How to help with changes in routines

Sometimes we get so used to doing things a certain way and sometimes when things are changed or go differently we may get upset. We may even feel like our day is all out of whack. Well it can be the same for children. Often times they may not know how to handle these changes. They may get upset and cry. They may lash out at those around them. So what can we do to help with these changes? Well we need to remember that children reflect what they see. They watch us probably more than we realize. It would be helpful to them as well as to us if we first talk about the change. We can let them know what changed. We can tell them we are not happy but it is okay. It just means that something was done differently. We can tell them that there may be more than one way to do things. What about changes in the childs' routine? Well we can talk about that too. If weather causes schools to be closed, especially for numerous days, it could be helpful to talk about school. Talk about what they like to do there, who their friends are. Take them by the school and remind them that they will be going back soon. You can also keep in touch with your childs teacher, ask questions about what they are doing in school. If a sickness prevents children from following their regular routine, seek ways to keep them in touch with their classmates. Video chats with the teacher, or doing projects at home may help the child to feel like they are part of the routine. Children sometimes may have difficulty adjusting to new or substitute teachers. When possible ask to meet with the new teacher or the substitute allow the child to get to know that person. When that isn't possible, take a little extra time in the morning, talk to your child and reassure them that it is only for a short time. When we as parents acknowledge that our children have needs and routines too, we will be better equipped to help them when situations arise where they may feel overwhelmed.

Preschoolers and math

Preschoolers use math to help them solve problems and make sense of the world around them.  Children learn numbers by counting objects and talking about what they just counted. For example, if a child is playing a math game and his card has the number 5 on it, and he only counts out four blocks. Talk about the results with the child by saying "count your blocks, you have four blocks but your card says 5. How many more  blocks do you need?"

Not only is this child learning numbers and their amount but she is practicing her fine motor skills.

Preschooler also learn geomerty. They see shapes everywhere, they love to draw them and talk about them. Teachers use this as a learning opportunity and teachable moments as children explore their natural environment. These children were given a shape and were able to cut the shape and turn in into a picture of their choice. We will then make a classroom book so the children can enjoy thier artwork while learning geometry.

Having Fun During Transitions

We all know about learning through play. We also know that transition times can be a challenge. Some times are harder than others. It can be a simple song to help with these transitions or playng an I Spy game. Transition time is also a time of learning, and yes it's also through play. There are many different ways to help children through a transition from one activity to another. Below are just a few...

The Dolphins class like to use yoga. Which is a great way to get in some gross motor activity on a cold winter day. They were transitioning from free choice to getting ready for lunch. 

The Whales class was using an art activity. This is also a sensory activity, using your senses. They too were transitioning to get ready for lunch. 

The Polor Bears were reading books, for a quieter transition time. The children like to read to each other during this time. 

So, you see you can use a viriety of ways to transition. It doesn't always have to be quiet. Just having an activity that keeps their interest while transitioning is the key.

So, use your imagination, think outside of the box! 

Who needs "Frozen"...when we have ice!!!!

If you have been anywhere near a preschool (or older), you have felt the effects of that famous icy movie from the Disney Company.  You can probably even sing a line or two from one of the many songs but how can you get your kiddos from out in front of the television and really experince what frozen really means. With cold weather and plummeting temperatures for much the U.S., it maybe hard for many adults to think about these concepts but these are prefect learning opportunities for children.

Today after our blizzard of a snowstorm on Monday night (haha that is suppose to be funny because we mainly received ice), our class did a brain walk to discuss ice/snow then went adventuring outdoors.  First our brain walk was about where we may find or discover ice outside and with this, no answer is wrong and all ideas are accepted. This gave the children free range on what their ideas could be and the endless possibilities that we could explore. 

Please make sure that everyone has an opportunity to share. If you are doing this at home, you need to include everyone especially the adults and you could space it out over several days if your frozen stuff hangs around that long...down here, not so much.

Our next step was to venture outdoors....always looking for learning opportunities please allow your child to put on all "their gear" by themselves and build up the anticipation for the event.

Look at those faces, we were so ready to go!!!!! We took a picture of our list to bring with us outdoors because our list was on a large flip chart but you could always just bring the list.  We re-read several of the predictions as soon as we got outside because we could see these spots immediately such as "on the playground" and "on the ground". Our little guy who predicted "on the roof" was slightly disappointed when there was none on the roof to our building but we reassured him that we would keep looking (and did find some, which led to another discussion about shade and sun.)

We then went walk about to see what else we could find our list....we also had to skate our way across the playground....even the teachers loved it.

