Rainbows for St. Patrick's Day

In preparation for the coming of Leprechauns we of course had to make some rainbows. Everyone knows how much those little green fellows love rainbows.

For these rainbows we used large butcher paper, tempera paint, and race cars. Older students made the traditional rainbow shape while our younger children made their unique version of a rainbow print. As we promote freedom of art expression, all children had the opportunity to their rainbow just they way they wanted to.

Learning Through Play

As adults we are often concerned with how much, how often, and 'just how' our children are learning. We think that more flashcards, worksheets, and early academic enrichment materials made for young children are the things that are needed to help our children to get ahead. So often are we focused on what we can do to enrich their learning that we forget how much they learn simply through play. Play is the work of a young child.

 

Color recognition, naming shapes, patterns, and early engineering with geometric shape blocks.



Pre-Reading and writing development at the writing center.

 Counting and patterns in the building area. When this creating was complete, each blue block had for cylinders standing on top just has you see in the middle of the picture.

 Counting and 1 to 1 correspondence while making an animal parade.

Problem solving, predicting and testing a hypothesis, team work, and analytical thinking are just a few of the other skills that our children use during their play. A great phrase to remember; play must happen for learning to occur.

Sensory Activities

Our students have enjoyed some new sensory activities over the past few weeks. The activities vary and include opportunity to explore science concepts, engage with nature, build fine motor muscles, and practice scooping and pouring skills. Here are some of their favorites:

 

Pulling off and collecting kernels from and ear of dried corn.

 

Soap and Water exploration. We used basic dish soap and added various sponges, cups, and jars. When the sponges are squeezed they create a great deal of bubbles.

 

Our rice bins include basic white rice, various size cups, funnels, and spoons.

These are just a few of the items we have used lately. Some of our other favorite sensory activity items include lentils, beans, dough, water beads, and seeds.

Health & Safety

We were so lucky to have a planned visit from the paramedics at the end of February. It was the perfect way to learn more about taking care of others and added to some of the interactions in the 'health clinic' we had set up in the dramatic play area.

 

Students learned about calling 911, applying pressure to wounds, and wrapping bandages on to their stuffed patients.

 And one volunteer even was able to try on some paramedic gear. A paramedic jacket was donated to our dress up collection even.

 Pulling a bag of paramedic gear is very hard work. Best done with some help.

 And of course we were able to climb into he ambulance and have a good around.

 There were a lot of first aid supplies in there.

A special thanks to Mr. Walker (paramedic & parent) for arranging a special visit for us!

 

Dramatic Play

Dramatic Play is one of my favorite things about preschool. I can still remember being 5 years old and wanting to spend every moment of my school day in the 'home play' area dressing up, cooking, and using the phone. At Meadowlark there are numerous opportunities for creative and imaginative play even outside of the dramatic play area.

 

~Talking on the phone~



 ~Learning how to balance in heels like mom~

 ~Cowboys camping out and Super Heroes~

 ~Health Clinic~

 ~The Doctors are In~

 ~Cowboy riding his horse~

 ~Rescuing the Ladybug (puzzle)~

 ~Pirates building their ship~

I love watching students that have gotten so into their role that even after cleaning up, they join circle time still in full costume without a thought. It is my hope that the experiences and joy from this type of dramatic play in preschool stays with them long into their adult years.

Valentine's Day 2013

First there were the pre-party preparations. The children were very busy all morning baking, decorating, and setting up.

 

 

Then, there was the Valentine's Day party!

 

And the birthday cake celebrating the age of 4 and the friendship between children.

 

 

And the notes passed out to each of their classmates.

 

Such a fun day of friendship, sharing, and love!