...We need STICKS!
A bit thicker in diameter than a pencil, but no thicker than a crayola marker.
I've found a small amount on our nature walks, but we need more.
Gracias!!!
9.30.2008
9.25.2008
Downward Dog, Parachute Play, Listening
Highlights from our Day
Yoga (Gross Motor)
Got our Toddler Yoga book in, and the kids and I give it a thumbs up. What I love about it is the illustrations. They're simple and explain things on an easy level for the children.
Yoga baby wags his tail like a dog (downward dog pose)
Yoga Baby wobbles like a little bird (but Lulu took it to the next level and raised her leg up!)
There are many more poses the children are still learning, so I'll post those pics as we progress.
*Also want to mention why there are so many pics with children romping around in their undies. We're working on potty training at the Casa and it's easier for them and I to prepare for a potty run this way. It's been worth it though, because today, ALL the girlies used the potty!! Yeah!!!
More Gross Motor and Outdoor Play
Music
We danced to our awesome new Putomayo Brazilian Music CD and also to Ring around the Rosey.
Can you *feel* the movement? They were dancing away.
Parachute play
Taking a break...
Gratitude
We have some new additions to Casa T.'s music and songbook library. Both donated by a generous mama. THANK YOU mamita!!
Nature Table and Materials for Next Week
Apples: Please send your child to the casa with one apple to share next week. After circle time, we'll use them for a craft.
Cornhusks: If you happen to have any, please send those too!
Thank You~
9.24.2008
Autumn Leaves and Separation
What's on our shelf this week ~ Autumn and Separation
"As a leaf is connected to the tree, we are all 'one' part of the whole -- coming from the same source, returning to the same place. When we are removed from our family or community, we believe ourselves to be separate. What we need to understand is that we do not have to be with others physically to be conected to each other. Your are never alone -- just go within."
Ok, of all the books this week, the children have LOVED listening to Oh My Baby, Little One.
"It's always hard for Baby Bird and his mama to say good-bye on their way to school and work in the morning. But Mama finds a lilting, lyrical way of showing how her love is with her child all the time--and his love is with her, too.
But even when I'm far away,this love I have will stay.
And wrap itself around you, every minute of the day.
Mama Bird tells her child how her love slips inside his lunch box, sits upon his shoulder when he sings a happy song, and snuggles on his pillow while he naps. Hints of hearts nestle playfully on the pages: on the blackboard under the letter H, and sewn onto his pillowcase. Oh My Baby, Little One will resonate deeply for moms and kids alike, and may make daily separations just a little bit easier.
So blow a kiss and wave good-bye--my baby, don't you cry.
This love is always with you, like the sun is with the sky."
I also have a dedicated basket for each season. As I read books (or do picture walks and have discussions) with the children, we'll add those books here.
Sensory/Tactile
Mia explored the Pink Tower today and was excited to learn about biggest vs. smallest.
It was neat to see her carry this concept over to snack time when she looked at the containers her mama sent her snacks in, and said to herself, "Hmmmm...is this one the bigger one, or this one?"
Culinary
Today, we made bread!
Mia poured the mix, Lulu combined the yeast and milk, and Sophia helped me mix.
Ready to let dough rise.
When I opened the oven and saw how dark brown it was, I was worried it was burned! However, one slice through, showed the fluffy, moist and yes, yummy homemade bread! The girls got to enjoy some when they woke up from their nap. The smell of the house was wonderful.
Sophia's impatience demonstrated below.
Fine Motor
We took out the coffee grinders and the girls grinded coffee beans! This was a bit challenging at first, so we moved to the floor, and I held the base while they turned. They had to use a bit of force and remember to keep turning clockwise, but in the end, they all got it, and got a kick out of how they went from whole beans, to coffee grounds.
*The reason for the shirtless kiddies is, we did this after art. It's easier to take off their shirts than to worry about too much paint getting on them. Any sewing inclined mamas want to make the art smocks I have listed on the wish list? hint, hint.... :) I'll buy the fabric!
Art
A sneak peak to what the children are making. Stay tuned!
Some shots from yesterday of Austin and Lulu exploring the Brown Stair and Pink Tower.
