This morning I looked at the weather. Our days for spending extra amounts of time are quickly coming to an end. I noticed the temp was going to start dropping around 10 AM so we got it while the getting was good. The children were busy and always moving from the minute they arrived until […]
Christmas Times a Comin’
Today I took out the Christmas materials box so the room was a buzz with exploration. A favorite is always … always disposable cups they love to count and stack them. This is a super cheap stocking stuffer your child will love. There was also lots of sorting And crafting happening. We started reading Christmas […]
Precious Crap-tivities
So you guys know how I feel about teacher directed art for this age group. But there’s one time a year that I ditch my personal beliefs for the good of mankind. Each year as I set up my Christmas tree the most precious ornaments I have are those made by my kids and grandkids […]
Power of Perception
When Holly called in this morning I thought … this can be bad or this can be great. I chose great ! Immediately I began thinking of all the things that will make my day more calm and productive. Some teachers automatically think more control. I go the other direction. As I the day started […]
It’s Not Just About The Turkey
So you know there are times that we do directed drawing. Usually only every six weeks or so. I appreciate the benefits of allowing the children to create art in their own way and in their own time. However, once in a while I do these little small group sessions with kids. Lots of learning […]
Real Art for Real ChildrenwP CB
We are grownups provide the time, the space, the materials, and the atmosphere needed to create the wonderful works of art that only children can create. In valuing a child’s first artistic attempts, however, we should appreciate the beauty of the color and design rather than worry about the finished product. Real art for children […]
Confidence
Yesterday the last thing Debby Cryer said before she left was ” I notice your kids have such confidence.” I agree. Some may have extra confidence but that isn’t always a bad thing. Confidence – a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities. How do we ” teach” confidence […]
Movie Stars
You guys. You guys. Your kids are amazing. They help us look SO good. Picture this – We are videoing in the art area. They mainly want footage of back and forth conversations as the children create. I’m about ” talked out ” and Paislee says ” You know I can speak Spanish? I reply […]
V is for Visitors
Our visitors arrived around 930am. There were four! 1 Debbie Cryer – “Dr. Harms is recognized internationally for her work on assessing care and educational programs for children and as lead co-author of the four Environment Rating Scales (ECERS, ITERS, FCCERS, and SACERS). Much of her consultation through the Environment Rating Scales Institute (ERSI) has […]
Leaf Raking
As the children entered the yard to play today many of our leaves had fallen from the trees. As per tradition, they almost all drop in one night. The kids found the playground completely covered with a carpet of green. Today a crew of them set out to making a pile to jump in. They […]