A Month in Review

The month of October has been full of learning about all things fall — from apples to pumpkins and, of course, Halloween! As the season changes outdoors, we also enter a new season inside the classroom. A new teacher and new friends has meant finding a new rhythm together, and we are all starting to settle in. Here are some highlights from the past weeks!

New Skills

Social Development

We have spent a lot of time this past month working on our social skills. Learning how to initiate play, navigate conflict, take turns, and communicate with peers are all skills we have been practicing daily in Pillar Kids. We are also learning how to set boundaries, offer an apology when needed, and help out our friends when they are struggling with something.

Mathematical Reasoning

Many of our fall themed activities this month included math concepts and reasoning, including counting, sorting,measurement, and comparison. We “picked apples” and sorted them by color to see which category had the most and the least. We also “fed the squirrels” by counting acorns and used spooky ten-frames and spider rings to work on numbers 1 to 10.

 

Now Playing 

1. TOOTY TA by Jack Hartmann
2. WASH YOUR HANDS WITH BABY SHARK by Pinkfong
3. THE CLEAN UP SONG by Shari Sloane

 

 

 

“Same, same, but different” was our motto for the month of August. Our “All About Me” theme introduced Pillar Kids to classroom diversity, unfamiliar cultures, and family structures. As we transition out of this exciting and impactful theme, Pillar Kids welcomes a new study. For the month of September, Pillar Kids will be investigating Trees.

Trees are all around us. To name a few, trees provide us clean air and give necessary materials to live. Recently, our children at Pillar Kids have been collecting fallen “berries” from our great big tree outside. They are intrigued when discovering that these berries act as food to the many animals who surround the tree (birds, squirrels, etc). Investigating trees throughout September will give Pillar Kids the opportunity to explore specific topics such as:

1. What are the characteristics of trees?
2. Who lives in trees?
3. What food that we eat comes from trees?
4. How do trees change?

To support a tree investigation with your child, here’s what you can do at home:

• Take a nature walk around your neighborhood or local park. Ask “I wonder” questions such as,  I wonder what tree is the biggest?” “I wonder what tree is the oldest?” “I wonder what the tree trunk feels like?”
• Collect tree objects (leaves, a sample of sap, branches) that you can bring home to create tree art. 
• Read books about trees such as: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Abiyoyo or Our Tree Named Steve

By the end of September, Pillar Kids will explore the fascinating ways that trees contribute to our world.

The month of May was dedicated to learning all about the Safari! Pillar Kids’ common interest in wild animals (lions, tigers, etc.) led to a month-long investigation on African Safaris. Split into four weeks, Pillar Kids studied various topics relating to Safari life. Each weekly topic that was investigated throughout our Safari curriculum was supported  by language, math, art, science, social studies, and movement activities. [Read more…]

Are you searching for some summer fun for your little one? We are thrilled to announce that Pillar Kids Childcare has planned ten weeks of summer awesomeness just for your child! Each week between June 1st- August 6th, your child will participate in activities that relate to a particular theme. From the Mesozoic Era, to the ocean, and all the way to outer space, Pillar Kids Childcare will be exploring it all! This thematic approach for our summer program allows teaching and learning to integrate with one another. Our planned weekly themes will support your child’s previous knowledge on a specific subject and even spark new discoveries! How cool is that? [Read more…]