As we continued, we read off each place that had been predicted then added some that were not list but that we discovered while we were looking around the area. Here are several examples...

We skated our way down to the slides and the creek area.

The girls discovered that the ice was two different colors and felt different as well.

Our discovery that the bike track was covered with ice but the bikes didn't have any on them.

We had to add the bridge to our list because it was not on before we came outside.

The stumps were another addition to our list...

The girls discovered the ice felt different if it was on top of the cut stump vs. on the side of the stump on the bark...

Happy teachers because these kiddos can teach and learn on their own in their natural environment.

This activity may seem like something that is so simple but children need this time to discover the beauty of our natural environment even in the cold temperatures.  Through this activity, the kids made predictions, drew their own concludions, and added to their hypothesis of their "experimental adventure".  Science and math need not to be hard just inviting to an open mind and a willing heart to learn more.  So grab your kiddos and find some cold weather adventures!!!!! Next week...make it take it experiments....

Happy experimenting!!!! Ms. Kelly and Ms. Gen

Learning Through Creative Play

I know we've all heard this before, but it bears repeating. Children learn through play. While in the Seahorses NC Pre-K class this week, I witnessed this first hand. Although it may appear to be just playing, it's actually learning. The children were read a book about Chester and going to school. After the story, Ms. Audrey told the children what had been added to each center and the things they could possibly do in those centers. These two went to blocks to build what I thought was the school Chester went to. While they were building and working togefher,  I was asking open ended questions to add to their activity. Well,  I was surprised to hear it wasn't the school at all,  but the whole town Chester lived in. 

Another example was at the writing center. Not only are they carrying on conversations with each other,  they are practicing writing skills and fine motor skills. While this activity looks like its more learning than play,  it's play because they decided to do this,  no one made them go to the writing and no one told them what to do. The activity is set out, and the children choose what to do. 

The same goes with stinging the beads and play dough activities. They are working on fine motor, math, and social emotional skills just to name a few. 

So,  next time you may think your child is just playing, think again. Your child is learning! 

Share the love

We often think of Love as something we share with our families, friends and those close to us. But how can we share the love? How can we extend the love outside our circle? How can we get our children involved in doing the same thing? Well a very special teacher has decided to share her love. Share with those less fortunate, those in bad situations, those who wouldn't ordinarily get much love on a regular basis. Showing our love doesn't have to stop on Valentine's Day either. Simple acts of kindness on a daily basis can touch anyone. How can we do this? Well, let that person who has less items than you cut in front. Help those who are elderly or infirmed to get things from their carts. Hold doors open, even a smile and hello can help someones day. The little child who comes to school and is really quiet, a simple hug and how are you can show a child so much. How can we get our children involved? Have them come with us if we go to a shelter. Let them pick something to donate. Tell them why you are doing it and ask them how they feel. As parents and teachers we lead by example. We should be showing love all year. It will make us feel good, our children will learn compassion and giving.

Play dates for Parents??

        This weekend my son has a friend coming over.  He and I have been doing nothing but going over what to have for dinner, what movie to watch before bed, and what the following days activities should include.  There has been a serious amount of planning going into this 24 hour window of time approaching this weekend, and why not??  It's a big deal! Playdates are fun, there will be lots of laughter and memories made. 

       Think about the last time you planned a play date for one of your kids, and then think about the last time you planned a play date for YOU and one of YOUR FRIENDS.  The last time I went out with one of my girlfriends, the only planning that was involved was a phone call, and the words, "Lunch, maybe the mall?"  Why do we plan our kids social engagements down to the minuet, and then just leave ours open to a big question mark?? 

      So here we go fellow parents, my challenge for you is to plan a play date, either with your spouse or a friend, as meticulously as you would plan one for your kiddos.  Be thoughtful, have an adventure, make memories, and have FUN!! 

      

Fine motor skills in preschool

The benefits of doing fine motor activities with preschoolers are very important. It helps develop their motor skills in their hands and fingers. Fine motor skills also helps strengthen the dexterity in their hands so they are able to better write on paper with a pencil, crayon, and markers. Fine motor skills are also needed to correctly use scissors. Using scissors at the preschool age is very difficult and takes  lots of practice. Making activities fun and exciting for your children will make the experience enjoyable.

Letting your preschooler do the activity independently, while giving them guided lines to cut on will help makes using scissors easier. Don't worry if it is not perfect, they will learn from practicing. 

If you notice the way this child is using the three point grip on her marker and the way she is holding the marker at an angle. Our class practices every day on fine motor activities and it pays off. 