"As a leaf is connected to the tree, we are all 'one' part of the whole -- coming from the same source, returning to the same place. When we are removed from our family or community, we believe ourselves to be separate. What we need to understand is that we do not have to be with others physically to be conected to each other. Your are never alone -- just go within."
Ok, of all the books this week, the children have LOVED listening to Oh My Baby, Little One.
"It's always hard for Baby Bird and his mama to say good-bye on their way to school and work in the morning. But Mama finds a lilting, lyrical way of showing how her love is with her child all the time--and his love is with her, too.
But even when I'm far away,this love I have will stay.
And wrap itself around you, every minute of the day.
Mama Bird tells her child how her love slips inside his lunch box, sits upon his shoulder when he sings a happy song, and snuggles on his pillow while he naps. Hints of hearts nestle playfully on the pages: on the blackboard under the letter H, and sewn onto his pillowcase. Oh My Baby, Little One will resonate deeply for moms and kids alike, and may make daily separations just a little bit easier.
So blow a kiss and wave good-bye--my baby, don't you cry.
This love is always with you, like the sun is with the sky."
I also have a dedicated basket for each season. As I read books (or do picture walks and have discussions) with the children, we'll add those books here.
Sensory/Tactile
Mia explored the Pink Tower today and was excited to learn about biggest vs. smallest.
It was neat to see her carry this concept over to snack time when she looked at the containers her mama sent her snacks in, and said to herself, "Hmmmm...is this one the bigger one, or this one?"
Culinary
Today, we made bread!
Mia poured the mix, Lulu combined the yeast and milk, and Sophia helped me mix.
Ready to let dough rise.
When I opened the oven and saw how dark brown it was, I was worried it was burned! However, one slice through, showed the fluffy, moist and yes, yummy homemade bread! The girls got to enjoy some when they woke up from their nap. The smell of the house was wonderful.
Sophia's impatience demonstrated below.
Fine Motor
We took out the coffee grinders and the girls grinded coffee beans! This was a bit challenging at first, so we moved to the floor, and I held the base while they turned. They had to use a bit of force and remember to keep turning clockwise, but in the end, they all got it, and got a kick out of how they went from whole beans, to coffee grounds.
*The reason for the shirtless kiddies is, we did this after art. It's easier to take off their shirts than to worry about too much paint getting on them. Any sewing inclined mamas want to make the art smocks I have listed on the wish list? hint, hint.... :) I'll buy the fabric!
Art
A sneak peak to what the children are making. Stay tuned!
Some shots from yesterday of Austin and Lulu exploring the Brown Stair and Pink Tower.
9.23.2008
Teaching our Children to Read, Write, and Spell
Much of this article goes against what I was taught in my formal schooling to be an elementary school teacher. Even in some of my graduate studies. However, after a few years of actually being IN the classroom with children and seeing this first hand, I can completely agree with the findings of this doctor, and it reaffirms my holistic approach and philosophy to early childhood education.
Here are some excerpts
...Our current educational system is teaching children to read in a way that doesn’t make sense developmentally. Children in preschool and kindergarten are expected to memorize letters and words before their minds have developed the necessary pathways to identify letters, easily read words, and comprehend what they are reading. We are asking these young children to read, when the only part of their brain that is developed and available for reading words is the right hemisphere...
...A physical sign that children have developed bilateral integration and can now read both by sight memory and phonics is shown by their ability to do the cross-lateral skip (swinging their opposite leg with opposite arm forward at the same time) without thinking or concentrating. This is because movements on the right side of the body are connected to the left hemisphere of the brain, while movements on the left side of the body are connected to the right side of the brain. If children can move their opposite arm and leg at the same time, then the right and left hemispheres of the brain are “talking” or connected to each other. If children can only skip using their feet or only skip extending the same arm with the same leg (the homolateral skip), they are not ready to read, since they can’t access both sides of the brain simultaneously...
...Overall, schools and parents can support a child’s learning by serving healthy foods that are rich in protein, good quality fats (especially omega-3 fatty acids), and fresh fruits and vegetables, while eliminating partially-hydrogenated oils and trans fats which occur when cooking or frying foods in corn oil. Adequate sleep will increase the percentage of rapid eye movement or REM sleep....
