Holidays
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Children’s books about New Year
There are children’s books about every single subject imaginable – and thank goodness for that! I use books to introduce new subjects and to help children reflect on their own experiences, so books about New Year are especially helpful because I don’t always see my students right before or right after we celebrate the New Year. Here are some of my favorites to include in the classroom library (links are Amazon affiliates): The Night Before New Year’s Happy New Year Around the World It’s New Year’s Day! New Year’s Day (Celebrations in my World) Some holidays are harder to find books for than others. New Year happens to be one…
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Fun Stuff for a New Year Celebration
I know that New Year’s Eve has come and gone, but I love to welcome the children back to school after the holidays with a small New Year celebration. It’s hard to come back to school after a break, especially since the last week of school before we left was all about celebrating the holidays. Coming back to the regular routine can be a little boring. This is my way of helping make that transition a little more fun. Here are some of the things that I’ve come up with over the years to put out for the first week to ensure that we have something new to explore while…
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One Word Resolution
For the last few years I have found a focus for the year in just one word. The idea is that instead of a traditional resulution, you choose one word that will help you focus your efforts for the year. In 2016 my word was care, and in 2015 my word was celebrate. This year my word is: The last two years have been all about my professional life – new business, new job, and really finding the place that I want to be career-wise. This year my personal life is going to get a little more of the focus because we are welcoming our first baby in June! I…
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Friday Freebie – Ring in the New Year
Happy Friday! It’s the end of another week, and almost the end of the year. I’m trying to squeeze in as much as I can before I have to go back to work, so I’m sure my weekend will fly by way to fast. Today’s freebie is a cute little New Year questionnaire from Carol Miller that could become an annual tradition. Whether you use this with your students or your own children their answers will be cherished! Have a wonderful weekend!
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New Year’s Eve Round Up
I’ve been scrambling to figure out my New Year’s Eve plans, so if you’re doing the same, and your plans include little ones, I’ve rounded up all of my previous New Year’s posts to give you some more ideas. Take a couple of minutes to check these out! Friday Freebie – New Year’s Countdown Explaining Units of Time to Preschooler New Year’s Activities for Preschoolers Friday Freebie – New Year’s Sequencing For even more ideas take a look at my Preschool Holidays pin board, and have a wonderful rest of the holidays!
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Save your extra wrapping paper!
Preschool teachers are well known for saving everything, so it should come as no surprise that I’m telling you to save your left over wrapping paper. There are so many things that you can use it for in the classroom, here are a few ideas: Create artwork on top of the wrapping paper design. Most wrapping paper is shiny, so it would be interesting to see how paint, crayons, and glue react to this surface. It would also be interesting to see if the children cover the design, or if they incorporate it into their art. Cut wrapping paper into smaller pieces and use it for collages. I always had…
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Happy Holidays!
I hope that your holidays are wonderful and relaxing!
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Thursday Freebie
I know, you’re used to Friday Freebies, but since this weekend will be so crazy, I didn’t want this to get lost in the holiday shuffle! Since it’s the first time I’ve ever done a Thursday Freebie, I’m going all out and sharing two freebies. This first one is a Christmas Cookie counting set, which would be great math practice as you wind down your Christmas celebration. The second freebie is a Snowman themed mini-book. This freebie is perfect for that transition from the holidays into the rest of your winter work. Download both freebies and have a wonderful holiday weekend!
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Last Minute Teacher Gift Ideas
If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for a teacher that you know, make sure to check out this post – My Favorite Things for Teachers!
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Tips for banishing pre-holiday behavior problems
If you’re spending this week with young children – your students, or your own children – then I’m sure you’ve taken a deep breath and prepared yourself for chaos and tantrums. While some off the behavior problems you might encounter come with the season, others are a product of messed up routines, missed nap times, and too many sweet treats. Those are the kind of problems that can be avoided with some careful preparation. Here are a few tips that I’ve picked up along the way: Try to keep your routine as normal as possible. If you can’t schedule fun events into your normal routine, then prepare the children in…
