The Honorable Mention Preschool Blog

Kids Reindeer T-Shirt Craft

2011-12-19T16:31:00.000-08:00

I have done kids crafts like this in so many ways for different seasons. They come out so precious and parents and kids go nuts for them! Well, who wouldn't? Practically anything made from kids hand or footprints seem to be a snapshot of their youth. They grow so fast, don't they? So, with much ado, here are the materials you will need.

Materials for Kids Reindeer T-Shirt Craft

One plain t-shirt or each child
Long clothes line and clothes pins
Dark brown acrylic paint fabric medium to mix with the paint
Fabric adhesive
Newspapers
Wiggle eyes
One red pompom
Wet towel
Paper plates
Deep wash bin with small amount of soapy warm water
Optional (at least two parent volunteers)

The Set Up: Put up a clothes line in the classroom and keep the clothes pins ready, depending n the number of kids the craft can take up a lot of space! Mix the paint with the fabric medium and pour a small amount on a paper plate. Spread newspapers on a large table and get towels and a wash bin ready. I like to keep the bin and towels under the large table-it makes for an easy clean up!

The Procedure: Have child take off one shoes and sock. They will be using both hands for the project. Help the child dip both hands and a foot in the paint and press it strategically on the t-shirt, then help the child wash up in the bin. Of course, if you have some volunteers, multiple children can be done at one time.

Make it a gift with Artful Adventures Craft Bags

After each shirt is completed hang them on the clothes line. They will need time to dry (24 hours)
After they are dry the children can glue on the wiggle eyes and the pom pom nose. Give it more time to dry on the clothes line. One thing I had done to make the process go faster was have a child hold a blow dryer on the fresh glued pieces (with direct supervision, of course).

Voila! Your finished! You can wrap them in a kid decorated bag or large sheet of paper the kids made. I guarantee it will be a hit!

How teachers are using YouTube

2011-12-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

There are so many things we can do with our children with the help of technology! As usual, my mother sent a really great YouTube video done like you've never seen before. It was actually done as a school computer project.
This video from the small Yupiq Eskimo Village of Quinhagak, Alaska, and originally intended for the other Yupiq villages in the area.
Much to the children, teacher, and villagers' shock, over a half million people have viewed it already!
I hope you enjoy it and I think it will give many of us some ideas for a really great project!

Hallelujah! We did it!

Conflict Resolution: What do you do when the kids argue?

2011-12-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it happens and this video got me thinking about what to do when our own kids argue in the classroom.
I love to post about the fun and good times we all have in preschool, but there are clearly times where we as teachers need to step in and help kids problem solve.

"I said, NO! And I mean it!"

Conflict resolution is a beautiful thing when the kids argue. Much of the time they need a bit of help and guidance from us during an argument.
I say this because even in the happiest classrooms, it's not a matter of if, but when an argument erupts.

We would like to hear about about tried and true solutions for conflict resolution within your classroom!
So, how would you handle this situation in the video?
Would you have intervened? If so at what point?

7 Reasons Why Teachers are Such Great Bloggers

2011-11-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

Pix from The Anti-Social Media

I was a blogger-in-bloom in 2009. I had been a preschool teacher for twenty-years at that time and I was really just looking to share my experiences.

I got spammed by someone my first month-ahem. (By a non-teacher blogger, mind you.)

Not that I did anything wrong. Well, other than the fact that I didn’t know how to connect with others on the blogosphere. Maybe I did comment-faux-pas, who knows?

The simple fact was that I was wholeheartedly looking for how to do this blogging stuff right.

It reminded me of my first few years of being a preschool teacher. I could tell you all about it but I believe we would all have similar stories of feelings of inadequacy.

I know in so many ways, just like blogging, teachers look to get things right because we sincerely care. Which is what really prompted me to write about why teachers are such great bloggers.

So, if you don’t have a blog, or are considering to blog, I really hope this motivates you to start!

Reason #1 Teachers are Persistent

All good teachers are persistent. Persistence leads to consistency which is needed in blogging. Most blogs wither away on the vine for lack of attention and grooming. We as teachers understand that where there is a will there’s a way. We make time for blogging just like we make time for the quiet or crying child. It’s part of our DNA.

