Utopia Preschool

We took out a new activity in the afternoon - a magnetic fishing game! We filled up a tub full of water to see if it would float and they did! The children worked on their hand eye coodination as they attempted to get the fish to stick to the hook.

During outside time, a few of the children were playing hot and cold with the bean bags. Sophia hid a few bean bags while Sean Matthew and Lena closed their eyes. When Sophia was ready she would tell them if they were hot or cold as they looked for it. They found all of them, but one. Sophia hid it so well, that she forgot where it was! They all worked together to find the missing bean bag!

This morning, the children participated in recognizing and extending patterns using shapes and colors. They practiced self control and attention maintenance, as they waited for the teachers to begin each pattern in order for them to expand on it. This afternoon, the children had an opportunity to create their own pattern. Kingston created a pattern using shapes and colors. Matteo created a pattern by verbally telling teacher Elda what to draw. Benoit was busy creating two different patterns. Cassidy and Walter created patterns using circles. Elda

During group time this morning the children were each given a "shaky egg" to shake during throughout the song "I Know a Chicken". They were excited to shake their eggs in all different ways as directed in the song- up and down, in a circle, fast, slow, etc. When the song was over, the children played a quick game of "Chicken Says" and tried balancing their eggs on different body parts!

Durin group time this morning we read a book about Thanksgiving and discussed what it meant to be thankful. When we were done, each child had an opportunity to share what they were thankful for! The class had so many things to be thankful for -pets, siblings, parents... even doll houses, going to restaurants, and watching Doc McStuffins!

Just a few minutes of observation in any area of our classroom you will hear dozens of conversations! The children are constantly working on expanding their language, problem solving together, and relationship building. Here is a typical moment at our Art Table this afternoon... Teacher Andrea: What are you all working on? Eloisa: I'm making a Christmas tree. A purple tree with ornaments. Aria: I'm making a a shape tree. It's a kind of tree that you decorate for Christmas.  Lena: This is a Happy Face Nuffle bun. Teacher: What is that? Lena: You know! A hair bun. Like on Teacher Elda's hair.  Naomi: Mine is a surprise. Lena: I know what you are making Naomi - a pokemon! Naomi: (looks surprised) How did you know?! Lena: Because you always like Pokemon!  Naomi: You're right! Aria: Oh no. Everyone got paint on my on my paper and I dont like that.  Teacher: What do you think you can do to turn the paint into something else? Naomi: You could ...

The house area is always a busy spot during activity time. The children explore different scenarios such as playing house and family. Some children enjoy cooking and setting up a restaurant. Caleb was cooking and serving Enzo, while Emery and Chloe C. played babies. Dramatic play is another great way for the children to socialize with one another.

Lunch time is a great moment for the children to socialize. Today, the children enjoyed comparing their lunches. Cayden and Enzo notice they both have Star wars thermos. Benoit, Water and Eloisa hold up their sandwiches, after noticing they have the same lunch. Emery holds out a cracker with cheese and tells her peer, "we have the same one!" Her friend responds, "you have two crackers but I only have one".

Snack time is always a great time to practice fine motor and self help skills! The children love to practice serving themselves food and pouring their own drinks. It's also a time for children to share their ideas with one another and to develop their expressive and receptive language skills!

During group time today, the children were able to use egg shakers while dancing. We practiced our best dance moves while shaking our egg shakers to the music. When the music stopped we had to freeze our whole body like a statue. The children were good about freezing and not shaking their eggs so it was completely silent when there was no music playing.

The children have been interested in creating and writing their own books! Today the children gave their books titles,  multiple pages, illustrations,  and even authors! They were also excited to share their stories with classmates at group time!

During small group time, we played the "What's Missing Game?" The children gathered together & made a circle. They were shown & told which toys were brought to group, that 1 of these toys would be taken away & they would have to guess which one it was. As she covered the items with a blanket, she asked them to close their eyes & tucked a toy away. Afterwards, she'd ask them to open their eyes to look & see what's missing.