Showing posts with label early childhood education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label early childhood education. Show all posts
Wednesday
Sunday
Oh No!
The conference was inspiring as usual, although I did feel some of the sessions only offered "dry" workshops, session 1 & 3 were very regulation bases. 2 & 4 had some great workshops.
I have discovered Enrique C. Feldman...OMG what an amazing man! His philosophies are awesome! He uses music in reading, story telling, and redirecting energy for the kiddos. We, me and my daughter who was recently promoted to Lead for Two's also attended a puppet workshop. Well , put it this way, I came home and spent a chunk of money on books, music, and puppets....gads..I was in the zone. Now I cant wait to get my goodies.
Great vendors, lots of free stuff and important information. And I purchased 6 raffle tickets , 3 for me and 3 for my daughter. She won! A nice Lakeshore bag filled with goodies for her class. She is doing automobiles now, and she also acquired a cardboard firetruck that is the little ones can get inside , they will love it.
We had lunch, talked , laughed, learned , and spent some quality time, it was GREAT!
I have discovered Enrique C. Feldman...OMG what an amazing man! His philosophies are awesome! He uses music in reading, story telling, and redirecting energy for the kiddos. We, me and my daughter who was recently promoted to Lead for Two's also attended a puppet workshop. Well , put it this way, I came home and spent a chunk of money on books, music, and puppets....gads..I was in the zone. Now I cant wait to get my goodies.
Great vendors, lots of free stuff and important information. And I purchased 6 raffle tickets , 3 for me and 3 for my daughter. She won! A nice Lakeshore bag filled with goodies for her class. She is doing automobiles now, and she also acquired a cardboard firetruck that is the little ones can get inside , they will love it.
We had lunch, talked , laughed, learned , and spent some quality time, it was GREAT!
I went bananas.....lol What I purchased.
Friday
Celebrate Young Child Conference
YaY! Going to the Celebrate the Young Child Conference this Saturday! Woot woot.
Not been to one in a few years, and very excited to be going, this year my daughter who was just promoted to Lead Teacher of 2 year olds is going with me. We have a fun mom and daughter day planned. I am really jazzed about the Storytelling and Puppets workshops.
Not been to one in a few years, and very excited to be going, this year my daughter who was just promoted to Lead Teacher of 2 year olds is going with me. We have a fun mom and daughter day planned. I am really jazzed about the Storytelling and Puppets workshops.
Monday
Unexpected guest.
So we had an unexpected guest today. It was a great surprise. Forrest Ranger from Lake Pleasant came to share his wildlife with us and teach us about wildlife in Arizona. He brought with him, and gila monster, a snake, a bat, a javelina skull, and various other specimens. Ewwww, the kiddos could not wait to touch the snake!
Social Studies
Social Studies can be challenging , I create a social studies center filled with wonderful things. The rules for this center is it a 2 person center. Items are to be looked at and touched gently, they are not toys. The children love it and are doing great with the new center. And it is a really interesting focal point.
Field Trip.......yeay?
So last Friday we went on field trip, I had forgotten how joyous these occasions can be! Oye-Vay!
We went to see Mrs. Bunny and the Library. I am not sure how the kids felt, but she scared the dickens out of me! She told stories , did magic tricks , and gave out candy followed by an parade of children hopping like bunnies. They loved it, she still scared me.
The children thought it was the best day ever.....at least Im glad that all effort was at least appreciated. Getting in the van, strapping in, getting out, counting heads, counting heads, taking roll, and more counting heads. Staff had lunch waiting for them when we arrived back at the school, it was a nice thank you for the hard work. All is well that ends well. :)
We went to see Mrs. Bunny and the Library. I am not sure how the kids felt, but she scared the dickens out of me! She told stories , did magic tricks , and gave out candy followed by an parade of children hopping like bunnies. They loved it, she still scared me.
