Pre-K One Pool Party

Pre-K One had so much fun at their first pool party that they decided to do it again!  And this time they had the splash pad open.  What a great night full of family fun.

Power of Movement!

Gross motor play requires whole body movement and involves the large core muscles of the body such as standing, walking, running, and sitting.  It also includes eye-coordination skills such as throwing, catching, and kicking.  Gross motor play is any play that involves these large muscles groups and movements.  Having good gross motor skills is an important building block for other areas of school. For example, being able to sit at a desk for long periods of time requires strong core muscles and posture, and is also necessary to be able to learn to write.

Ideas for gross motor play at home:  obstacle course, dancing games, hopscotch, Simon Says, crab walks, catching and balancing games, playground activities.

Benefits of gross motor include:

·        Long-lasting good health

·        Increased confidence

·        Improved self-esteem

·        Social skills

·        Release of stress and frustration

·        Increased body movement and flexibility

·        Better negotiates the environment

·        Improved hand/eye coordination

 Don't break the chain!  PK2 thought moving the hula hoop around the circle was a hilarious game!

 Even Ms. Sebinra got in on the movement fun.

 Ring Around The Rosie is great fun!

 STRIKE!

 How about some ring toss?

 Making art by moving the ball around the box.

 Using pool noodles to hit balloons.

 Our tunnels are always fun.

 It's beach ball mania in Toddler One!

 Just a little stretching.

 Baby yoga class.

 Objects moving through tunnels.

 Homemade ski ball game.

 Roll it on up!

 Bike day obstacle course.  Weaving in and out of cones.

 Balancing takes concentration.

Look at that action shot!

Baby Yoga

This week we are focusing on the Power of Movement.  When we think of movement we often think of being quick and fast.  But movement can also be slow and controlled.  We gave our babies a special treat today of Infant Yoga.  They enjoyed some one-on-one time with a teacher, instructor or mom!  They got to stretch and enjoy a massage.  We love spoiling our precious babies here at AoCS!

 All lined up, ready to go!

 Massaging their legs and feet.

 The one-on-one connection was so special.

What a fun morning!

The Power of Play Continues

Can you believe there is only one month left of our summer program?!  Neither can we!  But to keep the momentum going we hosted another "Power of Play" training for our amazing educators.  We learned all about DAP (Developmentally Appropriate Practices) and the importance of play.  We even got to do some playing of our own.  It was great information and time well spent bonding together.

 Writing down open-ended questions to ask children during play.

 Ms. Brittany reading the questions we cam up with.

 Now it's on to the pool noodle challenge!

 TEAMWORK!

 We made a whole obstacle course out of only five pool noodles!

 Another group made an awesome flower.

And there was even a homemade stacker set.