Focus:

  • Letter: Z / z
  • Number: 0 (Zero)
  • Navajo Code Word:
    • “Besas-za” = Zinc (Z)
  • Plain Language Word Swap:
    • Use “Help” instead of “Facilitate“

Theme:

“We begin with Zero and Z — The start of everything!”
Teach that Zero doesn’t mean “nothing”—it’s where ideas and counting begin!

Weekly Breakdown:

Day 1: Introduction

  • Letter Z:
    • Trace and write Z and z
    • Learn words: Zebra, Zip, Zinc
  • Number 0 (Zero):
    • What is Zero?
      • “Zero is where we begin. It holds space for what comes next!”
      • Use examples:
        • “If I have 0 cookies, I have none—but I can get more!”
  • Navajo Code Word:
    • “Besas-za” = Zinc
    • Simple story: The Navajo Code Talkers used words like Besas-za to keep messages safe.
  • Plain Language Lesson:
    • Swap “facilitate” for “help“
    • Example:
      “I will help you, not facilitate you!”
  • Activity:
    • Color a Zebra and draw a big Zero.
    • Show Zinc as a shiny metal (coloring page).

Days 2-5: Reinforcement

  • Daily Practice:
    • Trace Z/z
    • Draw or point out circles to represent 0
  • Navajo Code Focus:
    • Practice saying “Besas-za“
  • Counting Game:
    • Find things with 0 — like an empty basket.
  • Plain Language Game:
    • Use “help” in a sentence:
      “Can I help you start?”
  • Music & Movement:
    • Form a circle (like zero) during song time.
  • Friday Fun Project:
    • Create a “Z is for Zero” poster.

Deliverables:

  1. PDF Packet for Week 1:
    • Z/z tracing sheet
    • Number 0 tracing & concept sheet
    • Coloring pages (Zebra, Zero, Zinc)
    • Navajo Code Word mini-poster: “Besas-za = Zinc“
    • Plain Language word swap sheet
    • Friday Poster Template
  2. Storytime Page:
    “The Power of Zero and the Secret Z Word” (Simple intro to both concepts)
  3. Audio Chant:
    “**Z is for Zinc — Bes