Faux Snow Day

Hello again! I'm Ayn and I am a Ga. Pre-K teacher, serving 4 and 5 year olds in an inclusive setting. I share my classroom adventures on my blog, little illuminations. 


Several years ago, when I taught preschool in New Jersey, we would have snow frequently in the winter. We'd have an initial "SNOW DAY", but a day or two later, the roads were cleared and school would be back in session. Often, we'd have snow on the ground to explore with during recess and nature walks. But here in Georgia, our  "SNOW DAYS" are few and far between. We rarely get enough snow to stick to the ground long enough to make a snowman, and if we do, it's melted before we've even had a chance to return to school. 


This year, I planned a "SNOW DAY" ~ a "FAUX SNOW DAY"!!!!! 


We ice skated to classical music around our classroom. I gave each student 2 pieces of wax paper, cut in rectangles just about the size of their shoe. We put one piece under each shoe and away we skated! It was a wonderful simulation and allowed us to exercise all those muscles used in "regular" ice skating! 

We built a faux snowman. I gave the children a few shape cut outs and they put the snowman together. They added a little "faux snow" fingerprints to complete the scene. 

No snow day (or "FAUX SNOW DAY", for that matter), would be complete without a good old fashioned SNOWBALL FIGHT!!! We collected some old paper from our recycling bin and crumpled it up to make snowballs. 

Ready, Aim, FIRE!!!!

We squared off girls against the boys and went to town. 

Any snowballs that landed were fair game to be used again! 

Snow or  "faux snow" , we all need a snow day every now and then!


Stop by and visit me anytime at littleilluminations.blogspot.com or visit the little illuminations fanpage on facebook!

Increasing Engagement with Little Learners!

Hi again, it's Jennifer From Empowering Little Learners and Simply Centers again and I am very excited to be coming to you again to talk a little more about increasing engagement with our Little Learners! 

Last month we talked about (dun-dun-dun) RIGOR and so to further enrich the conversation, here are some sure fire ways get kids talking and working together!  So here is just a plethora (yes I just used that word) of ideas and information so you can hopefully pick up something no matter what your comfort level! 

#1)  The Power of Partnerships!

Partners really help eliminate a lot of nonacademic and also help the kids to take more ownership of their time.  For example, instead of having one person answer, you could have everyone turn and tell your partner the answer.  If you are very new to partnerships, you may want to read this post for more on management of partnerships!   

So in my class we use Peanut Butter and Jelly partners, just because that is what I was required to do for so long and what I am used to.  There are however lots of other fun names for partners and guess what I did... I made them for you for FREE!  These symbols can be taped to tables (or where ever) or strung around string to wear when you are doing the majority of your partnering.  You want to designate students to a type so you can say "Hamburgers go first"  or "Hamburgers get the books, fries get the rugs!"  You can also purchase Name Plates that have these symbols on them from my TpT store!   (These are great and super cheap!)

If you are not new to partners - here's an idea that will get your kinders thinking more... one paper - two kids!  Your students will have to work together to solve and agree on the process to do so.  Talk about higher level thinking! 

#2)  Cooperative Learning (Two Games for the Price of Free!) 

Cooperative Learning is a sure fire way to get all students engaged!  So here is an easy and FREE structure you can implement called  Four Corners!  This is a game where students organize themselves into four groups depending on a picture card with an initial sound.  It's very simple and I am even going to give you the tools you need (well, minus the paper, tape, and well... kids of course!)

And of course, here are your game cards for FREE!  I provided M, S, D, and T because those are often the some of the first letters we teacher.  However, if you are comfortable, you can also purchase the entire alphabet from me in here in TpT store!

Already comfortable with Four Corners, here's a game you can play with those same cards called Quiz, Quiz Trade: 

Students are each given a card.  You can use flashcards or any sort:  alphabet, rhyming, numbers, addition facts.

Play music for about 30 seconds.  The kids walk around the room.

When the music stops, the kids all find a partner.  (Teach the students to put a hand up or go to the front of the room if they are having trouble finding a partner.)

They show each other their cards and the other partner must read their card.  Once both have been quized, then they trade.

