tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355588167842791022024-03-05T07:44:47.555-05:00Montessori MamaMontessori education information from a Montessori teacher and Mom. Personal art work and journal entries about my life as a busy Mom of three sons ranging in age from 7 years to 21 years.
My hope: To create a place where parenting questions can be answered and conversations as well as ideas shared.Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.comBlogger431125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-69831559140210242812014-06-14T18:55:00.000-04:002014-06-14T18:55:02.630-04:00End of the Year Video<a href="https://www.wevideo.com/view/207827807" target="_blank">https://www.wevideo.com/view/207827807</a>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-54103841084725250372014-04-06T15:10:00.001-04:002014-04-06T15:10:50.160-04:00What Shall We Do On A Nice Spring Day?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Answer: Take a walk of course! <br />
So it has in fact been over a year since I posted anything on this most neglected blog! Here goes...<br />
Where have I been you ask? Busy and well, sick. Most of the past year has been about sickness and health. I'm happy to share that after having a benign tumor removed from my lower colon and my gallbladder rupturing and needing to be removed as well, I am doing better. I have given up sugar, gluten, animals fats and caffeine and because of those dietary changes I am doing MUCH better. All the while I have been running my small preschool here in mid-coast Maine: Helping Hands Family School. I love my little school, the children and their families and my friend and co-teacher Mallory make it the success it is. I continue to feel blessed to get to do what I love. <br />
My oldest son, Nathan, has relocated to the West coast and is loving his life out there. He is going to school at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood. I am of course very proud of him and happy for him but I also miss him terribly. <br />
My middle man, Max, is a freshman in high school now. He has an adorable girlfriend, is doing well in school and is still the most creative person I know.<br />
Little One, Oliver, is a busy second grader. He laughs every day and still gives me a hug often. Which is nice. He's still loud, messy and funny; so that's the same.<br />
My intention is to up date this blog and "bring it back" as Oliver recently said to me, "You can't just leave those people hanging! You have 700 followers Mama."<br />
So, not to leave anyone hanging. Here I am.<br />
In PEACE,<br />
Montessori Mama Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-77943974088819346372012-07-31T23:40:00.003-04:002012-07-31T23:40:54.338-04:00Blogging MamasIt's been a while since I blogged here at Montessori Mama...I miss connecting with you all. I am a very busy mama, but then again what mama isn't right?<br />
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So tonight (inspired by the lovely mamas below) I am going to pledge to post more frequently on this beloved blog of mine! <br />
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Here are a few of my personal favorite Mamas for you to visit. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.wonderparenting.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-way-of-wondering.html" target="_blank">Wonder Parenting</a><br />
<a href="http://maineadventuremom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Maine Adventure Mom</a> <br />
<a href="http://morningglorygardenwaldorf.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Morning Glory Garden</a><br />
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In PEACE,<br />
MMJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-54512586882074027112012-04-06T16:26:00.001-04:002012-04-06T16:27:07.847-04:00Hoppy Easter!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmqJBKKYWZM5IzyTA09f9RKFSDDLATHBOgwwUqJ7o-v2BvqJmobuTc0AaUlbosciCeYEsrVYZrGuFfEthj35zY4yrKcyRmx6KE22ANSvldZxTQOqV0OG_N0CguLhYq_sGwugTe85KdsEl/s1600/bunny+pics.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmqJBKKYWZM5IzyTA09f9RKFSDDLATHBOgwwUqJ7o-v2BvqJmobuTc0AaUlbosciCeYEsrVYZrGuFfEthj35zY4yrKcyRmx6KE22ANSvldZxTQOqV0OG_N0CguLhYq_sGwugTe85KdsEl/s400/bunny+pics.jpg" /></a><br />
How lucky are we to have a Rabbit in the family school?<br />
Today was a great Spring day. One of my little friends shared her pet rabbit with us.<br />
The other children bravely took turns to pet the rabbit and offered her carrots from snack. Too cute!<br />
Happy Easter to all of you.<br />
MM <br />
</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-44180772326634611752012-03-30T17:33:00.000-04:002012-03-30T17:33:23.834-04:00Paddington Bear<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU0BH7q9pkNz5X-A2-EjQdf-d2d0_NfD_SWF2PS_kOeL2mEqmZcxu2bZhLf52_2HX_jc_7c0wg9grS9VoxmdLW8zUctBijE4dE0MYI-uEIoQsM1jIYSpb3nWbHq5WvcwUW-_Qo5ngLS9U/s1600/SAM_4167.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU0BH7q9pkNz5X-A2-EjQdf-d2d0_NfD_SWF2PS_kOeL2mEqmZcxu2bZhLf52_2HX_jc_7c0wg9grS9VoxmdLW8zUctBijE4dE0MYI-uEIoQsM1jIYSpb3nWbHq5WvcwUW-_Qo5ngLS9U/s400/SAM_4167.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUySuBMOmI54pbbFyjQ_CxB3GNuUCoXN_xPukimD08uDIc9PzFUXiGs9SmYga-Wtz4KzFhe-V4n6E6brC2LLb5Wtc79s2XYVisaY3jCU3PrIY9lYjAtbx-1_lSSk2W_oPX74UdKZPWNMr/s1600/SAM_4155.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUySuBMOmI54pbbFyjQ_CxB3GNuUCoXN_xPukimD08uDIc9PzFUXiGs9SmYga-Wtz4KzFhe-V4n6E6brC2LLb5Wtc79s2XYVisaY3jCU3PrIY9lYjAtbx-1_lSSk2W_oPX74UdKZPWNMr/s400/SAM_4155.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z7gUV-1x7nS_BTnLHyFp5g7RsBFHUZZgAxEXzwT17g5P6RqdxLFb5CgNXHZi44U_yCkl5cd1-iA9zmZzp232gjWxL8yN5nBXWmbsDtjIbM5OFVYf-fUq0HFzxRj1xsCpDp2Ra4FVVAbN/s1600/SAM_4169.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z7gUV-1x7nS_BTnLHyFp5g7RsBFHUZZgAxEXzwT17g5P6RqdxLFb5CgNXHZi44U_yCkl5cd1-iA9zmZzp232gjWxL8yN5nBXWmbsDtjIbM5OFVYf-fUq0HFzxRj1xsCpDp2Ra4FVVAbN/s400/SAM_4169.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b2SqRflpvdFoSrtFwF4JtEf_gcDLoE8Thjm4c6LEp1PHQgDQocPUppRC-tNMI8sZCZcn0eKcId4-Y6t_eNKSWvOy4dYmgfMzii8WY1KU_amaeIhoWn-kmCNXMlWFoXA9x2JPAz6SynbQ/s1600/photo.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b2SqRflpvdFoSrtFwF4JtEf_gcDLoE8Thjm4c6LEp1PHQgDQocPUppRC-tNMI8sZCZcn0eKcId4-Y6t_eNKSWvOy4dYmgfMzii8WY1KU_amaeIhoWn-kmCNXMlWFoXA9x2JPAz6SynbQ/s400/photo.JPG" /></a><br />