...First grade is the time to introduce form drawing, learn the capital letters (as pictures that children can draw), and practice cursive writing. As the majority of children in the classroom strengthen their proprioceptive skills and integrate their right and left hemispheres (as evidenced by their ability to stand on one foot with their eyes closed, remember the shapes that are drawn on their backs, jump rope forward and backwards by themselves, and easily perform the cross lateral skip), then children can be more formally taught to read, and to learn how to print the lower case letters....
And this below, I can't agree with more!
...It is time to remove the desks from kindergartens and preschools. Our preschools and kindergartens need to fill their curriculums with play consisting of lots of sensory integration activities that will strengthen fine motor movements, visual motor abilities, balance, muscle tone, proprioception, as well as strengthen children’s social and emotional development. Activities like imaginary play, climbing, running, jumping, hopping, skipping, walking the balance beam, playing circle games, singing, playing catch, doing meaningful chores, painting, coloring, playing hand-clapping games, doing string games, and finger knitting will strengthen their minds for learning. Children need these healthy, harmonious, rhythmic, and noncompetitive movements to develop their brains. For it is the movements of their body that create the pathways in their mind for reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, and creative thinking..."
Susan Johnson, M.D. is a Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrician in Colfax, California
To read the entire the article, click HERE
Here are some excerpts
...Our current educational system is teaching children to read in a way that doesn’t make sense developmentally. Children in preschool and kindergarten are expected to memorize letters and words before their minds have developed the necessary pathways to identify letters, easily read words, and comprehend what they are reading. We are asking these young children to read, when the only part of their brain that is developed and available for reading words is the right hemisphere...
...A physical sign that children have developed bilateral integration and can now read both by sight memory and phonics is shown by their ability to do the cross-lateral skip (swinging their opposite leg with opposite arm forward at the same time) without thinking or concentrating. This is because movements on the right side of the body are connected to the left hemisphere of the brain, while movements on the left side of the body are connected to the right side of the brain. If children can move their opposite arm and leg at the same time, then the right and left hemispheres of the brain are “talking” or connected to each other. If children can only skip using their feet or only skip extending the same arm with the same leg (the homolateral skip), they are not ready to read, since they can’t access both sides of the brain simultaneously...
...Overall, schools and parents can support a child’s learning by serving healthy foods that are rich in protein, good quality fats (especially omega-3 fatty acids), and fresh fruits and vegetables, while eliminating partially-hydrogenated oils and trans fats which occur when cooking or frying foods in corn oil. Adequate sleep will increase the percentage of rapid eye movement or REM sleep....
...First grade is the time to introduce form drawing, learn the capital letters (as pictures that children can draw), and practice cursive writing. As the majority of children in the classroom strengthen their proprioceptive skills and integrate their right and left hemispheres (as evidenced by their ability to stand on one foot with their eyes closed, remember the shapes that are drawn on their backs, jump rope forward and backwards by themselves, and easily perform the cross lateral skip), then children can be more formally taught to read, and to learn how to print the lower case letters....
And this below, I can't agree with more!
...It is time to remove the desks from kindergartens and preschools. Our preschools and kindergartens need to fill their curriculums with play consisting of lots of sensory integration activities that will strengthen fine motor movements, visual motor abilities, balance, muscle tone, proprioception, as well as strengthen children’s social and emotional development. Activities like imaginary play, climbing, running, jumping, hopping, skipping, walking the balance beam, playing circle games, singing, playing catch, doing meaningful chores, painting, coloring, playing hand-clapping games, doing string games, and finger knitting will strengthen their minds for learning. Children need these healthy, harmonious, rhythmic, and noncompetitive movements to develop their brains. For it is the movements of their body that create the pathways in their mind for reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, and creative thinking..."
Susan Johnson, M.D. is a Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrician in Colfax, California
To read the entire the article, click HERE
Pressed Leaves
Hello Parents!
Forgot to mention, when you send leaves, to please press them (in a book, etc) first. We'll need them flat for our project.
Thank you again for all you do to be a part of Casa T.
Forgot to mention, when you send leaves, to please press them (in a book, etc) first. We'll need them flat for our project.
Thank you again for all you do to be a part of Casa T.
9.22.2008
Happy Autumn
The Autumnal Equinox is today, and marks the beginning of Fall. It is only one of two times per year that the day and the night are of equal length.
It is a time when the world is in perfect balance with the sun and the moon.
