March 27, 2020

It is lovely to see the children as they gradually adjust and adapt to this new way of learning. Children are still curious and puzzled as they see and hear their teachers and peers through a computer monitor.

On Literacy Week, we recognize and acknowledge the importance of reading to children and celebrating all authors. Reading aloud to toddlers expands their listening skills, continue to associate reading with a warm, pleasant feeling while learning letters, words, and language, and make links between pictures and stories in books. One of the activities the children had was to find something in their home that starts with the letter A, B, C, D, and E. In Annabelle's video; she showed us the different items she found in her home. Children learn to articulate the sounds of the letters and enunciate the words as they engage. They also learn to associate the letter with the picture.

The teacher used felt material to teach different colors.  The children are learning to recognize, identify, and articulate each color in English and Spanish.  Sometimes the teacher asks, Can you find something blue?  Incorporating movement enhances their curiosity, imagination, and exploration of colors. 

Singing, Five Little Speckled Frogs.

Fine Motor

In the Masking Tape Activity, incorporating different arrangements with the masking tape, enable children to maneuver their hands and fingers differently. It helps with the development of the small muscles in their fingers. This activity also promotes eye-hand coordination and focus. 

A video of Teagan exploring Masking Tape!

Fine Motor/Color/Counting

Art/Creativity/Color

They were making butterflies out of the coffee filter. As they used watercolor or food coloring, they observed how the color spread and changed when mixed.

Annabelle made butterflies out of coffee filters.

Creating Letters using Straws

Introducing Colors in Spanish

Azul-Blue

Rojo-Red

Negro-Black

Rosado-Pink

Anaranjado-Orange

Morado-Purple

Gris-Gray

Cafe-Brown

Rachel: We did rainbow sink or float game.

Teacher: I love the idea of incorporating all the colors into a rainbow and reintroducing sink and float.

​Ericksen gathered different items that correlated with the colors introduced in Spanish.

Sensory/Science

Cloud Dough has an immediate ‘WOW’ effect on the child the moment it’s touched. The moldable consistency and silky smooth texture between hands feel instantly soothing and pleasing to the senses. It is easy to sculpt without any stickiness. It can be sent back to its powdery form within seconds and then remolded.

Teagan seemed to enjoy scooping and filling her cups!

The video shows Ericksen exploring "Oobleck!"

In addition to learning about science concepts, Oobleck is also great for the development of fine motor skills as children work and strengthen their little hand muscles while engaged in sensory play.

Mommy: "What are you playing with?"

Ericksen: "Cornstarch!"