The Playhouse Children's Theater presents "Paddington Bear's Adventures," adapted from the stories of Michael Bond and directed by Mary Weaver, in final performances by a cast of 15 children ages 5 to 13 at The Playhouse in Belfast on Friday and Saturday, March 30 and 31 and April 6 and 7, at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Sunday, April 1, at 4 p.m. The play is recommended for ages five and up.<br />
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The Playhouse is located at 107 Church Street in Belfast. Tickets are $5 at the door. Seating is limited; call 338-5777 for reservations.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-50656643218518193772012-03-04T14:35:00.000-05:002012-03-04T14:35:42.301-05:00Celebrating Seuss!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0ldZSQ8m97E9aFMJc8x11yzJQkbiOdmcGegp9t4rVcRO_EAeXPlx81M9-R8RDUGzX2uIARRNVMFm0eTS1hQvjry3dew2JC6xC9MzP6vKJhCUPUxCIy8pnO1b15o4IawDIUOrrCQHXPoc/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0ldZSQ8m97E9aFMJc8x11yzJQkbiOdmcGegp9t4rVcRO_EAeXPlx81M9-R8RDUGzX2uIARRNVMFm0eTS1hQvjry3dew2JC6xC9MzP6vKJhCUPUxCIy8pnO1b15o4IawDIUOrrCQHXPoc/s320/062.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>I know there are dozens of Dr. Seuss posts out there but I MUST share. This past week we celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday! There is something magical about re-introducing young children to a familiar friend. The Cat in the Hat is an old family friend to most children, they take pride and joy in knowing the stories and the characters.<br />
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In celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday this past week, we grew as a community. It was very sweet to over-hear comments like, "I have that book at home!" and "You do? So do I!" said with excitement and joy over the connection to a friend.<br />
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Children develop independence by first separating from their parent to their teacher, then from the teacher to a peer/friend...this natural progression is not always an easy task for all to do. The work of the preschool teacher is to nurture friendships between the children. When was the last time you shared with a parent, about who their child plays with at school? Suggesting play-dates is a great way to foster preschool friendships. Some parents will ask but other parents may be shy or may not feel comfortable asking. <br />
Happy Reading everyone! ~MM<br />
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Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-10782916278615622462012-01-09T19:51:00.000-05:002012-01-09T19:51:42.594-05:00To Do ListThere are so many things on my "To Do List"! One of the items is to pay more attention to this blog of mine. I used to post descriptions and insight. Now I post mostly photos. I used to post weekly sometimes even daily. Now I'm lucky if I post once a month! It's not that I don't enjoy blogging, because I DO. It's just there never seems to be time any more to "do it right" you know what I mean? And, if I'm being completely honest, I have to tell you all something. I used to think I was typing to strangers, sharing with people I would most likely never cross paths with. I used to believe I wrote for other Montessori teachers and parents who wanted or needed ideas. Now, 500 followers later, I know this is not the case. In fact, I've met a good many of my readers and I'm told regularly that my blog helped a handful of parents in my local community, survive "the toddler years". <br />
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In one way it's flattering and encouraging to know your reaching people, helping people, comforting people. In another way it's intimidating. And there is something un-nerving about revealing so much of one's life that people you hardly know feel comfortable coming up to you at say.... the library story hour and asking you about your birth story or your spirited child's diet?? True story people. <br />
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Then there is the fact that I left a job I loved, working for a wonderful Montessori school, to start my own in home preschool. I've been given the impression that some people in my community (who sniff out drama) think there is MORE to this story than there really is. That, since I'm being completely open here, is fricking exhausting! Look: People resign from their places of employment and start somewhere new every day. There is no big dramatic story to tell. If you want to know more because you care about me then ask ME, don't troll my blog for dirt. Okay, there I said it. <br />
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So, moving on. I love this blog, I'm really proud of it. When I started it years ago, blogging was new. I was one of a handful of Montessori teachers blogging and it felt so exciting to be part of something important. I really felt that way. Also, I had a toddler and if I didn't write to all of you, I think like many moms of toddlers, I would have gone a little batty. Connecting with other moms was paramount to my existence. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XyfK18ykSWsHR3ib_sVjotvy0qjeBpTsjmCLmKCtH4RKO3W5PycDwTh1HbwAdDVAJiIr2Bb9Qpwn0bcd4LteXUm1lsqCbTzdILtkGkq8xA18kMzWE2FfKiWi9VdbITJ8mW7BCrEUxfRV/s1600/DSCN0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XyfK18ykSWsHR3ib_sVjotvy0qjeBpTsjmCLmKCtH4RKO3W5PycDwTh1HbwAdDVAJiIr2Bb9Qpwn0bcd4LteXUm1lsqCbTzdILtkGkq8xA18kMzWE2FfKiWi9VdbITJ8mW7BCrEUxfRV/s320/DSCN0050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And so I feel like I need to share all this and see if folks still want me to share? Is anyone reading this blog of mine?<br />
In PEACE,<br />
