Something so wonderful happened!

This is the kind of small thing that happens in class that makes me realize that what I do as a teacher matters, is noticed, and appreciated by the kids.

I have a little Mason jar full of popsicle sticks with song titles written on them. It's to remind me to sing different songs when I'm on circle so that the ones I often do don't get stale. I usually pull out 2 or 3 and teach them to the kids.

Last week one of the children found a purple marker and a blank popsicle stick at the art table. He started scribbling, turned around and handed me it to me. "Here's a song for you Miss Karen!" It took me a second to realize that he'd remembered me with my song jar weeks ago and wanted to give me some more musical choices. How cool!

It just goes to show you that children are always watching and learning and wanting to mimic what you do. That's why we as caregivers have to be mindful of everything we do in a child's presence. My mum used to say, "little pitchers have big ears" and truer words have never been spoken!

Miss Karen

We got outside today!

Last week stuck inside, because of snow days and temperatures that could rival the surface of the moon, I just had to share our joy at being outside this morning. We played with everything available but I think the most fun was had with nothing. Just lying in the snow looking up into the grey sky, munching on a crusty chunk of (clean) snow. Is there anything better?

Miss Karen

Welcome home!

Welcome to the first post of 2019! We hope that you had a restful and family-filled break, full of fun and food. We know we did!

The theme of 2019 is all about responsibility. We are getting the children to pour their own water at the snack table among other little things. We want to show them that we trust them and their new abilities and even though there will be a lot of spills, There will be a lot of successes too... and maybe even some water in cups! At home, we'd love if you practiced a bit... even in the tub with a cup and pitcher would do.

Next, we are still working on dressing ourselves. Holy, moly, parents... you are doing an AMAZING JOB! Your kids are working incredibly hard at this really difficult (and time consuming) job all on their own and we really appreciate you having our backs at home. Keep encouraging them to do it on their own. You ROCK!

White board? What white board?

In the 3s class, we teachers incorporate white boards daily. Whether it's to keep parents and caregivers informed about where we'll start our day, practice our letters, show you the results of the question of the day, or just tell you a terrible joke, our boards are a great classroom tool. They change every day so look for them in the main hallway above our cubbies!

Miss Karen

It's music time!

Every 2 weeks the 3s class schedule includes a music and movement component. In it we try to incorporate dancing and music appreciation. We listen to different styles of music, try out new and interesting instruments, follow instruction in the form of songs and explore how our bodies move with scarves and just plain old running around. At the end we try some deep breathing and relaxation techniques with added bonus of calm music and bubbles! We love the change in routine and the fun that dancing brings!

Miss Karen

This is playing at work!

In our class we teachers get a lot of variations of the question "does my child have any friends?". The answer is always a version of "yes, and no." Remember when you were little and your best friend in the whole world was the kid you met 5 minutes ago at the park? You may have bonded over the fact that you were wearing the same shoes.

Most friendships at this age are as deep as a puddle and, guess what? This is perfectly normal! They may love someone one day and treat them like week old leftovers the next. Again, totally on par for this age.

There are three main kinds of play with many stages within. Solitary (playing alone), Parallel (playing side by side but not together), and Co-operative (playing as a group and working together). At 3, this last stage is danced around and flirted with but rarely achieved. But don't worry, it'll happen! The same child will go back and forth between stages, even in one day.

Just remember that they are a little over 1000 days old. Let them have a chance to learn and grow!

Miss Karen

Halloween Fun!

We had such a good time at our Halloween parties that we actually didn't get too many good photos. At least ones without those lovely faces showing. The children were so proud of their wonderful costumes that I had to sneak up on them to get any good shots. If I'm honest, this isn't really a problem, is it? 

Hope you all had a wonderful (and sweet) Halloween and now that it's over, I guess it's time to start thinking about Christmas... Hahaha! Get ready for the craziness!

Miss Karen