Reason #2 Teachers are Sincere

We know that the children would never give us the time of day if we talked like a stale piece of toast. Teachers know how to jazz up dusty routines (always making the old feel new again) and have that amazing ability to teach and reach the heart at the same time. It comes with practice and sincerity. It transitions well over into our blogs, too.

Reason #3 Teachers Know How to Share

Teachers understand that sharing doesn’t come naturally. We know because we spend so much time encouraging it. Blogging requires social networking which really means that we aren’t afraid to get excited about one another's ideas. Teacher’s blog about one another’s blogs: yes, we actually do activities we say we are going to do. Sharing and blogging is a form of virtual encouragement and affirmation.

Reason #3 Teachers are Patient

Blogging takes patience. Not only the learning process but the overall netiquette involved. We have all worked with children in the classroom that have had a bit of a time making friends, socializing, or learning something new.

As teachers we are helpers one to another. We understand it takes time to learn new things and get set up on new blogging platforms. Because blogging teachers took time with me I learned about the ways I could take time with others.

Reason #4 Teachers are Creative

Is this the only profession where you can see the same project posted one hundred different ways and we still blog about it? Did you ever wonder why? Teachers are creative in blogging or we would have gone the way of the dinosaur years ago.

Reason #5 Teachers are Inspirational

Teachers are nothing like firecrackers. We don’t put on a grand show and fizzle out in a random puff of smoke. We have an amazing ability to inspire and that has a lot to do with Reason #4. Much of our inspiration comes from the classroom and overflows into the willingness to share with other like-minded individuals. Blogging is a great outlet for us. We motivate and inspire one another!

Reason #6 Teachers Think Outside the Box

Perhaps our own children rub off on us a bit. Thinking outside the box requires looking at solutions and problems in new ways, even if it means getting out of our comfort zone. A good blog stands out from the others through presentation and the angle in which it’s presented.

The same requirement stands for good lesson planning.

Reason #7 Teachers Are Willing to Be Transparent

Blogs are liked for their personality, authenticity and ability make others want to engage. Interestingly enough, these are the attributes of a child’s favorite teacher. How many of us have gone the extra mile; at story time, by being the butt of a joke for the sake making an upset child laugh, or regularly reminding the children how much you care about them being happy and safe?

Find out more reasons why teachers should blog

Our children are the first ones to call a phony a phony.
As adults, we learn to think it but not say it. I have always felt that a teacher falls somewhere in between.

It’s a blessing to yourself and be self aware. It’s a gift to others to be transparent enough to share yourself openly without hurting feelings.

When a teacher finds the right balance in a blog; and we usually do, it’s a beautiful thing.

How to Have a Sugar-Free Halloween for Preschool Kids

2011-10-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Screams, howls, and groaning; It’s Halloween, but really it our preschool kids on too much sugar. That eerie feeling in the pit of our stomach is not the excitement but the knowledge that every year we got through the same thing regarding sugar and the kids in the classroom.

It’s time to channel Susan Powter and ‘Stop the Insanity!’ So, is there really such thing as a sugar-free Halloween in our own classroom without the kids knowing? I say there is. We made it so fun and got the parents involved that the kids didn’t notice they weren’t screaming from the sugar rush.

Here are a few things we did to make the Halloween pleasant and fun and practically sugar-free everyone. And it you don’t have tons of volunteers, just make a few modifications.

How We Make a Practically Sugar-Free Halloween for Our Preschool Kids

Get a fun Halloween Music CD.

Sugar-Free Goodies: Put together small bags of “Yummy Earth” (Sugar Free Candy) Candies in Halloween Goodie Bags (Distribute them after the Party).

The way Halloween haunts me: Kids on sugar!

Apple Float Activity: Fishing for Apples, Float real apples in a large tub of water with mini fishing rods (with magnets on the end). (Stick a paper clip through a golf tee and shove it in an apple, do this a couple times per apple) Float the apples in the water and allow the children to “fish them”. They loved it! Be sure to use small size red apples.

