Do you know the story of " The LIttle Red Hen?"
Friday normally is our cooking day,but somehow we didnt get to that today. We were going to cook bread and SOMEONE forgot to thaw out the dough so it would be ready in time. Opps!
We did have a good time today though. Geneviette was back with us from being out sick all week. SOOO thankful that no one else picked up that bug!
I completed our Dial 3 assessments. Our scores range from 4 to 33 on a scale up to 39. The lower scores are mostly from the 3 year olds or second language students. It is expected. What is exciting is seeing the scores on the assessment I do at the end of the year.
Wanna do an extension of our lesson at home? You can bake bread just like the LIttle Red Hen !
Next week Ms Debbie will have APPLES APPLES APPLES... everywhere!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Ugly Duckling
The Ugly Duckling is a perfect time to remind each child how special he or she is. Have you told your child lately how much you love them? Have you told them what makes them so special? Children understand concrete things! Tell them how special they are for the way they walk into preschool like a big kid or how beautiful the pictures they paint are!
Enjoy the pictures of us feeding the ducks today and playing at the park.
Rapunzel
When reading Rupunzel we get another chance to talk about the letter R. What is more important is we built towers and measured them. We wrote down the numbers and talked about which ones were tall, short, taller, and shorter.
If you dont know the story , enjoy!
Other things we did today.
Ate SPAGHETTI... my floor is covered. So is your child's clothes, so we are even.
Had our first MORNING MESSAGE. This is where I write down a message . The children see me write so they can start to connect that letters make words and that things they say can be written down.
Today's message was:
Today is Tuesday September 8h.
We read Rapunzel.
Rapunzel starts with R.
Then we brainstormed other things that start with R. I was so proud of Katie as she grinned really big and said RHINO!
There are notes in your cubby that has a list of things missing from your enrollment folder. If you have no note, then you are good to go! If there are things listed, I need that my Friday.
If you dont know the story , enjoy!
Other things we did today.
Ate SPAGHETTI... my floor is covered. So is your child's clothes, so we are even.
Had our first MORNING MESSAGE. This is where I write down a message . The children see me write so they can start to connect that letters make words and that things they say can be written down.
Today's message was:
Today is Tuesday September 8h.
We read Rapunzel.
Rapunzel starts with R.
Then we brainstormed other things that start with R. I was so proud of Katie as she grinned really big and said RHINO!
There are notes in your cubby that has a list of things missing from your enrollment folder. If you have no note, then you are good to go! If there are things listed, I need that my Friday.
Three Kittens
I have always thought of the Three Little Kittens as a nursery rhyme instead of a fairy tale but ... it went with the three's so I threw it in here.
Today we visited my neighbor Cindy's cat. She has kittens that are about 3 weeks old. SO CUTE!
Also, we hung a clothes line so the kids could practice hanging mittens just like the kittens did. Does anyone use a clothesline anymore? I asked the kids had they seen one and Jaden said she has " on TV". So funny.
This is the beginnings of our rhyming lessons. Mittens / kittens
I love it when you see the kids learning.
Another thing we learn in preschool is accidents happen. When we make a mess what do we do? We clean it up. The old saying " no sense in crying over spilt milk " is true. Let's just grab a rag and clean it up. And sometimes... even ask our friends for teamwork!
Whitlee took the linking blocks and said... " Look Ms Debbie , a square !"
Clara's mom stopped by today for an extra hug and we got to see baby Phillip! He is So cute!
Modeling the 3D art yesterday was a success. Many of the children created cool things today!
We started signing in today with stickers .
Dont forget tonight at 6:30 is a parent workshop ! It is FREE ! Bring a friend ! The workshop is about how you can help your preschooler learn and it will last an hour! DOOR PRIZES!
The Three Pigs
Three Three Three !
We have had a lot of fairly tales with the number three in it this week! Math for preschoolers if very different from what most people THINK. Have you ever heard someone say - My child can count to 100 ! My child can count in three different languages !
YAY! for that child, but can they hand you THREE blocks? One on one correspondence is necessary in order for your child to learn math! You can help them with this by counting their snack as you hand it to them. Counting toys as you pick up. There are many ways to do this. BE CREATIVE!
We read two versions of " The Three Little Pigs" today. We tallked about 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
The kids favorite phrases were "Little Pig , Little Pig, Let me In!"
and " Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin! "
We wanted to visit a construction site today but the weather had other plans!