Teach the kids to partner pyramid (each partner puts a hand up to form a pyramid) to signify they are done.

You start the music back up, kids walk around until the music stops. They find a new partner and do it all again!

You can do this with every concept and every age or grade level!  It never gets old and the kids have a blast reinforcing skills!

Again, you can play Quiz-Quiz Trade with the same cards as Four Corners! 

An extra note or two!

And just a note for all you Home Schoolers (which I envy dearly!)  I know you all meet sometimes (like at a local park.)  These games are great for varying levels of learners!  For example, have students walk around and trade only with the people the same height (and of course the older children will have to be responsible for enforcing it.)  Only problem - I don't have games for older learners, but there are MANY out there if you search around.   

I am afraid Home Schoolers  may not think Cooperative Learning is for you because maybe you have a smaller group of children (or only one) that you are working with.  Please look into the ideas and concepts because they are just good teaching strategies that you can always adapt to smaller groups or to one-on-one.  

And on a side note - The Cooperative Learning Books are AMAZING resources for anyone working with children.  If you ever have a chance to get one - DO IT!  Most activities can be brought up or taken down depending on the level you are working with! 

OK - I think that is all for now.  Please let me know if you have any questions or share any successes you have had.  Or maybe there is a strategy you use that others could benefit from - please share a link or comment below! 

CREATIVITY and WIRE SCULPTURES

Improvisation, Critical Thinking and Creativity

Sculpture with Wire

(all of the following wire sculptures were

 created by preschool children)

In my first post I mentioned "Engaging, Helping, Guiding, Recognizing, and Empowering" as ways to take adult learners to a higher level of connecting with children.  It goes without saying that we all strive to use all those words as we interact with children directly.  In our society there is a lot of linear thinking.  We need more abstract thinking to balance our approach to problem solving and living in a world which is full of exciting and often unplanned situations.  As we know, children love to play and playing with wire and creating sculptures with wire is one fantastic way of building many skills with our future leaders... our children.  The following images are from the preschool classroom of Natalia Canales, a gifted teacher who has found some wonderful ways to empower children.  In this case, children are representing their ideas and knowledge through the use of materials, specifically wire.  

One approach involving Fathers, Wire and their children

Natalia has over an extended period of time been intentional in her introduction of wire to children and over time has acted as a guide as the children in her classroom have built the skills necessary to lead to the following sculptures.  Bravo Nataila!!!

A "Snow Angel" and "Keys" are two examples of children using their knowledge of things they have seen or have become.  Creating these images with wire allows for more learning to take place "in depth."  The idea of building on prior knowledge is critical to fostering life long learners.

Below is a superb example of allowing and encouraging abstract thought to take place.  So many of amazing inventions come have started with abstract thought.

The next example is "A Ghost" and while simple, demonstrates basic body parts and shapes.  Perhaps most important is how their classroom teacher took the time to document the sculpture with care and in doing so, honoring both the Art work and the Artist.

The following wire sculpture "A Snake" shows an amazing amount of detail including the different thickness of the end of the tail as compared to the main body of the snake.  Living in Arizona, this work of Art was probably inspired by an encounter with a real version of the animal.

Below enjoy "A Rocket" and "A Mouse".  A critical aspect to guiding children is introducing the idea of creativity from the perspective that there are many answer, not just one.  The idea of creating young children who are inventive in their approach to living and learning is one to remember.

One powerful aspect of wire sculptures is how we allow children to create their own images.  When we think of history's greatest leaders they certainly learned the rules of their craft, but once they did, they abandoned those rules.  In doing so they gave themselves permission to create new perspectives (Einstein, Galileo, Michelangelo, Beethoven, Picasso, da Vinci, Mahler, etc.).  We must give our children the same opportunity to discover their passion and to play in creative and organic ways.  The research my F.A.M.E. Foundation has engaged in shows that this approach has the result of improved learning in multiple academic domains. This doesn't mean that all wire sculptures need to be abstract.  Take a good look at the next three wire sculptures by preschool children.  You will see each has a different balance of abstract versus linear.  With so many wire sculptures being made in this particular Head Start, children learn from each other as well as from their teachers. 

