Coffee an Curriculum

Dr. Seuss display The Lorax.

So we had an unexpected guest today.  It was a great surprise.  Forrest Ranger from Lake Pleasant came to share his wildlife with us and teach us about wildlife in Arizona.  He brought with him, and gila monster, a snake, a bat, a javelina skull, and various other specimens.  Ewwww, the  kiddos could not wait to touch the snake!

Social Studies can be challenging , I create a social studies center filled with wonderful things.  The rules for this center is it a 2 person center.  Items are to be looked at and touched gently, they are not toys.  The children love it and are doing great with the new center.  And it is a really interesting focal point.

So last Friday we went on field trip, I had forgotten how joyous these occasions can be!  Oye-Vay! We went to see Mrs. Bunny and the Library.  I am not sure how the kids felt, but she scared the dickens out of me!  She told stories , did magic tricks , and gave out candy followed by an parade of children hopping like bunnies.  They loved it, she still scared me. The children thought it was the best day ever.....at least Im glad that all effort was at least appreciated. Getting in the van, strapping in, getting out, counting heads, counting heads, taking roll, and more counting heads.  Staff had lunch waiting for them when we arrived back at the school, it was a nice thank you for the  hard work.  All is well that ends well.  :) What do you think scary?  LoL  (she was actually delightful, but she did freak me out a bit)

So, it is getting warmer, bugs are creeping out, the earth is waking up, and so are the kiddos! This week we have been exploring life cycles of caterpillars.  Of course, we have to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle, which has led to some new vocabulary.  We talked about cocoons a new words such as chrysalis and metamorphosis.  Sometimes you just have an Ah-Ha moment in teaching.  I had one this week.  After exploring the word "metamorphosis" and not really knowing for certain if any was making the connection, we were working on math.  Sorting and classifying pompoms which we then turned into caterpillars. I asked the children to name there caterpillars for dictation.  I got  "tinkerbell" , "dragons sword Fred",  and Sporadalucy"  then one little guy says "Metamorphosis".  My Ah-Ha moment arrived, they were learning!  LoL Here are some things we have worked on this week, the kiddos loves the balloon painting! ...

So for some years now the philosophy of 'time out'  has been outdated. Of course the popular redirection has taken it's place.  Although, there are moments when a child is in shear melt down mode, and your best efforts of redirection simply fly out the nearest door.  In recent years, the concept of "safe centers, cozy cubes, and calming areas" has been instituted. What is this "calming center" all about?  Well, it is a  one child safe zone center. A small area filled with comforting items and sensory tools.  The idea behind the strategy is that children can self-regulate by  learning that this area is for them when they ; cannot use words to express emotions, needs some time away from  group, or simply are unable to cope with the environment.  The idea is the child goes to the "calming area" takes a few moments to regroup and of course calm down, then rejoins the group.  As silly as it may sound, it does work. A calming center should...