I have always loved Dr. Seuss! As a child and even a teenager, I was drawn to the wackiness of his themes and made-up words juxtaposed with the reason of his perfect prose. As I’ve studied early education and early literacy, I’ve come to love Dr. Seuss even more! His books are pretty much the best for building phonological awareness, the development of which is critical for reading (read more here). They not only expose children to rhythm and rhyme in an enchanting, almost intoxicating way, but they also introduce rhyming with invented words, which emphasizes further the importance of sound in rhyming – not meaning. These “nonsense words” also open the imagination and creativity of children in a simply magical way. In my opinion, his work is so critical to a good education, I refer to him as the Shakespeare of childhood!
Valentines, Friends, and Communication
Ahh, February! The kiddos have just gotten over the withdrawal symptoms caused by the sudden drop in blood sugar levels after Christmas, so of course it’s the perfect time for another confectionary holiday!
Now, I’m a middle of the roader when it comes to holidays and preschool. I don’t quite agree with the notion that they should be completely abolished from school. They are what kids are interested in, and I believe curriculum should emerge from the child’s interests. Though, I also don’t agree with the idea that a holiday is an appropriate curriculum theme in and of itself for an extended period of time. So I like to take the holiday and find connections to other social or science based themes. As I think of Valentine’s Day, I think of friendship and writing and sending notes and letters. I think of the social skills involved in creating and maintaining human relationships. These are skills children need to develop. (While we’re at it, there are plenty of adults who could use a course on those skills as well!)
Unit Theme: Exploring the Arts through Our Senses
Introducing the new unit theme! Dat-da-da-dah! “Exploring the Arts through Our Senses”!
Baby It’s Cold Outside!
The seasons are changing once again! At least around these parts, the temperatures are dipping, the snow’s beginning to fly, and little children are once again fascinated to watch their own breath floating in front of them outside! I’ve collected a list of some of my favorite winter-themed activities for you to use with your preschoolers- whether as part of a formal preschool curriculum, as play group activities, or as projects to do around the kitchen table!
Baby It's Cold Outside!
The seasons are changing once again! At least around these parts, the temperatures are dipping, the snow’s beginning to fly, and little children are once again fascinated to watch their own breath floating in front of them outside! I’ve collected a list of some of my favorite winter-themed activities for you to use with your preschoolers- whether as part of a formal preschool curriculum, as play group activities, or as projects to do around the kitchen table!
Set the Table – A Preschool Food Study
There’s something about November that just makes me hungry! Perhaps it’s the time-honored tradition of gluttony, and maybe it’s the fond association with childhood memories of loved ones around a table……or just around a kitchen counter. Food is not only essential for fueling our bodies, it is often a hallmark of culture and a centerpiece of celebration. This month I’ll be posting activities supporting a food theme to be implemented with preschoolers.
Objectives! You didn’t think I would post something without telling you why, did you? That would just go against everything I believe in! So here’s the nitty gritty. A food study provides plenty of opportunities for children to have cooking experiences, the benefits of which I have discussed here. They also learn about the origins of food, ie that lemonade comes from a lemon not a box, milk is produced by a cow, not a factory. There are plenty of opportunities to talk about choosing a variety of foods, trying new foosd, and the importance of healthy foods for our bodies. I also like to take the opportunity to talk about manners a bit and give them the chance to practice and pretend in a restaurant theme. Here are some of the activities I’ll be posting, and then linking back to this post.
Fall Favorites!
Fall is my favorite time of year. It just appeals to all of the senses. You can feel and smell the changes in the air, hear the leaves under your feet, see the colors blazing, and even taste the fabulous fruits of fall. This time of year is a great time to talk about changes, seasons, pumpkins, apples, and trees. Of course you can always throw in some Halloween fun as well!
Welcome Weeks
The beginning of school is so exciting! I remember many nights before the first few days of school, laying out my clothes for the next day and then laying in bed for hours, unable to sleep because I was just so excited. I watched my own son do the same thing. I just kept smiling the next morning as he walked around the house, fully dressed and ready, with his backpack on, a full hour before it would be time to leave. That is the way we want these learners to stay! Excited for school and passionate about learning! The first few weeks, as we welcome the children into our rooms, we set that precedence- that this is a fun, safe place to come and learn. I like to spend the first few weeks doing some of my favorite activities, while also getting the children used to me, the routine, and each other. Here are a few activities I like to use, that I’ll be posting over the next few weeks. (All links will be added here as they are posted.) Enjoy! And please, let me know what activities you like to do during the first weeks of school also!
Classic Playdough (You just can’t miss with this!) – Fine motor, sensory
Meeting with the Taller Half
Before you begin a new school year, it’s always a good idea to invite the taller half of your class, the parents, for a little orientation. This gets them on board with you as co-educators of their children, and can clarify a lot of issues that could otherwise cause problems later on. Start now to build a positive relationship with the parents. Here are a few things I like to cover at my parent meetings.
- Daily Schedule. What will you be doing within your daily routine, and what exactly does each of those activities mean? What type of curriculum do you use? If you use learning centers, give a little tour and explain what skills each area promotes. This is a great opportunity to explain your philosophy and goals for the year.
- Communication. How will you let them know about your lesson plans from week to week or month to month? Will you email or send hard copies? Are you using a notes folder? If they have questions during the week is there a number you prefer they use? If they need to reach you during class, how can they do so?
- Policies and Procedures. What should parents do when they are late for arrival or departure? What is your policy for sick kids? What about your sick days? Do you have a sub or a make up day? What about accidents or large spills. (Quick tip here: Have each parent label a large Ziplock bag with the child’s name and put an extra set of old clothes in there to be kept at the school for emergencies.)
- Get Their Input. This meeting is a great time to hand out and explain the developmental assessment you will be using. Get some input from your parents on what their children can do, and what may be within their ZPD.
- Ways They Can Help. Parents play a huge role in a successful preschool year. How do you want them helping? Do you need volunteers daily or for special occasions? Do you assign snacks for children to bring? Are there opportunities for the parents to share their talents or professions in a large group setting? Have them sign up at the meeting. Are there ways they can support what you’re doing at home? Can they send in words for the word wall? Do you send home samples of the songs and books you use in school so they can do it at home as well?
- Schedule the Little Ones. I like to have a separate orientation for the children. Schedule that at your parent meeting, fill in the times on invitations to either mail or send home with the parents for their children. Having a personal invitation is exciting for the children and serves as a reminder for the parents as well.
Backwards Planning – How to Start the Year with the End in Mind
When I talk about starting with the end in mind, I’m not talking about those days where you begin to fantasized about the last day of school, giving all the little darlings a soft pat on the head as you seek refuge at the nearest source of sand and surf. What I mean is starting your planning by thinking about where you want to end up. This backwards planning helps to keep you focused and purposeful, rather than just flitting around from one “cute” activity to the next.