Painting with snow and other fun snowy activities!

Posted on January 2, 2015 by The SEEDS Network

If you are lucky enough to live somewhere with winter weather – you can bring the outdoor in for a little snow day fun! Painting with (and ON) snow is a fun way to let children explore concepts of color mixing and the scientific properties of snow.

First, we scooped up a small bucket of clean snow and brought it inside (if you scoop your snow before you are ready to use it, then you’ll need to keep it in the freezer until you are ready). We put snow into small bowls for children to use while watercolor painting. Instead of using cups of water — children wet their paint brushes with the snow. We discussed what snow is made from (water) – and how as the snow gets warmer inside it will start to melt (properties of matter). Using the snow instead of water keeps the brushes from getting TOO wet, and makes the watercolor pictures more vibrant, as well.

Inevitably, as the children cleaned and wet their brushes on the snow, the snow started to turn colorful. So we explored some color mixing in the process. In the end, many children enjoyed painting the snow more than their pictures! So we brought out some bowls and scooped some snow for children to paint on individually.

Another way one class did some indoor snow painting was by using liquid watercolors in cups and had the children dip their brushes in the colors and painted on the snow.

If you don’t have SNOW where you live …

We are fans of Insta-Snow / Super Snow, to make your own “snow-like” experience! It has a cool texture to it, and a small amount of powder makes a good portion of snow that lasts quite awhile.

While we were at the NAEYC conference in Atlanta, Discount School Supply had a booth with some Insta-Snow mixed in with opal glitter and coloring (very pretty).

Other SNOWY activities and art projects

If you search on “snow” in our Idea Search Tool … you’ll find a lot of fun snowy activities (many requiring materials OTHER THAN snow!).

You can also check out our Snowy PINTEREST board for more art and educational ideas related to snow!

Most viewed posts of 2014

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Laura Eldredge

Just like we have done the past couple of years, we enjoy seeing what our top posts were from 2014! We look back and evaluate what has been the most viewed on Google Analytics — and our resolution is to post more of what you are looking for! So here we go, our TOP 5 posts, starting with #1 ….

#1: Counting and literacy with PETE THE CAT

GOODNESS!! This same post ranked at the top of our list in 2013 as well! There is no denying … our kids LOVE Pete the Cat (and so do we)! We have personally used this story, activity and Book & Boogie MANY times throughout 2014 at conferences, schools, and professional development events. Can’t get enough of Pete … check out our post that has an activity to go with the story “Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons”!!

#2: Celebrating Martin Luther King Day in preschool

Our post from January 2012 ranked high again in 2014, featuring ways to talk to our youngest students about fairness, equality, friendship and peace. We shared some age appropriate art and learning activities from some of our favorite bloggers!

#3: Supporting preschoolers with transitions

This post followed right behind #2, providing tips and techniques for helping young children adjust to transitions more smoothly. This post features information sent to us by Mary Tabb, formerly of the Early Childhood Consultation Partnership, which is a resource in CT to support the social and emotional development of children.

#4: Celebrating Dr. Seuss in preschool

Posted in March before NEA’S Read Across America Day, we featured Dr. Seuss books and activities to go along with them. We shared some of our favorites, like “My Many Colored Days” .. and a listing of some from others around the web!

#5: Planning Field Day in preschool

And for #5, we were excited to see that teachers liked reading our post for a planning Field Day event at their schools and child care centers! Our version of Field Day has the children rotating through a variety of gross motor activities — and spending most of the morning outside playing and working together.

This post helps with tips on planning to ensure your Field Day goes smoothly!

Thanks for following and inspiring us each day! We wish you, your students and families a wonderful and prosperous 2015! — Laura & Tressa

Zumba follow up

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Tressa Giordano

I am excited to report that Andrew WON the title of Mr. Rockville High School at this year’s annual fundraiser! Andrew got up in front of an audience filled with parents, teachers and peers and performed Zumba fitness for his talent.

With on stage backup from his friends and audience support from his fellow Zumba classmates, Andrew led the number with confidence and style. What a wonderful moment to watch this group of teens come together to support their friend!

Tressa with Andrew

Bringing Zumba ® to teens and staff

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Tressa Giordano

In March of 2014 I was asked to teach Zumba ® to teenagers at an area high school. They were having an all-night volleyball “lock-in” fundraiser and needed some “entertainment” for students waiting for their team to play. I agreed, but was feeling nervous. I worked on my playlist for days, wanting to ensure I chose music that these teens were going to like. My fear was that I would show up and no one would want to participate. Even though I’ve been teaching dance and group fitness for years, I knew that Zumba ® for teens could go one of two ways…..GREAT or Epic Fail!

