Sunday, September 29, 2013


A Field Trip,
A Science Experiment


Noe returned from her trip and drew a detailed picture of the swimming pool and the dolphins she visited.  She shared a yummy can of macadamia nuts from Hawaii!


On Monday we looked at pictures of the things we would see on our field trip and then made a map with them.


Meanwhile, the T/Th group enjoyed a science experiment where they took spoonfuls of substances (salt, flour, cornstarch, paint) to create a mixture.  They observed how their mixture changed after each spoonfull.



After the M/W group arrived at Tattered Cover on Wednesday, we found our way to the children's section.




The children enjoyed perusing lots of books - we probably read ten together.


Noe's favorite was a book about dogs.


Colin found a lego-themed book.


Jack really liked this book about airplanes.


Hazel found a favorite character of hers, Fancy Nancy.


When we left the book store, as we walked down the sidewalk, we found some of the things on our map, such as these ornate lamp posts.


Jack enjoyed smelling the flowers along the way.


The children were awesome about staying together as a group and carrying their own belongings!


What's a food truck..?  It smells good!



We found the anchors to the suspension bridge.


Before you go up the bridge, there is a neat place to look through the fence to watch the trains.


There were cool views from the top of the bridge.




Down all those steps!


Colin found the red sculpture!


They said it was ok to touch. . .



And we found the other sculpture too.


Afer lunch we had so much fun running and rolling down the hills at the park!


The T/Th group also made new playdough - it takes some good arm strength to dig into the bin of flour!


LOVE that teeter totter!


The T/Th group is doing a fantastic job at learning the routines of school and, thus, being able to enjoy playing together!  Good job!

Sunday, September 22, 2013


Soap and Crayons 
and Fine Motor Skills . . .


We sorted a beautiful array of crayons (box of 48).  This took keen observational skills and descriptive language, as we found that different shades were a bit harder to describe and categorize.  For instance, Navy Blue is dark enough to look a bit black!


A good example, below, of how different greens can be!



After painstakingly removing the labels from some of our favorite colors, we each put a few crayons together to melt into new crayon "rocks."


These created fun new colors  . . .



AND, they were a whole new experience to draw with (also requiring us to use a different grip, which also continues to work those hand muscles).


"Painting" with water outside . . . 


Adding pictures to our scrap book is becoming a nice ritual and helps the children to validate what they did the week before, helps with memory recall and honors their school experiences.



SO, Miss Jill is on a mission to find a soap that would be easier for, especially our younger preschoolers, to handle and use - I purchased these to try . . .


Sinh found the soap covered in a grippy material a bit easier to use . . .



On this subject of "soap", I decided we should have some fun with it too!  (Although I know the children cannot read yet, I am exposing them to the use of print by putting signs on the tables at the beginning of our day.  This also serves as a "provocation" or invitation, by making the set up of the tables visually appealing - very Reggio.)



Fostering their independence, I invited the children to help with filling the tubs from the tap.


Boy, Lucas really had a blast washing the horse!





Later in the week, the T/Th group had a chance to melt stuff, as we made our own, preschool-hand-size soap!  



Molly really enjoyed making pictures this week - I like how she used many colors and enjoyed sharing her products with her friends.


Clean up time!  A group effort!


We also measured the T/Th heights . . .


AND, remembered where to wait when we head outside - first at the clock (as Sinh is pointing out)


Then by the red sign.


This time Sinh pushed Molly on the swing!


Lucas has enjoyed playing "peek-a-boo" with me from the top of the slide . . .


"Hi, Dave!"



Painting is not only fun, it helps to develop the pincer grasp!


. . . and encourages socialization . . .


The T/Th gang discovered the Hot Wheels Race Track.



And we all sat down together to draw some pictures - we are working on making circles . . .




You need some gas, Lucas!


Oh my, we're having fun on that teeter totter!


Building together . . . 


Now where is Noe..?