Gingerbread Day!

Run, run fast as you can... Can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man!

Today we made cookie dough at circle time then baked it. But when we went to the kitchen, it was gone!

We went on a hunt all over the school and finally found the little rascal trying to call a cab from Miss Chelsey's office. But we caught him and ate him all up! He was a yummy little fugitive!

Miss Heidi, Miss Karen and Miss Kate

We didn't have to pay this piper

Today our class had the pleasure of hearing a bagpiper* play for our class. The general consensus was that it was loud!

Our friends had lots of questions and loved "helping" him blow it up before he started to play. It was a nice, unexpected treat that we hope will be repeated.

Thanks Elliott!

*full disclosure: Elliott is Miss Karen's son!

Miss Heidi, Miss Karen and Miss Kate

Oh they're listening!

Although at times it may appear that your child is doing everything but listening; it could however be the exact opposite.
Perhaps you have been in meetings with adults who are clicking their pens, drumming the desk or tapping their feet. Just like you and me, children often need busy hands to quiet their minds enough to interpret the messages we are giving them.

On this particular day our little friend who is doodling in the sand was very quick to correctly answer a question posed to the entire class. She was one of the only children to answer and did so without even looking up! 

Miss Heidi, Miss Karen, Miss Kate

Merry Christmas!

We spent most of the week trimming two mini Christmas trees in our block area. How wonderful for our children to have an opportunity to decorate (and redecorate and re-redecorate) their very own pint-sized trees? Good times...

"Help me, help you!"

We love that line from the movie Jerry Maguire. Sometimes it applies here at preschool too!

We are all about trying to get the children to be independent and do things on their own. Encouraging self-help is extremely important in the development of young children, and a huge milestone in their emotional and physical growth.

Most of us don't have the time but, at least once a day, ask your preschooler to put on/take off their own shoes or boots, put on their own coat or even just pull up their own pants after using the toilet. They may need a tiny bit of help or some general cheerleading, but they can do it!

Of course, all this self-help is nothing without the right "equipment". Low top shoes with velcro closures, loose pull on pants (no belts, please) and slip on boots all can help a child feel like a successful "big kid".

Miss Heidi, Miss Karen and Miss Kate

Shhh....

Don't tell anyone but the elves have started making Christmas gifts for all the good mummies and daddies out there! They aren't finished yet, so let's just keep this between you and me...

Miss Karen, Miss Kate and Miss Heidi

Who wore it better?

The middle aged teacher or the adorable 3 year old? You be the judge! Needless to say we were both delighted to see we were wearing the same pants today. Can preschool be any more fun?

Miss Heidi, Miss Karen and Miss Kate

It's Music Time, come dance with me!

For those of you fortunate enough to have witnessed one of our music classes, you've seen lots of movement and fun. We hold each class in the narthex of the church where there has never been such crazy moves! We use different tools and instruments such as scarves and shakers to expose the children to different rhythms and help them find freedom in movement. We also try to expose the children to many musical genres throughout the class.

Music may help preschoolers do better in reading and math when they start school, help them focus and control their bodies, help them play better with others and raise their self-esteem. 

Who knew they could learn all that from dancing around?

Miss Karen, Miss Heidi and Miss Kate 

Break dancing with a friend

"Now FREEZE!"

"There's a spider on my face, on my face..."

Shakey shakers

Today a Reader, tomorrow, a Leader

Every day at school we have Story Time. But there are times throughout the day when we encourage children to "read" books on their own. This encourages literacy, self-help, independence, labelling, letter recognition, concentration, patience and a whole host of other very beneficial perks.

So to occupy them while you are cooking dinner, or on the way to school, encourage them to "take a picture walk"!

Miss Karen, Miss Kate and Miss Heidi

Today was "gak"tastic!

This goopy stuff is called "gak"

Here's a recipe if you want to make some for home play:

Mix thoroughly: 

1 1/2 cups very warm water

2 cups white glue

food coloring (optional)

In a separate bowl, mix thoroughly:

1 1/3 cups very warm water

2 level teaspoons Borax

Mix the contents of the two bowls together kneading until it is fully combined. Discard any remaining liquid.

Have fun!

Miss Heidi, Miss Karen and Miss Kate

What we did yesterday

We played with gloopy gak

We tried the fruit puzzle

We practiced writing

We made Christmas "cookies" with minty playdough

We washed babies

We had a busy, fun-filled Tuesday! Hope you liked seeing how busy we were.

Miss Kate, Miss Heidi and Miss Karen