Here is how we create emergent curriculum and an illustration of how the process unfolds in Wee World.

The day began with some friends interested in researching different types of holes: black holes, dirt holes, sinkholes, and water holes. We looked at pictures of natural watering holes and man-made water holes in dams. This conversation led to questions about dams! We compared man-made dams (Hoover Dam, Three Gorges Dam) and dams made by animals (beaver dams).

We capitalized on this interest by creating a hands-on sensory activity: let’s build our own dam!

 

We started with Magna tiles and friends tested their first dam design. After adding water there were some leaks, so friends decided to change it up. We added blue watercolor, shells, and sand to simulate a real river and introduced popsicle sticks as a new dam-building material.

                    

 

Friends came and went as they pleased, feeling the water and sand. Younger friends poured the water in shells and in their hands while older friends focused on building the dam.

The finished result!

We didn’t begin the morning planning to build a dam; this sensory science experiment flowed from our friends’ interests. Emergent curriculum naturally engages friends and leads to fulfilling learning experiences. 

Happy Hump Day! –Jessica

Wee Sprouts: Grape tomatoes. Breakfast: Rice cakes with peanut butter and strawberries. Lunch: Egg salad sandwiches on whole wheat flatbread, fresh cucumbers and honeydew melon.  Snack: Refried beans and whole wheat crackers.

Good Afternoon!

Here are a few pictures from throughout the day.

For breakfast, children had cheerios and kiwi. Lunch consisted of english muffins with hummus, green beans, and oranges. PM snack was string cheese and strawberries.

Have a terrific evening!

When you listen carefully, friends use measurement language all the time: “Mine tower is taller!” “I have more pea pods than you!” “A billion is more than 7,000.” When we hear language of value being used we jump in and keep the conversation flowing toward measurement facts but not necessarily measurement judgment. A sometimes tricky social life skill!  Attached article has great ideas for implementing measurement words and work! Have a great day. –Laurie

http://www.raising-readers.org/documents/filelibrary/familyprograms/exploringmeasurementpreschool_cca406d1bcd67.pdf

Wee Sprouts: Cucumbers. Breakfast: Kix and grapes. Lunch: Hummus sandwiches on whole wheat bread, fresh tomatoes/snap peas, and fresh strawberries/apple slices. Snack: Monterey jack cheese slices and whole wheat goldfish.

Happy Monday!

Here are a few pictures that were taken throughout the day.

For breakfast, children had english muffins with cream cheese and oranges. Lunch consisted of whole grain noodles with black beans, oranges, and peas. PM snack was string cheese and raisins.

Have a terrific night!

Today friends discovered that materials we usually work without outside can ALSO be played with INSIDE! Some friends thought that the sensory table contained Moon Sand. Other friends pointed out that this wasn’t moon sand because it doesn’t stick together! It was also a different color. Moon sand is grey! 

Friends poured and scooped and sifted the regular sand, making everything from “a sand castle” to “vanilla ice cream”.

 

Back in the habitrail some friends jumped from the blocks. Tape was put on the ground so we could count how far we jumped!

                                            

Have a great Monday! –Jessica

Wee Sprouts: Cauliflower/broccoli. Breakfast: Toasted whole wheat bagels with peanut butter and oranges. Lunch: Whole wheat pasta with black beans and butter, fresh tri-colored carrots and orange slices. Snack: Whole milk yogurt and a fruit delivered from the Purple Porch this afternoon!

Happy Friday!

**How time has flown! Just as a reminder, WWF will be closed Friday, April 3 in observance of Good Friday. Thanks!

We want to wish Nahla a happy early 2nd birthday! Nahla turns two years old tomorrow! Hope you have a great birthday weekend! We love you!

We started our Friday with a little dancing. Friends moved their bodies to music. Maya swung her arms back and forth while stomping around. Annabelle joined in by waving her hands and bouncing up and down.

Children were given the option to go into the kitchen and paint. It quickly turned into a great sensory experience. Some of us chose to paint the paper while a few of us took this opportunity to indulge in our sense of touch!

When prompted as to what friends were painting, Nahla replied, “A lion! It says roarrr!”

Lucy used pink and purple paint and replied, “Dolphin! I swim with dolphins!” She’s been on somewhat of a dolphin kick lately .

This afternoon, Maya let teachers know that she would like to play with the waffle blocks. She lined them up and said, “I’m building a tower! It’s so funny!” Friends soon joined in on the waffle block fun.

It was a loving day.

For breakfast, children had english muffins with cream cheese and banana. Lunch consisted of golden pea butter on tortilla, peas, and apples. PM snack was string cheese and goldfish.

Have a lovely weekend.

In our Wee Friend Early Childhood environment, the face of friendship is as varied as our friends themselves! We see how the journey of making friends offers the cultivation of comfort, language, a collaborative spirit and FUN! Here are some of the ways we see friendships forming and being celebrated at Wee Friends.

A good book is a GOOD friend!

A reunion.

A comforting whisper of an idea during Charades.

Learning to read.

Sharing advice on what to do when a cheese cracker is stuck in your teeth.

Lovie comfort.

First name introductions.

Bonding in the loft.

Collaborating. Discussing. Listening. Flexing, explaining and executing vision.

Empathy. Making sure Dollie is comfy too.

Laughing.

 

Wee Sprouts: Cauliflower/broccoli. Breakfast: Malt-O-Oats and apple slices. Lunch: Whole wheat bread with organic almond butter, PPC carrots and bananas. Snack: Cottage cheese and graham crackers.

Food for thought: http://www.nectac.org/~pdfs/Meetings/InclusionMtg2007/Goldman_HeadStartcolorfinalII.pdf

 

Good Afternoon!

We want to wish Anna girl an early happy 1st birthday since she won’t be here tomorrow. We hope you have a fantastic day with your family. We love you!

Here are a couple pictures that were taken throughout the day. We are LOVING our outside time that we’re able to have.

For breakfast, children had Kashi and pears. Lunch consisted of brown rice with beef, broccoli, and oranges. PM snack was string cheese and pretzels.

Have a terrific evening!

This morning was a whirlwind of activity!

Friends made birthday cards and sounded out their greetings: 

We baked special cakes:

                                         

And built with Magna tiles!

 

Have a great Thursday. –Jessica

Wee Sprouts: Pea pods. Breakfast: Corn Flakes and apple slices. Lunch: Brown rice with beef, fresh broccoli and cauliflower, and oranges. Snack: Peanuts and apple slices.

Hello!

Here are a few pictures from throughout the day!

For breakfast, children had cheerios and banana. Lunch consisted of scrambled egg flat bread roll-ups, cucumbers, and pears. PM snack was yogurt and graham crackers.

Have a great night!

-Mindy