We are going to begin creating our Autumn Seasonal Table. This is a place where we'll display items found on nature walks and other items that represent the seasons and activites we are working on and will change throughout the year to go along with our seasonal focus.
*Remember, if you can find any large leaves, please send them to the casa this week!
And any round box tops (oatmeal or cheese boxes) for a project we're doing.
Thank you~
It is a time when the world is in perfect balance with the sun and the moon.
We are going to begin creating our Autumn Seasonal Table. This is a place where we'll display items found on nature walks and other items that represent the seasons and activites we are working on and will change throughout the year to go along with our seasonal focus.
*Remember, if you can find any large leaves, please send them to the casa this week!
And any round box tops (oatmeal or cheese boxes) for a project we're doing.
Thank you~
9.18.2008
Sopapillas, Feel and Find, Counting
Highlights of our Day
Culinary
We made Sopapillas!
Just add some honey, and they're ready to eat.
Visual Discrimination
Played with the Feel & Find bag. Oh, what fun! The objective is to deal out the tiles and have children reach into the bag to Feel & Find the corresponding wooden shapes. Since it was their first time using this, I placed all the wooden objects on the floor and the children took turns matching them to the tiles. Soon, we'll work on placing a few objects in the bag to add the sensory and tactile exercise.
For a few of the tiles, the kids had to really pay attention.
I also pulled out the Montessori math counters to see if there would be any interest since they know their numbers from 1-10. Well, the results were interesting.
I began by talking about the numbers--I pointed to each one as we went through several times counting. Easy. (Although now looking back, they weren't looking at the actual number and recognizing it, they were recalling the numbers from memory). I am aware the child's experience of numbers begins in his/her first years (they soon learn they have 2 eyes, 1 nose, 2 hands, 2 shoes, etc). They begin to hear the sequence of numbers. Each number has to wait until a certain other one has been said before it makes way for the next one. However, when I tried to show them that two sticks go in the box with the number 2, three sticks go in the box with the number 3, it was WAY over their heads. So, I scrapped that idea and what we did instead was, I counted as they placed sticks in the corresponding boxes and then I stopped when we reached the number, and we moved on to the next. And then I put it away!
Often as parents and teachers, we get eager to teach our children the abstract concepts of academia too soon. But if you think about it, the preschool child already has rich contact with numbers without any formal teaching and this sets up his/her basis for later learning. So for now, we'll stick to the concept of learning numbers and counting by continuing to engage them in play (dropping rocks into a tub, counting the petals on a rose, how many steps does it take to walk upstairs, etc.) and let them spend as much time as they need in this stage before they start thinking about numbers in an abstract way. It's said that at the beginning of the symbolic stage (around age 3), children can think of numbers pictorially (e.g. three spoons, forks and knives to lay on the table).
I have a fun idea for next week! Stay tuned.
And, we finished up our day with body art.
All self applied. =)
Culinary
We made Sopapillas!
Just add some honey, and they're ready to eat.
Visual Discrimination
Played with the Feel & Find bag. Oh, what fun! The objective is to deal out the tiles and have children reach into the bag to Feel & Find the corresponding wooden shapes. Since it was their first time using this, I placed all the wooden objects on the floor and the children took turns matching them to the tiles. Soon, we'll work on placing a few objects in the bag to add the sensory and tactile exercise.
For a few of the tiles, the kids had to really pay attention.
I also pulled out the Montessori math counters to see if there would be any interest since they know their numbers from 1-10. Well, the results were interesting.
I began by talking about the numbers--I pointed to each one as we went through several times counting. Easy. (Although now looking back, they weren't looking at the actual number and recognizing it, they were recalling the numbers from memory). I am aware the child's experience of numbers begins in his/her first years (they soon learn they have 2 eyes, 1 nose, 2 hands, 2 shoes, etc). They begin to hear the sequence of numbers. Each number has to wait until a certain other one has been said before it makes way for the next one. However, when I tried to show them that two sticks go in the box with the number 2, three sticks go in the box with the number 3, it was WAY over their heads. So, I scrapped that idea and what we did instead was, I counted as they placed sticks in the corresponding boxes and then I stopped when we reached the number, and we moved on to the next. And then I put it away!
