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…
Sensory centers, like this rice table, serve a very important function in early childhood development. Not only does sensory play engage all of the child’s senses, it also builds language, dramatic play, math, science, and social skills Why rice? It’s extremely versatile. It doesn’t leave a residue on small fingers. It can be colored with…
Spring is in the air, the preschoolers are starting to get restless and you need an art project that requires no special supplies or preparation. Enter these creative butterfly sun catchers! Butterfly Sun Catcher supplies are simple: wax paper colorful tissue paper glue sticks The process is simple, too: Cut the wax paper into butterfly…
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…
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…
What is the most important sign of a high quality classroom? Is it the books? The art supplies? The cleanliness? How about the methodology? Lesson plans? Organic home-made snacks? I’ll tell you a secret: It’s not any of those things. But it is something that will not cost you a single penny. You won’t have…
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,…
Preschool is a fantastic time for hands-on learning. And nothing is more hands-on than finger-painting! Part science project, part artistic expression, and part sensory experience, this activity gives students first-hand experience with the science of color theory. Setting Up for Success Art smocks are a must. It’s best to not have to worry about the…
We love any art project that is process-based, and can be transformed into something fridge-worthy that we can send home. This Rain & Wind Process Art project is the perfect example. The kids made so many observations about the paint as they worked, so it turned out to be a good science experiment and oral…
Through music, we learn to listen carefully and to pay attention. We practice cause and effect and trial and error. We compare instruments and sounds. We feel the music in our ears, on our hands, and through our bodies. Music makes us smarter. Feel the Vibe Introduce children to the guitar. Allow them to touch…