Special Caper Day

Since our little friends will not be here tomorrow, we decided to have a special Caper day today. We had all of our usual water supplies out, such as the pulley system and water pump, but today, the Acorns and other friends were most interested in the watercolors.
They've been working hard to figure out how to wet the brush, then use it to moisten the colors and transfer them to their paper. They have started showing an interest in color mixing-- J especially was intrigued with all of the different color combinations she could create. First, she noticed that the color of the water in the brush-dipping jar was changing. As she dipped her blue brush into the yellow water, she saw that the water turned green. "Look! The water is green now!" she cried. Later, when fresh water was brought out, she was delighted to find that red and blue together turned the water purple.
The Acorns have also been discussing themselves and their identities more. T and I decided that they were painting their families. "I have me, my mommy and daddy, and my sister," T explained as he painted. We love to see all of the many different directions they take a simple activity!

Nesting

The Acorns have always been interested in birds-- they love sitting in the window and watching as our feathery friends come to the feeder. We have seen woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays, and many more varieties! It's always exciting when we notice a flurry of commotion and go to the window to investigate.

Today, we did some "bird watching" in our room. We put bird nest cameras on the iPads and sat to observe them. We watched as the eggs in the nest began to hatch: "There are three blue eggs! There are tiny birds inside the eggs!" One the babies were born, we watched as the mommies fed the babies.  "They're eating WORMS!" O was in awe.

"I am the little acorn that becomes the oak."- John Winger

Misty Monday

We are loving seeing all of the creative ways the Acorns are moving the water. Today, they continued experimenting. They are really starting to figure out the pulley system-- filling the bucket, then raising it to make the water fall, and lowering it back down. They have also begun working together more. They have been taking turns and sharing, and using the tools together. One person will make it "rain" so that the other person can catch the water in their container and fill it back up.

We also brought in a water pump last week, and they have been exploring its uses as well. A few friends have been so interested in this that they have been engaged with it for all of choice time. They are starting to realize all of the factors that go into making it work! It is so cool to watch the "spark" when they make connections. :)

Have a happy Monday!

Caper Day

We had a few new things going on with our study of water today. There was bubble water in the sensory table, and then we had two tubs filled with water and a siphon hand pump.  WATER WAS EVERYWHERE!!!

Other than having water all over the tile floor, the children stayed engage for an hour.  It took them sometime to figure out how to move the water with the pump.  Once they figured it out, they started exploring with the tube the water was coming out of, which is where the mess came from.... but, it was serious problem solving and collaborating to figure it all out.  

"I am the little acorn that becomes the oak."-John Winger

Still Winter

The Acorns have been doing so well being dropped off in the gym this week! They seem to be enjoying the change of scenery during these winter months. This morning after breakfast, we stayed and hung out for awhile to get some gross motor time. Many friends are being brave and checking out the climbing wall!

Once back in the room, we continued working with shapes-- we have been doing lots with shapes lately. The Acorns have been creating shapes with loose parts and string, and also finding shapes around the room. Friends are even noticing that some of the letters in their names look like shapes! ("My 'O' is a circle!") They are growing so quickly.

We are still loving our pulley system, as well. Everyone is working hard to figure out new ways to fill and dump the bucket. The Acorns have been showing lots of patience in regard to the pulley system-- everyone wants to be the one to hold the rope and pull the bucket, and sometimes it's hard to wait your turn! They are doing great with sharing the coveted bucket.

This brings us to our final story of the day: POPSICLE! The Acorns created the funniest game, which usually takes place after nap, but happened this morning instead. While gathered on the carpet, friends take turns standing on the logs, jumping off, and shouting "POPSICLE!!!" We have no idea how this started, but they find it very entertaining! They certainly keep us laughing all day. 

Have a great evening!

Winter Returned...

We were able to get outside for a few minutes this morning.  Once we returned inside, we worked on MATH!!  We read a shape book, and then worked on shapes for about 30 minutes.  Once that was finished, we met on the carpet and played our number game. 

Then, we prepared for the day.

 We had water and the pulley open, glow in the dark paint, the projection of the water slide, and sensory opportunities. 

once the paint dried, we got a black light and took turns looking...

look at  it glow...

"I am the little acorn that become the oak."- John Winger

71 Degrees on February 3

So, we of course went for a walk.  We visited our favorite train, and our favorite tree. We have posted about both of these before.  Why do we continue to visit the same places?  What is the interest? Why is it important to be outside? What is project work?

Lillian Katz is a preschool GURU! If you are interested in learning more about preschool and why we have project work, and go outside, and visit the same places over and over..... There is a TON of research supporting the outdoors, and project work. 

https://illinoisearlylearning.org/pa/katz-legacy/

project work

 The great outdoors.

http://richardlouv.com/

Richard Louv is inspiring and supports children being in the outdoors.

 J- trying to put a large stick in his pocket.

B- telling us that he needs to take the wood tool home for his dad.

"I am the little acorn that becomes the oak"-John Winger