Tracking Words to "Bingo"

Some of the students have recently been interested in playing "Teacher".  They take the pointer that I use during carpet time and use it in a similar manner to how I use it during Carpet Time.  They track the words from left to right and "read" or sing the words.  This is an important Pre-Reading Skill.

This video clip was taken during Play Time.  There is plenty of action and talking going on, but if you listen closely, you can hear Miss "A" singing the words to Bingo.

Christmas Decorations for the Barn

Today, the girls decided to decorate the toy barn for Christmas.  They attached the bells from the musical instrument bin to the toy barn.  They spent an extended amount of time pretending....probably at least  a half hour.  In Pre K we strive for this.  During this half hour, the girls were using lots of language.  They were developing social skills when they negotiated how the story was going to play out.  Not once did I have to step in to help with the negotiations.  They worked it out by themselves.  Impressive!  A new friendship is developing! 

The Gift of Time

The Gifts that your child needs the most do not require money, but something that is much more precious.  Your child will learn more and be more successful in school, if you can find the time to give him/her some TIME.  READ to your child.  TALK to your child.  PLAY with your child.  It seems simple, but in today's busy world it can be difficult to find the time.  Yet, if you find the time to spend with your child, I promise you, your child will bloom!   Read more about this here at The "Fireflies and Mudpies" blog:

THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR KIDS

Gifts to Improve Pencil Grasp

Children need strong muscles in their fingers and hands before they are able to hold a pencil properly and attempt printing with ease.  If you are looking for Christmas gift ideas, you might want to consider buying Play-Doh, Lite Brite, Kerplunk, pop beads, Rock  'Em Sock 'Em Robots, or an easel.  These all help strengthen  writing muscles and are FUN!  View the following website for more ideas.

Sugar Aunts: Gift Guide for Pencil Grasp

Snowman Weather

We had a beautiful sunny afternoon.  Perfect for making snowmen!  It was hard work!  Great for building strong muscles!  Great activity for building cooperation and team work!

The boys decided to go out into the field and make another snowman.  It took some negotiation and some teamwork.  Good work boys!

So glad that the weather decided to be nice and we could enjoy working together!

Milking a Cow Day 2

More fun milking a cow, today!

The children wanted me to help them hold the latex glove so,they could squeeze the cow's udders.  After awhile, I encouraged them to ask each other for help.  This was great for language and helped the kids to bond.  Friendships are beginning to develop.  I just love the smiles on their faces!

Milking a Cow

We brought the water table out this week and today we pretended to milk a cow.  Latex gloves with holes poked in the fingertips make pretend cow's udders.  This  sparked conversations about where milk comes from and where the cows "pee" from.  Language, fine motor skills and social skills were all practiced today.  Some children needed to be very patient and wait for their turn tomorrow.  Taking turns is an important social skill that we learn in Pre K.