 Abstract and Linear

Some Linear with more Abstract

Mostly Abstract

The kind of learning involved with this type of on-going project relates to fine motor skills and problem solving, but it also relates to other key areas of learning including:

• Visualization
• Improvisation (which is a gateway to creativity)
• Shape Recognition
• Acquisition of Vocabulary
• Improved Comprehension

This type of project can address any academic domain.  The most powerful kind of learning for children and adults is the kind that happens in context.  Wire sculptures allow children to create that which they are learning.  Enjoy this lovely wire sculpture of a balloon!

In my Redleaf Press book, Living Like a Child, I refer to many techniques, but one of the most important things I refer to is for adults to re-connect with what it means to live like a child.  This can mean many things, but for me it certainly includes:

• Following your passion
• Living with a sense of daily wonder
• An attitude of "What can I discover today?"

Ask yourself, "Do I live like a child?"  "Could I live more like a child?"  Below are two precious examples of preschool children discovering a "Happy Heart" and a "Baby Swing".  The titles all come from the question posed to children, "What are you making?"

If you enjoy this idea as much as I do, dive in and offer your children the opportunity to create with wire.  I'm not going to give you "one way" of playing this game, because that would be misleading.  There are a plethora of ways to use this idea.  Here are some things to consider:

1. Ask children what they want to make.
2. Some children will want to just dive in.... let them.
3. Show children things in nature  they could make.
4. Show children things in the classroom they could make.
5. Talk about emotions they could represent with wire.

Another critical aspect of this or any game, project or technique is allowing for reflective dialogue to take place at the end and throughout the process.  Once the wire sculptures are done, allow time for children to share what they made with each other in a group setting.  

Recognize the Artist within them and celebrate!  Wire sculptures can be linked to anything the children are learning. Below is a wire sculpture of a "Crown", which could easily be used as a moment to expand a child's vocabulary.

Claiming our daily learning environment is something else I refer to in my book Living Like a Child.  Recognizing beauty in all areas of our life is an important concept related to understanding what peace is and that it begins with inner peace.  Below is a truly beautiful wire sculpture of a broom.  What would be interesting is to ask the young artist:

• "Why did you make a broom?"
• "Have you used a broom?"
• "How do you use a broom?"
• "Does this broom make you think of someone?"

Asking these kinds of questions leads to critical thinking and is an example of teaching "in depth."  Going beyond the surface information and digging for more meaning.

LIVE LIKE A CHILD

ENDEAVOR... ENRICH... EVOLVE...

The study of early childhood education in action

By Deborah J. Stewart, M.Ed. of Teach Preschool

When I first said "yes" to writing for PreK+K Sharing, I thought I would focus on writing about blogging but the truth is, I am not an expert in blogging. What I know about blogging can be summed up in probably two or three paragraphs and for me, writing about blogging is really kind of boring. Instead, what I really know and enjoy writing about is early childhood education.  So today, I think I will switch gears and write about my preschool classroom.

   

 My classroom is small. not just a little bit small, but very small.  The photos actually make it look a little larger than it is in real life. I actually have two classrooms. The classroom in the photo above is called my "indoor classroom" or "indoor studio." The photo below is of my "outdoor classroom" or "outdoor studio."

   

I call each of my classrooms a "studio" because my classrooms are the places I go to study and observe early childhood education in action...

In a sense, every classroom is really a studio.  It may be a place we go to teach young children but in order to have a successful classroom experience, we must first be prepared to study and observe our classrooms and our students in action...

   

 We need to be students of our classroom environment and know when we need to change something in or about our classroom environment to make it more engaging, accessible, practical, challenging, inviting, or manageable. We need to study the classroom environment on a daily basis and then evaluate if the environment is leading children towards success...

   

 We also need to be students of our students.  We need to observe our students as they play, talk, create, and interact with each other and the environment.  It is through study, observation, and reflection that we will begin to know the best way(s) of helping our students have a successful preschool experience...

   

So, I call my classroom a studio.  It is the place my students go to actively study and build life long skills. And it is the place I go to actively study the amazing world of early childhood education...

   

Learn more about Deborah's classroom studio and the daily observations she shares on her Teach Preschool Blog!

