Chopping and stirring are common steps to follow when cooking food or following a recipe. Both chopping and stirring can be done manually by a person or with a kitchen appliance such as a blender.  Stirring is a simple motion children can practice in their daily routine. For example, children pretend to cook in the dramatic play kitchen or they explore mixing paint during art. The task of stirring can be motivating for children because they may see physical changes occur. During this Invitation to Create, the children experimented and observed a change in color and texture. Through this hands on activity, the children discovered what happens when they stir two colors together and incorporate various textures (we added glitter). By combining physical science and art, children experience meaningful opportunities to play and learn simultaneously. 
They chopped up fruits and veggies with play dough. They sorted letters Aa & Gg in their fine motor journals. 

We use measuring tools such as measuring cups and spoons when cooking. These tools help us precisely measure wet and dry ingredients like flour, sugar or milk. 
They used letter mats to build letters and colored their letter Gg book. We "mixed" some shapes using pattern blocks and story problems. We used our rice sensory bin to measure and pour!

When working with food it is important to practice good hygiene and safety rules. Safe practices include washing hands, carefully cutting with a knife and using an over mitt to touch hot objects. We discussed washing our hands and sang a song about washing our hands to the tune of "Here we Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush." They created a hangar for their  bathroom!  Today we practiced writing letters and wiping away germs. They traced the letters and sprayed away the germs! They used dot stickers to create letter caterpillars.  A couple of two year olds sorted green and pink dot stickers!

Friday, February 21, we will be closed due to additional snowfall accumulations. Stay safe and warm.

Dairy foods like cheese and yogurt are made from milk and provide essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. Calcium is especially important for strengthening and protecting bones. For preschoolers, the recommended daily intake of dairy is 2 to 2.5 cups.
Additionally, cows, which produce milk, have a unique digestive system with four stomach chambers. As a fun activity, the children created a cow using a paper plate, yarn, a glove, and markers. For fine motor they drew or traced lines, cut purple paper and glued into their journals. 

Fruits are parts of a plant that contain seeds such as apples, watermelon and lemons. Fruits are a significant source of dietary fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. The daily recommendation for preschoolers is 1-1.5 cups. 
They sorted fruits (hearts) by color and size. 
They used Q-tips to create letter Aa, stamped in their journals and colored a color Aa book. 

We celebrated Jame's birthday day! Happy Birthday buddy!

Vegetables are any edible part of a plant that does not have seeds. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes grow under the ground. Leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and broccoli, grow above the ground. Vegetables have many important vitamins, minerals and fiber that our bodies need. The daily recommendation for preschoolers is 1-1.5 cups. 
A salad is a dish of mixed colorful ingredients, usually vegetables and dressing. Some salads have lettuce and tomatoes, while others have carrots and croutons. Salads are a very healthy meal to eat! During this Invitation to Create, the children created a salad collage on a plate with tissue paper and confetti. Through this process, the children were able to talk about nutrition and create a visual art piece. The general consensus was they don't like salad, however, one kiddo said they really liked salad!
They used scrap paper to create letter A collage, colored and cut a heart shape. We also did some letter matching, counting and placed stickers in our journals.  

Today was a fun-filled day of learning and exploration in our preschool classroom! They stayed busy with a variety of engaging activities that helped build their early math, literacy, and fine motor skills.
They explored in a sensory bin full of pom poms and tongs! Using tongs is a fantastic way to help toddlers develop their fine motor skills because it strengthens the small muscles in their hands and fingers, which are essential for future tasks like writing, buttoning, and using utensils.

We worked on letter matching, tracing, and early math concepts through hands-on activities. The children loved identifying letters and practicing their writing skills!
Our little artists had a great time coloring hearts.