Utopia Preschool

Regan brought in a boat that she made yesterday out of wooden sticks to see if it would float in water. Many of her friends gathered to watch and were very excited when it successfully floated! Her boat inspired them to make boats of their own using materials such as recycled materials, popsicle sticks, cardboard, straws, and tape. Teacher Nicole asked "What do we use boats for?" Ellie: Taking you for picnics." Amir: "For sailing in the high seas." Regan: So you can go to Islands." Calleen: "So we can float in the water. People can sit down in boats."

The children were busy in the block area using their imagination.  They were ceating cars with wood blocks. Once they finished they buckled up and pretended to drive different places. Teacher Stephanie asked the children, "What do you know about cars?" And these were some of the answers,: Cayden, "The car wash." Evelyn, "You turn  on music." Dawson, "Car go to the zoo." Mairead,  "They can put on the heater."

During outside time the children are very active! They ride bikes and run from one end to another. It was becoming too much for children trying to walk through the bike area when other children were riding bikes. Now we have a walk way so friends can walk through the bike area safely and those on the bike have a clear path to ride their bikes. We use buckets to mark where the walk way is. Some children use chalk to draw a line by the buckets to make sure everyone knows!

Today, Kingston and teacher Stephanie decided to hide LARGE rocks in the sandbox and have the rest of the children find them! The group took turns predicting the total amount of rocks they would find. They worked collaboratively to dig the rocks out of the sand using their gross motor muscles to lift the rocks out!

This morning the children created an obstacle course using carpet squares, stilts, cones, and a wagon with heavy rocks! The children took turns waiting to attempt each obstacle and cheered each other on.  Some children were given specific jobs to keep the course flowing. For example, Mathias was in charge of pushing the heavy wagon back and forth so a new classmate could have a turn. Here are some pictures of the group hard at work!

Today during group Teacher Nicole had a box with a mystery object inside! She shook it and the group listened carefully, then made guesses of what it could be! Regan and Alex guessed a flower, Isabella guessed a plate, and Mathias thought it was a car! Calleen, who was our Special Helper, pulled out silly putty from the box! Everyone was so excited to explore with it and make their own creations. They took turns by writing their name on a list and setting the timer for five minute turns. Naomi and Calleen made popsicle sticks! Amir made a watch and Clara and Callen made matching bracelets!

During outdoor play, the children have the opportunity to engage in different activites that are vital for their growth and development. For example, they are developing manipulative skills when digging in the sandox and painting at the easel. They are also developing gross motor skills by using arms, legs, or different body parts to engage in simple repeated actions.

The children are learning some dance moves for our upcoming dance performance! Teacher Linette has been working with the children, showing them the movements to a familiar song. They have been using their listening ears to make sure they hear the directions for their dance. The children are so excited and we cannot wait to show you!

Today, Kingston brought a real Venus flytrap to show his peers. During group, the children shared their observations of the carnivorous plant. They wondered if the flytrap would bite their fingers and if it had eaten any flies. We also read about these interesting plants and learned they eat flies due to the lack of nutrients in the soil. The children also observed that the plant was dry and took turns watering it. The children then drew their own representations of the Venus flytrap!

Today  our classroom visited the elderly at Alma Via. The children were very excited as we embarked in our journey. They couldn't wait to give to the elderly the decorations and art work they have been working on. All the children had a good time singing and the elderly people were so delighted listening to all of the songs. At the end they were so grateful receiving art work and decorations the children made for them.

Amaris' mom visited our class today reading us a fairy-tale book! The children enjoyed listening about princes and princesses throughout the story as it included many they recognize from books or movies at home such as Raphnzel and Sleeping Beauty! They always love when moms and dads visit to read stories and spend time in the classroom. She also helped at our banana slug table, picking up slugs and making sure none escaped from the table! Thank you for spending St. Patrick's Day with us and providing fun treats at snack time!