Indian/Brave Bunny and Parachute Play

Highlights of our day
What a gorgeous day today! Given that, we spent most of the day outdoors. We busted out the parachute and had a great time making the ball placed in the middle FLY! And then we threw in Sophia's puppy and Damon's Bobee. We held up the parachute over our heads and enjoyed looking at how the sunlight streamed through the bright colors.

Children making Sand Angels.

Continued our Art Exploration from yesterday for the M/W group.

We read Indian Bunny by Ruth Bornstein. Ummmm, I know the title is not politically correct, (hey it was printed in the early 70's) but it was one of my favorite stories as a child. Recently, the book has come back into print and titled changed to Brave Bunny, but I don't have that version.

One day Brave Bunny sets out to explore the world. He has a whirlwind of a day, experiencing more than he could ever imagine. He learns how tadpoles turn into frogs, he dances like a deer in a meadow, and he makes many new friends. After an exhausting day of exploring and learning, Brave Bunny wants the other animals in the forest to know he is there with them.

It's a sweet and easy story that young children can understand and touches on respect for cultures other than their own. I also love the simple pencil sketch illustrations.

We've walked through Hands Are Not For Hitting book again. Ask your child to tell you the many good things their hands can do.

More coolness found in a lunchbox. Mark, do you know, I look forward to these as much as the children? ;)

A reminder that Casa T. will be closed next week for Thanksgiving Holidays. A copy of LISD's school calendar can be found

HERE. Casa T. does remain open during staff development (student holidays), but does close on teacher holidays.

Thank you for giving your child's caregiver the gift of restorative rest. And thank you all for being such supportive, and amazing parents! I count my lucky stars for the love and support I receive from you all.

Cornstarch, Watercolors, and more Visitors!

Highlights of our day

I'm SO pleased with how well the children are doing with our 'structured' handwashing routine now (since licensing will require them to be with me at all times). The children sit nicely in the hallway and wait for their turn, while I'm guiding in the restroom. After they wash their hands, they each go back and sit in the hallway, until we're all finished! If you haven't seen them already, take a look at the pic Melanie took yesterday of them waiting (posted a couple below this post).

Gwen brought in a book, Bunny's Noise Book, to share with the group today. Today was also Gwen's first day to transition to a full day at Casa T. She took nap here and did wonderful!! If you haven't seen it, there's a pic full of sweetness below this post.



Visitors
Che and his Mama, Gale, came to visit the Casa today and were able to enjoy and partake in our art exploration. Thanks for stopping by to play!



Art
In this exploration, the children experienced the magical creation of color. I introduced the children to the materials. The eyedroppers, we've used before, yet, several of the kiddies are still working on figuring out this tool. I demonstrated putting the eyedropper in the water (red, blue, and yellow). Squeezing--and letting go. Showed them how the water goes in! Then lifted it out of the cup and squeezed again--the water comes out. Demonstrated and coached the children to move the water from the cups to the mixing tray. Then the children dove into their experimentation. It wasn't after long that one kiddo realized it would be easier for him to pour the entire cup of colored water into the tray, rather than using the eyedropper. Several others followed suit soon after!

After they explored the water for a good stretch of time, I brought cornstarch in bowls. Some children used spoons to add cornstarch to their mixing trays, others used their hands. We talked about the texture of cornstarch (smooth, silky, lush and soft), and noticed some of their trays had thick, lighter colored liquid than before. Before long, we had a big glob of cornstarch on the table. We noticed that yellow and blue make green, and blue and red make purple! There are many more experiments we're going to be doing with cornstarch. Who would have known such a simple ingredient would lend itself to many opportunities of discovery.





Gratitude
We now have 2 new puzzles--the Leaf and the Tree puzzle! Our botany puzzle collection is complete now.
A *heartfelt* thank you to Mama Melissa for donating these to the Casa!! The children LOVE them! =)




P.S. *YOGA*

Yoga starts next week! Krista had a conflict on her calendar for today, so our official start day is next Tuesday.

For Melissa

Part Deux Photos (from yesterday)

Some extra pics, courtesy of Mama Melanie.

Here, the children are waiting in line to wash their hands. The new system is working!

Thank you Melanie for capturing these!

Washing Hands and Grandparents

Highlights of our day
We had a very special treat today. Damon's Grandma and Papa made a special stop at the Casa to see where Damon goes to school. They were visiting from Kansas. They had a nice time watching the children interact and play. It was so nice to met you both!

