Winter Fun

Our first day back from Christmas break

While they were on break I not only rearranged the classroom, but also labeled the centers to try out a new center management idea- I've loved both these changes! 

A new swing in the active play center

I love when they try out new activities that they haven't done before

Playdough at the creation center

Creating a dinosaur habitat at the building center

Baking and taking care of the baby in the pretend play center

For the new system they pick which center they want to be in and if there is a spot available then there will be a clip on that color tag that they take off and clip to their shirt- when they're ready to move centers they put their clip back and pick something else that's available. This has helped in centers not being overcrowded and the kids are more intentional and focused about what they want to do. 

Art has worked better as an activity we have them do during centers instead of as a whole group. We usually pull them back in groups of 2 or 3. 

They were digging for dinosaur bones...it was super cute!

Writing is part of the creation center

The swing can be switched to different things and the kids love these bars. 

They are working on spelling their names

She takes such good care of her babies!

Our last day of the winter and the woods theme was a snowy day so we took advantage!

She's pointing to the bunny tracks we found

Some of them even did a little sledding!

I love the community helpers theme! It was a good thing those firemen were nearby when that fire popped out on our carpet!

I love how everything was organized and had a story to it

Fire safety song- Stop, Drop, and Roll

Working on fine motor skills with nuts and bolts

More fun with the number bag

Construction worker at work

Construction trucks in the bean box at the discovery center are lots of fun!

More hardworking construction workers

The post office worker is handing the policeman his mail

More name work- I love when I can see something click and something we've been learning all of a sudden becomes exciting and relevant to them. I't not something that can be pushed but its so fun to see. They are all making big strides lately with their name work. 

The table was 101 blocks long

Pajama Day!

Playing with wedgits

He caught a heart with the pinchers

Name tracing

Learning the song "bringing home a baby lovey-bug"

Ever since we got back from Christmas break those who were still working on sitting still for circle time have done so much better! It's funny how a little break can be good for resetting habits. One of my children's kindergarten teachers pointed that out to me once and now I notice it more.

Ms Christen started doing her health lessons and she starts us off with some good exercises- We've had a lot of fun and good learning from Ms Christen so far.

Due to the bad weather we've had more center time because we haven't been able to have as much outside time. Hopefully that will change soon but for now I do like seeing them working together and helping them learn the social skills that come through play.

I meant to take more pictures on Valentine's Day- The kids took turns coming inside and putting their valentines in each of their friends envelopes

We were so happy to get outside and enjoy a warm day!

These are out of order but they are from the day Aunt Kate and Ms Christen took over for me. It happened to be on Chinese New Year and Aunt Kate happened to have spent a couple of years teaching children in China and she brought back these cool lion costumes which she let the kids play with.