Often as parents and teachers, we get eager to teach our children the abstract concepts of academia too soon. But if you think about it, the preschool child already has rich contact with numbers without any formal teaching and this sets up his/her basis for later learning. So for now, we'll stick to the concept of learning numbers and counting by continuing to engage them in play (dropping rocks into a tub, counting the petals on a rose, how many steps does it take to walk upstairs, etc.) and let them spend as much time as they need in this stage before they start thinking about numbers in an abstract way. It's said that at the beginning of the symbolic stage (around age 3), children can think of numbers pictorially (e.g. three spoons, forks and knives to lay on the table).
I have a fun idea for next week! Stay tuned.
And, we finished up our day with body art.
All self applied. =)
Materials for Next Week and Updates
For next week, Mamas, if you can send in Round Box Tops. Oatmeal containers and round cheese boxes work well! Just one needed for each child.
If you happen to be out and see some big, whole leaves, please send those in for next week.
Also want to give you all a head's up on a couple upcoming events.
*I have the privilege and honor of photographing a good friend's homebirth this month. (Wow!)The mama's EDD is at the end of September, but she believes baby will arrive any day now. If this occurs during work hours, Sophia's Papa will either relieve me at Casa T., but if he cannot due to work obligations, then Mama Tanya has graciously offered to oversee things. I hope you all can understand the significance of this event. =)
*I'm also signed up for an orientation for Childcare Licensing on September 30th, which will be an all day event, and Papa Mike will take over at the Casa that day.
Thank you!!
Andrea
If you happen to be out and see some big, whole leaves, please send those in for next week.
Also want to give you all a head's up on a couple upcoming events.
*I have the privilege and honor of photographing a good friend's homebirth this month. (Wow!)The mama's EDD is at the end of September, but she believes baby will arrive any day now. If this occurs during work hours, Sophia's Papa will either relieve me at Casa T., but if he cannot due to work obligations, then Mama Tanya has graciously offered to oversee things. I hope you all can understand the significance of this event. =)
*I'm also signed up for an orientation for Childcare Licensing on September 30th, which will be an all day event, and Papa Mike will take over at the Casa that day.
Thank you!!
Andrea
9.17.2008
Beautiful Weather, Scissors, and Yoga
Culinary
We made soup again! Except today we had an extra ingredient--celery! Lulu washed the veggies today and everybody watched excitedly as we talked about each veggie that I was dicing. Ask your child what veggies were in our soup.
Nature and Gross Motor
With the weather so gorgeous, we went on another nature walk and collected more items for our nature books. We took a different route this time, and ended up at a small neighborhood park, and the girls played here for quite a while. It was just us for most of the time and then we met much younger boy and his mama when they arrived. The girls gabbed on to him about their shoes, how they slide down the slide, and about taking turns. They were also intrigued by the different language his mama used. We stayed a bit longer than expected, but couldn't help it with the beauuutiful weather. Walked back home in time to eat our vegetable soup.
Also enjoyed dancing to The Barnyard Dance~Baile Vegetal. Lyrics and an audio of the song are on yesterday's post if you want to listen.
Fine Motor and Art
We tried using our new toddler scissors today. The girls were so excited when they watched me demonstrate using these scissors, however, this was a bit challenging for them. These scissored are apparently designed for toddlers and the only motion they need to do is squeeze since they're connected in the back, yet, it was still hard, and after a few minutes, they decided they were done trying for today.
Yoga?
I often do yoga stretches on the floor when it feel I need them, so Sophia is accustomed to seeing her mama do funny things like downward dog pose, pigeon pose, and camel pose. So, it's no surprise to me to see Sophia doing these 'poses' and when Mia and Lulu saw her in downward dog, they decided to join in. I couldn't grab my camera in time to get all of them (it was so cute).
Since they seem to have such an interest, and also my Chiropractor showed me some stretches I need to do for my back and hip, I'm going to be working on a few yoga poses in the morning and the kids can join me after we have circle time. I have a Toddler's Yoga book on the way, which is supposed to have great illustrations and descriptions for the wee ones!
We made soup again! Except today we had an extra ingredient--celery! Lulu washed the veggies today and everybody watched excitedly as we talked about each veggie that I was dicing. Ask your child what veggies were in our soup.
