'Under the Big Top' Circus week

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. 

Meet a few of my friends: The Amazing Bubble Artist and a Clever and Curious Clown! (Below: Two Terrific Tigers!)
 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!

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.

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!

Once Upon a Time

 Once upon a time preschoolers loved to dress up.  Thankfully this is still true! 

 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.   

 Guarding the castle on a hot day, it's hard work!

 Look it's a lovely fairy princess!

                                                                "Bibity Bobity Boo!"
In PEACE,
Jennifer

Transportation Theme Preschool

 This week began our summer session.  The theme: Transportation

 Check out this masterpiece! Hot wheels cars making tracks through yellow and black paint. 
The children LOVED this activity and you know me, art outside is always a hit!

 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).

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!
Next week's theme: Outside the Cardboard Box
PEACE, Jennifer

Peek-A-boo

Peek-a-boo!

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Superhero Party for Little Man's 5th Birthday!

Happy Mother's Day

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. 
With great love and in PEACE,
Jennifer

No 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. 

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.

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.  

In PEACE,
Jennifer

From the last week in March

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!

Spring, spring, spring!

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.

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)

Enjoy Spring dear friends and most of all STOP and observe with your little ones.
It all passes by so quickly.
In PEACE
Jennifer

What a Difference a Tank Makes!

My husband recently acquired a new fish tank for the classroom! The children could not be more happy about their new fishy friends.

Planting Spring

Truly, I can't say enough about the importance of growing plants and caring for living creatures in one's classroom.
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.
Just remember: It is the teacher's responsibility to provide the same amount of love and care over the weekend and school vacation.
In PEACE,
Montessori Mama