Wednesday, October 03, 2007
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Links
Points of Interest
- End of Year Picnics - Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13
- Last day of school - Friday, June 12
- New Sunshine Blog site: www.sunshineclass.blogspot.com
Please Save for Us
- magazines
- egg cartons
- coffee cans
Block Area
These traditional wooden toys teach basic math and science skills. Kids can count, compare sizes, measure, and plan patterns to build structures. Research has shown that playing with blocks improves spatial skills, which are key to success in subjects such as geometry and physics. Even at cleanup time, kids practice classification by putting the same blocks together on the shelf. Plus blocks help kids develop hand strength, which is crucial for handwriting.
Sand/Water Tables
Kids love to experiment with different textures and forms - rough, smooth, liquid, or solid. The containers, the pumps, tubes and sieves prompt kids to explore cause and effect, measure volume and learn concepts like squirting, sifting, floating and sinking.
Art Area
We offer lots of supplies like construction paper, paints, and crayons so that children can experiement with their own creativity. But art appreciation is not the only aspect of development that blossoms through crafts. Holding a crayon, cutting with scissors and folding paper help children master fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are important for learning handwriting. Describing their work to other kids or teachers also gives children practice with language and self-expression.
Science Projects
Caring for class pets, and growing plants teaches preschoolers what living things need to survive. Magnets, scales, and magnifying glasses at this center help children master science skills like classifying, labeling, weighing, examining and predicting.
Puzzle Table
Puzzles, Legos and beads improve a preschooler's concentration, focus and hand-eye coordination. Children usually do puzzles on their own, so this activity helps them learn to solve problems independently.
Dramatic Play Corner
Whether this area is set up as a home, a hospital, or a post office, it gives children the chance to role-play. If they work through situations in their classroom, they'll be better prepared for real-life scenarios like going to the doctor. Through role-playing, kids not only express emotions but also exercise creativity and develop skills like cooperation and problem-solving.
Outdoor Play
Climbing, running, jumping, skipping and playing ball develop motor skills, strength and coordination. Kids are constantly discovering what their bodies can do.
Circle Time
When everyone sits together, says good morning, and discusses the plan for the day, it gives children a sense of being part of a group. During circle time, kids practice many of the skills that will be key to elementary-school success: sitting patiently, listening, learning to take turns and to respect others, and speaking up in a group setting.
Library
By reading aloud in the book nook, teachers show preschoolers how a story is told through words and pictures. Children discover that we read from left to right, and grasp the concepts of words and letters. In addition the repitition and rhyme found in many children's books helps kids gain familiarity with individual sounds, a vital step in learning how to read.
About Me
- April
- Washington, United States
- I am a wife, teacher and a new mom. I recently finished my Masters in Teaching and had a baby. Every day is a new adventure whether I'm home with my family, out with friends or at school.
My Hubby, Matt
My Sweetpea, Bella Mia
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