To my amazement Zumba ® was a HUGE hit. The students enjoyed it so much, administrators asked me to stay an extra hour that night. For two full hours, these kids danced, laughed, sang, and jammed.

Bringing the program to the school through a grant

A few weeks later school administrators asked if I’d be interested in teaching Zumba ® fitness to students and faculty on a regular basis after school. They were applying for a grant that would support after school activities. I agreed to this activity excited to offer the opportunity, but again nervous to see if students would actually come.

Again, to my surprise, students and faculty filled the room week after week! The program was catching on in a big way and students from all “cliques” were coming to join the “party.” The program which ran April through June continued to grow and grow each week. I was even invited to the Senior Class’s all night safe grad party by request from the students!

Zumba ® fitness as an after school activity

By the start of the new school year school, administrators and the school’s principal were certain that offering Zumba ® fitness to their students was a great thing. For one, it gives them an after school activity that is an alternative to sports. Second, it provides all students with a non-threatening, no judgment zone to express and release stress. It provides physical activity in a party-like-atmosphere….and who doesn’t like to party! It brings teachers and students together on the same level…everyone learning together. Furthermore it allows students to see their teachers in a new light…having fun and exercising. It builds relationships, brings people together and provides a safe and controlled activity for all who are involved.

Evolving the Zumba ® program after school

Zumba ® continues to evolve at this school. This year school administrators were able to obtain funding to provide bus transportation home after the activity which is wonderful for students who may not have a ride home from a parent or friend. Students who have missed PE classes and choose to make the class up can now do so at Zumba ® which is helping students improve their PE grades.

Each week I’m amazed that kids from all walks of life, various groups, and different abilities come together to just have fun. There is an unspoken acceptance in the room. There is a group bond each week for new and returning participants alike. For 50-minutes I watch these teens and teachers move, sing, sweat, laugh, high five, dance, release stress, and just have fun.

School district’s commitment to offer programming that’s “out of the box”

In a high stress teenage world with pressure, expectations, negativity, it is nice to know that I can take them away from that for 50-minutes and provide a place to just live and be in the moment while improving their health. I applaud this districts openness and commitment to offer programming for their students that’s modern and somewhat out of the box.

We Zumba ® instructors have a saying that in just two words represents the feeling you have when being part of this fitness phenomenon; and through this high school group I am honored to feel it each and every week … “ZUMBA ® LOVE!”

And P.S …

This week a student asked me to help him with his “talent” for the Mr. RHS pageant. His talent is Zumba ® with the help of his 6 friends as back up dancers. Our rehearsal went great. I’ll keep you posted on how he does!!!

Turkeys, teepees and being thankful preschool

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Laura Eldredge

Visiting my favorite local preschool this week, I had to stop and take some pictures of the fabulous Fall fun setup in the classrooms! Take a peek and see some of the fun ways they explore Thanksgiving all month long.

Thankful Turkey

I love, love, love this turkey that is hung in the preschool hallway, where the feathers are comprised of EVERYONE’S handprints! And by everyone, I mean this was a total school effort, with all classes from infants to school-age, teachers and staff contributing their handprints to the final product.

Pilgrim and Native American Living in Dramatic Play

Want to setup a tent or teepee in your dramatic play area for Thanksgiving, but don’t have the space? Look at a creative solution using sheets from Miss Julia! You only need a small corner to create this interesting and inviting space.

Some items you can include for play and exploration, pumpkins, gourds, dried flowers, acorns, photos, and rocks with native american drawing symbols and words.

Thankful Tree

Another beautiful idea from Miss Julia is her mini-Thankful Tree! She encourages participation from children and families by having the tree right near her check-in area, so that everyone can contribute to the tree by writing what they are thankful on a leaf to be hung on the tree.

How do you prepare your classroom for Thanksgiving? What are your favorite ideas?

We are thankful in preschool

Posted on November 9, 2014 by The SEEDS Network

At this time of year, children get excited about all the holidays coming up. It is important to take some time before and during Thanksgiving to talk to young children about their blessings … what they have to be thankful for. Many children can easily talk about all the things they would like to have or “want” … but how about talking about how grateful they are for the things they already “have”? Teachers and parents can do some fun, creative and thoughtful crafts and activities with their children to bring out discussions about what we are thankful for!

Thankful Turkey Craft

This project can help children work on their fine motor skills (by cutting, writing and gluing), as well as being a good conversational activity. Use colorful construction paper turkey feathers to highlight things your child is thankful for.

Thankful Hanging Leaves

This is a cute project that makes a great keepsake for families! Beforehand, cut out leaf shapes from construction paper in various fall colors – and children will dictate or write their blessings on the leaves. Decorate with glitter, attached to some raffia and tie off with a bow!

