A delightful preschool experience
Concerns about a child’s development are an inevitable part of teaching. As teachers care for their students and only want the best for them, this is natural. Sharing those concerns with parents, however, can be an intimidating, yet vital, conversation to have. First things First: Acclimate At the beginning of the year, it is so…
Bring the outdoors inside with light table flowers! Sometimes, the rain that is so necessary for flowers can make it impossible to play outdoors. These cheery light table flowers will lift the gloom off of any rainy day, and provide some essential learning skills as well! Light Table Flowers Skill: Fine Motor Practice Grasping and…
Whenever we set up a new Dramatic Play Theme in our Home Living center, it’s important that we have 1 “Centerpiece” prop… something that really makes the area enticing and special for the students. When Super-Gemma and I were setting up this Taco Stand Mexican Restaurant, she had the brilliant idea to create a Soda…
This process art project really rolls with the hot new trend of painted rocks! They’re turning up everywhere, as marketing, as a way to get a message across, or just as a way to pep up a dull spot in a garden. Students can join in the trendy fun with these amazing painted “pet rocks.”…
These easy Foam Math Cards “hit the spot” when you want to add something new to your Math center! This math activity invites preschoolers to take some time for independent, hands-on practice on one-to-one correspondence and other counting skills. It’s as Easy as 1, 2, 3! The Foam Math Cards are a snap to put together…
You might know that we really, really, love the Dramatic Play center. By changing it regularly from the basic Home Living center to other scenarios we give our students the opportunity to take on different roles. Since it’s the beginning of the year and we are just exiting survival mode and moving toward real playing and learning, we…
What is better than a color theory experiment? A color theory experiment that includes chemistry and fine motor skills to boot! This fizzy rainbow activity is an excellent (and easy!) way to present all 3 things to your preschoolers. Give each student a shallow tray of baking soda. Allow them time to explore it with their senses–…
Is there anything better than a dollar store find and some recyclable materials that can be transformed into something gorgeous and intriguing? I say no! These Dollar Store Rainbow Discovery Bottles offer young children a rich sensory experience, opportunities for science and fun light table play all rolled into one. Last week we made weighted…
I am honestly not sure who gets more excited each time we set up a new dramatic play area — me or the preschoolers! Our pizza parlor was such a big hit last month that I wanted to stick with a restaurant theme. When I came across Melissa & Doug’s amazing pancake and waffle sets,…
The dramatic play center is the perfect place for young children to “play to learn”. Our basic home living center is a kitchen, with play food, dishes, babies, dress-up clothes, and a phone. For a week or two each month we transform it into something extra special. This Sandwich Shop is a great one to…