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 [...]
Entries from May 2009
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 [...]