The children thought it was the best day ever.....at least Im glad that all effort was at least appreciated. Getting in the van, strapping in, getting out, counting heads, counting heads, taking roll, and more counting heads. Staff had lunch waiting for them when we arrived back at the school, it was a nice thank you for the hard work. All is well that ends well. :)
What do you think scary? LoL (she was actually delightful, but she did freak me out a bit)
Busy with Spring
So, it is getting warmer, bugs are creeping out, the earth is waking up, and so are the kiddos! This week we have been exploring life cycles of caterpillars. Of course, we have to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle, which has led to some new vocabulary. We talked about cocoons a new words such as chrysalis and metamorphosis. Sometimes you just have an Ah-Ha moment in teaching. I had one this week. After exploring the word "metamorphosis" and not really knowing for certain if any was making the connection, we were working on math. Sorting and classifying pompoms which we then turned into caterpillars. I asked the children to name there caterpillars for dictation. I got "tinkerbell" , "dragons sword Fred", and Sporadalucy" then one little guy says "Metamorphosis". My Ah-Ha moment arrived, they were learning! LoL
Here are some things we have worked on this week, the kiddos loves the balloon painting!
Here are some things we have worked on this week, the kiddos loves the balloon painting!
Painting with balloons to create caterpillars.
Sorting , counting, measuring length, and naming caterpillars
Our speical guest, "Charlie the Caterpillar"
Calming time anyone....
So for some years now the philosophy of 'time out' has been outdated. Of course the popular redirection has taken it's place. Although, there are moments when a child is in shear melt down mode, and your best efforts of redirection simply fly out the nearest door. In recent years, the concept of "safe centers, cozy cubes, and calming areas" has been instituted.
What is this "calming center" all about? Well, it is a one child safe zone center. A small area filled with comforting items and sensory tools. The idea behind the strategy is that children can self-regulate by learning that this area is for them when they ; cannot use words to express emotions, needs some time away from group, or simply are unable to cope with the environment. The idea is the child goes to the "calming area" takes a few moments to regroup and of course calm down, then rejoins the group. As silly as it may sound, it does work.
A calming center should be semi-enclosed and filled with distracting and sensory tools for the child to use to self-regulate and sooth self. We use a calming center, and I have to say, it does actually work; most the time. LoL
Here is the calming center in my current classroom and it is filled with pillows, sensory bottles and toys, and plush items. I am very fortunate, the children in the class already understand this area and what it is used for, and yes, they do use it.
What is this "calming center" all about? Well, it is a one child safe zone center. A small area filled with comforting items and sensory tools. The idea behind the strategy is that children can self-regulate by learning that this area is for them when they ; cannot use words to express emotions, needs some time away from group, or simply are unable to cope with the environment. The idea is the child goes to the "calming area" takes a few moments to regroup and of course calm down, then rejoins the group. As silly as it may sound, it does work.
A calming center should be semi-enclosed and filled with distracting and sensory tools for the child to use to self-regulate and sooth self. We use a calming center, and I have to say, it does actually work; most the time. LoL
Here is the calming center in my current classroom and it is filled with pillows, sensory bottles and toys, and plush items. I am very fortunate, the children in the class already understand this area and what it is used for, and yes, they do use it.
Friday
Making Sensory Bags....FUN!
Today we, me and my daughter are making sensory bags for out class. These bags are encompass, sensory, social -emotional, and just about anything else you can come up with! Kids love them and they are cheap and easy to make.
1 gallon zipper bag
Hair Gell
Food Coloring (if desired)
Items to put inside bag
Scissors and packing tape.
Fill bag with hair gel, add coloring and items seal bag then double tape bag around all four edges.
**If your bag has a label printed on it, just wipe off with a little nail polish remover
1 gallon zipper bag
Hair Gell
Food Coloring (if desired)
Items to put inside bag
Scissors and packing tape.
Fill bag with hair gel, add coloring and items seal bag then double tape bag around all four edges.
