A delightful preschool experience
One of the main goals of preschool literacy instruction is to teach young children the alphabet. For some children, this comes very easily and naturally but for many others, it takes a lot of time, energy, and practice. It is tempting to think that sit-down practice with paper and pencil is the best way for our…
One of the most important things that we can teach our preschoolers is how to self-regulate when they get too excited, anxious, or overly stimulated. A strategy that works well to help preschoolers regulate their emotions is to provide a quiet corner or nook that is stocked with “Calm Down” bottles. Here are 4 of our students’…
Dear Preschool Teacher, I am so excited for my first day of preschool! I can’t wait to make friends, to play with toys, and learn new things – I feel like a big kid now. But I’m also really scared. Because, well, I’m different. And I’m scared you won’t understand me. I have Sensory Processing…
We are always looking for new and exciting ways to practice fine motor skills in preschool. Lacing and sewing are super for helping to strengthen those little muscles and improve hand-eye coordination. The invitation to play at this center was simple: a bowl full of large, colorful buttons, sheets of plastic canvas and lacing cords…
“Of all the forms of water the tiny six-pointed crystals of ice called snow are incomparably the most beautiful and varied.” — Wilson Bentley (1865-1931) Make learning about science “cool” by inviting your students to make their very own shimmering snowflakes at the light table. This is a fantastic way to introduce a winter lesson…
Teachers hear it constantly. Parents hear it every day. “I’m thirsty.” “He took my toy.” “I have to go to the bathroom.” “My pencil’s broken.” “I can’t find my socks.” “She won’t play with me.” Children constantly state their problems. From an early age, they are wired to notice things around them. It is SO tempting…
Last year, our neck of the woods got a ton of snow. Fifteen snow days, to be exact. I lost track of the number of delays. This year there hasn’t been a flake of snow in the sky, so we have to do a lot of winter art to make up for it! Sparkly Snow Paint…
Chilly toes and frosty fingers? These five snowman books are sure to warm every preschooler’s heart! Snowman Books for Preschoolers Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams Who-who-who is in the woods? That’s what the woodland animals want to know! The beautiful photography of Carl R. Sams is a delight for the eyes, while…
This chocolate playdough is almost good enough to eat! As a bonus, chocolate is good at any time of the year, so it is easily tied into multiple themes. Is Valentine’s Day around the corner? Add the heart-shaped cookie cutters and some empty chocolate candy boxes. Planning a Winter theme? Add small mugs and white…
Preschoolers love to pretend! Engaging in one of these rich dramatic play ideas is the best way for children to learn and grow in preschool. At a minimum, the basic dramatic play set-up is a housekeeping center, but when it’s time for a change, try one of these creative dramatic play ideas in the home…