The Building Area

My love for open ended materials goes beyond words can express.  I am always in awe of the designs and constructions that the kids create with these loose parts. If you think you might have anything to contribute please let me know. If you have smooth board scraps or pvc/elbows or large boxes lying around we always like those!

Very Puzzling

Puzzles are an important part of preschool development. This group of kids has been puzzle-crazy over the last few weeks. I feel like the last few groups of kids I have had, have not been as interested in puzzles.  The amazing part is seeing the huge range of abilities, which often seem to have no connection to their ages. It often seems that puzzle solving is more natural to some than others, while others need more guidance and practice.  We are lucky to have a wide selection of puzzles with different difficulty levels and styles.  They have mastered all our small puzzles and I think it is time to start moving them towards the harder and more complex floor puzzles.

All Shapes and Sizes

Teamwork

With some puzzles there are many ways to put it together

Hooray! I did it.

Exploration

This puzzle always seems to be a work in progress. :)

How do you get all those kids to go to sleep?

People are always amazed and asking the question, "How do you get all those kids to go to sleep?"

It takes a lot of routine, a lot of practice and a lot of training. And no matter what you do children are either nappers or not!  And we just hold our breath if they all fall asleep for fear of waking them!

 After lunch all the kids take turns using the bathroom as they clear.  Their next job is to collect a book and go to their mat.  After their blankets are all arranged on their mat, they are supposed to sit and read books until the lights go out!

Some of them are too tired to finish their books!

After the lights go out we listen to "story tapes" before rest.
 It has never occured to me until right now
 that it is odd that we still call them story "tapes."

Many of our friends fall asleep while concentrating on the story cd (it just doesn't have the same ring).  Next comes the naptime music, selection is based mainly on the teachers moods, but also the children's energy levels. Sometimes we get a request for particular songs by the non-sleepers who have most of the cds memorized (if your child is singing James Taylor's "Gone to Carolina" at home, we are probably responsible).

Everyone has their own sleeping arrangements. Some have their own blankets and animals. Some like to be tucked right in and others want no blankets at all.

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Goodbye November!~

It has been quite awhile since I have been able to sit down and work on the blog. I am hoping that things will get back on track for December.

As many of you know this has been a very emotionally challenging month for me.  It began with the decision to become a solo teacher again, which was not an easy one.

I was able to speak to many of you two weeks ago when my family was devastated by the loss of my eighteen year old cousin to suicide. Your support and flexibility were appreciated greatly. We were able to get through the grief long enough to spend Thanksgiving as a family together. We had an amazing day filled with laughter, smiles and family.  The day after Thanksgiving my cousin was laid to rest at his burial in the morning.  That evening my grandmother passed away suddenly from heart issues.  We are grateful that we had the one last day to enjoy with her and she was so happy.  I was surprised at my strength today, being back to preschool after such a roller coaster of a weekend. I was so thankful to just be back into a routine and here with the kids.

This week is a busy one. I will be out on Wednesday for my Nana's burial. Dana and "Aunt Steph" (my sister in law) will be here with the kids.  Thursday and Friday we will be saying farewell to Ethan and Kendall, who are both expecting siblings soon!

As soon as things get settled I will begin the next round of the snack rotations, as many of you have been asking.

Thanks again for all your support and understanding as I pick myself up by my bootstraps and keep marching.  Your children are lights in my life and I find comfort just being here with them!

Jessica

Pumpkin Soup

Yum mmmm.