Montessori Mama<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-88818297295413129302011-12-14T18:23:00.000-05:002011-12-14T18:23:52.671-05:00St. Lucia's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWUyq4XI6JNZv5EgzBupV29fORgtO09KvdMxzr3OwgbO4Re7rUUQ_yuCS7CSuulsJVNLlP2Y6WX6_FLDmjM0lIerlypt8bsJrFloeFaEgDqTLcbSf5RoxuhkB3veEIkim_wT0xnFGpqHN/s1600/DSC03406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWUyq4XI6JNZv5EgzBupV29fORgtO09KvdMxzr3OwgbO4Re7rUUQ_yuCS7CSuulsJVNLlP2Y6WX6_FLDmjM0lIerlypt8bsJrFloeFaEgDqTLcbSf5RoxuhkB3veEIkim_wT0xnFGpqHN/s320/DSC03406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JZ22q5mErERtSfFgTaM3K6V7MKgoZEwvrZ9w4MSSDQwN6savzZCLI7Qke0x4JItPohrxRnIXpN1LWLIqMYI4mElISDqJADRYibXbedORpQqQL3II5-gyPB6bF_vsxpdaztl8bjqjPlgI/s1600/DSC03305+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JZ22q5mErERtSfFgTaM3K6V7MKgoZEwvrZ9w4MSSDQwN6savzZCLI7Qke0x4JItPohrxRnIXpN1LWLIqMYI4mElISDqJADRYibXbedORpQqQL3II5-gyPB6bF_vsxpdaztl8bjqjPlgI/s320/DSC03305+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We made paper plate wreathes and with the circle from the center we made star wands! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2d1SCz6ZGr0QIcB2QCm2vEj7a-7PizCcN5vt6g6n1-dDZG8oKZc_SroPgX9nK9kCCkD7ZJceJ2ly0nS3rV8ZvR_JPCWGzPQIeQpg4NuPeeJqg7F1HUM8-E2RNtNz3Ti2eli2zfEF3SLOa/s1600/DSC03368+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2d1SCz6ZGr0QIcB2QCm2vEj7a-7PizCcN5vt6g6n1-dDZG8oKZc_SroPgX9nK9kCCkD7ZJceJ2ly0nS3rV8ZvR_JPCWGzPQIeQpg4NuPeeJqg7F1HUM8-E2RNtNz3Ti2eli2zfEF3SLOa/s320/DSC03368+-+Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> One of our student's grandmother visited and taught us all about St. Lucia's Day from her childhood in Sweden. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33if2AM2Kpti6zr11Ie2vKG4erXXpOPdN0panFwqhTo_xP0QgcsKzWu91GE48HeRmtCO-BVyHHD7xAJnkN5FjWrJzFnNEcqtTpBRJWEV-6o9RbAubfUFFQE_76W6s904V8e8pDHlT7ORS/s1600/DSC03371+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33if2AM2Kpti6zr11Ie2vKG4erXXpOPdN0panFwqhTo_xP0QgcsKzWu91GE48HeRmtCO-BVyHHD7xAJnkN5FjWrJzFnNEcqtTpBRJWEV-6o9RbAubfUFFQE_76W6s904V8e8pDHlT7ORS/s320/DSC03371+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> She lovingly dressed her granddaughter in the traditional St. Lucia attire, complete with the ring of candles! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaNWViCyOxHbdMdpIA-XcRAnKUMNbA4BxO9ZvE73IHkEkXC7N2gN4KCZSNICKfm-OCtxU7xntvvtHuDiH062SH_YoFYXK0ZUivsIYMxSY_SCfyZzMmmy3IwVPqyusnMRLWeXHiWULczgf/s1600/DSC03378+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaNWViCyOxHbdMdpIA-XcRAnKUMNbA4BxO9ZvE73IHkEkXC7N2gN4KCZSNICKfm-OCtxU7xntvvtHuDiH062SH_YoFYXK0ZUivsIYMxSY_SCfyZzMmmy3IwVPqyusnMRLWeXHiWULczgf/s320/DSC03378+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud5PUJKrkNk3_Qcs-LcM798Y-ANwz21dIeJwIRKv48_UnNzoYVzq_68l3I0OSNm28uqQm64vbD16ny8kQwpshf9XQE29Ct1vCk56F58kEo5LzAvnvgna4a2GuYLhaMOeWqG5VkkxPvhow/s1600/DSC03384+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud5PUJKrkNk3_Qcs-LcM798Y-ANwz21dIeJwIRKv48_UnNzoYVzq_68l3I0OSNm28uqQm64vbD16ny8kQwpshf9XQE29Ct1vCk56F58kEo5LzAvnvgna4a2GuYLhaMOeWqG5VkkxPvhow/s320/DSC03384+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>While our very own St. Lucia passed out ginger cookies, her grandmother sang, in Swedish, a song that told the story of St. Lucia. All the children got to try the crown of candles on and most of them enjoyed the cookies. What a wonderful day!<br />
Happy St. Lucia's Day everyone!Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-40393168360337467412011-12-13T19:38:00.000-05:002011-12-13T19:38:58.589-05:00Celebrating St. Lucia Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzRnbTc0m6rJF_yNgv46zXK6StlS2zJxRW85rTCGYNoTxqpo1I7SNXqjFTgP2Adp2YIddquCZT89U9nNwdEnECZzUYxEVqqVvemoJPXNSMRR4Q7aGobBGC4mqWTKFRMYS0Pc8smNd2eQt/s1600/IMG_20111213_112342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzRnbTc0m6rJF_yNgv46zXK6StlS2zJxRW85rTCGYNoTxqpo1I7SNXqjFTgP2Adp2YIddquCZT89U9nNwdEnECZzUYxEVqqVvemoJPXNSMRR4Q7aGobBGC4mqWTKFRMYS0Pc8smNd2eQt/s320/IMG_20111213_112342.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This week we are celebrating St. Lucia's day <br />
(Dec. 13th) with our preschoolers. One of our students Grandmother is visiting tomorrow to share her Swedish family tradition. She is bringing ginger cookies for all and will dress her granddaughter in the traditional white dress with red sash, green wreath crown of candles while she tells the story of St. Lucia. Today we prepared for her visit by making paper plate wreath crowns and star wands. The children enjoyed using the glitter paint and gluing the paper leaves on their clowns. I'm really happy with how they turned out. We invited everyone to dress in red and white tomorrow; with their paper crowns and star wands I anticipate some cute photos!<br />
Stay tuned....PEACE~MM<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf1llKrHHOeakU2tVIv7e9u1HyIvZir5UKgvHXzavpYNrV9JnoXojBZXc-rfTfsZgAsqegcHGPw7WMMsMNBS4cCCPQO6R3Hgvjh8djChA0WiSy73RkLIli-vuzXjm6VMBMFNUFILDcu5O/s1600/StLuciaPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf1llKrHHOeakU2tVIv7e9u1HyIvZir5UKgvHXzavpYNrV9JnoXojBZXc-rfTfsZgAsqegcHGPw7WMMsMNBS4cCCPQO6R3Hgvjh8djChA0WiSy73RkLIli-vuzXjm6VMBMFNUFILDcu5O/s320/StLuciaPhoto.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-86879367320032477862011-11-04T22:42:00.000-04:002011-11-04T22:42:12.535-04:00Dress Up Parade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VDl30wZf3IfBrLogaL2i5cyp7t9fVgwrMz2rbKVdmRHokH4ew-x9oE5JBIpRNyu8LJyGePB-kAoDPbF3M9NqOaHeP4_X67SfDOSajUrNdxDklIG_TJ29dogxTVdU16puMAliOeeiJGAm/s1600/SAM_2608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VDl30wZf3IfBrLogaL2i5cyp7t9fVgwrMz2rbKVdmRHokH4ew-x9oE5JBIpRNyu8LJyGePB-kAoDPbF3M9NqOaHeP4_X67SfDOSajUrNdxDklIG_TJ29dogxTVdU16puMAliOeeiJGAm/s320/SAM_2608.JPG" width="180" /></a></div> Yep, that's my little Piglet with the world's best daddy, Montessori Papa. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbOLj2z5PsuX05_W9CDD_3pfxRdlkQX7SWKODCDqC8WF3kTGakUdxfzJHxfLm3NKzRqZNGkuc20rIxGhAsrLmG_dflrMOtoVc0d5PWCzrgD7hRwegXmETj82HbzMRmcE_zIl7Z329D_2W/s1600/SAM_2574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbOLj2z5PsuX05_W9CDD_3pfxRdlkQX7SWKODCDqC8WF3kTGakUdxfzJHxfLm3NKzRqZNGkuc20rIxGhAsrLmG_dflrMOtoVc0d5PWCzrgD7hRwegXmETj82HbzMRmcE_zIl7Z329D_2W/s320/SAM_2574.JPG" width="180" /></a></div> That's me (in the wings) leading the dress-up parade.