Happy Monday!

We are unable to upload today’s photo but here are a few bullets from the weekend and  morning:

• Wee Wee/Wee Friends teachers spent Saturday morning in a Professional Development workshop led by speech therapist and whole child expert Allison Pascarella. Topics of focus were detecting developmental speech delays early and how to support individual developmental behaviors across the spectrum of learning.
• This week is Ellie’s transition week to the pre-school house! Welcome Ellie!
• With so many Wee Friends potty training, we have re-entered the World of Potty. For us, this translates into songs (“Flush and Wash” and “How Much Soap Do You Use?”), creative drama (acting out the steps to going potty) and today, a Lisa guided collage creation: cutting out photos in magazines of who goes potty. “Cats go potty in a litter box!” explained Arleigh.
• Tami brought in many new gross motor materials for friends to explore how their bodies move in the space around them. A soft tunnel, two sitting bouncy balls and a padded gymnastics tunnel provided Wee Friends lots of fun, exercise and spatial awareness opportunities.

Wee Sprouts: Pea pods. Breakfast: Raisin Bran and fruit. Lunch: Whole wheat pasta with tuna fish and peas and  watermelon.

Happy Friday!

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

For breakfast, children had Chex and apples. AM snack was corn. Lunch consisted of ham on whole wheat tortilla, corn, and applesauce. PM snack was raisins and goldfish.

Have a terrific weekend!

-Mindy

Wee Sprouts: Cucumbers and pea pods. Breakfast: Chex and bananas. Lunch: Ham and whole wheat tortilla sandwiches, applesauce and WF green beans.

Have a great weekend.

Good Afternoon!

One of our children’s sensory play opportunities today was shaving cream that was mixed with water color paint as well as pink sprinkles. Our friends are getting more involved with sensorial activities that are offered throughout the day. Most of the activities are new and different! We’re working on allowing children to have a wide range of sensorial opportunities in the classroom throughout the given day.

Children mush it between their hands.

We also make pretty pictures on the table with our hands and fingers.

The shaving cream has an interesting texture and feel that children love to explore.

Outside is a great chance for children to work together and play in a group. This is one of the places where cooperation skills are built as well as important social skills.

P.K. tried various activities outside today. One of his favorites is the teeter totter. He sings his favorite songs while swinging back and forth.

The slide is a special place outside where children learn patience. We’re getting better at waiting for our friends to be done and to clear the slide area before sliding down. Children often reach out for the hand of their friend sitting next to them. Friends can slide down together while holding hands.

Clara is cautious as she walks up the steps. She holds onto the railing and makes sure she takes her time.

While her friends were napping, Emma sat in the kitchen and colored on white paper. This is a wonderful way for her to continue to strengthen her fine motor skills. She enjoyed putting the crayon to the paper and making lines.

Zoey loves exploring the different parts of her new exer-saucer. She’s still working on sitting up by herself which is continuing to advance day by day. While in her saucer, she swivels around to look and play with different toys. It’s a great way to build her leg strength!

Miss Melinda sat with Zoey and Emma while they both gave soft, gentle touches to one another. They enjoy their bonding time while their older Wee Wee friends are sleeping!

For breakfast, children had toasted whole wheat bagels with cinnamon and butter and apples. AM snack was corn. Lunch consisted of whole grain rice with carrots and celery, roasted sweet potatoes with raisins. PM snack was graham crackers and pineapple.

Have a wonderful night!

-Mindy

Breakfast: Raisin Bran and raisins. Lunch: Whole grain rice with celery and carrots, roasted sweet potatoes and raisins.

Have a great day.

Happy Wednesday!

Zoey got a new toy to play with while at Wee Wee Friends! Her Mommy brought in a spare exer-saucer from home. She sure did like exploring the different toys and contraptions.

Daniel cooked a four course meal for himself!

Clara wore a special hat around the house this morning! She loves playing dress up with her friends.

