Tools - February 9, 2016

As we have been re-doing our cupboard doors in the classroom the past couple of weeks, the children have shown an interest in tools.  We put some screws into two of our tree cookies. The children were using their fine motor skills to take the screw out or put it in further. They spent most of the morning exploring this.

We talked about the direction they turn the screw driver, and how it would either pull out the screw or push it in more. 

The children were testing this out as they were using the screw driver.

We only had two screw drivers so we had to wait patiently for our turn.

When we got a screw out it would stick to the end of the screw driver.  Some of the children were saying "it was magic" when this happened.

Miss Curtis

Bird Feeder & Binoculars - February 5, 2016

Ms.Curtis purchased a new bird-feeder that is able to mount to the window on our deck. The bird feeder has its own window on the back that allows us to see any birds that may nest in it. 

We put some bird seed out in a Valentine's muffin holder.

We are waiting quietly and patiently for the birds to except our invitation.

"There are birds in the feeder!"

"We can see them better in the Loft!" "Hurry up! Before they fly away!"

The children soon realized that they had to be quiet and still or the birds would fly away.

If you truly love nature you will find beauty everywhere. - Van Gogh 

All the children wanted to use the binoculars from housekeeping, but there are only two pairs. Mrs.Leier suggested that they go use the paper towel rolls in the craft area and make their own binoculars. 

Mrs.Braz & Ms.Curtis took out string and tape to help us make them. 

It was a wonderful morning filled with exploration and fun!

Mrs.Leier

Sun Beam - February 5, 2016

This morning a child was frustrated by a beam of light that was shinning in our classroom. He went into the hallway and tried to "shoo" the light away. But alas the light wouldn't leave! Mrs.Braz suggested that he try our sunglasses!

So off he went to find them.

Maybe binoculars would work..... "Nope, just bright light!"

I did enjoy exploring the light through the binoculars though!

There we go, maybe these sunglasses will help....

Why don't I just close the door?

 

"The light is gone!"

Mrs.Leier

Dressing for Outdoors - February 3, 2016

This morning the two year old children were getting ready for outside. We have been practicing getting ready on our own. We started by taking our shoes off. Then worked on wiggling our feet into our ski pants!

A child asked for some help and another child said "I will help you."  Both children sat on the floor. The child that was helping, put her hand in the end of the other child's ski pants.  She held the ski pants and encourage the other child to put her foot into her hand. It was so nice to see the kindness,patience and helpfulness from both children.  They really worked together to get those ski pants on together and they did it!

As this was going on, the other children were getting dressed on their own. They put ski pants, jackets, hats, and boots on without much help. Then they would asked for help with their zippers and mitts.  It took us twenty minutes to get dressed but well worth the accomplishment of doing the job on their own!

All ready to go!

Miss Curtis

Car Metropolis - January 26, 2016

This morning allot of the children showed interest in the block area. The conversation focused mainly on building a bridge to race cars on. A few of the children broke into groups of three or went off by themselves. The children communicated about what blocks should be used and how high and “BIG” it should be. We discussed how we should not build any higher than our chin just in case some blocks took a tumble. They were very cautious of the hazards that lay around them. Some finger squishes and accidental bonks happened but the amount of fun surrounding the activity kept everyone distracted from upset.

"No higher than your chin!"

Racing cars down ramps.

So intricate and layered! They worked very hard on their structure.

Making Ice Globes - February 4, 2016

This morning the children helped us fill water balloons to put on our deck. The children were able to choose which balloon they wanted to fill. Then with help they stretched the balloon around the spout and slowly turned on the water. We had to be careful not to fill them too much or they would pop.

Then we very carefully carried them outside.

One balloon had a little hole in it! It sprayed us at the sink when we started to fill it.

Some children commented on how they looked like Easter eggs, bowling balls and dragon eggs.

We foresee lots of imaginative play in our future! 😉

Mrs. Leier