Category Archives: Best of

Most viewed posts of 2014

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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

Martin Luther King Day

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

ice cube painting

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.

fieldday

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

Best of 2011

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2011I’ve been inspired by some of my favorite early childhood bloggers to create a “Best of 2011” list! It is fun to take a look on Google Analytics from this perspective and see which posts generated the most interest. Not surprisingly … the top posts also were some of my favorite activities that we did this year! So, before we start get too far into 2012, here’s a look back! So without delay ….

Here’s our TOP 5 posts of 2011

#1: Read “Llama Llama Red Pajama” and set a record

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I was so glad to help spread the word about Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Campaign on October 6, 2011. The purpose of this annual event is to spread awareness of the importance of early childhood literacy. I was particularly excited that the book to read was one of my favorites … and that we got to share some cool “Llama Llama” themed activities to go along with it!

#2: Melting Marshmallow SnowmenMelting marshmallow snowmen

Love the comments and feedback we received from this post!! I loved even more making and EATING these treats and look forward to doing this activity in preschool this month!

#3: Literacy Beginnings book study blog partyLiteracy Beginnings

It was a great experience to be able to participate in the “Book Study Blog Party” organized by Vanessa over at Pre-K Pages this past summer. Several great early childhood bloggers discussed chapters of the book “Literacy Beginnings” by Gay Su Pinnell and Irene C. Fountas. I was particularly excited about using this book as a way to further my own professional development. We had several posts that discussed various chapters of this book and our own experience. The best part about this book study is that you can start it at ANY time and follow the chapter reviews at your own pace. If you haven’t yet read this book, make it your new year’s resolution to do so!!

#4: Pets in the preschool classroomIMG_1349

For preschool programs, having a classroom pet provides a wonderful opportunity for learning about nature, science and living things. In this post, we talked about the educational opportunities of having a classroom pet, as well as mentioning a grant available from PetSmart for Pre-K through 6th grade teachers to cover all the expenses of a classroom pet.

#5: Playing with nature on a sticky tablenature on a sticky table

Go on a nature walk … collect items such as leaves, grass, small sticks, flowers … unroll some clear contact paper … have fun! This reminds me that I want to revisit this idea again in 2012 using other types of materials. Any suggestions??

May the new year bring you new ideas, opportunities and blessings!