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0PiKnCZU2TV1A1L6JgRWNjeq8BwahD7AvctgnjrbznXLJX7fBD6wedVJosH34fsk97xoyNaKFAeRkntmC7OvP__-vbGLY_KwEJvIVnOzmfNnJMX-UC5nmbhJet8DF2SssM7dXsAP8OuQ/s1600/SAM_2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0PiKnCZU2TV1A1L6JgRWNjeq8BwahD7AvctgnjrbznXLJX7fBD6wedVJosH34fsk97xoyNaKFAeRkntmC7OvP__-vbGLY_KwEJvIVnOzmfNnJMX-UC5nmbhJet8DF2SssM7dXsAP8OuQ/s320/SAM_2575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImJz_BVM6H8T2K_db4zS5SwSU_wuaos5sVVFDEw86bqYP_KxoOy9hacwlvwAFauArlI0UpLr5cjFu3Ab5lYJbsfkXgkdDkVu7ScWRlffMdAgrwgFS8Wz-18US611G20ozwIhm1hbVotZN/s1600/SAM_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImJz_BVM6H8T2K_db4zS5SwSU_wuaos5sVVFDEw86bqYP_KxoOy9hacwlvwAFauArlI0UpLr5cjFu3Ab5lYJbsfkXgkdDkVu7ScWRlffMdAgrwgFS8Wz-18US611G20ozwIhm1hbVotZN/s320/SAM_2577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> this year even some grandparents participated! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_eWhLRbZmz8Rfbaw7ig1KkSinpouetze7P1yvk_xFq96yXYde4VKdEImIA8VF7r6Y5QZzY1TJpXPq8cEV7vD6WVSA70r8qDXaai8-d_604QErKmD-QojL30RGTe4WblFMkbkAz1o2Crc/s1600/SAM_2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_eWhLRbZmz8Rfbaw7ig1KkSinpouetze7P1yvk_xFq96yXYde4VKdEImIA8VF7r6Y5QZzY1TJpXPq8cEV7vD6WVSA70r8qDXaai8-d_604QErKmD-QojL30RGTe4WblFMkbkAz1o2Crc/s320/SAM_2578.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtN7hWj7YiekvYaUVY6FpARzqgaDL8nNq5sj9l2CDX-0ts2ULWhkEBaYeLu4NHkFJsDgtQ2fMxWGvJujzBhxpHlc6TDBrqjE6I4hq2eIxLZ_rTyWoFmYZOGIxJsoldChN7LnUP89rh1rE/s1600/SAM_2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtN7hWj7YiekvYaUVY6FpARzqgaDL8nNq5sj9l2CDX-0ts2ULWhkEBaYeLu4NHkFJsDgtQ2fMxWGvJujzBhxpHlc6TDBrqjE6I4hq2eIxLZ_rTyWoFmYZOGIxJsoldChN7LnUP89rh1rE/s320/SAM_2579.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>We took a short walk and sang songs. The children look forward to this holiday tradition. Halloween is my favorite holiday so truth be told, I probably look forward to it more than they do. But everybody has fun for sure. I think sometimes we adults over think what will be fun for kids; often less is more. As we all know, dressing up is fun. And parades are fun especially when you're under 4 feet tall. <br />
Add a few<a href="http://littlewondersdays.blogspot.com/2011/09/corn-shakers.html" target="_blank"> corn kernel toilet paper role shakers</a> and you've got one heck of a good time. This was our preschool's 2nd annual Dress-up parade, I am hopeful it will happen for years to come. How does your school celebrate Halloween?<br />
PEACE<br />
MM Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-24074618155725823852011-10-24T22:19:00.000-04:002011-10-24T22:19:30.912-04:00Happy Birthday John Chapman<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> <br />
</h3><div class="post-header"> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtg9PFZaz8jbYA0PniBWA71Pe_nh9OGtY_U0SupCQX7nSH2cH83PWxAAK5V1T4bwsJu3fgkWvA_fiilmPUV5JjvSmdzkw_4VDutbTU_dZ_fRoR5JXCjJE5FJUDD43yVdllNWiHBsuDzQX7/s1600/pots+on+their+heads.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtg9PFZaz8jbYA0PniBWA71Pe_nh9OGtY_U0SupCQX7nSH2cH83PWxAAK5V1T4bwsJu3fgkWvA_fiilmPUV5JjvSmdzkw_4VDutbTU_dZ_fRoR5JXCjJE5FJUDD43yVdllNWiHBsuDzQX7/s400/pots+on+their+heads.JPG" /></a> </div>Wearing pots on their heads....<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKhDJ1WBSe-CI8gTmqIHkTj1q4SlHyquKRE0gCUswLZAl23jyb7cNXZlxtJ6MTgAb6A5wmt3WuZ7StPuovXIEBMY1bfEY7mUV-vXhKZS9ro5hxVIobcn9_uj0GXEv1QiFVwQZbP2mE2Xl/s1600/reading+a+story.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKhDJ1WBSe-CI8gTmqIHkTj1q4SlHyquKRE0gCUswLZAl23jyb7cNXZlxtJ6MTgAb6A5wmt3WuZ7StPuovXIEBMY1bfEY7mUV-vXhKZS9ro5hxVIobcn9_uj0GXEv1QiFVwQZbP2mE2Xl/s400/reading+a+story.JPG" /></a> </div>Reading Johnny Appleseed together under an apple tree. <br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzf8OzhyphenhyphencLHlCrvl4pq0wDWzPtzlpSyd8ZpBRjx0wC5DxQ_M0mTc42pzEGLzUw2-tdtZOb6HHcMdG09LjZaaB0gEfE03IkytzYIV9z5JWkvTgtDyu8JpkjJNIyuIaB4IO8eiwCyJSG0K0/s1600/drew+smile.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzf8OzhyphenhyphencLHlCrvl4pq0wDWzPtzlpSyd8ZpBRjx0wC5DxQ_M0mTc42pzEGLzUw2-tdtZOb6HHcMdG09LjZaaB0gEfE03IkytzYIV9z5JWkvTgtDyu8JpkjJNIyuIaB4IO8eiwCyJSG0K0/s400/drew+smile.JPG" /></a> </div>We introduced John Chapman, our first Peace Maker of the school year. His picture now hangs in the Peace Corner in our classroom. By June he will be in good company, 8 other Peace Makers will join him. Each month we will introduce a new person to the children who believed in peaceful conflict resolution. A person they can relate to in some way, who loved children and respected all. <br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqBcoi_OdqmyCiNi5LOlPY3tgJD2UsPQuSE2kFJqjeEJNxnUOWXFgCbWz06n0SKGBbzoWX4w0h5nlLW6DQpDjANrd3amqeNLwuaNqeQxMWpF5wOxBuUntvBuFajXHl6u705EJo4uMlgpO/s1600/rosie+with+the+pot.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqBcoi_OdqmyCiNi5LOlPY3tgJD2UsPQuSE2kFJqjeEJNxnUOWXFgCbWz06n0SKGBbzoWX4w0h5nlLW6DQpDjANrd3amqeNLwuaNqeQxMWpF5wOxBuUntvBuFajXHl6u705EJo4uMlgpO/s400/rosie+with+the+pot.jpg" /></a> </div>John Chapman was such a man. Ask your children who he was, what he did, where he traveled. Children are our greatest teachers.<br />
PEACE be with you,<br />
Jennifer<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yfM7yKxqy9jDLRJRZmHbQsmMfmCHHeYgdq9i9qgYlMlJ3_ONATSTOjPQ_HFy8a47uBZpgWav0s9WBBSk7DfkATF5CfmroF2DEok-R8qU2NAsCJRrLlUe9owlN-RL4AKcPe-jG902hIiN/s1600/SAM_1881.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yfM7yKxqy9jDLRJRZmHbQsmMfmCHHeYgdq9i9qgYlMlJ3_ONATSTOjPQ_HFy8a47uBZpgWav0s9WBBSk7DfkATF5CfmroF2DEok-R8qU2NAsCJRrLlUe9owlN-RL4AKcPe-jG902hIiN/s400/SAM_1881.JPG" /></a> </div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-39719632068927502392011-10-24T19:14:00.000-04:002011-10-24T19:14:42.127-04:00Fall into Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCRDAxv0hnE6a2Z6qU2lpNJx2Yo_96uDWVIw5ABh3bzk8UF0v_z6hTEq0PaRHXoY-zp1_kzu9xFFL8o4pxZRtgCV82i2N2ynh9mpzZa32cK7-Y_9PHk9SFXvCKlUCu1KKIfsO0UGl-q7x/s400/tree+cookies1.jpg" width="400" /></div><br />
Hello readers of my horribly neglected blog. I'm truly sorry to have been missing in action for so many weeks! Fall is upon us and school is in full swing (as you all know). Time gets away from me when life is busy and life is busy. <br />
I am presently recovering from pneumonia and let me tell you it's taking it's sweet time leaving me. Gratefully I have the support of my wonderful assistant and amazing husband who can fill in for me and make this place continue to run smoothly. <br />
I'm very blessed to have such supportive people in my life. Today I visited the children on the playground so they wouldn't forget my face. The cheers and hugs were such an unexpected gift to walk out and receive. I almost teared up.<br />
