Exploring the Snow

Since it was too cold to explore the snow outside, our preschool one class brought the snow inside.  They talked about how it was cold and how they could stick it together to make small snowballs.  They also watched it melt and discussed what happens to snow when it melts and saw how it changed back to water when it melted.

Sand and Water Play

Sand and Water Play Supports a Children's Development

Sensory play – including play with sand, water, Styrofoam peanuts, bubbles, beans, dirt, and other materials – can be an important part of the child care classroom or family child care home. Children exploring in the sensory center are learning some important skills.

• Math and science skills: Sand and water play introduces scientific concepts such as sinking, floating, and changes of state (e.g., dry to wet). Exploring sand, water, and other sensory materials gives children opportunities to practice measuring and explore other math concepts such as more, less, bigger, smaller, and equal.
• Physical development: Children playing with sand and water are practicing eye-hand coordination and using fine motor skills to scoop, sift, funnel, and pour. 
• Social and emotional skills: The sand and water center provides important opportunities for children to practice cooperative play and sharing. It also helps children explore and enjoy the sensory experience of manipulating fluid materials. Digging in sand or splashing water can also reduce the energy level of overexcited children and provide an acceptable way for them to vent anger or frustration.

Healthy Eating the Fun Way!

Healthy eating can be fun, especially for kids when they are able to be involved. Check out these four fun ways for making healthy eating fun!

1. Use cookie cutters to make fun and creative shapes out of fruits and vegetables.  One fun way is to make apples look like donuts and decorate them with granola or nuts. 

2. Add googly eyes to make a snack pop with excitement!

3. Turn a snack into an animal!

4. Involve your children. Let them help cook or get out the ingredients

and talk with them to make it fun and exciting!