May 2010

Parachute play in preschool

Parachute play is a great way to promote teamwork and to get those large muscles moving. The children gather around the parachute and hold on to one of the parachute handles. There are more children then there are handles on the parachute so the children who are not holding a handle become the ball fetchers. [...]

Making props for the preschool program

Tonight I have been working on the props for our preschool program. One of the dances is called Caterpillar Conga and we wanted to have each boy be a part of the caterpillar. I am still choosing whether to have a polka-dotted caterpillar, circle caterpillar, or just plain green. The boys are only three and [...]

Musical production in preschool

Each year, I have the privilege of directing a preschool musical at one of our local schools. I thought I would share a few tips about preparing preschoolers to sing or dance for their parents… To help the children know where to stand during the presentation, I mark the floor with colorful painters tape. Painter’s tape is easily [...]

Displaying toddler art

This isn’t a new idea or even my idea but I wanted to document this idea in my blog because I think it is fabulous. I am often asked for activities that toddlers can do that will also be great to display. Sometimes this is referred to as “refrigerator art.” I hesitate to focus too [...]

Painting with toddlers

Q-Tip painting with a toddler for the very first time.

Farm week in preschool

The children in this class spent the week exploring all about the farm. They explored a variety of activities including how to create the form of a tractor out of shapes. For sensory, the children drove tractors in (and around) the dirt. The children discovered the feel and shape of lima beans. The children then [...]

Twos at the easel in preschool

In this twos classroom, easel painting is part of the daily routine. The children know how to get their own paint smock, slip it over their head, and then they head over to an open easel where paint, brushes, and paper is ready and waiting for them. Some days they paint on short paper and [...]

My teacher appreciation gift for you

A simple gift for all of you who educate, care for, and entertain young children from Teach Preschool! Thank you for all you do for our youngest learners… You always inspire me! This article is being shared with you by Deborah Stewart of Teach Preschool – Promoting excellence in early childhood education at home and [...]

Lesson plans for the infant room

An infant room is a special place where babies are nurtured, loved, and are given opportunities to learn! Infants are learning about themselves and their world every single minute of every single day. 1. To prepare an infant lesson plan, the first thing I like to consider is the developmental stages of an infant. Each [...]

Bird nests your preschooler can make

This week was a week about spring and spring always reminds us of birds. The children made their own little bird nests with eggs. The children spread glue all over their paper then sprinkles brown confetti strips on top of the glue. Then the children dipped their finger tips or thumbs into the stamp/ink pad [...]

Webbing for lesson plans in preschool

It was recently suggested that I talk a little bit about how to create a web that will help you in creating lesson plans. I am going to present a few very basic webs just to get you thinking! Centers This first web is focused on centers. This web is simply an example of how webbing [...]