We have been reading The Mitten, by Jan Brett. We discussed the animals in the story, the color of Nicki's mitten, sequencing and we guessed how many blocks it would take tWe have been reading The Mitten, by Jan Brett. We discussed the animals in the story, the color of Nicki's mitten, sequencing and we guessed how many blocks it would take to fill a mitten. Each student guessed the number of blocks and as a group we filled our mitten. It took 43 counter blocks to fill our mitten. The kids each laced a mitten. They colored the animals in the story, we discussed the sequence of the animals going into the mitten and they chose if they wanted to glue animals to their laced mitten or stuff the animals in their mitten.

We played mitten memory.  We practiced taking turns, flipping the cards so everyone was able to see, and saying the letters selected.  As a group we practiced some counting; we selected a mitten and took turns putting mini erasers on each mitten.  

We made a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows! We used peppermint, cocoa, and paint. They really enjoyed smelling the peppermint!

We made "icicles" using pipe cleaners and pony beads.  

We created beautiful winter paintings using paint, glue, and Epsom salt.  The kids loved seeing the colors mix!  The Epsom salt looks like ice crystals.

We used lacing letters to mix in with our play dough. Playing with play dough helps strengthen fine motor skills in many ways. All that rolling, squeezing, pinching and cutting is excellent for strengthening those little hands and fingers.  I observed the kiddos while playing with the play dough and there was so much going on with open ended play.  I heard them discussing upper and lower case, sorting colors, finding letters in their names, and counting.  Learning through play is an amazing way for little ones to learn! 

I love hearing about what they are building or making. One day while using the hot cocoa sensory bin a little guy built "power lines" with the brown block counters.  He also made a candy cane farm with the pipe cleaners.

Have a fantastic weekend!     ​

We worked on names, letter Ss, lots of pretend play and created some beautiful winter art! We also celebrated a birthday!  Happy 3rd birthday Declan!

​The Hot Drink Cafe dramatic play area is all set up and ready for the kids to come back from Winter break! 
Children learn through imagining and doing. Children are always using their imaginations. Have you ever seen your child pick up a block and pretend it's a train?  They are using an object to represent something else while giving it action and motion. Pretend play is not as simple as it may seem. The process of pretending builds skills in many essential developmental areas. Dramatic play supports social and emotional skills, math and literacy, fine motor skills and so much more.  Let their imaginations soar! 

We wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

We had another fun week!  We completed our reindeer directed drawing. We also made reindeer with their names, and made trees using longest to shortest green strips of paper.  

Today we worked on measurement. We used ornament rulers and mini erasers to measure. They counted, sorted and stacked with the mini erasers for well over an hour! Lots of counting. Numbers have been a struggle this year and I found something that truly engaged all the kids today! So simple, mini erasers. Win! ​
We also cut green paper and glued into our fine motor journals and used Q-tips to paint.