Block area

The block area has a variety of blocks, people, cars, animals, etc. and with all of these materials, you just never know what might happen. Or built. Children demonstrate their creativity, problem solving skills and imagination in many ways in the block area. It is very cool to see what they come up with, mostly on their own.

This guy had to be creative, since most
of the blocks he wanted to use
were already being used.
We came up with plan B!

It started simple and more was added!
Not long after I took this picture, it came
tumbling down.
Notice the block shelf is empty.
Every single block was used in some way
this day.

I demonstrated how to use these tubes
for ramps. And they were hooked!

Spontaneity!

One thing I've learned over the years, to be more spontaneous as a teacher. I plan and organize and make sure everything happens in a day, but sometimes you just need to be flexible and spontaneous. Young children have taught me that. Today was one of those days. A child brought earthworms for the "E" letter of the week bag. Guess what we did during choice time? Dumped the dirt and worms in a tray, gathered around and did a lot of hands on learning with them.

 Go with the teachable moments. 

I first put the worms and dirt in a cup, but
that just wasn't working. One of
the worms tried to crawl out. So.......

In the tray the worms went. They didn't
really stay in the tray either. 

The children were very careful with them as
they picked them up with the tweezers.
None were squished.

Ms. Larisa measured a worm and pulled
a little too hard. Part of it broke off.
BUT, that part still moved and
actually grew. Crazy.

It takes two tweezers to control
this worm. 

We may be learning more about worms in the near future.......

Wedgits

Wedgits are rhombus shaped blocks that are wonderful for fine motor skills and problem solving. And self-confidence. The blocks stack, nest and wedge together to create unique structures. We have wedgits available at "table toys" and children are often exploring them. We also have pattern design cards that allow children to copy patterns. Children really enjoy these, especially with an adult present to help support and encourage learning. It's great for older children as well. They have designs up to level D.  
Check out what the children can do!!

This guy cruised through level A and
most of the way through level B.
Very impressive!

He was trying not to do one, but just
couldn't help himself.

Not wedgits, but still creative!

This cutie said, "I'm very pleased with
myself" after she finished a design.
yes, indeed. 

And another one. 

Creating with magnetic sponge blocks.

Here are some links if you are interested in buying a WEDGIT set for home:

http://www.target.com/p/wedgits-imagination-series-with-25-pieces-set/

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/    (This site had a 30 piece set)

Meet your teachers!

I asked the teachers these questions so you could get to know them better. 

1.     Where are you from? Briefly describe your family.

2.     What was your favorite food when you were a child?

3.     What is one of your favorite quotes?

4.     What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?

5.     What is your favorite season of the year?

6.     What do you enjoy most about working with young children?

7.     What are your plans after Hesston College? What do you hope to be doing in 5 years?

Ms. Larisa:

1.   I grew up in Western Oklahoma, and have lived in Oregon, Colorado and now Kansas! I am married to Vic and we live in Wichita.

2.  Pizza (and still is!)

3.  Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it. (Anne of Green Gables.... Lauren Carns)

4.  Hiking/exploring nature

5.     Fall

6.  I have always enjoyed young children and their curiosity, creativity and imagination!

7.  I am currently completing my Masters in Early Childhood Education with a teacher certification B-K through K-State’s online program. It has been a work in progress and I hope to have this completed in 2 years. I have an AA from Hesston College and a BA from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Co. I have worked with younger (and older) children in various capacities for the past 23 years. This is my 12 year at Hesston College Preschool.

Ms. Naomi: 

I'm from Colorado (near Colorado Springs). I have a younger brother who is 12, my dad is a firefighter at the Air Force Academy, and my mom works as a substitute teacher at the local daycare center where we live. 

2. My favorite food when I was a child my favorite food was peaches. 

3. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Ralph Waldo Emerson

4. My favorite indoor activity is any art activity. My favorite outdoor activity is swinging on the swings. 

5. I like fall and spring both equally. 

6. I really enjoy being able to share the moment when they are finally able to do stuff and they have that light bulb moments. 

