An Impromptu Party Outside

During Centers Time, some of the preschoolers decided they wanted to set up the table and pretend food outside. "We are going to have a party!"

And then I heard, "We need birthday crowns!" I knew where this was going!

Out came big sheets of paper, crayons, markers, scissors, tape and the stapler.

And then the creativity began!

Let the party begin!

Making Prints on the Easel

Our 3's love to make prints! This is one of our favorites. We attach chicken wire to the easel and the children cover it with paint. We use smaller brushes so they are focusing on the wire - a great exercise for hand-eye coordination! Once they are ready, they take a sheet of paper and press it to the painted chicken wire. Simple but fun!

Drawing and Writing Outside

Sidewalk chalk.

A favorite with our 3 year olds.

And it's interesting how those who normally don't care to write or draw will do so outside with chalk. I appreciate how the children cannot "fist" while using this chunky chalk, at least not when it's short (we go through chalk quickly, so most of it is short!). 

Losing the Four Walls

I've mentioned in previous posts about getting the preschoolers outdoors more often. More than just recess. I'm talking opening the doors during centers time and taking our centers activities outdoors. Last Friday the preschoolers had SO much energy. They were not interested in painting, puzzles, listening to stories or writing/drawing. The play dough table was unoccupied. My co-teacher could not get anyone really engaged in  the art project. They boys were jumping on each other in the block corner. And we were only 15 minutes into class. 

This was during centers time. My assistant looked at me, I looked at her and we knew the solution. 

Open the doors and let them go outside.

I filled the water table with sudsy water, sponges, syringes, cups....and they came running. And instantly we could feel the calmness settle in. We heard happy sounds. Like humming. Giggling. Even singing! All was right in the 3's class again.

Meanwhile, my co-teacher was still indoors with the art table and no children. I suggested we pick the table up and move it outside. And so, we did. And wow! Did they paint! Over and over again!

Then I turned on the music. A group of boys held hands and danced. Then some girls joined. Next thing I knew, we had some children painting, some dancing, some singing. I danced with them. 

What a happy, happy day! 

Mother's Day Tea

Rehearsing

Setting the table.

Putting our cinnamon cookies on the plate - one for the child and one for Mommy.

Singing for our Mommies.

Today was our Mother's Day Tea with our 3 year olds, combined with our PK 4's class. We sang four songs up on stage and then joined our mommies at their tables. We munched on the cookies we made on Monday, plus enjoyed hot cocoa and tea.