Thankful Pumpkins

This craft was inspired by Thankful Pumpkin Craft at christianpreschoolprintables.com. Decorate a paper plate as a pumpkin, and attach a paper pumpkin leaf listing something the child is thankful for.

Paper Bag Thanksgiving Book

I found the idea for this book at ArtsyMommy.com. This is the type of project that can be adapted for older and younger children. I adapted it here for preschoolers (ages 3-5), including a page to draw what the child is thankful for, and a page to list favorite Thanksgiving foods.

Thankerchief Game

Have children sit in a circle. Have them pass around a “thankerchief” (handkerchief/bandana) around as everyone says the following poem:

Thankerchief, thankerchief, around you go
Where you’ll stop, nobody knows.
But when you do, someone must say,
What they are thankful for this day.

When the poem ends, the player holding the “thankerchief” must say aloud one thing they are thankful for. Continue the game until everyone has had a turn saying something they are thankful for.

What types of crafts/activities do you do with children for Thanksgiving?

Parenting as a team

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Bill Corbett

When a parent comes to me for help with their kids and tells me about their challenges, my first step is to ask questions about this family’s situation. The information they share with me usually sheds some light on circumstances that may be contributing toward, or causing at least some of the challenges this parent is currently experiencing.

Some of those circumstances include the current condition of the relationship of the parents of the children; fighting, arguing, separation, divorce, etc. These situations factor in because children are affected directly by the adult emotional chaos that may be happening in the home or around the kids. Here are some suggestions for parenting more as a team, regardless of any issues that have come between the adults.

Agree on parenting issues

Agree together on how various situations will be handled with the children, and implement them with conviction. You won’t have answers to all situations but you can begin discussing with each other how you will both handle common ones to start. When new situations arise unexpectedly, discuss them in private away from the kids and then announce them jointly.

Discuss your values and beliefs

If you’re just getting ready to start a family, it’s never too early to discuss parenting issues. Make time to discuss your values and beliefs in parenting and children rearing with your significant other, and share your experiences on how you were parented as a child. Take a parenting class to learn together and seek recommendations on good parenting books from family and friends.

Be respectful of other caregivers

Always speak respectfully of other caregivers who share with you, the responsibility for caring for your children. This includes your spouse, the other parent, grandparents and other relatives. Doing so models integrity for the kids to learn from. Even though the other caregiver may have done something to hurt you or others, as long as they are sharing in the caregiving, your child(ren) may still see them as a hero and an adult to look up to.

Handle disagreements respectfully

It’s not always possible to hide arguments from the kids and some experts suggest that you don’t. It’s definitely OK for your kids to know that you both don’t always agree, but refrain from mistreating the other adult verbally or physically. It’s important to know that your children will learn how to develop their own relationships with others, based on the model you present. If the argument begins to escalate, take it to another room for privacy. It’s also important that your children see the “makeup” after the argument subsides.

Create a support network

And what if you’re a single parent? Create a support network made up of adults you trust with your children who can help give you the breaks you need to “recharge your batteries.” For single moms, engage trustworthy male relatives to spend time with your son(s) and for single dads, engage female relatives you trust to spend time with your daughters. And it’s great when your boyfriend and/or girlfriend bonds with your children, but they should not administer discipline. That’s reserved for you, the parent.

Bill Corbett has a degree in clinical psychology and is the author of the award winning book “Love, Limits, & Lessons: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Cooperative Kids,” in English and in Spanish. He is happily married with three grown children, two grandchildren, and three step children. You can visit his Web site www.CooperativeKids.com for further information and parenting advice.

More pumpkin activities in preschool

Posted on October 10, 2014 by The SEEDS Network

As we continue to enjoy the Fall season, we have explored pumpkins in our classrooms in many ways!

We’ve opened them up, scooped them out, counted the seeds and made delicious pumpkin treats!

I talked about some ideas in the “Learning about apples and pumpkins” post … but here are a few other ideas for ways to play and learn with pumpkins in preschool!

Pumpkin Playdough – We took a simple, no-cook playdough recipe, added red and yellow food coloring … and then added some cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to the mixture! The children loved the smell! I asked them what they thought it smelled like … I got some really cute answers like “donuts” and “apple sauce”! Then we added some pumpkin seeds to the dough, for an extra sensory experience.

Pumpkin butter – Using heavy whipping cream, salt, canned pumpkin, powdered sugar and cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice), the children can measure, mix and then SHAKE the ingredients to make a delicious pumpkin butter to spread on crackers or bread. Great science experiment to see how the liquid transforms to the creamy butter as they shake!

Pumpkin Pudding pies – Another yummy recipe featuring vanilla pudding and pumpkin pie filling!