We also introduced 3D art to the kids today. We keep a bin full of "stuff" for the kids to work with and create. 3 D art is a little difficult to understand . I mean, I doubt any homes normally just sit and glue stuff together to see what they can create. ( Well, Clara's big brother Elliot was a pro at this and I bet that didnt start when he got to me! )
Mrs Beths group made a farm and a silo. My group made a fairy land with mushrooms. It was fun, fast and furious.... wore me out!
You can bring things for our 3D art bin. Shoeboxes, spools, papertowel rolls, buttons, oatmeal containers... anything we can glue or tape.... to create!
Here is an article that talks about how you can do math at home !
http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Math_Activities:_Preschoolers
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Some of the things we learned today!
THREE
Bullies are BAD!
Small Medium and Large
Real ( goats ) vs. Not real ( troll)
G
Here is a video of the story if you would like to show your child!
The Three Bears
This week we are still looking at some of our favorite fairy tales. ( Many come in three's. Have you ever thought about that?) Today we went on an adventure with Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This story is an excellent way to discuss the concepts small, medium and large!
The children were able to compare sizes. We also used the playdoh to create bears that were small, medium and large. We made homemade playdoh , and it is coming home in a baggie to your home! Now, your child can practice with you! there may not be enough bears but you can make small , medium, and large balls. ( I LOVE this recipe and I am including it here as well !)
Do you feed your child porridge ? Studies have shown that it is not only nutritious but sticks with your child longer in the day. Today we tasted porridge ! ( OATMEAL) We made a graph of who liked the porridge and who did not! Thirteen children liked porridge and two said they did not. The children usually catch on to " graphing " early in the year !
Today was a fun day.
Tomorrow Mr Randy will be out and most likely for the rest of the week. He is having some dental work done . Beth will be working with me on Tuesday and Wednesday and Jaxson's mom on Thursday and Friday!
Make this easy and colorful dough for hours of playtime fun. Kids love it!
1 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon food color
1. Stir Bisquick, salt and cream of tartar in 4-cup microwavable measuring cup until mixed; set aside. Mix water and food color in liquid measuring cup.
2. Stir a small amount of colored water at a time into dry mixture until all water is added. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute. Scrape mixture from side of cup and stir.
3. Microwave uncovered 2 to 3 minutes longer, stirring every minute, until mixture almost forms a ball. Let dough stand uncovered about 3 minutes.
4. Remove dough from measuring cup, using spoon. Knead dough in your hands or on the counter about 1 minute or until smooth. (If dough is sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons Bisquick.) Cool about 15 minutes. Use dough to make shapes and designs. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.
The children were able to compare sizes. We also used the playdoh to create bears that were small, medium and large. We made homemade playdoh , and it is coming home in a baggie to your home! Now, your child can practice with you! there may not be enough bears but you can make small , medium, and large balls. ( I LOVE this recipe and I am including it here as well !)
Do you feed your child porridge ? Studies have shown that it is not only nutritious but sticks with your child longer in the day. Today we tasted porridge ! ( OATMEAL) We made a graph of who liked the porridge and who did not! Thirteen children liked porridge and two said they did not. The children usually catch on to " graphing " early in the year !
Today was a fun day.
Tomorrow Mr Randy will be out and most likely for the rest of the week. He is having some dental work done . Beth will be working with me on Tuesday and Wednesday and Jaxson's mom on Thursday and Friday!
Make this easy and colorful dough for hours of playtime fun. Kids love it!
1 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon food color
1. Stir Bisquick, salt and cream of tartar in 4-cup microwavable measuring cup until mixed; set aside. Mix water and food color in liquid measuring cup.
2. Stir a small amount of colored water at a time into dry mixture until all water is added. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute. Scrape mixture from side of cup and stir.
3. Microwave uncovered 2 to 3 minutes longer, stirring every minute, until mixture almost forms a ball. Let dough stand uncovered about 3 minutes.
4. Remove dough from measuring cup, using spoon. Knead dough in your hands or on the counter about 1 minute or until smooth. (If dough is sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons Bisquick.) Cool about 15 minutes. Use dough to make shapes and designs. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Cinderelly Cinderelly
Wow.. is it Friday yet? It is hard to get into routine but I know it is like exercise. No pain, No gain. So, we keep plugging away. Each day gets a little easier and easier.