Fine motor activities are not only cutting, it's also manipulating pieces of paper and putting them in order.

This child is sequencing or classifying, arranging these items in specific groups.

Preschoolers also benefit practicing thier fine motor skills by doing everyday self help skills. Like this child, helping his friend botton up his sweater in dramatic play.

This child Is using her small muscles in her hands to turn the pages in the book she was reading.

Practicing with your preschooler on their fine motor skills will allow them greater independence and benefit them in their school age years.

Make and take Monday

It's raining...

It's snowing...

It's cold...

I'm bored....

The list goes on and on for why winter gets us down, so switch it up and make it a Memorable Monday so much that Fun Friday gets jealous.

Try this easy and "cool" Monday Make it, Take it activity. It's sure to cause a blizzard of snowy ideas and an introduction to other cool science experiments.

"It's Snow Fluffy" Stuff 

(Sorry the Despicable Me movie has one of my favorite quotes every....)

Ingredients:

1 container of Shaving cream

2 boxes of Corn starch

Mix the 2 parts of corn starch to one part shaving cream together (2 boxes to one container.) 

Here is a few of our kids helping to add the corn starch. Then we asked each child how many squirts until we got to the end of the container of shaving cream...because we all know that to be good scientists you have to make predictions and test for outcomes. Also is helping with the much needed math skills.

Then mix together until the mixture is completely mixed and can make a firm ball shape when pressed together. 

We started with a spoon but sometimes you just have to get hands on and have fun with the process. This would be a great time to let the kids help with the mixing.

Now the fun begins...children can explore the snow fluffy stuff at their will and make the most of their homemade snow stuff.  

No messy roads or slick ice needed just hit the store that is a little more than $ 0.99 and let your dream snow flow for your sciencists and snow bunnies.

Have a memorable Monday from Ms. Gen and Ms. Kelly

Super Bowl Sunday

It's that time of year again, Super Bowl Sunday. I know for those of us who love the sport of football, we have our own eats for the big game. This year I thought I would try some new ones. I think the Sloppy Joe Dip will be easier for little ones than the traditional sandwich. Of course I will have other items as well, this is just three new recipes I thought sounded yummy. I have also included a healthy snack as well. It doesn't matter if you watch the game or not, I think this would be a great quick easy meal. You can also get the kiddos involved, let them be the ones to "dump" the items in. It's also a great time to talk with them about kitchen safety.  So, enjoy the game, the people you watch it with, and the food you eat. Remember to eat in moderation! I am looking forward to the commercials. 

Sloppy Joe Dip

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef chuck
1 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
11/2 cups canned chopped tomatoes with their juice
1/4 cup ketchup
11/2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds

Salt and freshly ground pepper
Tortilla chips and sour cream, for serving

In a large skillet, heat the oil. Add the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook over high heat until browned, about 7 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the jalapeño and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce and celery seeds. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the dip to a bowl and serve hot with tortilla chips and sour.

Salted fudge brownies

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes


Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 9-inch square metal cake pan with foil, draping the foil over the edges. Lightly butter the foil.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter with the unsweetened chocolate over very low heat (Or in microwave on 50% power for 30 second intervals, stirring between each one until chocolate is melted). Remove from the heat. Whisking them in one at a time until thoroughly incorporated, add the cocoa, sugar, eggs, vanilla and flour. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the batter. Using a butter knife, swirl the salt into the batter.

Bake the fudge brownies in the center of the oven for about 35 minutes, until the edge is set but the center is still a bit soft and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out coated with a little of the batter. Let the brownies cool at room temperature in the pan for 1 hour, then refrigerate just until they are firm, about 1 hour. Lift the brownies from the pan and peel off the foil. Cut the brownies into 16 squares. Serve at room temperature.

I have not tried the below recipe, but think I may give it a shot tonight. We have to have something healthy to eat! 

                                            Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Serve bites with a combination of Greek yogurt, lemon, and chives, or serve with your favorite dip.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon melted butter 
2/3 cup hot sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 450ºF. In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, water, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk together until smooth.
2. Toss cauliflower into  batter, making sure to coat each piece completely, then place battered cauliflower on a lightly greased, nonstick baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, tossing halfway through.
3. In the meantime, combine melted butter and hot sauce in a large bowl, regularly stirring. When cauliflower is done, remove it from the oven and gently toss it in the hot sauce mixture. Place cauliflower back on the baking sheet and cook for an additional 25 minutes until it becomes crispy. Allow cauliflower to cool for 15 minutes before serving.