How to teach preschoolers about 9/11

9/11 in America is something so sacred, so painful, and so shocking that many of us cannot imagine how you can possibly share with preschoolers this topic. Well the obvious answer is "NO you can't." However we can take the time to talk about our fellow service men and women who help serve our country everyday. When dealing with 9/11 and the tragedy behind it, it is important to remember that not only were many lives lost that day, but it was also a day where race, politics, social class status, sexual orientation, religion and gender did not matter. Everyone came together as Americans to help one another. We all shared this moment, some harder than others but nevertheless we shared it. So I think by allowing preschoolers to learn more about the service men and women in our country, it is in a small way paying tribute to those who serve our country. Preschoolers have and always will look to Policemen, firemen, doctors and military as their heroes. You can see these things when watching them in dramatic play, or imaginary play. We can only say thank you to those who have served and pray for those still in service.

We will never forget....................

let the children play: creating quiet spaces for young children in early ...

let the children play: creating quiet spaces for young children in early ...: Do you like to peek into other early childhood centres for inspiration?  I know I do.  I'm a card carrying sticky beak! I have found some i...

Local Outing

Hello, it has been a while since I have blogged. Been trying to adjust with my new transition. Now that I am a SAHM I have been trying to find ways to still keep my children stimulated, as well as spend that quality time I desired when choosing to stay at home.
The weather is now transitioning from winter to spring and soon to summer. Which in California makes for awesome weather. We headed to a local spot http://www.kidspacemuseum.org/hands-learning/eventlisting (Kidspace). These couple of pictures do not do the place justice. It is basically a kids museum, which has tons of hands on learning opportunities. This is like a giant Dream Preschool!!! (No Joke). They also have a small river that kids can play in. They even provide the buckets for them to explore in the water. Because it was Spring we were also able to purchase caterpillars for our butterfly pavilion (picture coming soon). It is reasonably priced at $10 and they offer seasonal passes for a reasonable price as well. It is fun to find little hidden treasures to take the kids so that they still can find that preschool-like atmosphere. It was a blast! I think I know where we will be spending our summer.

Life Changes

Just a few thoughts! I recently resigned from my position, and now am a SAHM. So my next journey begins! I now work for children at home! I look forward to this new transition, and also to explore how I can continue to serve children in some capacity.

Here are two of my four children! Who are very excited to have Mommy home! I'm already working harder than I have at any job! =)

Chalk Board Paint

After seeing so many creative things one can do with Chalk Board paint I decided to purchase some and see what I could do with it.

I took an old serving tray to be my test project

 I used painters masking tape for the edges, and a simple brush

It took two coats and dried within an hour. It was pretty easy to do.

Valentines Decor

Yarn, Liquid Starch, and a Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter

This is such an easy project for kids, and yet the outcome is beautiful. For older children they can actually cut the yarn themselves, for younger children you might want to pre-cut yarn. The children chose the color yarn and placed it inside the cookie cutter, then with a brush dipped liquid starch onto the yarn. The yarn must be thoroughly covered in starch. It takes about  3 days to dry, and the end result is a heart shaped decoration that can be hung in a window or from a mantel. I got this idea from Disney's magazine http://familyfun.go.com

Another Use for Gak

Mosaic Gak

One of our teachers made Gak for the classroom, and once the children were losing interest he added something so simple. Glass tiles!!! This is a great way to not only allow children the opportunity to create and manipulate different mosaics but it also offers a sensory opportunity as well. The cold glass tiles are easily pressed into the Gak leaving an impression. They can also be hidden inside the Gak for others to find. Seems so simple yet every time I turn around there is always children at this particular activity.

Pulling Things Out of a Hat

While in the project room today, a few girls wanted to try something new. I had left over egg cartons and drink holders which I cut into pieces. Not sure what to do with them, we pulled out some scrap tissue paper, and got liquid starch out along with some paint brushes. So we began to decorate the pieces. Initially I felt like I needed a plan, but as the girls began to paint on the starch I realized a plan was not necessary, it was more about the process and not the product. I know that sounds like a child development cliche but it was true. This activity kept the girls occupied and content just picking out pieces and painting them on. 

A little bit of home

I am a preschool teacher yes, but most importantly I am a mom. Just thought I would post a picture of our lil one going on 10 months. He has been such a huge blessing and light to our family. It is not always easy to juggle work, and life but coming home to this smile makes my busy day even brighter.

Tree Cookies

What to do with all these tree cookies left over from the Christmas season? Last year we made tree sculptures so this year I left it up to the kids. Of course painting them was top choice.

Even Children Can Build

One of our little friends on his own accord decided while exploring the wood working table that he wanted to build something. So I decided to stand back and watch him have at it. He grabbed four equal sized pieces of wood, he then proceeded to glue them together. Because the time allowed in the project room is limited I allowed him to be called Project Manager and placed his project in a special spot for him to come back to everyday, until he decides he is done. Currently this project is still going on. Stay tuned for the finished product.

 Wood Glue

 Time to paint

Our friend only preferred green for his project, and directed his helpers on where to paint and with what color.