Kids Crazy Glow Water: We make this one ahead of time and turn out the lights on one side of the class room and have it sectioned off a bit with a black sheet and black light. The water is in a larger water table for all the kids to use. We keep this well supervised.

The Slime Pit: We use a cornstarch and water mix to make ooze called the slime pit. We put Halloween trinkets in there like spiders and such and later on add an extension such as food colors to allow the kids to mix colors.

Less Treats More Fun: Much later in the day we have a few Halloween stories and some carrot cake. The kids also vote on some of the same activities we had inside to bring outside (except for the Crazy Glow Water, of course).

By the end of the day we are really worn out.
But at least our eardrums aren’t ringing....

We hope you'll give it a try, we are pretty sure you'll feel brilliant that you did!

Ha! Out-smarted Halloween this year, baby!

Kids Ocean Wave Bottles Craft

2011-07-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like taking a bit of the beach home with you. As a California girl, myself I love to bring the ocean into the classroom to share with the children.

I used to make wonderful wave bottles for used plastic water bottles, however, times being what they are businesses use much less plastic (great for our environment), but not when it comes to the durability of our kids projects.

The families and I found a great option that the children love; we use these ocean bottles as staple pieces in the classroom, as well gift ideas! Here is a craft I guarantee your preschoolers and families will love!

How to Make Kids Ocean Theme Wave Bottles

More Ocean in a Bottle Ideas!

Cheap clear baby bottles (We go to a local Dollar Store)

Bags of small shells (Any dollar or craft store has these)

Soft clean sand or washed pea gravel (Just enough to settle nicely on the bottom of the bottle)

Small Rubber Sea Creatures (Optional but the kids love them)

Large container of Baby Oil (Optional-give you that wave effect)

Blue Food Color or Bio Color

Silver Glitter (Optional but very pretty)

Masking Tape

Funnel

Water

Procedure: Keep the lids and allow the children scoop in a couple spoonfuls of sand or gravel. Allow children to select 3-5 shells depending to the size and one sea creature to place in the bottle.

Have the children mark a halfway point with the masking tape on their bottle. Let the kids add in their water to the mark and funnel in the baby oil almost to the top. Be sure they are holding it securely so it won’t spill.

Add in one drop of food coloring and a dash of glitter. Now securely tighten the bottle with the bottle plug minus the rubber nipple.

There! Now you're kids have captured the ocean in a pinch!

Sandwich Bag Science for Kids

2011-07-07T05:30:00.000-07:00

Keep kids cool in the warm weather with this simple and fun project we like to call, Sandwich Bag Science!
We like to do it in groups of three or four with the kids holding the bags up over their head. On a nice hot day I like to have them 'hypothesize' what they think could possibly happen before, during, and after we finish.

Here is what you'll need for your groups:

Sandwich bags (one per group)
Rubber bands (for tying bags)
Water
Sharp pencils (plenty of them)

Thank to Scribbit for the pix and inspiration

Procedure: I tell the children as little as possible about the project. I have them fill the bags with water, tie them with a rubber band and get in groups with plenty of pencils. What I will ask them is what will happen if they poke a pencil through the bag. How many times could they do it, etc. The children often marvel that the bag could be pierced in the first place. I only have one rule during the project. The kids must hold the baggie up over their head as they work.
At the end of the project I will often tell the children to double check and count how many pencils they got into their bags by taking them out of the baggies and doing a re-count. That's usually when the squeals begin!
It gets them every time....
Ah...my favorite part.

How to Make Rainbow Stew With Preschoolers

2011-06-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

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Celebrate the magic of the rainbow!

Preschoolers are always fascinated with colors and rainbows!

Rainbow Stew is a wonderful activity for any season. It is one of those activities that seem to bring the wonders of magic into the imaginations of preschoolers!

Materials You'll Need For Rainbow Stew

Measuring cups

Large stirring spoon

Small spoons (for each child)

Cornstarch

Sugar

Water

Large pot or pan

3 mixing bowls

Duct tape

Heavy duty plastic baggies (get the gripper zipper kind)

Food Coloring: red, yellow, and blue

"This is how we do Rainbow Stew!"

