Counting to 10

One of the parents, of a new child in my class, came to me and said, she was so surprised her son started counting to 10. I told her that was wonderful, and get ready for him to count to 20, because that's what we normally count to. I told her we also count to 20 in French. She was surprised. Her shock makes me wonder if parents actually are aware of the programs they sign their kids up for.
The children in my class are so smart - they blow my mind! But then again if children are presented with challenges - they often achieve them - with repetition and if we present them in many forms to keep them interested.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOmSbb-2aNI&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20xpI9V150w&NR=1&feature=fvwp

I love these videos that present counting in french!

Break out the shaving cream!

There is no better fun than mucking around in piles of shaving cream - especially when it is bright and sunny out and you can make as much mess as you want! :)

Monster hands!

We're messy!

Nice coverage!

Creamy!

I shave like Daddy!

Look at me!

Some of us just had to get right into it! LOL

An important message!

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1773161130693#!/pages/Irresistible-Ideas-For-Play-Based-Learning/121305887884646
These wonderful ladies posted about this first - see comments posted to this link!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWV3fJB2Mfw&feature=related
Such an important message!

http://www.lyricsdepot.com/harry-chapin/flowers-are-red.html

Self Reflection - to honour my Dad on Fathers day!

 ~ Self Reflection ~ 

            “It takes a village to raise a child” is a proverb that was derived from the Eastern Nigerian Igbo tribe. In Nigerian culture it is strongly believed that each and every person in the community has a role in the growth and development of the child. The expression has been utilized in many cultures as a phrase to emphasize the importance each and every person, who touches the lives of children, has on who that child will be as they reach adulthood.

            I have taken on that phrase as a huge part of my belief and conviction, while interacting with children. Foremost in that conviction is my strong effort in being a positive role model – who is respectful and honest in my approach. Moral integrity is also a strong factor in the manner which I interact with the youth in my community, as I know what I do has some influence.

            One of the strongest role models I have had in my life was my father, who was a very intelligent, respectful, accommodating and supportive mentor to all who touched his life. He was always the Dad who came out to play ball, help build the forts and include the neighbour’s children in our family plans, because their Dad was sick and dying of cancer. He knew they needed some support and guidance – most of all positive attention. Many felt comfortable to come to him with their questions, problems and concerns, to which he gladly gave input. What he showed me was that everyone matters, everyone is to be respected and even the smallest voices have relevance. When someone’s child needed a job in order to get experience and a step up in the work force – he was there to offer a job. He never said, “You can’t do that.” He would show you how to go forward as you attempted that which you wished to achieve. Offering input by means of mentorship – teaching – guiding was what has made my father a man of great importance, not only in my life but in the life of others who have been influenced by who he was.

            As I have gone through my life I have seen that the honesty and openness of the child is always refreshing and leads way to myself giving input. This may be of benefit to not only them, but to me as someone who loves to share knowledge and guidance. In other words children are often easier to get a long with than adults and the positive feedback a child offers makes any effort to give, much more rewarding.

            The many years I have volunteered and worked in the community, with families and their children have given me much satisfaction. One of the first families that offered me their gratification, by simple means of a thank you note and a small broach, encouraged me to stay steadfast on my path to remain an instructor to children in some capacity. What I had done for their daughter was important and well received.

            In closing – one of the greatest influences for me to remain in the child care field and to continue my education by obtaining my ECE – are the children who are now adults, who approach me in public and say. “Hi Miss Leeanne remember me”? Then they go on to remind me of something they participated in with me, which still impacts their life today. How neat is that!

            Last but not least – my own children are good examples of my efforts to cultivate positive community members. I am proud of who they are and how I have succeeded in giving them the tools to participate in society.
Leeanne A

Come on over to Facebook and 'Like' me - PLEASE !! :)

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kreative-Resources/212611188777184

Water Play

Often the best moments are the times when we have an impromptu, relaxing, do nothing day! Since today was Friday, and our senior classes were having their graduation, we decided to head outside with our sensory tubs and waterplay toys. We put them out on the middle of the playground and filled them up with the hose. So for an hour and a half the children had a very joyful morning!

The water bins were like magnets for the tots to play in.

There were a variety of items in there to play with. Sponges, funnels, fish, shovels, plant pots with holes..... you name it, we put it in.

I also made these sponge balls which the kids said looked like spiders. :)

The balls are made by cutting rectangular sponges into 1/2 inch strips - gathering about 8 strips in the centre and securing them together with an elastic band. That's it - easy and fun!

I wish I had bigger bins and more of them. I have to remember to bring my kiddie pools next week!

Um isn't this what we do with the funnels? :)

I spy with my little eye....

Some of my friends needed to get a little more wet!

As you can see most of the tots clothes ended up on the fence to dry!

Aw refreshing!

Playground Equipment

Playground Equipment - like classroom materials - do not have to cost a lot of money to be enjoyable and educational for children. If you have been following my blog you know I am a garage sale junkie - so it goes without saying that I have also found things to play with for our playground. A few weeks ago I went to a guys home who was a wholesale sales man for sporting goods - I got a bunch of balls and a pair of soccer nets for $25 bucks - all new. Then this past weekend I got 4 tires for FREE, from a guy who was initially selling them for $15 - but when I asked if he would donate them for kids to play on, he said YES and even loaded them into the car for me to take! So on our way home my Husband and I dropped them off for the children to find on Monday morning.
They really seem to enjoy them!