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…
SPRING
Spill Station
“OOPS!” Probably the most common phrase uttered by every preschooler, it can induce sweaty palms, racing heart, and rising blood pressure. But it doesn’t need to be this way. Mistakes happen. That’s just part of life. The most important lesson any person can have is how to clean up a mistake that they have made. Taking…
Pet Rocks
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.”…
Paint and Color Theory
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…
Sensory Processing Disorder
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…
Foam Math Cards
These easy Foam Math Cards “hit the spot” when you want to add something new to your Math center! This activity invites students 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 with…
The 12 Best “Goldilocks” Books for Preschoolers
Classic fairy tales are an essential part of early childhood education. Children can learn so much from them, but imagine how much more they learn when they are exposed to different variations of the story. Why teach variations? It reinforces the original story Encourages creativity Teaches compare and contrast Encourages attention to detail Exposes…
Flower Art on the Light Table
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…
Color Theory on the Light Table
Beginning color theory is all about mixing colors to obtain new shades. As children are naturally attracted to bright colors, the light table is an exciting tool to help them understand color theory! It’s a bright and beautiful world, and children love bold colors. Recognizing the colors and identifying the color names is an important…
How to Share Concerns with Parents
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…