Today I told them the story of Cinderella. I think storytelling is a tradition that has been pushed by the way side. By telling it myself, they were able to be more involved in the language i was using. Also, I was able to change up the words to things they are more familiar with or " things I would like for them to learn." Example: When Cinderella's UGLY step sisters were yelling at her and making her do their work- I said they were BULLIES. First, let's get this out of the way. I donn't think it is right to call anyone UGLY so we talked about the way they acted MADE them look ugly. There are many other learning opportunities in this story. The clock struck twelve... can you say DONG >>DONG>>> DONG>>>>TWELVE times? We also talked about chores. Does your child do any chores at home. Here is an exert I found on chores for preschoolers.
Ages 2 and 3
Many toddlers are eager to help with chores, and while their “helping” may not always be appreciated, keeping their excitement and the habit of helping out alive, should be. Sticker charts are a great way to keep toddlers excited about helping. Their chores may have to be completed with you helping every step of the way, but you are laying the groundwork for children that find chores and helping a way of life.
Some chores 2-3 year olds can do…
Help make the bed.
Pick up toys and books.
Take laundry to the laundry room.
Help feed pets.
Help wipe up messes.
Dust with socks on their hands.
Mop in areas with help.
Ages 4 and 5
Preschoolers still find helping to be an exciting venture and usually are thrilled when time is taken to teach them new chores. They are ready to do some chores without constant supervision. Rewards at this age are very motivating. A sticker chart that allows you to build up to bigger rewards can be appropriate. For some preschoolers, tying chores to an allowance is a great option and fosters independence in choosing a reward.
Some chores preschoolers can do in addition to the ones above…
Clear and set the table.
Dust
Help out in cooking and preparing food.
Carrying and putting away groceries.
We also did an art project with water colors and our initials!
Fun day. TOMORROW IS FRIDAY!
Today I told them the story of Cinderella. I think storytelling is a tradition that has been pushed by the way side. By telling it myself, they were able to be more involved in the language i was using. Also, I was able to change up the words to things they are more familiar with or " things I would like for them to learn." Example: When Cinderella's UGLY step sisters were yelling at her and making her do their work- I said they were BULLIES. First, let's get this out of the way. I donn't think it is right to call anyone UGLY so we talked about the way they acted MADE them look ugly. There are many other learning opportunities in this story. The clock struck twelve... can you say DONG >>DONG>>> DONG>>>>TWELVE times? We also talked about chores. Does your child do any chores at home. Here is an exert I found on chores for preschoolers.
Ages 2 and 3
Many toddlers are eager to help with chores, and while their “helping” may not always be appreciated, keeping their excitement and the habit of helping out alive, should be. Sticker charts are a great way to keep toddlers excited about helping. Their chores may have to be completed with you helping every step of the way, but you are laying the groundwork for children that find chores and helping a way of life.
Some chores 2-3 year olds can do…
Help make the bed.
Pick up toys and books.
Take laundry to the laundry room.
Help feed pets.
Help wipe up messes.
Dust with socks on their hands.
Mop in areas with help.
Ages 4 and 5
Preschoolers still find helping to be an exciting venture and usually are thrilled when time is taken to teach them new chores. They are ready to do some chores without constant supervision. Rewards at this age are very motivating. A sticker chart that allows you to build up to bigger rewards can be appropriate. For some preschoolers, tying chores to an allowance is a great option and fosters independence in choosing a reward.
Some chores preschoolers can do in addition to the ones above…
Clear and set the table.
Dust
Help out in cooking and preparing food.
Carrying and putting away groceries.
We also did an art project with water colors and our initials!
Fun day. TOMORROW IS FRIDAY!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Jack and the Bean Stalk
Today has been hectic. I thought yesterday would be crazy since it was our first day without Mrs. Beth's help, but it was relatively calm. I am just guessing this is because we had fewer transitions yesterday and more outside play. Today we stayed on schedule! Well... if you count the fact that we were a little more than 20 minutes late getting down for nap. But, we have to keep pecking away at our routine day by day until it gets easier and easier and all falls into place.
Our fairy tale today was Jack and the Beanstalk. I couldnt find my BIG BOOK ( if you saw my resource room you would know wny...) So, we watched a 10 minute video of the story. I like adding other types of media anyway. After that, we places beans in a baggie with a kleenex and water. We talked about how all living things need sun and water to grow. We taped them on the window so the sun can warm the seeds. Hopefully in a few days , they will sprout!
Funny story about Anna today. I was filling out another piece of paperwork that had to be alphabetized and I said " Anna what is your last name?" " She replied " Anna Banana!" I said " Annnnnaaaa, that isnt your name !" She came back with, " Yes, it is. That is what my mommy calls me!" Conversations like that make me love my job!
All the kids are happy now and transitioned into their new " home".
