Simple things are fun!

I grabbed about a dozen dollar store necklaces.

They have been hung on ears...

worn in multiples...

admired...

...and carried in purses - well they were in there at one time.

Caring Friends!

Friendships grow in our classroom!

Sometimes one recognizes when a little comfort and mentoring needs to be put in place -  

and the adults don't have to say a word!

Bulletin Boards

I am getting anxious for Spring to come !

I always push it with my bulletin boards.

The beginning of Spring!

I will be adding to this board as we get closer to Easter.

Think Easter baskets! Stay tuned! :)

This March board is almost identical to last years - I recycle sometimes.

Especially if the Tots like it! They love to search for their photo and the photo of their pals!

Update:

OK couldn't wait! :)

Masks

Masks can bring out the wild in even the shyest of children.

Using masks opens the door for communication.

They transform us.

Masks allow us to be something we are not.

Sometimes we just want to be in a different realm - they help us let loose.

They make us giggle.

Pure entertainment - a chance to be funny and make other people and ourselves laugh.

Perhaps we would like to hide behind our mask.

Hiding in plain sight - why not!

Masks allow us to observe without feeling we are being observed ourselves. 

Even if we don't get them on quite right - we still have fun!

We can transform ourselves quickly without much effort.

Here are some masks to make:

masks.

animal masks

templates - oblong shaped mask

Using masks for ESL:

ESL drama games

Pay it Forward gift in Spain!!

WOW our gift to SPAIN! already arrived!

It got there in one week - I hope they enjoy it!

PAY IT FORWARD was so fun!!

PLAY respected!

I think we can all agree that play is the fundamental way in which children learn. We have heard the quote, “Play is the true work of childhood.” Children will thrive intellectually, physically, and socially through play. Simultaneously, communication skills are enhanced through play. During play children will explore, experiment, develop friendships and share on many different levels. So play is definitely the quintessential element in early childhood development.

So where should that play take place? Some advocate mainly outdoor play – while others may suggest both outdoor and indoor play in balance is essential for the children in our charge.  It is my belief that neither is right nor wrong, but simply a preference. I am sure there are many strong opinions on this, which opens a can of worms; however I believe we all have the same goals in mind – the positive, forward development of the child.

So respecting the differences in how play is implemented should be recognized.

Some questions that need answering when providing a quality childcare program may be:

What is your preferred manner of implementing your program to ensure play takes place?

 What if you had no choice in the matter; how would you ensure play takes place?

What portion of your program is dedicated to play?

It can be said that play is innate; however there are those children that need a little encouragement to venture forth. So it is our job to provide the tools to ensure play takes place. This means we have to be astute in laying out the path to affirmative play. I recognize that the majority of Early Childhood Educators are very creative and have their finger on the pulse of what children want and require for developing during play. Some of us do this through music and drama, some through outdoor exploration, some through art and creative activities….. The list goes on, due to the fact that we are all essentially unique in who we are, where we live and the experiences we have had. There is no right and wrong when it comes down to the fact that children are indeed playing. They are indeed thriving and developing into the fully evolved little people we want them to be. The children are flourishing, happy and show us that what we are doing for them is fostering growth.

So why speak of play and how we implement play? Well it goes back to the fact that we know play is essential – play is implemented in many different ways. As long as we are providing an outlet for play and play is taking place on a daily basis – we respect the manner of how play is implemented, our children will benefit. 

Puppet Play - in our new theater!

Today we had so much fun playing with our puppets in our new puppet theater.

Selecting the cast of characters and adding a voice!

On with the show!

A great audience!

Guess what voice these guys had!

Hey who's in there?

Ta Da!

Hey where did you go?

Behind the scenes!

The fun goes on!

Puppet play and language!

Magnetize me!

I need some help!
I need ideas for magnetic activities for toddlers - 18months to 3 years old. What is in your collection of great ideas?
Please share them here in this linky - you would be helping out to ensure 'Magnetic March' goes off well!

I have some resources available to help.

We have magnetic toys.

We have created magnetic toys to play with our horseshoe magnets.

We have some wand magnets.

 

As well as specialty toys with magnets.

Toys Tools and Treasures

OK gang start linking so I can impress my tots! :)

Karaoke Tots

Today we sang some karaoke - how fun is that!

It was awesome to hear the voices of our very quiet students - come to life!

Some were a bit timid to sing but managed to share a ditty!

We had to remember this was not to be eaten! :)

Some of us were DIVAS!

Deep into song!

What a great way to encourage language - song and participation in group activities.

Not to mention bring out our wild side! LOL

Pay it forward gifts!

Pay it forward gifts are ready - some have been mailed - watch your mail box. If you have not sent me your address do so now!

Comments are now CLOSED!

Here are a couple of examples of what you may get!

What's on the light box

The light box is so fun!

I gave the children plastic mobile pieces to use on the light box.

They work really well and I love the shapes and colours.

I added plastic page dividers which I cut into halves.

The two items worked well together.

I wanted to note that I used those repositionable gel stickers for Valentines and they stained the surface of the table.

Our table is covered in stick tac paper so we can change it - thankfully!

Hats and more hats!

Today we played with hats!

When the children came in today they found hats...

...lots of hats!

Trying them on for size!

Community helpers!

Knights in shinning armor...

...and jesters!

Hey where's your hammer?

Is this too big for me?

Who would have guess so many hats could be so much fun!