Getting Ready for Thanksgiving



Ryan making pie



Ava using the mixer



Noah mixing the pie while Ava tells him how


We have had a couple of busy weeks.  We made pumpkin pie, painted our hands to make turkeys and used lots of glue and feathers to make more turkeys.  The kids really like projects. The boys were not too interested in making pie at first.  I did mention that they would be able to use the mixer.  Some were interested.  Then when it was turned on everyone came to see what was making all of the noise.  I told the kids it was a power tool for the kitchen.  Thant seemed to make everyone want a turn. 
 When ever I talk about a project we are doing for the week the kids hurry to the craft area so they can get working.   We always invite all the children to make the project but no one has to make one.  So if you did not receive one of the items listed it was most likely  a work that your child did not want to do. 

On Tuesday before our Thanksgiving break we set up our holiday tree.  The children are invited to decorate the tree.  We take the decorations off after each class so the next group can decorate it for themselves.   Be sure to look out for some fun holiday projects coming home.  

We have been having trouble finding a book that will hold the interest of the kids during circle time at the end of the day.  We have tried Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Clifford books, No David and we are unable to keep most of the kids sitting.  We are going to ask you to bring a book when it is your child's week to bring snack.  That way at least one child will be interested in the story.  That child maybe able to get his or her friends to sit and listen to their book. 

Have a great week! 

Making the Most of the Weather

Wow can you believe how lucky we were to have 70 degrees in November? The Toddlers certainly took full advantage of the weather. We enjoyed many hikes in the woods, gathering acorns, tomatoes, and leaves. The children really enjoyed having leaf fights. I think that they enjoyed covering me with leaves the most. It was really fun for all of us. Being able to burn off some energy allowed everyone to focus on their work.

The children enjoyed making turkey's with feathers and turkey hand prints too. The kids really enjoyed painting their hands. I thinks some of them were amazed that I was encouraging them to paint their hands. Others were not too sure and were very happy to rush to the sink to wash the paint off. Charlie put his thoughts on this very clearly "You are not painting my hand no matter what". Needless to say as of today Charlie will not be taking home a hand print turkey at least yet.....

This week we will be doing our first cooking project. We are attempting to make pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. So we will be measuring, mixing, pouring and cleaning this week. I hope the children enjoy baking as much as Debi and I do.

We are still in need of plastic jars. Any size will do! We are making snow globes so a jar with a twist on top of any size would be wonderful!!

Have a great week!

Lots of Changes

Debi and I took a good look at our classroom and what works were being used and decided to make a few changes. In all three classes the children were hanging out at the train table. The paint was not used unless we suggested it, play dough was sitting on the shelf untouched, scissors were crying out to be used, and shoes were in dire need of polishing. The children were not grasping the concept of taking a snack and eating it at the table So we decided that we need to make some changes to our room to make things "work" for everyone.

The first class has the luxury of going outside as soon as they arrive. This allows the kids to get out some energy. They really seem to enjoy starting the day this way. Be sure to dress the kids warmly so they can enjoy the time we are outside. When we go back into the school we wash our hands and then go to the classroom after line time we have a group snack. Everyone sits down and then we share our snack. If the kids don't want to eat they are allowed to go do a work. The kids have adjusted well to the lack of the train table, they began to use other materials. Everyone is doing something find a work to do or share with another child.

The second class unfortunately can not go out upon arrival because the older kids are outside. So we are get right to work. The children in this class were a bit distraught at not having the trains. They did however enjoy being invited to work with paint, play dough was a bit hit, windows were being washed, plants were being watered. It was working.

The third class wasn't too fazed by the change. The group is small so they simply found new work and began to use the art materials more often.

So if there are any disgruntled toddlers out there we apologize. We are trying to make sure the children are gaining knowledge and trying new things while at school .

Happy Monday!!!