Music (and Singing While We Work)
We sang along to The Wheels on the Bus and the children are fine tuning the hand motions. This is the same tune I use for the handwashing song we sing while we wash our hands.

Practical Life
I've been focusing a great deal on working with the children on washing their own hands and completing the steps on their own. In addition to learning this ' care of self ' skill (and reducing the opportunities for illness, especially during the peak season), in doing these exercises, children are able to integrate and practice a variety of skills while gaining a better understanding of the importance of sequence in completing a task. We sing a couple songs while we do this, mainly this one:

Washing Hands Song (tune of Wheels on the Bus)

This is the way we wash our hands
Wash our hands
Wash our hands

This is the way we wash our hands
After we play outside.

Variations:
(After we use the potty)
(Before we eat lunch)

"Warm Water" is another handwashing song the children are learning, but haven't quite mastered yet. =)

I'm also working on helping the children learn how to dress themselves (i.e. put shoes on, pull undies up, pull pants up after diaper change, etc.). At home, please work with them on this also. They are very excited about what they can do now. Some examples: After a child uses the potty, I will set their undies and pants right-side out and lay them in the direction they will put them on to encourage them to do it with minimal assistance, yet have success as they're beginning this skill. This will help them control their movements and acquire independence. =)

We also have been enjoying singing worksongs while we clean and play. Singing and humming fills the Casa with joy and calmness. Also, singing while we work can help deepen our breathing, balance our life, and help us become more present in the moment. Even when I'm sweeping the floor, instead of looking at it as a daily nuisance of a chore, I sing or hum the Sweeping Song, which gets me IN the task of sweeping, and it's a simple way to practice presence and mindfulness. Being present in mind and heart can make us better parents and teachers.

Try it and see how it makes ya feel! :)

Living Peacefully and "Spilt" Milk

What a crazy, busy week its been! Lots of work on this end doing administrative duties and getting all my ducks in a row (and a huge 'honey-do' list for the hubby). It's a lot of work, but very exciting at the same time! I'm getting closer on choosing an official name for my program as well. Still stuck, but close!

I'm also strongly considering transitioning over to providing lunch and snacks for the children. The menu would consist of wholesome, nutritious, preservative-free foods which also invite storytelling, either while preparing, serving, or at the table. I've looked at a winter menu which is a full week of recipes which are meant to be rotated throughout the season. This is done to create a predictable rhythm to mealtime in the home that the children and caregiver can depend upon each day, warming the child physically throughout the season. The same way it is when we bake here at the Casa, the children will be involved in parts of the process of cooking. If this change is done, it won't happen until next semester. Will keep you all posted on that.

And finally, here are some snippets from last week for those needing their Casa T dose.
By this week, I should be back to my regular posting schedule! ;)

What's On Our Shelf This Week
Living Peacefully



Character Education
Even though we do not have this problem at the Casa, the book we focused on last week was Hands Are Not For Hitting. We discussed that hands are for saying hello, and for playing, sharing, clapping, couting, helping, building, being kind, and staying safe. There are so many good things hands can do. The story also focuses on ways to handle strong feelings without hitting. This gentle, encouraging book helps young children understand these important concepts and reinforces two main themes: violence is never ok, and every child is capable of positive, loving actions.

~*~

Snippets























We read It Looked Like Spilt Milk this week, and this book was as HUGE of a hit with the children as it was with my 1st graders when I taught. We pulled out some blue paper and white paint, and the children did their own versions of 'Spilt Milk'. It's always interesting to see what designs come up! Tee hee....

















We also had a little belated birthday celebration for Gwen. Lit the birthday ring candle for her and we sang her Happy Birthday in English and then I followed in Spanish. We also got to enjoy an excerpt from her new Flower Fairies book.


*This was followed up with a very detailed discussed about candles, flames, and adults-only-light-candles type of conversation.

And, more cool surprises found in a lunchbox!



It looks like we have all the supplies needed for our upcoming project on Wind, which should extend through this week.

Thank You!

CPR and Yoga

CPR and First Aid
For those able and interested in becoming official subs, Mama Melanie is going to try and coordinate a group CPR class (which will also be extended to others we know outside Casa T.) With a minimum number of participants, CPR Resources will come to a place of our choice. For those who would like to be subs, I'm hoping you can take the class (2.5 hours) within the next 2-3 weeks, if possible.

Other news:

Yoga
We're on for yoga!