Using Our Senses Pumpkin Exploration – Allow children the opportunity for some individual exploration with a small pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice (in a container) and pumpkin seeds (in a container). Children can explore what they see, feel, smell and hear!

Pumpkin Playdough faces – We had fun with this great idea by Deborah at Teach Preschool where we made faces on real pumpkins simply using playdough!

Count a seed pumpkin game – This is a fun, cooperative game that will help children practice counting (one-to-one correspondence).

Do you have any other fun pumpkin ideas to share?

Leave a comment or link below!

Opportunities to explore print and fonts in preschool

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Laura Eldredge

In an early learning environment, a print-rich environment is one that provides opportunities, tools and materials for children to see and use written language for a variety of purposes. We start by teaching our young children the alphabet, helping them to learn to recognize each letter in preparation for reading and writing as they grow.

In the digital world we live in, children will see the letters of the alphabet and words printed in a variety of font styles. From street signs, restaurant and store logos (i.e. Dunkin Donuts, Target) to food logos (i.e. Cheerios) – children are exposed to print in a variety of font styles and colors.

Viewing the alphabet in different fonts

The basic elements that comprise the formation of letters of the alphabet remains the same (for the most part) in many fonts. For example, the letter “A” is made up of two lines that come to a point at the top, with a short line connecting the other lines horizontally. So, children can begin to recognize that “A” can look like …

… even though the font is different in each case.

ACTIVITY: Exploring alphabet letters with many font styles

A great addition to your classroom or homeschool writing center is to add pre-printed alphabet letters of various fonts. Using a word processor and printer, you can print up some letters and cut them out into squares. Then leave them out and allow children to explore as they wish.

Many children will initially seek out the letters of their name, or try to spell words they know (like “MOM” or “YOU”).

But then, they may try to sound out other words. And if they can’t find the letter they want, they may improvise!

By leaving this activity open-ended, it allows children to explore the alphabet at their own pace and in a way that makes sense to them.

ACTIVITY: Clothespin Letter Matching

Another idea is to do a letter matching activity. The picture below uses foam sticker letters attached to clothespins – and a printed paper with alphabet letters. Children then try to attach each letter clothespin to the matching letter on the paper. Great fine motor activity combined with literacy! You can change it up with a new printed sheet each week in a different font.

OTHER IDEAS: Take a look at our post that shows some ways to explore letters and fonts through the use of environmental print in the classroom!

Attention Dads: Aug. 2nd is Daughters Day!

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Bill Corbett

Hey Dads! What do YOU have planned for your daughter(s) this weekend? Many national calendars here in the U.S. have August 2^nd as Daughter’s Day. It derives from old Chinese folklore in which Zhi Nu, the daughter of the Queen of Heaven, was allowed to return to earth on this day once a year to see her husband.

Even if you don’t celebrate this obscure holiday, here are four tips for dads, stepdads, granddads, and foster/adoptive dads in raising little girls.

TAKE HER ON A DATE

At least once a month (if not more often) take her on a date so she gets to spend quality one-on-one time with you. Make a big deal of it by placing it on the calendar and letting her pick out what she will wear on that special day. Make a list of all the possible places the two of you could go and let her pick. If you already know what she would like and she likes surprises, don’t reveal where you’re going until you get there. (If you have more than one child, plan dates with each of them).

GET YOUR NAILS DONE

Take her out for a manicure or pedicure and YOU get one too! If you don’t want to spend the money and she’s old enough to be doing her own nails, ask her to do yours. One of the greatest moments I’ll always cherish with one of my daughters was the day she was painting her toenails in her room… ON HER BED! When I walked by her room and saw her with the nail polish on her bed, my first reaction was to scold her. But instead, I asked for permission to enter her room and sat with her on her bed. I then asked her if she would do my toenails too. It was the best time we ever spent together.

PLAY ROUGH WITH HER

Sometimes, we dads are afraid to get physical with our daughters because we think they’re fragile. But you won’t break her. Even though little boys tend to be more physical, little girls need it too. Play hide and seek and chase her. My favorite was always giving my daughters rides on my back, imitating an elephant as she rode on top. Before her teen years, my step daughter use to love to catch me off guard and jump on my back for a ride and not let go. Today she is so busy with her life and I miss those precious moments.

SHOW HER WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE TREATED WITH RESPECT

Your little girl will learn how to expect others to treat her by the way she sees you treat her mother. Even if you think she’s not paying attention, be sure and treat her mother as you would want young men to treat her. If you and her mother are separated or divorced, it can present a challenge. Your daughter doesn’t understand your position in the relationship, so at the very least, treat her mother with kindness and respect.