NURSERY RHYMES - NOV 2010 - Little Hands 2

Little Hands 2 class is well underway. The children made a wonderful transition into our program and are quickly making friends. This year we are eight children strong, Elielle, Michael, Diana, Deven, Ana Maria, Emmanuel, Nico and Paz, with teachers Jean, Meg and I.

Each day we begin with “work time”, when play dough, art activities, easel painting, puzzles, table toys, trains, blocks, dramatic play and a texture activity are available to the children. Following our work time, children listen for our clean-up song and really get involved with putting the materials away. This routine helps builds a sense of ownership of the classroom, responsibility as well as learning to treat materials with care. After cleaning up the children wash hands and enjoy a snack. Recently we baked banana bread together and enjoyed eating it for our snack. From the enthusiasm of our first baking experience, I believe this class will really enjoy cooking. Following snack the children come to the rug and have begun to sit for a group story and sing a song and do a finger play or two. Then it is time to get on jackets to go outdoors in the Tire Park to play on our brand new playground equipment, or in the sand. When 11:10 rolls around it is time to head back to school and sing our Goodbye Song.

Play dough is popular with children – especially the Little Hands age children.

Here is our recipe so that you may make it at home:

2 cups flour
2/3 cup salt
3 Tablespoons Cream of Tartar (found in the spice section of the supermarket)
2 cups water
3 Tablespoons cooking oil
Food color of your choice – or without the dough will be white.

Mix all ingredients in a pot. Place on medium flame on stove, stirring constantly. The dough will thicken – when it just reaches play dough consistency – turn off heat and turn onto a surface to cool. Knead into a ball and enjoy!

I’d like to remind parents to dress their children with appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather. As the weather gets cooler please plan on mittens (no gloves please) and hats, and remember we do go out if there is a little snow on the ground – so plan ahead with snow pants and boots.

Happy Fall!

Lisa, Jean, and Meg