I love my job. Running one's own preschool/child care program is a lot of work. But the rewards are countless. Nobody is getting rich doing this work but I do feel valued and important and everyday is worth all the work that goes on behind the scenes. This week is our first of four family pot-lucks. I can't wait.<br />
Hopefully this time I will remember to take photos!<br />
<br />
<br />
Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-44151329220232731712011-09-19T23:37:00.000-04:002011-09-19T23:37:56.256-04:00Pine Needle Restaurant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEWOaumkeh9pNe2UZySzlZpTBNqhmNTG8wO0huyp0OdVJAAsr6G19VCvq9O7R6ZsLJkYnPQr0RB4iIzLSqNEjgNYL6lUiOHGU-Oc_2F9SsOREQWKxDp2Vdeg_ENIOKRnwD7ftOX2s2iXc/s1600/IMG_20110918_162934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEWOaumkeh9pNe2UZySzlZpTBNqhmNTG8wO0huyp0OdVJAAsr6G19VCvq9O7R6ZsLJkYnPQr0RB4iIzLSqNEjgNYL6lUiOHGU-Oc_2F9SsOREQWKxDp2Vdeg_ENIOKRnwD7ftOX2s2iXc/s320/IMG_20110918_162934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DCdlL5Y9UV99VH0FhKlbvumFDbKu_sezkQTrZ9LsxdxxVlrNwkUHrz5vcCiy8ZlqA2kyIVmAO6UHZ6j-sIZJ8mh3gc7WXkoJ4OacExvAbcNUmaHq-Eldmbsgege0cpbxpjTFCr5cg-6Q/s1600/IMG_20110918_163532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DCdlL5Y9UV99VH0FhKlbvumFDbKu_sezkQTrZ9LsxdxxVlrNwkUHrz5vcCiy8ZlqA2kyIVmAO6UHZ6j-sIZJ8mh3gc7WXkoJ4OacExvAbcNUmaHq-Eldmbsgege0cpbxpjTFCr5cg-6Q/s320/IMG_20110918_163532.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Goodwill, as you know, is my favorite store to find just what I'm looking for when I least expect it. This weekend I found a complete camp cooking set. I've been wanting to create some kind of kitchen or restaurant type play area outdoors for the children. Then presto, I'm walking through Goodwill and there is everything I need for just $7.00! Gotta love Goodwill! Well, of course I DO.<br />
Anyway, next I stop by the local garden shop to admire the mums in sale and what do I see? A child size table and two benches 1/2 off it's summer price tag! So....presto chango, a couple of cans of outdoor spray paint and some screw-in cup hooks later and I've created an outdoor kitchen play area ready for preschool chefs!<br />
Today two little chefs made me the most delicious pine needled soup and I have just got to say,<br />
"It was the best soup I've ever had!"<br />
PEACE<br />
JenniferJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-48480587614114667912011-09-04T09:28:00.001-04:002011-09-04T09:30:27.674-04:00Flowerpot Bells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYSiwbSNexiFxZUczY311ml8bhD97mRhEtCsC5hPetr0rb8E6CRbO3h3xgG73UpQgTXkM8uBGpkz1G-xYWde4ufkHhspc9g_4pZhxjA8_YznW8NpM23GW3iW3l4iTarRBXPyZeUX6Wgur/s1600/IMG_20110903_183509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYSiwbSNexiFxZUczY311ml8bhD97mRhEtCsC5hPetr0rb8E6CRbO3h3xgG73UpQgTXkM8uBGpkz1G-xYWde4ufkHhspc9g_4pZhxjA8_YznW8NpM23GW3iW3l4iTarRBXPyZeUX6Wgur/s320/IMG_20110903_183509.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8x05O8R8fVrgcunjyb0L-1zTqmFJHI3rMy9U6U2Rj0jCndjPVdJ4LL1r5GxKVgCSq3FBZYAapHP2iwvd4vezpXObFxs8q_dyuGbkMdmBEnmOce7cGi0YP4EF-cEyDfUfUT4V1WE4t8Gf/s1600/IMG_20110903_183500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8x05O8R8fVrgcunjyb0L-1zTqmFJHI3rMy9U6U2Rj0jCndjPVdJ4LL1r5GxKVgCSq3FBZYAapHP2iwvd4vezpXObFxs8q_dyuGbkMdmBEnmOce7cGi0YP4EF-cEyDfUfUT4V1WE4t8Gf/s320/IMG_20110903_183500.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>I can't remember where I saw this idea but I liked it. If it was your idea please comment so I can give credit where credit is due.<br />
I wanted to add music to our outdoor play-space. Using various sized flowerpots, twine and wooden beads I put these bells together in about an hour. The children seem to enjoy them and I like the wind chime/cow bell sounds. The black brackets were found locally at a discount store but I'm confident you could come up with your own creative idea about how to hang them in <i>your</i> yard. Most of the trees in our yard are for climbing but I think these would look lovely hanging from the branches of a tree.<br />
Happy crafting! Oh and you could paint them with your kids; we are planning on painting ours the first week of school. More photos coming soon.<br />
PEACE<br />
Jennifer<br />
<br />
Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-45453560014885635392011-08-17T17:23:00.000-04:002011-08-17T17:23:00.921-04:00'Under the Big Top' Circus week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdM156q6Nx53unt1qRdzUHcd43YnQstAjL0el8tSzXStFquzQb9vzreuwDRaWwgoqJOhPkYP3wNOAY_EyCKQaUEPysIk-GKUmZzWmnWMYJnLL-BJPqMma8k1DyLyaUezsmGHmapg3M78h/s1600/SAM_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdM156q6Nx53unt1qRdzUHcd43YnQstAjL0el8tSzXStFquzQb9vzreuwDRaWwgoqJOhPkYP3wNOAY_EyCKQaUEPysIk-GKUmZzWmnWMYJnLL-BJPqMma8k1DyLyaUezsmGHmapg3M78h/s320/SAM_1283.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>Who doesn't like to be the star of the show? Most of the three and four year old kiddos I know do, very much. This seemed like the perfect theme for this week's crew of campers. Crafts included bubble prints, cut-paper collage clowns and building sculptures from colorful wood pieces. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz493AhgY5VhxJYUjwgG6canJVxr8tNrW8aCNrPDkDOBvb2LKiZYKHKpa4zdym2qPc7xuXFckIQjax7M0RcvdeIkmsP6Rt9KNRL6PRNRpXxm68RScQ2gfINlddtDfk3GTH0QrXIXaeBqt1/s1600/SAM_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz493AhgY5VhxJYUjwgG6canJVxr8tNrW8aCNrPDkDOBvb2LKiZYKHKpa4zdym2qPc7xuXFckIQjax7M0RcvdeIkmsP6Rt9KNRL6PRNRpXxm68RScQ2gfINlddtDfk3GTH0QrXIXaeBqt1/s320/SAM_1333.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>Meet a few of my friends: The Amazing Bubble Artist and a Clever and Curious Clown! (Below: Two Terrific Tigers!)<br />
The kids really enjoyed balancing on the pretend tight rope (3 draft dodgers in a row on the grass) sorry no photos, while holding small drink umbrellas. Trying to juggle and wearing BIG shoes and walking. These were just some of the activities we had fun with this week! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtQR1IFfawlnChx7WdchjYTcjFLtSJwdI6H9-pVZxVt-phdrs3QcarzV80aI7EkOX76FhhM12SD5pYmVLgJ0E7MjHKU_2eMn3NCaTYRCsKFW9k27FZr149anY8k4v6P8l9zopg-MYpiCj/s1600/SAM_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtQR1IFfawlnChx7WdchjYTcjFLtSJwdI6H9-pVZxVt-phdrs3QcarzV80aI7EkOX76FhhM12SD5pYmVLgJ0E7MjHKU_2eMn3NCaTYRCsKFW9k27FZr149anY8k4v6P8l9zopg-MYpiCj/s320/SAM_1358.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Face Painting is a favorite activity of mine, I have been painting kids faces for about ten years with our local children's theater as well as the occasional craft fair and birthday party.<br />
