JL and Blocks

Obstacle Course

Remember tumble time? This time the children put together their own obstacle course and we believe that it was inspired by our previous tumble times. These images convey the ability of young children to hold events in their mind and build on them later.

FF Stacking Blocks

FF captured our attention when she began to work with the blocks. We were interested in the size she chose and how carefully she worked to build and balance the tower. She carefully stacked each block and held it or adjusted it every so slightly so that it would balance. We watched as it fell over once and she patiently built it back up again using the same controlled process. We noted that her control and patience with the materials was more that some adults could manage. :)

Pool, Continued

We want to post the changes we make with the pool over time. After we brought it inside, the children began putting material and stuffed animals in it, which they would lay on. We are brainstorming other ideas for the pool, so stay tuned.

Cutiosity!

What can we say? These images are too cute not to post! JL wanted his feet pictured so that's what we did. The children enjoy looking at the images after we take a picture.

Touching

During outside time this week, CM would sometimes stand by the gate and cry. We decided to explore the area with her and found that she was trying to get to the garden stepping stone! We placed the stone outside of the gate so she could explore it further and she spent a good deal of time carefully touching each stone and rubbing her hand across the top. This seems to connect with her interest in touching and manipulating small objects.

Getting to Know You 3.0

F took some time out from her play to come over and sit and interact with AB. For the most part the children play without without taking notice of AD, but from time to time they take notice and deliberately come visit with him. We are interested in the way that each child comes greets him in his/her own way.

Jackets and Zippers

The process of getting ready to go outside each day provides the children with a great opportunity to practice self-help skills. We have begun to ask the children to find their own jackets and put them on, allowing plenty of time for this to happen. Those who finish quickly are encouraged to help other children. We have demonstrated a technique that allows the children to put their jackets on by flipping them over their heads, allowing them to do this by themselves. FF and JL are able to it and the others give it their best effort (not all children like that method, but for some it works great). Manipulating the zipper is hard for many, but they enjoy trying their faces beam with pride they are successful. If you can find the time to allow your child to dress themselves and put on their own coat, you might be surprised at how capable they are. A growing sense of independence is huge in the life of children who often have

few chances to exercise choice.

Block Buddies

Since O's departure, J and A are the two oldest children and they have begun to forge a new relationship. In these photos you can see they enjoy building side by side with the blocks, a material that encourages this type of co-play. The boys like to build towers and empty and fill containers. Note that the environment plays a big role in their interactions and can be powerful tool for joining children together in a united interest.

Pools in February!

Last week we spotted two kiddie pools that a neighbor was going to discard. We grabbed them, cleaned them up, and placed them near the toys. Immediately, AN and JL were intrigued - a huge blue circle to jump into! FF sat in one and enjoyed the ride while her friends dragged her around the yard. They also enjoyed dragging the pools while they were empty. The older boys became frustrated as the younger children got into the pools and sat there, so we encouraged A and J to help them get in and get out.

The pools also triggered lots of conversation between J and A and the boys sat in them and laughed and talked with each other. Eventually, they dragged them all over the yard and at one point pushed them up to the playhouse window. Other children came over, sat down and waited for A to open the window. What a show!

We decided to bring the small pool inside for our new large motor space and it has been a hit. Filling it up with interesting items is a great way to explore a large circle and learn that shape. As they engage with the pools we use a variety of words such as circle, upside down, empty, bigger, smaller, drag, help, etc., using language in a more organic way.

The pools also triggered lots of conversation between J and A. They sat in the pool and laughed and talked. Eventually, they dragged them all over the yard and at one point pushed them up to the playhouse near the window. Others came, sat down and waited for A to open the window. What a show!

Cutiosity!

These pics have no particular meaning but they were so cute we had to post them! Look for more Cutiosity pics in the future!

No, David! 2.0

These photos were chosen to emphasize the impact that books have on this group. Not only do the children love to be read to (and are completely fascinated with "No, David!,"), reading together is a chance to let go of the "mines" and sit near a friend to share a story. A book that is read over and over provides a shared understanding between the children, and shared experiences can often provide the children with a language specific to this group. In other words, if we said, "N0, no F!" (with a smile) and shook our head she wouldn't feel reprimanded but would associate it with her favorite book . The term used for this type of understood communication is intersubjectivity and one of our goals is to support this for more meaningful experiences and relationships during the children's stay with us. Continuing activities you see on this blog at home is a great way to connect home and school, and may lead to rich experiences with your child.

Mirror

A enjoys spending time at the mirror looking at herself and other images behind her. On this day she watched carefully as she made a face, looking at her reflection closely. We would like to provide more reflection and are looking for larger acryllic mirrors so that the children can see their entire bodies as they move and dance. This is one of the first ways children experience a new perspective on the world! The children are all VERY interested in reflection and light. If you find any of these mirrors at a yard sale or have some in your home you are willing to donate please let us know!

Looking at the Lion

AB is gaining more control over his body at a rapid rate. He often tries to look at the lion on his bouncy seat and the effort sometimes makes him go cross-eyed! We sometimes place him on the ground with the bouncy seat above his head, and he will work very hard to see the lion, twisting his body so that he almost rolls over.

Valentine's Day

No, David!

"No, David" is the title of a funny book by David Shannon that has captured the interest of ALL the children. These pics are of C, who looks at this book frequently, shaking her head and saying "No, no, no!" She often looks for the page where David escapes from the bathtub and runs down the street naked! David is a "stinker" and his mother is always saying, "No, David!" All we have to do is hold the book up and all the children run to hear it, asking us to to read it over and over. We like the idea of creating individual books with photos of the children doing 'stinkery' things.