Krista, from Yoga Naiya has Casa T. on her schedule. Wahoo! However, the only day she had left available in her schedule is Tuesday mornings. For those children who do not attend on Tuesdays, Krista will be giving me some lessons that I can replicate with those with on a M/W schedule. We are doing a 4 week session, beginning next Tuesday to see how the children like it. My feeling is, they'll love it because they already get a kick out of the simple yoga we do here out of a book! I can only imagine how cool it will be with an official Yoga instructor who comes with added props!

Namaste~

Who Wants to Apply?

More Admin Stuff--

Throwing this out there to see if any of the mamas are interested.

For my program, I will be adding 'official' substitute teachers in the rare event I cannot provide care.

Prerequisites:

• If caregiver has a child who is accompanying the caregiver, he/she must be currently enrolled at Casa T. (or a caregiver who can substitute sans child). This is for liability reasons.
• A background check (paid by Casa T.)
• Trained in CPR and First Aid with rescue breathing and choking. *Initial training cost paid by Casa T. Any renewals will need to be paid by applicant.

Oh, all substitute caregivers receive generous compensation. Mula is paid in cash. =)

Update

So I survived registration/licensing training this weekend. Moving from a Listed Home based Childcare Provider to a Licensed Home Based Childcare provider will require several additions to my program. I have been working on a Parent Handbook and hope to have that finished this week. After all my paperwork is complete and my handbook is finished, I will submit it to the State, then they will come out to do the inspection, and hopefully a permit will follow. There will be paperwork that parents will need to fill out and guidelines we will all have to follow. Just a few changes, nothing to fret about, and it's in everybody's best interest that this is done anyway. =)

The fun part of all this is I will be coming up with an 'official' name for my program and this is where you all come in. I'm looking for input from you all! I believe a name says a lot and is very powerful, so I want a name that resonates what my program is about.

Here are keywords that come to mind when I brainstorm on my preschool.

Nature
Spanish
Holistic
Whole Child
Magical
Earth
Alternative
Progressive
Child directed

==
Added by parent input
artfully inspired
arts focused
open ended
imagination

After that, I can look at a having a logo created.
But first, the name.

Ideas??

Benefits of Yoga

For Children~

Improves focus & concentration

Improves balance & coordination

Helps children to calm their minds & bodies

Increases strength and flexibility, & improves overall fitness

Improves gross motor planning skills

Improves socialization skills and boundary awareness

Increases sensory integration

Improves memory and reading retention

Promotes creativity

For Educators~

Increases energy

Helps teachers manage stress levels

Refreshes the mind and body

Increases strength, flexibility & balance

Helps teachers be a positive role model for their students

Although I'm not a yoga instructor, I've been doing some simple yoga with the children. However, I would LOVE for them to receive a more thorough and comprehensive experience from a Certified Yoga Kids Facilitator, who would come to the house and teach a class weekly. I unfortunately cannot afford to cover the entire cost, so I'm running this by you all to see if you're willing and able to contribute. The monthly cost for each child would be $25 per month, for 4 yoga classes. Please let me know your thoughts via comments or offlist as I need to let her know asap to secure a spot on her schedule for Casa T.

Love,
Andrea

Domi Stays Home, Royal Icing and Rocket Art

The kids had an unusual treat yesterday. Sophia's big brother got to stay home from school since he traveled back from his band state competition and came home at 2:00 a.m., (so mom said, no school for him!) After he slept in, he joined us downstairs and helped make the Royal Icing, which is a cement-type glue for the sugar skulls. The girls ended up hanging with Domi in the kitchen while Corbin and Damon played on the patio. We also enjoyed listening to Domi fill the house with music from his piano. We also made pan de muertos, but I realized I forgot to take a picture before it was all eaten and distributed.



Assembling the Calaveras (Sugar Skulls). The children enjoyed spreading the glue on the back of the skulls and got some good fine motor practice in. Domi helped join both sides together.











Community Gathering
After our Hello Song, we read the book of the week, From Head to Toe. Gave Domi the camera so he could snap some shots of the story unfolding in action.







Corbin and Mia also opted for reading time on their own.





Spanish
We've also been focusing on our colors and numbers 1-10.

And how cool is this!! Opened Damon's lunchbox and he found this.



So, who's the artist? Mom? Dad?
=)

Phrase of the day:

We were outside looking for the toy school bus, Mia found it, and Damon exclaimed, "GOOD JOB!"