Simply Organizing Those Flannelboard Stories!

by Pam Bergman

Each year around this time, I resolve to organize at least one area of my preschool classroom!  It's the start of the new year; perfect time to get organized!  Besides, I've always found that the time and energy I spend organizing the classroom pays off in the end!  I love being able to quickly swap out materials at the last minute if needed.  I also love being able to find additional items quickly while working with the children!  And, since I tend to have more than the average number of children with very short attention spans...this comes in handy quite often! 

So, about a year and a half ago, and after creating over 40 flannelboard stories, songs and games, I realized I couldn't find a single one that was complete!  I was constantly losing one or two pieces from our favorites. I had resorted to storing some in Ziploc bags, while others were thrown in my group time basket!  We were more than just a bit disorganized!  And it was driving me CrAZy! It was time to organize our flannelboard stories!

                                                                                  Luckily, I found

 an expanding file folder collecting dust at home!  I quickly bought one more and set out to get our flannelboard story situation under control!  (NOTE:  These are the expanding file folders with a handle- that look like very small suitcases.  I found mine at Walmart.)

I started by putting each flannelboard story in it's own Ziploc bag.  I then typed out a label for each bag with the name of the flannelboard story as well as the number of pieces that belonged with that set.  This way I could just quickly count the pieces as we put them away to make sure we hadn't misplaced any!

                                                                              I also made note of any extra items, such as a story or song card, that belonged in the Ziploc bag. On many of these labels I also included the main skill we could work on while enjoying the story, song or game (ex. colors, sequencing, counting etc.).  This has been useful while planning.

I alphabetized the flannelboard stories and inserted one Ziploc bag in each file space.  I typed up a numbered and alphabetized "cheat sheet" listing all the flannel board stories in the first file folder and another list for the second file folder  (although they are ALL alphabetized as one large group). I put these in the front of each file folder as a reference. 

                                                                              

I also put a small number on each section of the file. This way, when I need to find a flannelboard story, song or game in a hurry, I can just match up the number on the cheat sheet with the number on the expanding file section!  Could it get any easier?!

Numbered and alphabetized "Cheat Sheet"

NOTE: I decided not to add the number to the label on the bag. That way, when I do make more flannelboard stories, I won't have to change the label on the bags.  I'll just re-work the cheat sheet to indicate the additional stories and adjust the numbers for all (and the placement in the expanding file spaces).

OK, so it may look a bit scrunched here, but you may be
able to see one of the expanding file folders on the
far right!



When we're done with a flannelboard story, all I have to do is count the pieces to make sure we haven't lost anything, tuck them back in the Ziploc bag, put the Ziploc bag in the correct space and put the whole file folder back under our group time easel!

Simple and organized!









Here are a Few Additional Tips:

For several of the stories, I actually have two matching sets.  This way, I have one to use with the whole group and another set to leave out during center work for the children to use to retell the story. When I can squeeze in a few more hours to my day, I plan on making more identical sets!  These come in quite handy when you have children who may be a bit rough with the flannelboard pieces!  

While I know there are many resources on the Internet and in books for making flannelboard stories, I found the best resource for large, simple designs was the book 2's Experience Felt Board Fun.  (look for this at your local library.  I simply checked this out many times and created many of these over a period of about a year!) 

 Of course, there are many other ways you could organize your flannelboard pieces! Another great way to organize flannelboard stories was highlighted by Deborah at Teach Preschool!

Finally, if you would like to check out some of the other ways I have organized classroom things, take that long walk down to my blog: How Long is This Hall!? and check out "that ongoing classroom organization".  Or if you would like to see a creative way to make flannelboard pieces check THESE out!

Deborah McNelis: Healthy Brains for a Happy New Year!

It is my passion to help children's brains develop in the most optimal way. This is something we all want right? 

When doing presentations on optimal development, I find many people don’t realize the impact nutrition has on moods, learning and behavior. But, a good guide to follow is this simple…. if it is good for the body, it is good for the brain.   

Children’s brains need nourishment to function well. If the brain doesn't get what it needs, this feels like stress to the brain. 