**If your bag has a label printed on it, just wipe off with a little nail polish remover
Thursday
The Mailbox Order Arrived!
Excited I got my order today. Can you believe I got all this on Closeouts, and with my discount I only paid $2 for each piece, even the books! What a great deal!
The Thematic Kits come already laminated and ready to use! I got one for me and one for my daughter for her class for her Birthday which is this coming week.
The Thematic Kits come already laminated and ready to use! I got one for me and one for my daughter for her class for her Birthday which is this coming week.
Wednesday
Kool Aid Playdough....
Making Kool Aid play dough, super easy!
1 cup
flour
1/2 cup
salt
1 env.
(0.13 oz. to 0.23 oz.) KOOL-AID Unsweetened Drink Mix, any flavor
2 tsp.
cream of tartar (can be done without for best results use)
1 cup
water
1 Tbsp.
oil
Mix all items except oil and water. Add oil and boiling water. Mix , then knead to consistency. You may need to add more flour if sticky.
Sunday
Finally found what I have been searching for...
So, after a 3 weeks of pure hell at the teaching position I had accepted, I found a real gem of a program tucked away down a small street in Peoria. I feel as if I have visit early childhood heaven!
After 3 weeks of struggle and a not so desirable program (over ratio, under staffed, untrained and uncaring staff, breaking regulations and grant guidelines, having money stolen from my purse, "teachers" who slept during work, no supplies not even crayons, over acceptable ratios, and just plain dirty and unhealthy practice, I set out to find something more toward my standards. I prayed and wow, I really was blessed!
I found a little school, down a little street, in a little town with a high standards, great program, and well just about everything right! If the first opportunity , I had to walk away from. was like being dropped in hell, this new opportunity is like stumbling into heaven- early childhood heaven. Lovely staff, great administration, truly a high quality program that follows the grant guidelines for Pre-k, and icing on cake they serve great meals!
I have a large well stocked classroom. The ration is 1:10 (as it should be for this state sponsored program), we use Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold, and the staff is a wonderful team to work with. The only drawback I have found is their shirts are not big enough for me...LOL. And, well I guess that all in all is my own fault....Hahahaha.
I had some trepidation, after my last horrid experience and upon driving down an industrial street and seeing this small building tucked away surrounded by industrial yards and manufacturing buildings, however, once I was in the doors, it was like buying a $4 dollar clam and discovering a pearl inside!
What gem and I am so glad I stumbled upon it! This little school tucked away down a quiet street is truly all about the children.
After 3 weeks of struggle and a not so desirable program (over ratio, under staffed, untrained and uncaring staff, breaking regulations and grant guidelines, having money stolen from my purse, "teachers" who slept during work, no supplies not even crayons, over acceptable ratios, and just plain dirty and unhealthy practice, I set out to find something more toward my standards. I prayed and wow, I really was blessed!
I found a little school, down a little street, in a little town with a high standards, great program, and well just about everything right! If the first opportunity , I had to walk away from. was like being dropped in hell, this new opportunity is like stumbling into heaven- early childhood heaven. Lovely staff, great administration, truly a high quality program that follows the grant guidelines for Pre-k, and icing on cake they serve great meals!
I have a large well stocked classroom. The ration is 1:10 (as it should be for this state sponsored program), we use Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold, and the staff is a wonderful team to work with. The only drawback I have found is their shirts are not big enough for me...LOL. And, well I guess that all in all is my own fault....Hahahaha.
I had some trepidation, after my last horrid experience and upon driving down an industrial street and seeing this small building tucked away surrounded by industrial yards and manufacturing buildings, however, once I was in the doors, it was like buying a $4 dollar clam and discovering a pearl inside!
What gem and I am so glad I stumbled upon it! This little school tucked away down a quiet street is truly all about the children.
Monday
Extedning Blocks
We started with larg legos, then extended it into a "build a zoo". What fantastic results!
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