses.

• Fun activities that involve counting objects related to horse care, such as counting feed, grooming tools, or horse steps.

• Learning basic number recognition and sequencing through interactive games.

Week 2: Understanding Shapes and Sizes

• Exploring different shapes and sizes found in the horse environment (e.g., round bales, square stables).

• Hands-on activities where children match shapes and sizes with horse-related items.

• Simple shape identification games, both in the arena and the barn.

Week 3: Introduction to Addition and Subtraction

• Using real-life examples, such as adding or subtracting the number of apples to feed the horses.

• Interactive activities that incorporate basic addition and subtraction, using horse-themed objects like hay bales or buckets.

• Visual aids and hands-on materials to help reinforce these early math concepts.

Week 4: Learning Patterns and Sequences

• Identifying patterns in the colors and markings of horses.

• Creating sequences using horse-related items, like arranging grooming brushes in a specific order.

• Simple games that involve recognizing and completing patterns, with the help of the horses.

Week 5: Exploring Measurement

• Introduction to measurement using horse-related items, such as measuring the height of a horse or the length of a hoof.

• Activities that teach basic concepts of length, height, and weight in a hands-on environment.

• Fun measuring tasks that help children understand the importance of accurate measurement.

Week 6: Math in Action – Review and Celebration

• Reviewing the math skills learned throughout the program.

• Special activities that combine all the skills, such as a math scavenger hunt in the barn.

• A celebration where children receive certificates of achievement for their hard work, with opportunities to share what they’ve learned.

Program Benefits:

• Reinforcement of key math concepts in a fun and engaging way.

• Hands-on learning experiences that make abstract math ideas concrete.

• Development of confidence in math through interactive and playful activities.

• A unique learning environment that combines education with the joy of working with horses.

This program is perfect for young learners who want to build strong math skills while enjoying the excitement of interacting with horses. Through this creative approach, children will gain a love for math that extends beyond the classroom.

Horse Powered Reading Program Overview:

Our 6-Week Equine Assisted Learning Reading Skills Program is designed to help young children in grades K-2 develop and strengthen their reading skills in a fun and supportive environment, with the added joy of interacting with horses. Through engaging activities that blend literacy with hands-on experiences, children will enhance their love for reading and gain confidence in their abilities.

Week 1: Introduction to Reading with Horses

• Introduction to the program and the horses, creating a friendly and welcoming environment.

• Storytime sessions with simple, horse-themed picture books, where children listen and discuss the story.

• Activities focused on identifying letters and sounds, using horse-related words and names.

Week 2: Exploring Vocabulary and Word Recognition

• Learning new vocabulary related to horses and the barn environment.

• Fun word recognition games that involve matching words with horse-related items, like grooming tools or feed.

• Interactive activities where children practice reading simple words and phrases out loud.

Week 3: Building Sentences

• Creating simple sentences using horse-themed flashcards with words and pictures.

• Activities where children build sentences by arranging words in the correct order, using phrases related to horse care and activities.

• Reading practice with short, horse-related sentences to build fluency.

Week 4: Storytelling and Comprehension

• Engaging in guided storytelling, where children help create a short, horse-themed story.

• Reading short stories out loud and discussing the main ideas, characters, and events.

• Activities focused on improving comprehension, such as answering questions about the story and predicting what might happen next.

Week 5: Interactive Reading and Role-Playing

• Role-playing activities where children act out simple stories or scenarios involving horses, enhancing their understanding of the text.

• Reading aloud to the horses in a calm and supportive setting, building confidence and fluency.

• Activities that encourage expressive reading and using different voices for characters.

Week 6: Reading Review and Celebration

• Reviewing the reading skills learned throughout the program.

• Special activities where children create and illustrate their own short, horse-themed storybook.

• A celebration where each child shares their story with the group and receives a certificate of achievement.

Program Benefits:

• Enhanced reading skills through interactive and engaging activities.

• Development of vocabulary, word recognition, and comprehension in a supportive environment.

• Increased confidence in reading aloud and understanding texts.

• A unique and memorable experience that combines literacy with the joy of interacting with horses.

This program is ideal for young readers who want to build their reading skills while enjoying the companionship of horses. Through this creative approach, children will discover the magic of reading in a way that is both educational and fun.