<br />
I love watching their faces light up when they see themselves in the mirror! Too cute. Circus week was the perfect opportunity to paint faces. So much fun! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaHtWi4GaCEqZ9bTtRE2Zwb0FdpSrp2HsG012DMCiHZuZQHMNJsAaLRsfme9w1_SsRaVWxYK-QkwfdTV10BtarcZWJ_QfliwUdQRqjrHo7iVGEPgY6dvk1CQkVbF-jB7UpYqFWg8uvZEu/s1600/SAM_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaHtWi4GaCEqZ9bTtRE2Zwb0FdpSrp2HsG012DMCiHZuZQHMNJsAaLRsfme9w1_SsRaVWxYK-QkwfdTV10BtarcZWJ_QfliwUdQRqjrHo7iVGEPgY6dvk1CQkVbF-jB7UpYqFWg8uvZEu/s320/SAM_1351.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-92230090036264936982011-07-11T19:20:00.000-04:002011-07-11T19:20:39.901-04:00Once Upon a Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz596lE9DPbTE1Cj5MQhXuiY19E2JTWhBfnftk2ZYKjuLMPXc9_pRg3bIb6_Sx6egegm9UHZCrdZ8P_WDLBhhnWl7unQ3tnevM2U8k37TIc8VhAp2Bs4HRXbpPFkmdJxTfX-bDIvo2Fjr2/s1600/IMG_20110711_155221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz596lE9DPbTE1Cj5MQhXuiY19E2JTWhBfnftk2ZYKjuLMPXc9_pRg3bIb6_Sx6egegm9UHZCrdZ8P_WDLBhhnWl7unQ3tnevM2U8k37TIc8VhAp2Bs4HRXbpPFkmdJxTfX-bDIvo2Fjr2/s400/IMG_20110711_155221.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Once upon a time preschoolers loved to dress up. Thankfully this is still true! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwac7j0PdMleP73T8bvU-XD8at5DrqmeSKpkb5-01pU7FKOT_JO1AnAuu6ISZbAIOZ28T3wZ6rO7bt02av1NsaRl0EdpD2J6sHT3Mf6pDnSFbVE78nP70csUbKpggQOppuQCdIGd3Gdw3u/s1600/IMG_20110711_155215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwac7j0PdMleP73T8bvU-XD8at5DrqmeSKpkb5-01pU7FKOT_JO1AnAuu6ISZbAIOZ28T3wZ6rO7bt02av1NsaRl0EdpD2J6sHT3Mf6pDnSFbVE78nP70csUbKpggQOppuQCdIGd3Gdw3u/s320/IMG_20110711_155215.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> It's "Once Upon a Time" week here at Helping Hands Family School. Today we made paper castles, decorated wands, dressed up as knights, lords and ladies and so much more. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1Qj8HPsk0e5sApcnog0z-jUivED8SlJ1cx-Yr-UOmTlSRdpwwY9waIbtOSfttO3YQ7BUUbIGrthXwYrGUYXoQFoZUp930qjnEcAerv5vGYUssELuKp15wtJaQBo2IlIoZmyRRtFv-Fmk/s1600/IMG_20110711_155416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1Qj8HPsk0e5sApcnog0z-jUivED8SlJ1cx-Yr-UOmTlSRdpwwY9waIbtOSfttO3YQ7BUUbIGrthXwYrGUYXoQFoZUp930qjnEcAerv5vGYUssELuKp15wtJaQBo2IlIoZmyRRtFv-Fmk/s320/IMG_20110711_155416.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> Guarding the castle on a hot day, it's hard work! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTNs_28RVu_LrmmNmJSj1xwASseqQS7Y0T404Hcoxhhva0qLHviEGvE1yiAFt89uYVjOrhlXacZnmLCxvpKXNkGVVsHTN_K4TIftE_uEL65kmFYj7EOpSTGAAxKcOVkjbV4JvbcjG1svF/s1600/IMG_20110711_155142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTNs_28RVu_LrmmNmJSj1xwASseqQS7Y0T404Hcoxhhva0qLHviEGvE1yiAFt89uYVjOrhlXacZnmLCxvpKXNkGVVsHTN_K4TIftE_uEL65kmFYj7EOpSTGAAxKcOVkjbV4JvbcjG1svF/s320/IMG_20110711_155142.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> Look it's a lovely fairy princess! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEX_S4wUsysFOy7TqwuqZFElAa303rrvhoP-ch38_ejvFpPLNC1sWZkc-1RuMZZLhkmmfI0BlUapBL-wgSjTB3S2HwKlG-RBk3nkqt-_B-3y0VYWMKF83Oxw1YYIxC91c9856pGolUm7H/s1600/IMG_20110711_155124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEX_S4wUsysFOy7TqwuqZFElAa303rrvhoP-ch38_ejvFpPLNC1sWZkc-1RuMZZLhkmmfI0BlUapBL-wgSjTB3S2HwKlG-RBk3nkqt-_B-3y0VYWMKF83Oxw1YYIxC91c9856pGolUm7H/s320/IMG_20110711_155124.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> "Bibity Bobity Boo!"<br />
In PEACE,<br />
JenniferJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-85636587461531474552011-06-29T22:21:00.000-04:002011-06-29T22:21:55.632-04:00Transportation Theme Preschool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_iHSZgFlr0r3l7HLfeYJafHnGYCFWccEDj1WfChacQ_JlbPLcMt_XOARRfAZW4CKB8Y-jZW24aj9cqfCtinM4CPoVKFJPthmlzn0-iWCVD6-wn9cozm0L__kMGSyI_DM5KdnK1WnZwle/s1600/IMG_20110623_121854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_iHSZgFlr0r3l7HLfeYJafHnGYCFWccEDj1WfChacQ_JlbPLcMt_XOARRfAZW4CKB8Y-jZW24aj9cqfCtinM4CPoVKFJPthmlzn0-iWCVD6-wn9cozm0L__kMGSyI_DM5KdnK1WnZwle/s320/IMG_20110623_121854.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> This week began our summer session. The theme: Transportation<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYnEub67VI2n2-7EppctQqIpPFSugGJK6EBEHOk93Fta8UYK7hIMlJooCR2xJeMmeDdioJzMUjgViE94MkS_gdBshGWJA7QS1CQ2_KbuiKmWlen-IFBquaRLZH07EoKcnoqyNCM3lAnjY/s1600/IMG_20110622_115057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYnEub67VI2n2-7EppctQqIpPFSugGJK6EBEHOk93Fta8UYK7hIMlJooCR2xJeMmeDdioJzMUjgViE94MkS_gdBshGWJA7QS1CQ2_KbuiKmWlen-IFBquaRLZH07EoKcnoqyNCM3lAnjY/s320/IMG_20110622_115057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Check out this masterpiece! Hot wheels cars making tracks through yellow and black paint. <br />
The children LOVED this activity and you know me, art outside is always a hit!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mXfZLlJOkDUx1yL2u4yyBINrvwGlFZRneZ_eop4Epu9_Xlomy2L-5tZYo1do9t0iGe5y274wQIdtC79JUm1hbsisNyBKxjdO47VGKXNN37dg4Fn4bxwO6NPmfIdaBYyad1uJwVqcQrN_/s1600/IMG_20110622_112011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mXfZLlJOkDUx1yL2u4yyBINrvwGlFZRneZ_eop4Epu9_Xlomy2L-5tZYo1do9t0iGe5y274wQIdtC79JUm1hbsisNyBKxjdO47VGKXNN37dg4Fn4bxwO6NPmfIdaBYyad1uJwVqcQrN_/s320/IMG_20110622_112011.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJamuAoQ-SlrfljK18J6F4UapsYz2nGqd_BbOuxDGV5xO1qMmbNPII0n1rgAazpu_YKb6QV2WIv8B1khxnVHf9C5Fc64weZn8NGTutF-803Z1R1pCj1b9DXyUF0J2E07W0OuqRfBX9n8G/s1600/IMG_20110622_111727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJamuAoQ-SlrfljK18J6F4UapsYz2nGqd_BbOuxDGV5xO1qMmbNPII0n1rgAazpu_YKb6QV2WIv8B1khxnVHf9C5Fc64weZn8NGTutF-803Z1R1pCj1b9DXyUF0J2E07W0OuqRfBX9n8G/s320/IMG_20110622_111727.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> There were cars and trucks everywhere! Indoors and out ~ large and small. In the first photo, you can see how I simply taped the table top with masking tape and then drew a broken line down the "roadway" for table top play. This table top activity soon became more with the addition of wooden blocks on the playground. Ramps were constructed, buildings built, even a bridge from the table top to the slide! (sorry no photos).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6b6dOKNePT1RNNlep-rboTw_mQQGJCgmZ8vs7scUvy2B3jHifGR2k5FaZ1l-vctKdsEcEmyW9swEasGHpCalSrKEi-w0KCkSGdlNoqoAuL4DGQZERv4M2uWXqiqgFzIZoLWZu2yxL8hmF/s1600/IMG_20110621_114810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6b6dOKNePT1RNNlep-rboTw_mQQGJCgmZ8vs7scUvy2B3jHifGR2k5FaZ1l-vctKdsEcEmyW9swEasGHpCalSrKEi-w0KCkSGdlNoqoAuL4DGQZERv4M2uWXqiqgFzIZoLWZu2yxL8hmF/s320/IMG_20110621_114810.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>And of course in the sand table. My suggestion: provide materials that support your theme for outdoor play. AND: Ask your students what they want to learn about!<br />
