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One word resolution
For the last few years I’ve been practicing what I call a one word resolution. The idea is that you select one word that sums up what you want to work towards for the year (here’s my word from last year). This year, my resolution is simply to care. This sounds really easy right? You might be thinking that that’s not really a resolution. It’s true, I think of myself as a naturally empathetic person, but this is about more than just being caring. When I say that I’m going to care, it covers so many parts of my life. Professionally, I want to make sure that I care…
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Explaining units of time to a preschooler
When we think about time as far as preschool standards are considered, we generally want to make sure that children can sequence daily events (i.e. breakfast comes first, then lunch, then dinner) and understand their own personal histories (“I’m four years old, but my birthday is tomorrow and then I’ll be five”). Because preschoolers don’t have a grat understanding of specific time concepts, explaining the idea of a new year can be really difficult. In the past I just kind of blew over it, not wanting to confuse them, but it felt wrong not to use a common holiday as a teachable moment, so last year I created this What…
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New Year’s Activities for Preschoolers
I always love to share New year’s activities, for a couple of reasons. First, the Christmas let-down is a real thing, kiddos are bummed about the fact that they’ve looked forward to that big day and now it’s over. Planning special activities for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s day is a great way to help them look forward to something else, and realize that just because Christmas is over the fun doesn’t have to end. Second, the idea of a new year is a really abstract concept, celebrating the begining of the new year can help children attach a very real memory to what could otherwise be a vague…
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5 most popular posts of 2015
It’s time to look back and the past year and think about all we’ve done, and what we would like to accomplish next year. I thought I’d take a minute to share the 5 most popular posts of 2015 here at Preschool Ponderings to give you a little inspiration: Get to know me better in September Currently Learn how to make covers for your pinboards in A Pinterest Tip for Teachers Check out some great Stores that offer teacher discounts Explore ideas for Informal Assessments in Preschool Start planning with my First week of Preschool Lesson Plans I always think it’s interesting to look back and see which posts you all…
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Merry Christmas
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Christmas Break to do list
I’m officially on vacation! I haven’t gotten to say those words in a very long time, and it feels great! I’ve got a lot to get done – aside from the usual holiday celebrating, here’s what my break to-do list looks like; There it is, I’m putting that list up so you can hold me accountable, so I don’t spend my entire vacation sleeping in and shopping at Target! What’s on your to-do list?
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A little Christmas Magic
Whether you’re already on break, or spending a couple more days in the classroom, here are some quotes from one of my favorite holiday movies to help get you in the mood to share the magic of the Christmas season. From Jalipeno From Vollzgirlz From Stephanie Spence Watching the Polar Express always makes me feel like a little kid, and it gives me perspective – we can believe whatever we want! That is truly the magic of the season. What are your favorite Holiday movie quotes?
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Reindeer food
I love to share the magic of the Christmas season, so whether I’m doing it with the children in my class, or all the kiddos in my personal life, reindeer food is always at the top of my holiday tradition list. I made this cute little label so that you can dress up your bags. Once you’ve got the bags ready, the reindeer food is the easy part. Put out a few bowls of oats, Christmas sprinkles, colored sugar, or birdseed and let the children make their own magical mixtures! Download your labels here and have a magical Christmas!
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Friday Freebie – Random Acts of Kindness
Happy almost Christmas Friday! Yesterday I shared a list of 10 ideas for community service activities that kids can be a part of before Christmas. Today’s freebie is a great companion. This Random Acts of Kindness set from Kreative in Kinder has 20 additional ideas for showing that you care. Do these with your kiddos, or let them pick their own and surprise you!
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Sharing the spirit of the season with young children
The holiday season is a time for celebrating our blessings, but it is also important to spend some time giving to others. As teachers and parents, it is also our job to help children learn the joy of giving. Here are a few easy ways that you can serve the community with your children before Christmas; Clean out the closet – donate toys and clothes to Goodwill, or see if a local charity is collecting coats for the winter. Pick out a toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Volunteer at a shelter or soup kitchen. Do something nice for your neighbors – bake cookies to leave on their doorstep…
