Utopia Preschool

Since the children are always building tall structures in the block area, we have begun to incorporate tape measures. We are learning about measurement, specifically how tall and wide the structures are. After the children build, they have been using measuring tape to measure their structures. Then we put the measurement on our paper to compare them. This introduces the children to measurement and supports development in math and science.

This week we are using a new medium to write with. Carbon paper and dotting tools “magically” create lines and scribbles when placed on top of paper! This provides a new way for the children to practice writing and fine motor development.

Today we joined STM students and staff in the gym for a BMX performance. The children were so excited to see bike tricks and cheer them on. The performers talked about how to be safe when riding a bicycle and safety gear needed to protect their bodies. Afterwards they did tricks on the floor, on the ramp and with a few teachers such as 180 Bunny Hops, Around The World, and the Hitchhiker.

Today the children had so much fun blowing and popping bubbles! They also practice taking turns and singing different songs about bubbles!!!

This week there is salt in the sensory table. The children have been scooping the salt and placing it in cups. This encourages them to use their fine motor skills and introduces them to measuring cups. Taped underneath the table is red paper so the children can write letters using their fingers.

Today Isaiah, Ollie, and Kazu made their own superhero accessories out of paper and recycled materials. They drew details on paper to make walkie talkies, watches, and buttons!

The children had a make-up P.E. class today! They had lots of fun using the beanbags to catch, jump over and put on various body parts. When class was almost over, they cooled down with some stretching!

At the sensory table this week, the children have been mixing cornstarch with a little bit of water. This creates oobleck, which creates a cool substance that can be both a liquid and a solid. The children noticed it was hard when they poked it with their fingers, but when the mixture was on their hands, it would drip and melt off. The children also used pipettes and watercolor to dye the oobleck. Blaise made a very light greenish grayish color which he said, “Look! I made fog.” Alanna said, “I made pink fog!” Samuel liked to watch it drip off his hands. This activity supports cognitive development, physical development, social development and language development through sensory play.

This week we are experimenting what it feels like to write and draw with different sizes of markers! We stacked and taped the markers together to create Big, Medium, and Small markers. We also moved aside the table and put big paper on the floor. The children noticed they could reach the paper on the floor as they stood up to write! Hudson and a Violet also stacked the markers to find out that they were nine and 10 markers tall!

This morning some friends collaborated and built a home together In the block area! They used mini carpets for the floor, tiles to create tables and a flat screen TV, and blocks to add windows, a skate ramp, and a swimming pool! It can be hard for children to share and work with others, so it was so important to highlight the different ideas that emerge from working together!