"We love Rainbow Stew!"

Supervise preschoolers mix the corn starch, sugar and water in the pot or pan until thickened
Carefully remove it from the heat and wait for it to cool
Children separate the mixture in three bowls to make different colors before taking turns to stir or knead
Have children help place each color of the rainbow stew mixture into the Ziploc bags (half way)
Add duct tape for extra security on the baggies
Have kids squish bags to make the different colors

There are many ways to do Rainbow Stew! What are some of your successful tips and tricks?

A Tribute to The Early Childhood Educator

2011-05-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a tribute to the Early Childhood Educator.

The hopelessly optimistic.

The peace maker.

The negotiator.

The round peg in the square hole.
The one who will always see things differently.
And welcomes spontaneity.

Parents love them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.

And while some may see them as those square pegs,
many see genius.

Because the people who are unique enough to think
they can change the world,
Are the ones who often do.

~Adapted by Barbra The Bloggess from Apple 1997 (Ad)

Kids Bubble Wrap Activities

2011-04-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Mess For Less, yes indeedy!

I have to admit. I have never run out of ideas for kids with bubble wrap. Sure, we save scraps but nothing beats a big roll for tons of activities!

Art: Tape a sheet down and allow the children to freely pain it with tempra paints. I get a clean shett of paper and have the children press the imprint down. It's a lovely effect. The children comment it even looks like a rainbow beehive!

Hopscotch Pop: We cut out squares and tape them down. We let the children create the hopscotch Pop rules. You will be surprised at what they come up with.

The Pop Run: Very young children need lots of bubbles to pop. Bubble wrap has always brought the most reserved toddlers truly come out of their shell!

Guaranteed fun to the last pop! Thanks Rookie Moms

The Trike Bubble Run: Kids are also loving the bubble wrap outside. We drape it across the trike run as they speed across it!

Bubble Wrap Transition Time: I always save a special stash for emergency days. You know, days where you have a phone call you must take or simply need a longer transition. I use bubble wrap as an engaging fine motor activity that keeps them busy and happy. There is something very addicting about popping bubble wrap! Just ask.......anyone!

Kids Newspaper Sun Hats

2011-03-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had those activities where you just simply had to do them every time the season rolls around? Okay, twist my arm, the sun is out and the kids can now make their new paper sun hats!

I can show you a great modification for the boys that will give it that cool-factor, too!

How to Make Kids Newspaper Sun Hats:

Materials Needed:

Tons of Newspaper (Have parent start saving)
Masking Tape
Had Picked Flowers (from a nature walk)
Phone Books (Optional is you would like to make the flowers)

The Process:

We do this in a small group activity so have the children standing and gathered around the the child that will go first.

Have all the children drape large opens sheets of newspaper over the child's head. We tell them to be sure we can't see their face or head! The children love this part because they play peek-a-boo, and 'Guess-who' under the newspaper.
I wrap a strip of making take around the child's head two or three times, once we have all smoothed down the newspaper. It is best to start about where the child's eyes are so be sure to hold them close to you during this process. We forewarn them it the tape will sound a bit loud but we are all looking out for them! We even have the group hold the child's hands to steady them because they won't be able to see for a few seconds.
As a group we begin rolling up the loose newspaper up the the masking tape strip while it's still on the child's head. Ah, at last! Now they can see and have a wonderful new sun hat!

Pix from Folding Tree!

Flowers: We use old phone books for the flowers of these hats. This project can go on for quite some time decorating them! We actually have a hat parade for the parents so we don't mind taking our time. If you decide to paint them be sure to allow a few days to completely dry.
Modifications for the Boys: While some boys didn't care for the same look the girls had, they did come up with a clever idea. The Fire Hat! We used the same process but didn't roll the back part of the hat and trimmed it to square it off. Kind of a paper mullet look, but paint it red and you have that cool-factor both boys and girls love.