Gross motor activity was high this morning! Children climbed up the stairs and slid down the slide!

Our friends are getting very good at waiting their turn on the jungle gym. They help their friends up on the jungle gym and wait for the slide to be clear.

Outside, our friends observed the bird that has taken up residence in the tree in the backyard. We told friends it’s called a Morning Dove.

Children pointed up to the tree where they looked at the Morning Dove. Ellie said we should name the bird ‘Sallie’!

Children played in the house together. Marina made smoothies for her friends.

While her friends quietly slept, Zoey enjoyed floor time. She has so many different facial expressions and loves one on one time with friends as well as teachers.

Recently, Zoey’s been working on sitting up. She’s building up her mid section and working on her balance. Her posture and stability have greatly improved over the last few weeks!

For breakfast, children had corn bran and peaches. AM snack was corn. Lunch consisted of tacos, mixed fruit, and avocado. PM snack was mild cheddar cheese and whole wheat crackers.

Have a great evening!

-Mindy

 

Today at Wee Friends, all eyes were upon…..

The Lone Star State.

Texas.

Holy Cow, we finally got to Texas. A big Texas thank you to Elliott’s folks, Bill and Amy for rounding us up and leading some us home to Texas, and taking all of us to our final destination on our summer travels Around the World in 55 days.

Texas.

…Where the state flag boasts of the colors of Texas Virtues: Blue=Loyalty, Red=Courage and White=Purity. Bill and Amy taught us that the flag’s star symbolizes unity: “We are all united under the Lone Star.” We also learned that six flags have flown over the beautiful Texas skies: Spain, France, Mexico, The Republic of Texas, The Confederate States of America and finally, the USA.

Texas.

The largest state in the Union, except Alaska (The second part is what Texans say under their breath, Amy and Bill explained.) “Do you know what state you were born in?” they asked. Several WF shared their birthplaces with us:

• Ada: “Minnesota”
• Kai: “South Bend and Dylan was born in Fort Wayne!”
• Nate: “I was born in New Jersey!”

…were a few of the responses we heard.

Elliott shared with us that you have to take an airplane to get to Texas.

“We have one of those flags at my house!” expressed Nate after seeing the US flag.

Texas.

Home of the Longhorn Steer and The University of Texas, or just ‘Texas’. Elliott’s folks both went to Texas. You know a student goes to Texas if you give ‘em the “Hook ‘em horns!” signal. First you make a fist, then you hold up your index finger and then your pinky. You lift your hand high in the air and with a big Texas smile, you shout out “Hook ‘em horns!!”.

Bill showed us a horseshoe and a few of the friends asked if it would fit on the purple Little Pony in the art loft. He gave it a try. We learned that in Texas, you play a game called Horseshoe.

“Does anyone know why cowboys wear boots?” Amy asked Wee Friends.

• Kai: “’Cuz of the sand!”
• Nate: “’Cuz they’ll get cow poop and chicken poop on their feet.”
• Anonymous: “Something hit their leg and hurt them.”

Bill taught us about a lasso, a spur, a saddle and of course, a good ‘ole Texas cowboy hat to keep the sun out of yer eyes and off yer neck.

Texas.

Where the Two Step lives and breathes, brings people together and makes big fun! Amy played Lyle Lovett, Patty Griffin, a mariachi band, “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and “The Yellow Rose of Texas”.

And finally, Texas, home of Tex-Mex cuisine. “It’s better than Mexican food because we use more cheese!” said Bill.

Today, at Wee Friends, Bill and Amy served up a mean soft taco.

Bill taught us about corn and wheat tortillas. He showed us how to stuff the tortilla, roll it up and eat it up!

And boy, were they good.

Bill and Amy, thank you so much for sharing your Texas story, your Texas boots and Two Step, your Texas flags and omg, your TEXAS FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a great time!!