Our fairy tale today was Jack and the Beanstalk. I couldnt find my BIG BOOK ( if you saw my resource room you would know wny...) So, we watched a 10 minute video of the story. I like adding other types of media anyway. After that, we places beans in a baggie with a kleenex and water. We talked about how all living things need sun and water to grow. We taped them on the window so the sun can warm the seeds. Hopefully in a few days , they will sprout!
Funny story about Anna today. I was filling out another piece of paperwork that had to be alphabetized and I said " Anna what is your last name?" " She replied " Anna Banana!" I said " Annnnnaaaa, that isnt your name !" She came back with, " Yes, it is. That is what my mommy calls me!" Conversations like that make me love my job!
All the kids are happy now and transitioned into their new " home".
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs
Today was such a beautiful morning that we couldnt pull ourselves off the play ground! We had BREAKFAST OUTSIDE! The kids loved it. We had granola bars and they just kept right on playing and munching. I know... probably not the most sanitary way to feed but it was fun for them and made a memory , and today... that is what mattered to me. As I watched them play I saw them forming bonds with each other and starting cooperative play. I am not on the playground much . Randy usually does that, but today it was both of us enjoying the new found friendships!
We read the story Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs today. We talked about stranger danger and how important it is not to take anything from a stranger or open a door when our mom or dad is not right there. We counted to seven... a lot. We talked about how BLACK Snow Whites hair was and how white her skin was. We took black paint and white paint and mixed it to get gray! Our first color mixing experiment.
We sang a few new songs today....
They loved Come the Rug by SUPER FUN SHOW Shaun Brown. These kids can really dance!~ We also sang a days of the week song to the tune of " The Adams Family"
Days of the Week ( clap clap)
Days of the Week ( clap clap)
There's Sunday and theres Monday
There's Tuesday and there's Wedensday
There's Thursday and there's Friday
And then there's Saturday
Days of the Week ( clap clap)
Days of the Week ( clap Clap)
Today is also Dillions birthday! YAY! Dillion!
Today was the BEST day Rosanna has had. She hung out with me for a long time and gradually I was able to leave her side to watch her enjoy the bubbles and other children.
We are getting there.... this is going to be a great year!
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Day of First
Today was our first day painting ! The kids LOVED the easel. REMINDER..... wear junk clothes. We wear smocks but somehow they always get it on them.
Today was our first Muffin Tin Monday. Each Monday we serve finger foods in a muffin tin.
Today was our first day to write in journals. We will do this each day . It is just a notebook that the kids can write / draw whatever they would like. It is interesting to watch them go through the stages of writing development .
Today was our first nap time. So far .... so good. :)
Today was our first Muffin Tin Monday. Each Monday we serve finger foods in a muffin tin.
Today was our first day to write in journals. We will do this each day . It is just a notebook that the kids can write / draw whatever they would like. It is interesting to watch them go through the stages of writing development .
Today was our first nap time. So far .... so good. :)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Friday Wrap up!
Today has been a regular day. We still had the two children that are having a hard time struggle a little as they came in but quickly recovered. We added one today. This precious little girl is the classic text book child. Most children don't get too upset until the 2nd or 3rd day when they realize " I am seriously going to come to this place EVERYDAY?, It's not just like fun city where we go when we want to?" She got over the separation anxiety pretty quickly as well . Monday , they have two days off and we start all over again....Oh joy! :) It will get better though. And remember, Monday we start full days. Drop off at 7:45 and pick up at 3:00.
We made castles today with princesses. It started out as fine motor project as the children put the yarn through holes to make hair. When I saw the children struggling with this we reinvented the days lesson plan and made castles to glue our pre-cut princesses on. On the top we attached black triangles. I think this actually turned out to be a better learning experience than the first one I had planned.
I am having a few back issues today, so thanks for understanding why I was in a chair when you came in -- both times.
The pictures below are just a few ways we add " wonder " to your childs outdoor play experience. Just because they are kids doesn't mean they dont need beauty in their world.
We made castles today with princesses. It started out as fine motor project as the children put the yarn through holes to make hair. When I saw the children struggling with this we reinvented the days lesson plan and made castles to glue our pre-cut princesses on. On the top we attached black triangles. I think this actually turned out to be a better learning experience than the first one I had planned.
I am having a few back issues today, so thanks for understanding why I was in a chair when you came in -- both times.
The pictures below are just a few ways we add " wonder " to your childs outdoor play experience. Just because they are kids doesn't mean they dont need beauty in their world.
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