When we ensure children have the nourishment their brain needs this will promote learning and also help keep a more positive mood throughout the day. Eating a well balanced breakfast that includes protein provides the brain with the nutrients to function well. Healthy eating results in the release of "feel good" chemicals. The brain is also less likely to crave carbohydrates when it gets to start the day with the nourishment it needs. 

However, eating sugary cereal, doughnuts, or sweetened juices will result in the brain “crashing” only 30 minutes later. When the brain doesn’t have the nutrients it needs, it feels stress and releases stress chemicals. As a result a child may experience feelings of agitation, aggression, and anxiety. Additionally, a child may have difficulty focusing, and sitting still. Memory and attention span are also likely to be affected.

Young brains are not yet developed enough to deal with these feelings. The brain areas that help control all they are feeling are still too immature. This is why it is often called, "out of control" behavior.

7 very simple practices help keep brain systems in balance. 

Hopefully these will contribute to happier days and an increase in learning for the children in your life!

• Provide water and healthy snacks to keep the brain from getting hungry and turning to poor food choices for meals. For great healthy snack ideas read the post from Debbie Clement.
• Provide breakfasts and lunches that include adequate amounts of protein to keep energy levels even.
• Eat healthy foods before eating sweets or simple carbohydrates. This will reduce the chance for mood swings.
• Ensure children are getting Omega-3 Fatty Acids in their diet or as supplements. These are vital for normal brain development
• Make sure children eat a balanced breakfast.
• Include vegetables and fruits in every meal and use as snacks. The vitamins and minerals these provide help the brain think.
• Help children learn which foods are best. They will have fun saying, "This is good for my brain" as they enjoy healthy foods! 

·   

        (Photo complements of Lauren Zimet founder of Healthy Foundations)

Enjoy nourishing healthy brains in the new year!!

 

Deborah McNelis is the owner of Braininsights, and author of, Brain Development Series of brain activity packets. 

Her blog is Early Childhood Brain Insights.

Eating Healthy: FREE Mp3!! (Childhood Obesity)

HAPPPPPIEST of NEW YEARS!!!!!! and
HEALTHIEST of NEW YEARS, TOO!!!!!! 

By Debbie Clement

It's time to celebrate!! We made it!!!!! 2012! A new year!!
A new calendar. A new beginning. A new resolve. A new set of energies forward, toward improving our daily choices, our daily decisions, our daily activities. A new opportunity to begin all over again. Back to basics.
Are you willing? Let's do this together!!!!!!!

Today's Topic? Childhood Obesity. What can we do?

Have you made a list of resolutions for the New Year? For yourself personally? For your professional life? Now's the time to think through possibilities for the whole New Year ahead! Did you have a chance to read Dr. Ellaine's post from yesterday? That would be a brilliant follow-up to my post or a fitting prologue. She has such awesome insight. My take-away? Baby steps. Gradual change. Choose one area and f-o-c-u-s!!!!!! (Click back here for her insight and suggested links, or just keep reading + scrolling on down.)

Let's choose one thing to focus on first then we can move forward to what comes 2nd, after that we can begin to consider what comes 'next, then, and after' until we get to finally! [I took this photo a couple weeks ago at a conference where I was presenting and the article I wrote with the other photo-examples of 'foldables' included has become my number one viewed blog-post of all times -- in just a few short weeks! Click here to see the other foldable, 'graphic organizer' possibilities.]

Every conference I go to these days, has speakers addressing the topic and ramifications of the 'epidemic of childhood obesity.' I have recently heard several presentations -- including a keynote on this subject. One presenter used the analogy of a tsunami..... suggesting that America is about to be hit with a mammoth tidal wave of health related issues. The speaker highlighted concerns that as the younger, ever-so-much-more-sedentary generations age, our society will feel the long term effects of the health issues wrought by obesity.  While America may be leading at these issues, I'm certain these concerns are not specific to our borders.

What can we do? Start with an examination.
"We Are What We Eat!!!!" LOOK INSIDE:

How cute is this guy? Take a closer look at the many details!

