This morning the children were surrounded by dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes. We had a great time exploring, everything from what types of foods dinosaurs ate to how they protected themselves. We read a few stories, explored some replica dinosaur fossils and made our own dinosaur footprints in play dough. One of the stories we read told about a dinosaur family that had gotten stuck in the mud. Of course we had to recreate the story with our art. Each child chose a dinosaur to paint with. We walked the dinosaurs through our brown paint (mud) and made messy footprints all over our papers. There was a lot of great story recall happening as we stamped away! Our fine motor muscles got a workout today as well. Many of the children can now successfully roll play dough into little balls. It may seem like a simple task but it takes a lot of practice to master. We had some cute play dough mats to work on today that asked the children to roll dinosaur eggs to place in the dinosaur's nest. Many also made play dough fossils prints. It was a blessing to enjoy such a beautiful day that the park with our friends. We were treated to a few songs, a Bible story, egg dying, an egg hunt and of course play time with our classmates! I think it is safe to say the children had a ball!
We enjoyed another day of wheels. The children were engaged in train play and eagerly anticipated a bike ride with their friends. Several of the children took quite an interest in drawing today. Perhaps it was that we were using chalk vs crayons but my little artists really went to town drawing some very impressive pictures for three year olds. Finally it was time to head up and meet our parents. We all enjoyed some bike time. Thank you all for participating in Wheels Day and for all the extra pairs of eyes needed to keep our little ones safe. I am looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday, March 23, 10 am at Bonnie Conner Park. If for some reason you didn't receive the email regarding the party please text me. Have a safe and restful Spring Break.
The gloomy weather didn't stop the Owls from having fun today. We are talking about wheels and transportation this week. The children got to paint with cars, sort different vehicles by color and play with a large train city! We worked on fine motor skills, puzzle skills and counting. Many of us even had fun pretending to lock and unlock the classroom door with keys. We were treated to a special visit from the police and McGruff the Crime Dog. They taught us about safety and stranger danger. And of course there was paint! I am working on a letter about our Easter Party and will have that out later today or tomorrow morning. It will be held at the Bonnie Corner Park just behind Igo Library off 1604 and Hausman.
Today we continued our role play as vets, painted and enjoyed some playdough play. Our art lesson took a sharp turn in a different direction today. We were supposed to be stamping with dog bones. Shortly after we began one friend got upset that there was paint on her hand. I must have made a comment about how it was fine and we would wash our hands when we were done or that a little paint never hurt anyone. In the next moment all eight children dove right into the paint with their hands and it quickly become a finger painting project. They were all so tickled with themselves and astonishingly enough the paint remained on their hands and paper and not a speck on their clothes. Although it was not what I had planned, I would still say it was a success. I am looking forward to next week when we learn all about transportation. We also have a visit from the Police Department and will close out our week with Wheels Day. This is a fun opportunity for the children to picnic, ride bikes together and get some fresh air. Enjoy your family time this weekend!
Our role play has shifted from the kitchen to the work place. This morning the children arrived to find the room transformed into a vet clinic. There was a reception desk with pens, paper, clipboards and a computer. The waiting room was set up with chairs and a basket of stuffed animals waiting to be seen by the nurses and doctors. The science table was full of doctor gear and lab coats. It didn't take the children long to fall into new roles. Perhaps roles they had never experienced before. Play is SERIOUS business for a preschooler. Through play children learn and practice many basic social skills. Up until a few months ago many of the children were still parallel playing: play alongside others but not actively engaged. Now the children are learning to navigate a new style of play. Associative and cooperative play are when interest shifts from the toys to each other and interacting together to utilize the toys to reach a common goal in role play or storytelling. Today's role play allowed for some discussion about sharing, taking turns and cooperating. We had only one computer, only one doctor bag, only one blood pressure cuff. We had to be patient, wait our turn and share when we were finished using a certain item. What looks like simple play is truly loaded with learning opportunities! We also enjoyed making unique pet rocks. Such creative little artists we have in class.
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Why Blog?Here you will find little snippets of our days together. When my children were in preschool and would come home I would always ask, "So, what did you do today?". All they ever said was, "Played." That didn't tell me much. I hope this blog will be a place to share what we have done and help you ask more directed questions of your child. You will see first hand just what we do after you kiss your little one goodbye in the morning. It will also be a great place to visit and see just how much your child has grown and learned throughout the year. Archives
May 2023
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