Kids Phone Book Flower Craft

2011-03-28T22:36:00.000-07:00

Photo from Simple Journey

Simple, easy and perfect for Spring! The kids love this craft because there is really no way to mess it up. The more colors and cuts the prettier they become!

How to Make Kids the Kids Newsprint Flower Craft:

Bio Color liquid watercolor
Newsprint or telephone book pages (this flower was made on newsprint)
Metal Brads
Hole Punchers
Lids (different sizes for children to trace)
Pencils
Light Colored Construction Paper
Glue
Glitter (optional)
Stamps and Ink Pads (optional)
Scissors

The kids love tearing the pages for their flower craft!

Craft Process: Allow kids to freely paint on phone book pages with Liquid Bio Color. After it is dry we have the children trace lids with pencils and begin cutting. We like to do this at a table while socializing and do it for as long at the children are interested. The more cuttings we get the more beautiful the effect. We usually dedicate one day for this project.
After we are finished, we punch holes in the centers of the circle clipping. Depending on how many clipping we have we dedicate on table during option time to hole punch. The children love mastering the hole punchers and are so pleased by their work.
More Water Coloring: We take a light sheet of colored contraction paper and allow the children to paint a beautiful place where they have seen flowers. The children love ink stamping butterflies and insects in the background as well.
The Finished Product: Sure, we take our time with this craft, even having two or three days to enjoy it. For the finale children merely stack the circle clippings from big to small then insert the brad. We attach them to their watercolor painting an add a brush of glue and glitter.
This art has a shabby chic look to it...very pretty!

Neat Feet Kids Craft

2011-03-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

We found a great craft idea from Craft Ideas for Kids that we were able to modify for the classroom! They are great gift ideas for parents just about any time of year!

How to Make Neat Feet For Kids:

Materials Needed

Sensory Tub of Moist Sand
Kids Shoe Boxes
Boxes of Plaster of Paris (follow instruction on the box)
Pen
Towel to dry off those cute little feet!

Procedure: Have the children fill their shoe boxes half way with moist sand. We use a marker to show them where to stop. Have the kids take of their shoe and gently press on bare foot into the sand. When an imprint is created follow the instruction on the Plaster of Paris box and pour it in a mold.

Gift Idea: This makes a great gift idea! We glue felt at the bottom of the Neat Feet and turn it into an adorable paper weight!

Teachers Touch the Future

2011-03-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

Touching The Future

I don't wear power suits,
make speeches,
or drive a fancy sports car.

I've never talked on a car phone,

made a big sale,

or been elected to the Senate.

I don't "do lunch",
have a big impressive office,
or carry a beeper.

I spend my days wiping away tears,
giving hugs,
and serving chicken nuggets.

A good day is when I go through a whole day
without a temper tantrum,
bite mark,
or a toilet training accident.

My "office" is a room full of brightly colored toys
and laughing children.

You may not think that what I do is very important
and you may even whisper behind my back
"What a waste of a good mind"
But I know better.

I make a difference
because I'm changing the world
one child at a time.

Everyday I'm getting the once in a lifetime chance
to touch the future.

I'm proud to say "I'm a teacher".

~ by Marti Doyle

Bone-ified Dinosaur Activities for Kids

2011-03-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Preschooler have always had a fascination with bones and fossils. Dinosaurs are a great way to introduce an amazing sense of wonder through the science of it all. How bones are found and collected tell us so much about these great leviathans. With young children, by simply peeking their interest and fascination, you can take your preschool curriculum to new levels of learning. Here are some of the best bone and fossil curriculum we gathered to share with you and your classrooms

Dinosaur Bone Activities Kids Will Love

Milk Bone Dig

Materials needed: Paper bags, Markers, dinosaur stickers (optional), Boxes of Dog Milk Bones (from the dollar store), an outdoor sand box, digging tools and old clean paint brushes (any size)
Procedure: Adults bury milk bones in the sandbox and set out buckets and brushes. Children decorate bags and explain to children how dinosaur bones are found and cleaned by archeologists. Let the children know you will be going on a bone hunt and to walk carefully as they dig. We love to share our stories of our finds after the dig! Bones can be brushed clean and taken home to a very lucky dog!