7. After Hesston I plan to go back to Colorado to finish my degree. I am looking at going to either UCCS or UNC for colleges. In 5 years I hope to be teaching in a preschool somewhere back in Colorado. 

Ms. Renee

 1.  I am from Wellman, Iowa. I have a twin sister who studies at Goshen College, a dad who is a car used car dealer, and a mom who is a Kindergarten teacher. 

2.    Any type of pasta! 

3.   "Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." -Mark Twain

4.   My favorite outdoor activities are running and hiking. 

5.    My favorite season is Fall. 

6.   I enjoy seeing children grow and change throughout the time I work with them. 

7.   I plan on getting my Bachelor's degree (although I don't know where yet) and then I will eventually teach in a classroom of my own! 

Ms. Laura

1. I am from Norwich, KS. I am a triplet; I have 2 sisters. My dad is a farmer and takes care of cows, wheat, soybeans, and milo.

2. My favorite food was pizza.

3. Don’t carry your mistakes around with you. Instead, place them under your feet and use them as stepping stones.

4.  Doing ceramics or crafts

5. My favorite season is spring.

6.  To see them get excited about what we are teaching in school.

7.   I am not sure what I am going to do after Hesston. I may go to school at Wichita State or get a job after graduation.  In five years, I hope to be a teacher, teacher assistant or work in a daycare.

First day of TR class!

The first day of preschool can feel exciting and scary at the same time. Often children put on brave faces and cautiously come into preschool, but after a few times they become more comfortable and familiar with the routine, and are all smiles!
There was a lot of activity going on today. Lots of exploring and discovering new toys and materials. It was a good day!!

Ms. Naomi at the sensory table

Ms. Laura down on the floor with us. 

Legos! Always a hit!

Ms. Renee at the art table

Observing the hermit crabs crawl out of their bath.
Very fascinating. Children often give a play by play
of what the hermit crabs are doing. 

Driving the tractor on the road.

Dressed up and driving! Watch out. 

SNACK TIME!!!!

Spin art. Once I show children how to use it,
it becomes very popular.
And you (parents) end up with thousands of circles 
coming home with you. :) 

First day of MWF!

It is always so exciting to be a returning student because you know what to expect and often children have favorite toys and materials they just can't wait to use again! That was definitely the case for this class today. They just jumped right back into the routine and their favorites! And we are very excited to welcome 3 new friends into this session who just followed along with the activities. I encouraged the returning students to welcome and help the new students learn what to do at preschool. 
I didn't catch all of the activity going on, but they were enjoying it and were busy!! 

It was a good first day. 

The main attraction -- scooping and pouring rice or soup
or wedding cake. Whatever you like.

"Ticket makers"
making tickets for whoever wanted to ride a train

Busy with blocks

They discovered some new cars and trucks.

They were building slides for the animals to use.

Looking cool!

Preschool is starting soon!

Hello. It has been awhile since I've posted something here. The summer just flew by and now we are gearing up for another year!!

Here is some important information.

Monday, August 22 – Come and Go Open House at preschool for enrolled preschool children and families.

(Get familiar or re-acquainted with preschool classroom and meet your child’s teachers)

Please note: Come during your designated session - 

TR at 6:30 p.m.

MWF at 7:00 p.m.

Start of preschool -

Wed, Aug 24 – First day of preschool for MWF session

Thurs, Aug 25 First day of preschool for Tue-Thur session

School Supplies -

Each child (family) needs to bring the following school supplies:

1 (one) – 2 pack of glue sticks

2 rolls of high quality paper towels

2 dry erase markers (any color)

1 box of child’s favorite non-perishable snack (Ritz crackers, animal crackers, goldfish, pretzels, Cheerios, etc….) to share. The preschool will supplement the snack with fruit, dip, vegetables, dairy, etc….. You may bring these items to open house or sometime during the first week of preschool.

Tuition payment -

The first tuition payment can be made at Open House or anytime the first week of preschool.

MWF - $150

TR - $100

More information regarding preschool schedule, tuition payments and other general preschool information will be available at Open House.

Let me know if you have any questions.

See you all soon!