Fall Leaves Day

Discovery (10 mins)

Hello Song (Alex played the guitar)
Old MacDonald (kids supplied the animals--that's progress)
Happy Birthday (To Eli)

Melted into Dance Party because Oscar said "Let's dance it up"
We danced to "Palito" (un poco de espanol)

Outside Activity: Leaves
We ran up and down the street and ran through the leaves.
We pointed out the sound and the various colors.
Next, we gathered leaves and scooped them into a leaf bag. (There was variable interest here and at one point everyone was lined up at the gate clamoring to get out)

Snack time: Banana Bread

Story: Leaf Man (A-can you supply the author). Only Peter was really listening. Everyone else was drumming on the table. It was kind of hysterical.

Art time: Leaves on Hand Tree (cut out brown paper in the shape of a hand). Kids applied colored ribbons (read: leaves) to the tree and used crayons and pencils to decorate. Not a big hit with the boys but our resident girl seemed to dig it.

Bubbles and Goodbye-although there was a fair amount of lingering and some more free play this week.

We noted that the kids are playing better together than ever and seem to know the "schedule'. That said, not everyone joined in for songs or stories

Girls Discovery

A Little Video of Yesterday

Notice which activity takes over

*inspiration*

*b l o g s*

The Artful Parent
eensies - inspiring parents, promoting learning & healthy development
My Sidewalk Chalk - Brooklyn Family & Education
Urban PreSchool


what else?

*book suggestions*

Reading With Babies, Toddlers, & Twos: A Guide to Choosing, Reading, & Loving Books Together - Susan Straub & KJ Dell'Antonia

First Art - Art Experiences For Toddlers & Twos - MaryAnn F. Kohl, Renee F. Ramsey, Dana Bowman, & Katheryn Davis


please add on!

developmental suggestions from baby center

Just got this one:

Other developments: Puzzles and pictures

At 23 months, your toddler may have the brain power and fine-motor skills to complete a jigsaw puzzle that's composed of three to six pieces. She may also be able to draw circles (don't expect them to be smooth yet), in addition to vertical and horizontal lines. See if she can build a tower of six or more blocks or is coordinated enough to press "pop" beads together or string large wooden beads on a cord.

Give her opportunities to fine-tune her finger and hand work by scooping up and pouring out sand or birdseed, pouring water, squeezing moldable compounds like Play-Doh or even bread dough if you like to cook together. Have crayons and paints available for her to create art with, and let her see you writing and drawing. Then watch how she tries to imitate you.

co-op structure

Here's how we generally organize our time together!

discover time/centers (10 min)

--clean up--

circle time - stretch + songs (5 min)

movement - dance party! simon says? (10 min)

activity - rice! (10 min)

outside - draw with chalk/bubbles (10 min)

read a book (nursery rhymes) (5 min)

bubbles (2 min)

closing song (2 min)

Animal Movements

Discovery: Toys and cups for about 15 minutes.

Clean-up

Hello Song,
Fall Song (listen to the leaves falling one by one, when we rake them up, we're going to have some fun, listen to the birds in the trees so high, don't you wish that you could flap your wings and fly?)
5 little ducks

Activity: Animal Circles
We walked in a circle and roared like a lion
swung our elephant trunks
barked like dogs (?)
hopped like bunnies (and frogs)

We rolled on the floor and slithered like a snake

We also did some yoga (down dog, happy baby, child's pose, and cobra)

Snack (bunnies and raisins--thanks Katy..)

We closed with some peek-a-boo and went to the park

Great shop for resources

Just wanted to share that there is a school supplies store at 166 Livingston St between Smith and Hoyt. They have loads of arts and crafts stuff, useful books etc. at reasonable prices. Enjoy!