Utopia Preschool

Yesterday we found a few wiggly bugs outside! A centipede, roly poly, and a moth! After observing the bugs, we came to the table to draw what we saw. “This is the bug with lots and lots of legs!” - Chloe “I want to draw the centipede... I’ve never drawn a bug before!” - Jia

The Writing table is a space for children to use different writing materials and practice exercising their fine motor skills through drawing or writing letters. Teacher Andrea taped feathers to the tips of the markers to encourage the children to continue using the markers to draw! She explained to them that as they write with the marker, the feather moves! 

Today the children had a blast doing a spin art activity with Rachelle and Paige. They worked in pairs, taking turns spinning and dripping different colors of paint watching it swirl and blend together.

This week, we continued our introduction and exploration of paint by mixing the three primary colors to make secondary colors. We also used the sponge roller paint brushes to introduce them to a different tool. Using a large piece of paper, the children rolled the paint and mixed colors creating a beautiful collaborative piece of art.

The sensory bin this week is filled with rice! This sensory activity can be very calming as the children scoop, pour, and pat the rice. We also provide labeled jars and pitchers to work on math skills such as quantity, measurement, and number recognition. The children are also working on sharing space and materials with one another at the table.

The children were so patient waiting their turn to smile for the camera. They got their tickets, handed it to the photographer and answered silly questions which helped them capture adorable pictures of the children.

The children have been practicing lining up during transitions to go outside, inside or to the gym. Standing and walking in a line can be hard, so we try to make it fun and just another activity! Sometimes we march, tiptoe, slide or sing songs. Today we danced! This morning, the children had so much fun showing off their dance moves on their way to the classroom with Teacher Linette!

At art table this week, we have been experimenting with mixing two primary colors to make a new color. Today we were using yellow and red. At group time teacher Cassie asked the jellyfish group what color they thought it would be when we mix it together. Some children thought it would turn blue while others said orange. So we tested it out! We learned that red and yellow make orange. This activity supports visual art and cognitive development such as cause and effect.

Today was our first PE class of the year with Teacher Sharon! She taught us two important words: Boundaries and Safe! Sharon set up the gym with cones, mats, and spots of all different colors. The children ran across the gym to identify the different boundaries of the PE area, all while practicing color and letter recognition. At then of our time, the children stretched their hamstrings and counted to ten. We are excited to have PE every Tuesday!

Happy Monday! Today we played with kinetic sand. The children molded different shapes with the sand and observed how it felt. When asked, “What is the difference with kinetic sand and regular sand?” the children responded: Violet: Uh. Like this...*she demonstrates picking up the sand and dropping it slowly* Theresa: WOW! It moves a lot slower than regular sand when you let it go. What do you think is in kinetic sand? Kazu: Just sand Violet: Just sand Kazu: You can buy this sand at Target. You should have gotten the purple one!