Pete the Cat

Most viewed posts of 2014

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
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Zumba follow up

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.
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Bringing Zumba ® to teens and staff

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. 
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Turkeys, teepees and being thankful preschool

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
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We are thankful in preschool

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
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Parenting as a team

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
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More pumpkin activities in preschool

  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
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Opportunities to explore print and fonts in preschool

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
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Attention Dads: Aug. 2nd is Daughters Day!

Hey Dads! What do YOU have planned for your daughter(s) this weekend? Many national calendars here in the U.S. have August 2nd 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
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Our “Many Colored Days” ice cube painting

A good story to read to preschoolers to discuss feelings is “My Many Colored Days” by Dr. Seuss. Each day is described as a particular color, with an animal that corresponds to that feeling.  The use of colors and animals helps to explain feelings in a way that children can start to understand.  For example, on a yellow day there are busy, buzzing bees – and
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