MAKE-IT-YOURSELF LIGHT BOX

I’ve been pining for a light table for some time now. I had so many ideas for its use, but they’re SO expensive. I found a website with instructions on a cheap and easy do-it-yourself light box. To build a light box, you’ll need to purchase:

• A plastic storage bin (You decide how large you want your light box to be.)

• A can of frosted spray paint (Spray a couple coats on the inside of the lid to defuse the light a bit.)

• Aluminum foil (Line the inside of your light box in order to reflect the light upward.)

                                                             or

• A can of plastic primer spray paint and a can of silver metallic spray paint. (Spray the inside of the box.)

• Florescent lights or touch pod light (Battery powered lights will allow your light box to be easily portable. The electrical plug-in version means you won’t have to buy or replace batteries.)

Possible uses for a light box:

• Exploration of small objects such as shells, glass stones, crystal rocks, objects from nature ----The possibilities are endless

• Art – such as painting on paper or painting directly onto top of the light box

• Observing shapes, colors, and sizes – contrasting and sorting objects

·         Imagination – It’s amazing what the children can create               

Katherine Generaux

Learning Math Skills Outside

Learning takes place in all environments at Partners In Learning. Mrs. Kelly, Pre K Lead Teacher, took Math Skills outside!

Mathematical Thinking & Expression- Foundations of Early Learning Standards

1. Participate in activities that involve non‐standard measurement.

 

2. Understand size and volume and make comparisons (short/tall,

big/small, full/empty, length, weight, height, same, more, less).

 

Pictured below shows masking tape being used to measure how long the children are. The children used objects such as rubber ducks and pipe cleaners, to measure their height using a non-standard of measurement.

 

 

 

Mrs. Kelly also used the rubber ducks to do number recognition and matching. The little girl is showing the match she found with the number 17.



 

Michelle Macon, Program Coordinator

Every Child needs a Champion

 Everyone seems to agree that there are problems in our education system, but no one seems to know how to fix it.  Some people say it's broken.  Law makers are constantly looking for ways to measure children's success.  There is even resent talk about paying teachers according to how the children in their classroom do on test.  All you hear about is "testing, testing, testing".  However, research has proven that it is all about buiding relationships with the kids.  I wonder why we never hear about that?  In the below video clip, Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years has got it right.  This eight minute video clip is worth watching!

 Norma Honeycutt, Executive Director

 

A Voice of Autism

I have often wondered what about and how children with Autism think. What is in their minds? Just how "different" is the Autistic brain?

Check out this amazing "coming out" story about a young woman with autism. She finds her voice in technology and we can finally get a glimpse of what it's like behind the eyes of Autism. 

Katie Zink, ITFS/P

"Pinch the Pepper" OT App

I am always on the lookout for amazing new educational apps to use on the iPad.

Dexteria is known for its occupational therapy based apps and they just released Dexteria Jr., which is definitely worth the $2.99.

This app works on developing preschool fine motor skills.

"Squish the Squash" works on improving fine motor coordination. I also require children to say "pop" when they squish them.

"Trace & Erase" helps to develop pre-writing skills. The child traces a line from the arrow to the star. Once all of the lines are traced, you then have to erase your lines. As the lines are erased, a live picture from your front-facing camera appears and finally snaps a pictures when the task is completed.

My favorite activity is "Pinch the Pepper," which allows children to practice pincer grip to improve crayon and eventually pencil grasp. Pincer grip is the motion between your index finger and thumb when you pick up a small object with those fingers, such as picking up a Cheerio.

Check this app out, it is worth it for your preschooler!

Katie Zink, ITFS/P