Source: google.com via Debbie on Pinterest

According to the Center for Disease Control one preschool-aged child-in-7, of low income, is obese. They go further to cite that one-in-three children are 'over-weight' by the age of five. Click here for all of the specifics about how obese children are now establishing a lifestyle that will in-all-probability unfold into an entire lifetime of confronting such concerns as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiac issues to name a few. All of these health issues are increasing at an alarming rate, all rearing their heads earlier and earlier in life. There are now 5 and 6 year old children with heart disease, a health issue which traditionally has been a concern some 50 to 60 years later in life.

Again, I ask you: WHAT CAN WE DO?
The obvious answer? We can get up + get moving!!! It's time to jump into action!
Get up off your chair! Get your feet up off the ground!!!!! Be an example. Be a role model!!

Source: rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com via Debbie on Pinterest

CALL TO ACTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We ourselves in our personal lives, and we as educators and parents (and even wearing our grand-parent, coach and neighbor hats, too) need to get up and get the move on! We need to practise what we preach! We need to focus on this issue and focus on it right now!! This seriously needs to be priority #1. As a two-time survivor of early cancer diagnosis + treatment, safe-guarding our health hits very close to home for me. There are all sorts of studies underway investigating links between cancer and what we eat. Let me be the proverbial canary in the coal mine. The time is at hand for grasping the links between our diets and our health. This is a call-to-action on behalf of children everywhere!!! 

By example and by lesson plan! 
We need to get the kiddos in our lives up and going: jumping, grooving, marching, climbing, swinging, hopping, running, dancing, skipping, bopping, freezing, flapping, swinging, twirling, crawling, sliding, rolling, tumbling, scooting, stepping, swooping, whirling, swooshing ......... well you get the idea: MOVING!!! 



I am really going to put my money where my mouth is. I want to support you whether you are a teacher or a parent, a librarian, auntie, nannie, or an administrator -- whatever your role with children. I will email each and every single person who would like a copy of my original song, "Eating Healthy" as a Happy New Year encouragement to get your kiddos up and marching.

The chorus has a rousing, active march tempo. Get some pom-pom shakers!!!!!
Get those knees up high! March to the steady beat!! Get your heart pumping!!!!

          "Eating healthy, being healthy, that's the choice for me.
            Eating healthy, being healthy, yes ma'am, yes siree!
            Eating healthy, being healthy that's how I will choose.
            Eating healthy, being healthy, I'll be healthy, you be healthy, help me spread the news!"

I would really appreciate it if you would officially follow our collaborative blog here -- to keep you in the loop of hearing from all of our authors. When you let me know that you're 'following' I'll happily email you a copy of the Mp3 file. You may either leave your email address here in our comment section at the end of this post -- or you are welcome to send me an email with your request. My email address is in the contact tab located across the very top of the blog.

Debbie Clement's Pinterest pin-board collection: "EATING HEALTHY" (primarily vegetable related)

To further support your efforts at a healthier lifestyle, I have a Pinterest pin-board labeled, "Eating Healthy" with a couple hundred 'pins' of all sorts of delightful vegetable ideas like the little skeletal fellow above. The vast majority of pins are veggie ideas, but you'll find some glorious fruit concoctions as well.

Here's to making good choices, to determining what to do FIRST and then??????
Those three imortal marketing words, "JUST DO IT!"

                                      -- Debbie --
      Next month I'll tackle the issues of Children's Art:
                            Process vs. Product
   ****Editor's Note: It's ready! Here's that link, click here!

Debbie Clement is a sing/song-writer "music lady" having written over 100 original songs for children onto nine albums, known as 'Debbie's Ditties' by her fans of educators + libraians. She has a nationally DOVE award winning DVD entitled "Kweezletown" suitable for families with children of differing ages.

She is also the author/illustrator of three picture books based on her songs -- where the lyrics of the song become the text of the book and yes!!! The CD is included in the traditional hard cover picture book format, along with charts for the sign language and music notation to support the performance of the song/book! Look here for her RainbowsWithinReach family of products.

****I've added this post to the linky party at Thrifty Thursdays designed by a speech + language expert. Click here for other thrify blog posts at Playing with Words 365.  

****Thanks Beth, for your personal invitation to get this linked up over at Intentional Living. I've added it to your Linky #12.