Dinoaur Tar Pits

Materials Needed: Cornstarch, water, black food coloring or paint, large plastic dinosaurs, sensory tub, smocks
Procedure: Mix cornstarch and water with enough black food coloring for a nice gooey tar effect. Place your "Tar Mixture" in a large sensory tub with the dinosaurs. Dinosaurs will actually "stick" in the tar mixture which gives the kids a really good idea how difficult it could have been to escape.

Clay fossils

Materials Needed: Modeling clay (you can purchase it in bulk at the art stores) or Air Dry Clay works nicely as well. Small plastic dinosaur skeletons, work trays, smocks, Optional: glue/water solution, paint brush, and with iridescent glitter
Procedure: Distribute wet clay on tray and have the children make a flat thick slab with their hands. (I give the children time to explore the clay before we actually begin) After the clay is flat the children press the dinosaur skeletons in the clay and we let it dry. It creates wonderful fossil-like impressions what look great brushed with the glitter and glue solution!
Bone Explorers

Materials: Saved bones parents have saved, cleaned and bleached dry-Chicken and beef work really well. Dinosaur skeletons, potting soil, sensory tub, clay work tools and small paint brushes (for sweeping debris from bones), magnifiers, rocks and bits of twigs
Procedure: Arrange bones and dinosaurs hidden in the potting soil in a large sensory tub. Rock and bits of nature really add to the look and feel of and actual archeologists bone dig!
Make a Bone: How about making your own dinosaur bone? Check out The Yellow Fence on blogger!

Curiosity in Early Childhood Education

2011-03-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

The world is an oyster for the curious by nature!

Curiosity.........leads to Exploration
Exploration.....leads to Discovery
Discovery.......leads to Wonder
Wonder.........leads to Repetition
Repetition.......leads to Mastery
Mastery..........leads to New Skills
New Skills.......lead to Confidence
Confidence.....leads to Self Esteem
Self Esteem....leads to Sense of Security

What ways and activities do you promote curiosity in your early childhood settings?

Quotes About Early Childhood Education

2011-03-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

"The best way to improve the American workforce in the 21st century is to invest in early childhood education, to ensure that even the most disadvantaged children have the opportunity to succeed along side their more advantaged peers"

~ James Heckman (Nobel Laureate in Economics)

"Early education is most certainly the next wave of educational reform...the U.S. is simply playing catch up with the rest of the industrialized world."

~Dr. Donna Shalala ( Former Secretary of Health and Human Services)

"Effective preschool raises achievement levels for all children, and it offers real hope for closing the school-readiness gap."

~ Jack O'Connell (CA State Superintendent of Education)

"Ensuring that children have positive experiences prior to entering school is likely to lead to better outcomes than remediation programs at a later age, and significant up-front costs can generate a strong return on investment."

~ Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University

"Children who participate in (high-quality Early Childhood Education) programs are more likely to have the necessary skills-such as abstract reasoning, problem solving and communication-to meet the demands of tomorrows workforce."

~Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America

Teaching Young Children About Bugs

2011-03-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

"I loved being outside. We'd hold lightning bugs in our fingers and pretend they were diamond rings."

~Loretta Lynn

It's that time of year again. All kinds of bugs and insects are sure to be stuffed in children's pockets and endlessly poked at. I have complied some tips that not only the bugs would appreciate, but the parents as well.

Tips for Teaching Young Children About Bugs

"Okay kids, guess who this is?"

Small Group Learning: I like to gather the children into small groups and help them make a list of all the bugs they can think of on the white board. I'll draw very simple pictures for them as they discuss what insects they have seen and describe what they look like. In order to help children recognize the insects, I collect photographs I have downloaded from the computer.

Tell Bug Stories: Yes, there are wonderful books out there but nothing beats our own stories and experiences when it comes to sharing about bugs. The kids love to hear how I was never afraid of spiders and how one once got stuck in my hair. It also encourages stories from the children so you may want to have a tape recorder or pen and paper handy.

