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.