Tumbling Day for WF!

While the 2 groups were out at tumbling, the WFer’s stayed busy playing games with Melinda, playing with shaving cream, and choosing other self initiated play. 

The shaving cream activity was well recieved by all of the children!  The kids used paint brushes and plastic pieces to create textures and patterns on their tray. F.1.5 Use the five senses (touching, smelling, seeing, hearing, tasting) to investigate the environment and to gather information. F.2.10 Participate in activities using materials with a variety of shapes and patterns. F.3.2 Investigate and talk about the characteristics of matter (e.g., liquids and solids, smooth and rough, bend-not bend).F.2.9 Use different colors, surface textures, and shapes to create form and meaning.

Several other interest areas stayed busy all morning.  The housekeeping area was a busy whirl all morning and the workshop had children pounding and creating too.  Thankfully, the rain storm was shortlived and we were able to play outside at our normal time!

Water! Water! Water!

This morning Melinda set up the water table outside. Wee and Wee Wee Friends poured, measured, dipped, scooped and stayed cool playing with the water. She added additional tubs to the cottage climber and sandbox for more fun!

Inside, friends watered their grass seeds, examining how they’ve grown and discussing how the soil changes when you add water.

Today a small group of friends investigated a couple body related books and discovered the names of certain bones (skull, spine, thigh, neck), as well as explanations for muscles and nerves. We read Doctor Meow’s Big Emergency. In the story Tom Cat falls out of the tree and breaks his leg. Inspired by Tom Cat’s trip to the doctor for a cast, we gathered newsprint paper and friends chose a bone on their body to wrap. We sang “Dry Bones”, identifying names of bones as we sang. We also sang a few rounds of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” We applied medicine (lotion) to ouchies and ended our lesson at the art table creating bone inspired art with Q-Tips, white paint and black paper.

For lunch we served whole wheat couscous with chicken, pears and carrot/snap peas.

Please remember to bring a couple extra sets of summer clothes for your child. Often times, after a water activity, we change them into dry clothes. Thank you!

Enjoy this fabulous weather!

Swimming Tuesday!

While Tami took the swimmers to the Y, Melinda led a Still Life art exploration. Propping a red flower on a high surface, Melinda encouraged the children to draw (using markers) what they saw. She discussed the meaning of Still Life and Abstract art. The artists have displayed their work on the puppet theatre. Enjoy!F.3.13 Use objects in nature to create a collage or art piece. F.3.6 Display interest in the artwork of others.

In small groups, we spent time with our doctor study testing our eyesight. Using a homemade pictorial eye chart, friends stood at a distance and named pictures large to small. F.2.7 Participate in games and follow the rules.

We sang “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”, “It’s Raining, It’s Pouring” and listened to several Jim Gill tunes. We explored (tickled!) body parts when listening to Jim Gill’s “Tickle Toes” F.3.1 Exhibit self-confidence while participating in movement activities. F.3.1 Name body parts and point to the location of each. F.3.3 Move in directions on command (e.g., forward, backward, sideways).

For lunch we served whole wheat pasta and beef, green beans and mandarin oranges.

Have a great day!

This morning Amanda from Paths to Quality came to Wee Friends for the annual rating visit. We are currently categorized Level Four (the highest rating) and after this mornings visit, Amanda recommended that Wee Friends remain Level Four. We are pleased!

Today Tami introduced nurse/doctor robes, ace bandages, 2 used thermometers, a doctor’s kit and a variety of band aids into housekeeping. There was a small (shifting) group of friends exploring and playing with the new materials for most of the morning. Using masking tape and a bathroom scale, we measured and weighed everyone recording our findings on the tape.

We also examined and charted eye color today.

Our friends are really enjoying the basketball hoop and new outside additions, not to mention THE SUN!!!!!!!!!

We are making headway with our potty and hand washing procedures. Gentle reminders are helping friends remember the steps. We will continue working on this Beginning the Basics activity next week.

As we end the week, Wee Friends and teachers are excited that the new lunch time routine is settling in naturally. It has created a more peaceful meal time environment and older friends are experiencing a sense of empowerment when helping their younger friends along.

Today’s lunch was whole wheat pizza with ham and cheese, bananas and fresh snap peas/carrots.

Have a fantastic, restful weekend!

 Tumbling Thursday!

 Tumbling is a weekly highlight at Wee Friends. From the car ride over to the one hour experience at the Y, the kids love it. Not only does Miss Patty instruct the children in tumbling techniques, she also infuses other curriculum areas as she goes along. Today on the high beam, she asked four toddlers “How old are you?”  one child’s answer: “3!” response: “can you clap 3 times for me?” The kids are then forced to muster up lots of courage (and balance!) and release their firm grip on the beam, clapping 3x. Today, as they walked across the beam, she placed 4 colored rings in front of them. When they encountered a ring, they had to pick it up, identify the color and place it on her neck! The courses she sets (stand on the white line, roll hula hoop in front of you, chase hoop, return to original spot following white line) encourage geometrical patterning. She often plays classical music that creates a calm energy throughout the gym. As she rolls the children back and forth on the circular ‘donut’, she invites recognition of family relationships by expressing “Say hello to Mom! Say hello to Dad!”. Our Wee Friends are getting a multi-curricular experience and having the time of their life!

Back at school, Melinda led a watercolor exploration and Laurie helped more friends apply medicine (lotion) to new ouchies. We also created a “What color is your hair?” chart. Friends studied themselves in the mirror and reported back blond, brown, red or black.

Have a terrific day.