Keeping Learning Simple: we discuss what the bugs do, how they look and perhaps why they are made the way they are. We always go back to relating to ourselves, and why we are made the way we are, too!

"Iron Cross Blister Beetles are mommies, too!"

Creating Bug Compassion: Sounds kind of silly, but it is necessary in studying bugs with young children. Often our prized study subjects will get smashed by will meaning preschoolers thinking they are nasty little intruders. I use friendly bug puppets and have conversations about the similarities between us and nature. Bugs have mommies, daddies, babies. Bug have favorite foods, live in bug houses and make friends....
Sounds pretty simplistic, but it works. I have often heard the children saying, "This bug is somebody's mommy, don't squish her!"

Growing in the Preschool Classroom

2011-03-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

I love growing in the preschool classroom. I think that is why I have always have bits of nature, critters and assorted plant life perched somewhere. Growing seeds is a wonderful process for preschoolers to see all year round because it truly demonstrates that all things take time grow, and go through a process to mature.
In a world of fast food, microwave dinners and artificial whats-its, it's a nice reminder that through: patience, care and cultivation- good thing come to those who wait.

Fish Tank Growing

In all my years I have never been short of a fish tank. The kids use these for group growing projects all year long.
Come Spring and Summer we do catch and release of little insects and wiggly finds.

Classroom Jar Growing

Avocados take time to grow. I have the children take turns caring for them by changing the water supply regularly, and checking for sprouts.
The children may not ooodle over them, but they know their there and require care and love.

Paper Towel Growing

Preschoolers love this one. What could be simpler than wetting a paper towel, keeping it moist, and letting thee seeds take their course? The children love using a squirt bottle to freshen them up.

These are lemon seeds but any seed will do.

Growing in Cups

I avoid crafty projects when when I really want the children to experience the science of how things grow.
No stickers or wiggle eyes here, because it can sometimes take away from the organic beauty of nature.

Growing in Plastic Bags

This activity goes so smoothly and quickly the children will often forget they actually did it!

We found a remedy for that by having them water them daily with a squirt bottle and marking the growth with a black sharpie.

I never thought this idea would catch on with the children but it did when I suggested they name their sprouts.

This one is affectionately named, "Sugar Pie".
FYI: These definitely have a shelf life of about two weeks in the preschool room. After that 'Sugar Pie' won't live up to the sweet smell of her name....

The Teacher's Child Like Heart

2011-03-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

I have often wondered what it is that keeps teachers going through the tough times. The sacrifices we make for the greater good are so light compared to the hope of a child's enthusiasm and excitement toward learning.
I have never really asked anyone but I assumed its the child like qualities we have kept within ourselves.
The ability to see through the eyes of children still comes from the heart.
Here are just a few attributes I have found teachers have toward the ability to keep giving with a smile.

Attributes of a Teachers Child Like Heart:

Child Like Gullibility: The ability to read a book for the twenty seventh time and still be able to express surprise at the ending.

Child Like Imagination: The ability to lose yourself in imagination with others while delighting in what could be possible.

Child Like Wonder: The ability to withhold all the answers you know and understand while encouraging wonder and conversation toward what seems magical.

Child Like Demeanor: Maintaining a child like heart without being childish. Always being inclined to see 'fun' in every opportunity.

Child Like in Friendship: Quick to forgive and slow to remember faults.

Child Like Thinking: Everything is possible and impossible is nothing! Especially after gram crackers, milk, and a nice long nap.

Share with us the attributes you know about....

Kids Space Alien Crafts

2011-03-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

Space Themes was never one of my strongest areas for teaching young children. The kids I work with are so hands on and well....the stars are not something we can explore with the five senses. We use lots of real images of planets as well as adding a bit of fun and science in the mix.
The whole excitement about space is the mystery of it all.
We gather as many materials as possible and then have tons of fun with space aliens.
Without further ado, this an Honorable Mention Shout out to all the kid crafty aliens out there! If you have any to share as well please do with a back link to the site! Thanks again!

Silly Soap Box Space Aliens by Craft Jr. Good clean fun!