Wee Sprouts: Pea pods. Breakfast: Whole Wheat toast with cinnamon and bananas. Lunch: Whole wheat and corn tortillas with ground turkey, spiced up Texas style, fresh chopped tomatoes and lettuce, sliced avocado, red salsa and shredded cheese.

Texas.

Ya’ll have a real good day, now, ya’ hear?

Good Afternoon!

Zoey loved scooting on the hard floor. It’s easier for her to scoot across the floor instead of the carpet! She is talking much more and enjoys listening to her friends conversations.

Marina used a baby bottle to feed her pretend baby. She made sure to burp her baby afterwards. She’s getting skilled in looking at a real situation and using it in her play.

Our Wee Wee Friends got new sponge stamps to paint with!

Ellie pressed the sponge on the paper and lifted it to see what the imprint looked like.

Marina also used the sponge to print on the paper. However, she also took the sponge and smeared it to make a big colorful streak.

P.K. resorted to using his hands to paint! He loved the sensorial feeling he got from the activity.

Clara took her hands and put them in the paint. She slammed her hand on the paper and it revealed her hand print!

Friends sat on the swing together and sang many songs.

Daniel and P.K. played in the house together. They enjoy spending time with one another while outside.

The log house was the happening place! Children played with the pebbles and stones. They decided to fill different sized buckets with stones and dump them onto plates to serve food.

We took a walk in the garden where we looked at the flowers. We used our nose to sniff the beautiful flowers.

We also observed the vegetables that were growing in the garden. Friends saw tomatoes and cucumbers!

P.K. and Clara sat at the back of the bike where there’s a driver in the front. They thought, “Where’s our driver?”

Daniel rocked back and forth on the blue dog to go forward. He smiled as he rode in the bright sun.

Our friends love playing with their friends as well as their older Wee Friends!

For breakfast, children had corn flakes and apples. AM snack was string cheese. Lunch consisted of whole wheat tortillas with hummus, peaches, and carrots. PM snack was rice cakes with soy butter and banana.

Have a lovely night!

-Mindy

Happy Birthday, Finn! Not only did Finn return from The Island today, but it’s his 4th birthday!!! Welcome back Finners and Happy Happy Birthday. Finally, we can answer the many inquiries over these days: “Where is Finn?” “Why did he go to the Island?” “When is Finn coming back?”

Wee Sprouts: Pea pods. Breakfast: Oatmeal and cranberries. Lunch: Whole wheat tortilla and hummus sandwiches, carrots/pea pods and bananas.

Have a great day.

Happy Monday!

Our Monday started out with painting with circular sponges. Our friends painted with the sponges as well as made dots on their paper.

Children looked at the colors that they were using and were very good at telling their teachers what colors they would like to use. Ellie said, “I want orange, please!”

While Ellie was painting she told Miss Mindy, “Look, I paint a six!”

When we travelled outside, P.K. and Ellie scooped up the sand on the pavement and put it back into the sand box. They were both very good helpers!

Friends tossed balls into the air as well as kicking it with their feet. Ellie worked on throwing the ball up in the air and catching it. Clara put a small purple ball on the ground and kicked it while running after it.

P.K. rocked back and forth on the teeter totter.

Wee Wee’s slid down the slide with great force! Ellie kept saying, “That was a fast one!”

Clara was very brave and went down by herself after being helped the first time.

Friends gathered in the sandbox to work together. They used new cups to build sand castles and used them as shakers. They filled the cups with rocks and shook them so that it made music.

Zoey is getting more mobile day by day. She’s scooting all around the living room. Her attention is being held at a higher rate while playing with different toys. She enjoyed the baby jungle gym today. While laying down, she looked at her reflection in the mirror and shook a toy with beads in it.

For breakfast, friends had eggs and blueberries. AM snack was green peas. Lunch consisted of whole wheat noodles with ham slices, fresh peas, and green peas. PM snack was Goldfish and delicious apples.

Have a great evening!

-Mindy