Entries from May 2009

May 29, 2009

Tools for Tantrums

Photo by TouTouke. Preschoolers are notorious for their histrionic tantrums.  Every child and every tantrum is different and each requires a certain “tweaking” of tactics, but here’s a look into my toolbox for dealing with tantrums. Get down to their level.  While it may be tempting to throw yourself down on the floor and join in, that’s [...]

May 26, 2009

Baked Doughnuts-Fit for a Parade

Ahh, doughnuts.  Few treats get children so excited!  I’m personally not a fan of deep fat frying.  My body doesn’t react well to the smell and when I eat it much my stomach feels unsettled.  That, and my hips and thighs swell in a strange sort of allergic reaction.  At any rate, when I’m the [...]

May 22, 2009

See Through Seed Gardens

 As a seed germinates and grows, it is hard for children to understand what goes on beneath that mystic cover of soil.  Of course you can sprout bean seeds in a plastic bag (just drop in a wet paper towel and presoaked bean seed, seal ‘er up and watch it open up over the course [...]

May 20, 2009

Make at Home Montessori

  I bet you didn’t know they were giving out free Montessori tools at your local hardware store!  I’ll tell you how, but first I must start with the disclaimer that I am not a Montessori teacher.  I studied child development, and so, I examined a range of developmental theory and teaching philosophy.  I find [...]

May 19, 2009

3-2-1 Blast Off! Film Canister Rockets

 If you haven’t done film canister rockets yet, boy are you missing out!  I’ll give you a quick run down on the old favorite and then let you in on a colorful little twist I’ve recently discovered!  For your rocket, you need this rare antique called a film canister.  In this digital age, you may [...]

May 6, 2009

Butterfly Fold Art

Here’s a great butterfly art project that is not only fun and fancy, but reinforces small motor skills and creativity, as well as the concept of symmetry. Prepare these supplies: *Make your paper butterflies by folding your paper in half and cutting out half of your butterfly shape (you basically make a letter “B”).  *Make [...]

May 4, 2009

Finger-painting with Shaving Cream!

Finger-painting is an experience that no preschooler should be denied!  Plunging bare fingers right into the mushy, colorful goodness and then spreading color directly from finger to paper is a gratifying experience for both the young and the young at heart!  It promotes fine motor development, and is ideal for children for whom manipulating tools [...]

May 2, 2009

Behold, the Power of Soap! Getting Preschoolers to Wash Their Hands

Photo by emospada. I have to admit, I’m a bit of a germophobe.  I know that sounds very strange coming from someone who works with young children, often holding little hands that have just been used as Kleenexes, but rest assured, I go through plenty of soap and hand sanitizer!  I try, as best I [...]