Water Bottle Top Space Creatures! Make them in a snap by: se7ven!

"Sprouts" The Space Alien by Free Kids Crafts! He'll grow on you!

"Space Blob Bob" by Make and Takes. Add some space juice and make him glow!

Making Kids Crazy Glowing Water

2011-03-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

We made crazy glowing water for a science project and decided to take it to a whole new level with the kids! We discovered that making such projects like Flubber, watercolors, Space themes and virtually any activity that involves water can add a glowing effect!

Materials Needed For Kids Crazy Glowing Water:

OOooOOooo! Look what we did!

One black Light

Clear Cups for each child or one large bowl

Highlighter pens

Wrench (Optional)

Water

Sharpie marker

We allow the kids to label their cups with their names. You can have them make the solution in one large bowl or individually in each cup (this requires individual pens for each child). A worthy donation if this works out!

You can break open the pens to expose the filter or simply have the children sit the pens in a small cup of water. This is a more kid friendly approach and it gives them a day to watch the pens transform the water.

The children love turning of the lights and having the black light shine on their creation. H-mmmmmm? Perhaps we are off setting the cost of the highlighters with all the electricity we are saving?

Tips for Teaching Young Children the Skeletal System

2011-03-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have taught the the names of bones to preschool children and school-ages, alike.

The songs, diagrams and puzzles are an effective, interactive way to teach children about the bones in the body. Often times the only exposure out children get to bones are during Halloween.

A good understanding of what bones and the skeletal system really is is by fun learning rather than a creepy, scary one.

We came up with a few various educational resources that can be used to start teaching young children about bones and the skeletal system.

Teaching with a hands on and fun approach can make education and early learning a bit easier for everyone!

Teacher's Link Tips For Teaching Young Children The Skeletal System

Learn the human body- Skeletal System (Lots of kid friendly language teachers can use)
Skeleton Floor Puzzle - Large enough for a small group time.
The Bone Bounce - A Song by Teacher Lucy Jensen
The Big Story on Bones Website- Tons of resources at your fingertips for answering kids questions. And we know about questions, don't we?
Skeleton X-rays - For the classroom! (For kids that wanna see!)
Skeletons in the Closet Game- Really fun! It does contain very small parts so it needs adult supervision.
Them Not So Dry Bones - School House Rock
Labeled Bone Diagrams- a parent and teacher's cheat sheet

Recycled Kid Craft Projects

2011-03-07T19:32:00.000-08:00

Be sure to visit Teach Preschool on delicious!

I love recycled arts and crafts. The idea of doing so something to reduce waste as well as making something beautiful really appeals to me! I also use this as a time to let kids know and be aware that there are so many creative crafts they can to with supplies from home!

Be sure to share easy ideas with families by posting them in your newsletters! Parents are not only grateful, but see that we are saving them money, too!

Here is another Honorable Mention shout for those bloggers and sites that will help you get your recycling on!

Kids Bee Bracelet by Kangaroo Boo

Sssss-nakes from Play Pennies

From Kangarooboo

From the Ramblings of a Crazy Woman

Just one of 3 crafts showcased @ My Plum Pudding

From cuffs to spiders, check out Family Crafts

The egg carton bouquet

Woolly Sheep from Kids Craft Weekly

Crafts and Things for Children

Kids Crafts from Recycled TP Rolls

2011-03-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't have tons of TP rolls laying around? I thought I would give an Honorable Mention shout out to some of the best ideas we have found out there for TP roll crafts. They kids will love them, parents will keep them, and you can finally clear out that huge box of them on the shelf!

Make a silly monster from recycled TP rolls.

Why wait for Halloween?

There are quite few more craft ideas for tp rolls on here, too! Love it!

See more on No Time For Flashcards

Get buggy over this idea at Homeschool Creations

For my "Things That Fly" unit. Thanks Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!


I Can Teach My Child teaches us a thing or two about penguins

For when they're caught being good! Thanks sugardoodle!

Make you favorite characters or family members into finger puppets!

All the buzz-zz-zzzzzz on John Deere Mom