The School Year Begins!
This month we kicked off our school year, welcoming new friends and sadly saying goodbye to others. August was busy and fun! We had a blast revamping our classroom and play yard, and introducing new materials and interest areas! For curriculum, both classes explored different modes of transportation, discussing different types of vehicles people use for travel, sending freight, etc. No matter how many times we talk about cars, buses, trucks, trains, helicopters, etc…it never gets old!
Toddler Group (Ms. Lam’s group)
During our group activities, the toddlers identified different modes of transportation and various vehicles used for each mode. For example, during circle time Ms. Lam would ask one of the
children “do cars drive on the grass, in the air, or on the road”? They would then place the car onto the picture where they thought the car belonged. The “Car Washing Station” was one of their favorite activities where the children activated their sensory skills, using soapy water to clean our outdoor vehicles/”cars”. Activities like these, teach children to share use of material and space. They also encourage whole body movement skills such as balancing, bending, reaching and stretching. Another one of the toddler’s favorite activities was the Monster truck painting. In this activity, they would roll the monster truck down the slide, creating a masterpiece! This involved fine motor, hand eye coordination, and color recognition skills.
children “do cars drive on the grass, in the air, or on the road”? They would then place the car onto the picture where they thought the car belonged. The “Car Washing Station” was one of their favorite activities where the children activated their sensory skills, using soapy water to clean our outdoor vehicles/”cars”. Activities like these, teach children to share use of material and space. They also encourage whole body movement skills such as balancing, bending, reaching and stretching. Another one of the toddler’s favorite activities was the Monster truck painting. In this activity, they would roll the monster truck down the slide, creating a masterpiece! This involved fine motor, hand eye coordination, and color recognition skills.Here are some of the songs, books, and rhymes the children enjoyed:
- Nursery Rhyme – “5 Little Cars Jumping on the Road”
- “Sheep in the Jeep” by Nancy E. Shaw Illustrate: Margot Apple
- “Little Blue Truck” By Alice Achertle, Illustrate: Jill McElmurry
Preschool Group (Ms. Angelina’s group)
This month Ms. Angelina’s group also learned about transportation. The group talked about tires being an important part of
allowing vehicles to move. Each child shared the type of transportation they use to get to school, e.g. some friends take the train, many friends use a car. The children shared that they sit in a special chair in their parent’s car, so we discussed the importance of a car seat and their safety.
allowing vehicles to move. Each child shared the type of transportation they use to get to school, e.g. some friends take the train, many friends use a car. The children shared that they sit in a special chair in their parent’s car, so we discussed the importance of a car seat and their safety.Here are some of the songs, books, and rhymes the children enjoyed:
Next Up!
In September the preschool group is also exploring the “All About Me” topic, continuing work on name recognition, exploring unique traits about each classmate that makes them special. We like to begin each school year with this topic, to focus on self-appreciation and promote deeper bonding among classmates.