Next week's theme: Outside the Cardboard Box<br />
PEACE, JenniferJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-6953799859977641252011-06-20T21:27:00.000-04:002011-06-20T21:27:21.177-04:00Peek-A-boo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzLwGuPKuOoCkRwVSC0rNv3Zz86oKn7GYKHJY-KSrnFsSGqCiEsWyLW-2WqzAlj66Z3Nmvol0p3CV9LiVB2GZdYSF2U5yP6yAqMIeFZJyITOi9lEZl5UcNDMguktAL2ecXpEq1yU_zebe/s1600/peek+a+boo+with+katy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzLwGuPKuOoCkRwVSC0rNv3Zz86oKn7GYKHJY-KSrnFsSGqCiEsWyLW-2WqzAlj66Z3Nmvol0p3CV9LiVB2GZdYSF2U5yP6yAqMIeFZJyITOi9lEZl5UcNDMguktAL2ecXpEq1yU_zebe/s1600/peek+a+boo+with+katy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek-a-boo!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my small friends play a game of peek-a-boo around the fish. What a fun idea. Today was the little girl's (on the right) first day at our school. The beauty in yellow a seasoned preschooler, just three years old, welcomed the new child with love and kindness. It was beautiful to witness and made me so happy. What a warm welcome! I love my job.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-38095212001425627852011-05-14T21:03:00.000-04:002011-05-14T21:04:19.359-04:00Superhero Party for Little Man's 5th Birthday!<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-PWcfRwQ-vzPIH_EeyVcGNFeeHff0HuDOViKcxid1oM0q1PLMrpiis1PmjKFH49LtrmeGFE_bQgIvj7MhPA1vdfKtOPilYa3_rjDUNB_kqcJfIknty8ZcYCNMfhTlukG3n9D5phzQz3n/s1600/DSCN4517.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-PWcfRwQ-vzPIH_EeyVcGNFeeHff0HuDOViKcxid1oM0q1PLMrpiis1PmjKFH49LtrmeGFE_bQgIvj7MhPA1vdfKtOPilYa3_rjDUNB_kqcJfIknty8ZcYCNMfhTlukG3n9D5phzQz3n/s400/DSCN4517.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirG3G8yWptz5-u_y7UI-SOmvrzEih2NpJjsEG5mLAWg1UZlx4DzpRgB-XddlnhcXL-WzAj6gB7O2l_WPWAWDVuwYjh9rQ71aZdDlAQC9zWhU3HhmdUsDjSCxAWwAH8O79xDhrqbWCaO3rI/s1600/DSCN4534.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirG3G8yWptz5-u_y7UI-SOmvrzEih2NpJjsEG5mLAWg1UZlx4DzpRgB-XddlnhcXL-WzAj6gB7O2l_WPWAWDVuwYjh9rQ71aZdDlAQC9zWhU3HhmdUsDjSCxAWwAH8O79xDhrqbWCaO3rI/s400/DSCN4534.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAY9RAVVw9k5qKLsx4d0obBaHOfjV7pvIvjLkACKF0YKMc6oKBeuhdVhXJo29hHTeVbM6xEumWZTAB3VjRthztpgiWLqsECLW-4mRnTji0y_2nmM0Z_YfQyVUW1zS0uWHSNhHcO6gEZ9F/s1600/DSCN4556.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAY9RAVVw9k5qKLsx4d0obBaHOfjV7pvIvjLkACKF0YKMc6oKBeuhdVhXJo29hHTeVbM6xEumWZTAB3VjRthztpgiWLqsECLW-4mRnTji0y_2nmM0Z_YfQyVUW1zS0uWHSNhHcO6gEZ9F/s400/DSCN4556.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZE3vRibryZo_EQPsjO4njfgBUp-YJr4HLxIqZUNy9C-6UzQoRIh0sm8H6cQFMstv6EUICAUGR7dMO5kBtwJ1dVMYULLPlpK9xXvef2atzrXyvJYnNGIZHNE-VXZnhFE-5c30AF6I__52/s1600/DSCN4518.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZE3vRibryZo_EQPsjO4njfgBUp-YJr4HLxIqZUNy9C-6UzQoRIh0sm8H6cQFMstv6EUICAUGR7dMO5kBtwJ1dVMYULLPlpK9xXvef2atzrXyvJYnNGIZHNE-VXZnhFE-5c30AF6I__52/s400/DSCN4518.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMq0CKuqkrDHAU8FyIlAC9muOHFeHp4yNVM7WGjiC6A1hU21xt-Qer6hp-RHShOn4h1bF6FR4i0crGh2v_DB_VGOFKKinGnp9dEB8Rujf3oAZlc-AeN35kJRCikD5-p0TUYpv-rKmnGhq/s1600/DSCN4527.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMq0CKuqkrDHAU8FyIlAC9muOHFeHp4yNVM7WGjiC6A1hU21xt-Qer6hp-RHShOn4h1bF6FR4i0crGh2v_DB_VGOFKKinGnp9dEB8Rujf3oAZlc-AeN35kJRCikD5-p0TUYpv-rKmnGhq/s400/DSCN4527.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-85374245650426667022011-05-10T14:46:00.000-04:002011-05-10T14:46:33.583-04:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fd0LsguSlyE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>I had the best Mother's Day and I hope you did too. I came across this on another blog and loved it. I thought you might enjoy it too. Keep doing everything you are to be the best Mama you can be. Your efforts are worth the sacrifices you make. <br />
With great love and in PEACE,<br />
JenniferJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-80906021815060239812011-04-16T12:25:00.000-04:002011-04-16T12:25:22.468-04:00No PHOTOS Please!Just to share, for you regular readers of this blog of mine, my former employer has sent me a letter today requesting I cease to use any photos I took of the children while I worked for that school. <br />
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So, I will now begin the tedious job of removing said photos from past posts of mine. Thank you for your understanding and patience while I complete this lengthy task.<br />
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Any future photos used to illustrate this blog will be ONLY of my own children, my friends children and the children presently in my care at my child care program, Helping Hands Family School. Whom which I have the permission to use photos of for this purpose. <br />
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In PEACE,<br />
JenniferJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-64725361048818768932011-04-02T12:11:00.001-04:002011-04-02T12:14:37.028-04:00From the last week in March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBrz_KQ2M3ZxJEdPUPKnrbMTQZZSC3oU2DySEAud517BUyXw-jHP5BFX6HtcXuvzcm_rjjHshA7BvHxzie7ZR0OKgutquLFFBoyVbdK68BhqSUJclfhmESfnkcjwRcWwZnu6_qbYUC6Cd/s1600/IMG_20110324_082820.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="22" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBrz_KQ2M3ZxJEdPUPKnrbMTQZZSC3oU2DySEAud517BUyXw-jHP5BFX6HtcXuvzcm_rjjHshA7BvHxzie7ZR0OKgutquLFFBoyVbdK68BhqSUJclfhmESfnkcjwRcWwZnu6_qbYUC6Cd/s400/IMG_20110324_082820.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Zef1ncBenND-0jUASTNDJ1WfpLcDknlaTJplpaPbRjwOnyd-Ol6atHb0scqneEem9Wx1s19KxQjlC7N6lOrA9cKnPksJXWsU25zoM4lkwcGIPwRkNp0eE6NBg310BINRU4k-nPljdokX/s1600/DSCN4002.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="23" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Zef1ncBenND-0jUASTNDJ1WfpLcDknlaTJplpaPbRjwOnyd-Ol6atHb0scqneEem9Wx1s19KxQjlC7N6lOrA9cKnPksJXWsU25zoM4lkwcGIPwRkNp0eE6NBg310BINRU4k-nPljdokX/s400/DSCN4002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlbn2k9-eC0Q1C8099T5gUXc56eaolNCDGSEZdf76gtsMiU-BEceBcVWmVKXKzSj8kuh9nlc4VAJs0B52KQjdvLzFfMp2vaHqwLk6CYKs2qb3heydUVnB4-Lc3lcYBbJF_xmlMqrBRfbw/s1600/DSCN3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="24" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlbn2k9-eC0Q1C8099T5gUXc56eaolNCDGSEZdf76gtsMiU-BEceBcVWmVKXKzSj8kuh9nlc4VAJs0B52KQjdvLzFfMp2vaHqwLk6CYKs2qb3heydUVnB4-Lc3lcYBbJF_xmlMqrBRfbw/s400/DSCN3748.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Well, I'm going to say it. Spring HAS sprung! Now, I know I'm teetering on the truth because I am ignoring the fact that Belfast was just hit with a snow storm leaving my crocus covered in 10+ inches of snow. But I don't care, I've got a head cold sure, but it's still SPRING darn it!<br />
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Spring, spring, spring!<br />
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So I have some exciting news on the horizon, we are going to be moving! I love the house I am presently living and I will miss it greatly, but this new home will be wonderful too. Now begins the ambitious job of cleaning and organizing and packing everything up to move it to the new house! Wish me lots of luck and helpers.<br />
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I'm not making promises here, but I intend to post photos of the before and after process with you all. Just for kicks and giggles. I have no idea how this will all work but I am going to try my hardest to make it as easy as possible for all involved. (the move I mean)<br />
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Enjoy Spring dear friends and most of all STOP and observe with your little ones.<br />
It all passes by so quickly.<br />
In PEACE<br />
JenniferJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-7573444552699675442011-03-29T19:07:00.000-04:002011-03-29T19:07:33.706-04:00What a Difference a Tank Makes!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:1753/0ef3af8723a4fb3db3bb183f823c5db6/image/de717b570424c683.jpg" linkindex="18"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://localhost:1753/0ef3af8723a4fb3db3bb183f823c5db6/image/de717b570424c683.jpg?size=400" /></a> </div>My husband recently acquired a new fish tank for the classroom! The children could not be more happy about their new fishy friends.Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-52794837482660405812011-03-13T18:40:00.000-04:002011-03-13T18:40:14.266-04:00Planting Spring<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqvplfaQ7YuC3FeIi-UF8ZYgScXfY3T58kWQIF05GGTIN03slzvDLcRpjbL5v9ERN2feXSc9Yzqn81PhIQAZr0VaZwB8Jt1dnDugkYxxcdgOIOTBACooVYmFb03sqalLyEJgfZ6hFkO4s/s1600/Recently+Updated3.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqvplfaQ7YuC3FeIi-UF8ZYgScXfY3T58kWQIF05GGTIN03slzvDLcRpjbL5v9ERN2feXSc9Yzqn81PhIQAZr0VaZwB8Jt1dnDugkYxxcdgOIOTBACooVYmFb03sqalLyEJgfZ6hFkO4s/s400/Recently+Updated3.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Truly, I can't say enough about the importance of growing plants and caring for living creatures in one's classroom. <br />Your children will assume the role of "care giver" quite naturally and whichever you choose, plant or animal, is sure to recieve quality attention from your students.<br />Just remember: It is the teacher's responsibility to provide the same amount of love and care over the weekend and school vacation. <br />In PEACE,<br />Montessori Mama<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6535558816784279102.post-63388545568410582302011-02-22T23:35:00.001-05:002011-02-22T23:40:13.997-05:00Mad Max!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XXagn1l5m4cXAsXDBWKl4hdiVA52HkVF7IdFwE197zb6onoX8o6ELe8HrkyNwaopL3EYAHeaAameWaxrqE55Osxtt4D4pgKiRa3K5iZ_y365eH8KnkOSlOFGMi6RJ7kDD9UF4UJ6pz0B/s1600/DSCN3363.JPG" linkindex="25"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XXagn1l5m4cXAsXDBWKl4hdiVA52HkVF7IdFwE197zb6onoX8o6ELe8HrkyNwaopL3EYAHeaAameWaxrqE55Osxtt4D4pgKiRa3K5iZ_y365eH8KnkOSlOFGMi6RJ7kDD9UF4UJ6pz0B/s400/DSCN3363.JPG" /></a> Where did the time go Max?<br />
You are almost a teenager! Yikes~</div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7E9UKIVO42MmXQ7ah5VRF4ccs2fLTbb7swTGV0WuS9_-pWeJY8FPpO6EnTsJg7hxEgJeKjqDg7IpcVTVPIMlYnjL3909TZl8ib1dLPvJy4Ojda4vb1ehqkqIuwPGZKwjorUZ2Nhegpac/s1600/DSCN3351.JPG" linkindex="26"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7E9UKIVO42MmXQ7ah5VRF4ccs2fLTbb7swTGV0WuS9_-pWeJY8FPpO6EnTsJg7hxEgJeKjqDg7IpcVTVPIMlYnjL3909TZl8ib1dLPvJy4Ojda4vb1ehqkqIuwPGZKwjorUZ2Nhegpac/s400/DSCN3351.JPG" /></a><br />
Two of my handsome boys..........</div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHuVjgTaZfOEt-YDJxYRAKqZZK0elLjz3rmbO-ZLamhYtLssYlrwQ8jR3hcDBYTcY8t0A2a-Y4KFLWJGJe3g5whVsyiq5Ky2zeUkUW-SnKDWZe8BZD5GEOQL6GVkJS7Ux7NUpDrpaoUdq/s1600/DSCN3349.JPG" linkindex="27"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHuVjgTaZfOEt-YDJxYRAKqZZK0elLjz3rmbO-ZLamhYtLssYlrwQ8jR3hcDBYTcY8t0A2a-Y4KFLWJGJe3g5whVsyiq5Ky2zeUkUW-SnKDWZe8BZD5GEOQL6GVkJS7Ux7NUpDrpaoUdq/s400/DSCN3349.JPG" /></a><br />
Father and son share a laugh.</div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fuTFLHqeYFex_SwXEdBfsOs7rhFeHz1wlKMf6-bIfJ39pmKWGr-KG_9qFEXyxaDNAZdlqpI72MUnLMMS4nhVZ7t2H1MSra3VveOs4bxls0RtiyjNqDoOs-HMeaNNnfn4BQV0PDwlQ8XT/s1600/DSCN3396.JPG" linkindex="28"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fuTFLHqeYFex_SwXEdBfsOs7rhFeHz1wlKMf6-bIfJ39pmKWGr-KG_9qFEXyxaDNAZdlqpI72MUnLMMS4nhVZ7t2H1MSra3VveOs4bxls0RtiyjNqDoOs-HMeaNNnfn4BQV0PDwlQ8XT/s400/DSCN3396.JPG" /></a><br />
This photo makes me laugh out loud! </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" linkindex="29" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com4