Nature and Gross Motor
With the weather so gorgeous, we went on another nature walk and collected more items for our nature books. We took a different route this time, and ended up at a small neighborhood park, and the girls played here for quite a while. It was just us for most of the time and then we met much younger boy and his mama when they arrived. The girls gabbed on to him about their shoes, how they slide down the slide, and about taking turns. They were also intrigued by the different language his mama used. We stayed a bit longer than expected, but couldn't help it with the beauuutiful weather. Walked back home in time to eat our vegetable soup.
Also enjoyed dancing to The Barnyard Dance~Baile Vegetal. Lyrics and an audio of the song are on yesterday's post if you want to listen.
Fine Motor and Art
We tried using our new toddler scissors today. The girls were so excited when they watched me demonstrate using these scissors, however, this was a bit challenging for them. These scissored are apparently designed for toddlers and the only motion they need to do is squeeze since they're connected in the back, yet, it was still hard, and after a few minutes, they decided they were done trying for today.
Yoga?
I often do yoga stretches on the floor when it feel I need them, so Sophia is accustomed to seeing her mama do funny things like downward dog pose, pigeon pose, and camel pose. So, it's no surprise to me to see Sophia doing these 'poses' and when Mia and Lulu saw her in downward dog, they decided to join in. I couldn't grab my camera in time to get all of them (it was so cute).
Since they seem to have such an interest, and also my Chiropractor showed me some stretches I need to do for my back and hip, I'm going to be working on a few yoga poses in the morning and the kids can join me after we have circle time. I have a Toddler's Yoga book on the way, which is supposed to have great illustrations and descriptions for the wee ones!
Phrase of the day
"When I pick her up from here, I fall in love with my daughter all over again."
-Mia's Mama
9.16.2008
Soup, Chimes, and Babywearing
Highlights from our Day
Culinary
Thank you mamas for sending in the veggies with the kids today! We enjoyed talking about each veggie and then got quickly to preparing the soup so we'd have it ready in time for lunch. They helped me wash, then watched me peel and dice, (and we talked about how only Ms. Andrea uses a knife) and our soup was simmering in no time. The soup was enjoyed by all, but I must say, Gwen devoured it. She even drank the broth from the bowl!
Practical Life:
Lulu helped me sweep the floor after lunch while the rest helped clear the table.
Music
I brought out the chime wheel today. I inherited this wonderful musical/meditative device from my mother. I demonstrated for the children how it is used (very gentle taps, no banging) and they each took turns making beauuuutiful sounds. Each chime is tuned to a certain musical note.
To go along with our veggie theme, we enjoyed listening and dancing to Tish Hinojosa's, Barnyard Dance (Baile Vegetal) . To hear the actual song, click HERE and choose song #4. I love her music.
The Barnyard Dance / El Baile Vegetal
by Carl Martin Spanish Translation by Tish Hinojosa
It was late one night in the pale moonlight
all the vegetables gave a spree
they put up a sign said the dance is at 9
and all the admissions were free
there were peas and greens
cabbage and beans
it was the biggest sight you ever did see
When old man cucumber
struck up that number
you should've heard the vegetables scream
Well little turnip top did the backwards flop
the cabbage shook the shimmy
and she could not stop
and the little red beet shook his feet
Watermelon died of the cock eyed heat
Little tomata agitata
shook the shimmy with the sweet potata
and old man garlic dropped dead of the colic
down at the barnyard dance
La cosecha fue a la nocheser
bajo claro de la luna a bailar
dijo el letrero que a las 9 es
y no hay que pagar
llegaron chicharo y col
ropollo y frijol ya muy pronto se perdio control
Quando el viejo pepino
dio sondio muy fino
vegetales se oiyan gritar
Cebollita vi brincar y maromas dar
el col temblo al ritmo
sin poder parar
y betabel rojo as sus piez cayo
Sandia se murio de tanto calor
Tomatito chespirito
se dio vuelta con al camotito
y el viejo ajo se perdio en un fracaso
el baile vegetal
que fue noche
down at the barnyard
late last night
el baile vegetal
Finishing off with some sweetness. Gwen LOVES this little doll. This morning, she asked for the baby and I showed here where I have our Waldorf dolls, and she looked at me, and shook her head and said, "baby". Then I remembered, that she was particular to this little asian doll we have, so I pulled her out, and Gwen doted on her all morning, even wore her in the doll sling.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
