I haven’t posted in a few years, but I do keep the site up as a reference for those who are interested in the activities. I closed the preschool about a year and a half ago and moved out of state. The most popular post is about the giant balance. Many people ask for directions, and some info can be found here. I can’t give any more specifics because my husband who built the balance has passed away. I’m glad people are still finding the site useful.
~ Pauline
Posted in Uncategorized
What could be more fun than playing in water on a hot summer day? Making music AND playing in water! I came across a video at Child’s Play Music and just had to try this with our children. We’re only on day two, but the activity is so open ended that I’m sure it will be out for the rest of the summer!
We began by rounding up all the colored plastic items we use for our light unit and put those in water tubs with some utensils including chopsticks and wooden spoons to use as strikers. The colors in the bright morning sun were beautiful and attracted the kids to the table.
The children began exploring sounds by pouring water from different heights to hear loud and soft sounds as well as fast and slow sounds. They also learned about high and low sounds. They experimented making sounds with containers both above and below water. Comparisons were also made with filled and empty containers. Differences between metal, plastic, and wood sounds were also discovered.
Metal objects including pan lids and several sizes of mixing bowls were added to the table this morning. The children loved the sounds from the mixing bowls!
I’m sure the children will make more discoveries about sound and water throughout the summer as we add other objects to the water center.
The children made Santa handprint ornaments to give to their parents for Christmas. While searching the internet for gift ideas I came across two that we combined to make the finished product. One site offered to make the Santas professionally from clay using a child’s handprint. Then I found a recipe on Pinterest that uses cornstarch and baking soda to make a clay that looks like porcelain when it’s finished. The clay was used to make beautiful Christmas ornaments, so I thought it would be perfect for the children’s gifts.
It took about two weeks to complete the project. There was a lot of trial and error making the clay just right so that it wouldn’t crack while baking. A few of the ornaments had to be made a couple times. The teachers made the clay and then helped the children to press their hands into it.
Teachers cut the handprints out of the clay and then baked them for a couple hours before setting the prints out to dry.
It’s important that each child do as much of their own work as possible, so the toddlers painted their hands red.
The preschool class painted Santa’s hat.
The beard was painted white, and then a teacher added the facial details.
The children and teachers are very pleased with the finished ornaments.
Posted in Art, Christmas, Fine Motor Skills, Holidays, Paint, Sensory, Uncategorized
Tagged art, child care, childcare, children, Christmas, daycare, early childhood education, education, kids, painting, playdough, preschool, preschool activities, school, sensory, sensory experiences
Amber and I made pumpkin pie playdough for the kids. We added cloves, ginger and cinnamon to the dough and some orange food coloring. The result was absolutely wonderful and smelled delicious. The kids loved it and had a difficult time leaving the center to let friends have turns with it!
They loved rolling out the dough and pretending to cook.
Pie tins were filled.
The dough had to be rolled again once it was put into the tins.
After the pie was finished it was time to share the desert! We’ll have to make real pumpkin pies next week before Thanksgiving.
The playdough recipe we used is one of the best we have ever found and have been using it for years. It’s very easy and quick to make. It would be a great project for parents to do with kids at home.
Cream of Tartar Playdough
Posted in Cooking, Fall, Holidays, Sensory, Uncategorized
The children have learned a tremendous amount while studying balls. A foundation has been laid for measuring and graphing skills which will continue to be used throughout the year as we explore more science topics. In addition to academic skills the kids just had fun. Popping balls on the parachute is always a hit with the kids.
Gross motor skills are developed while playing a variety of ball games.
Making melon balls was a lot of work, but fun.
Posted in Balls, Cooking, Games, Gross Motor, Uncategorized
Little Pandas Preschool
Little Pandas Playschool 