tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22045705251087568902024-03-13T09:04:11.956-07:00Play-Based ClassroomNever underestimate the power of play!Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-64465766454837407922014-03-04T14:33:00.002-07:002014-03-04T14:33:39.700-07:00Science: Gems and Minerals Provocation<div style="text-align: center;">
I live in Tucson, Arizona.</div>
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Every year, we have the <a href="http://www.tgms.org/" target="_blank">Gem and Mineral Show</a> come to town. </div>
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It is wonderful tradition that has been happening for 60 years! I love to go with my husband and son, and sometimes I go with a friend. There is plenty of jewelry to shop for, but I like to keep my eye out for interesting (and inexpensive) things to bring to the classroom. </div>
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<i>Can you imagine having something as remarkable as this in your science center? </i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA6hOgGAJyE/UxY_Nf_kkFI/AAAAAAAAB5U/3VLsZ3gndO4/s1600/IMAG0237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA6hOgGAJyE/UxY_Nf_kkFI/AAAAAAAAB5U/3VLsZ3gndO4/s1600/IMAG0237.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
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After a visit to the gem show, I decided to put out a provocation for scientific exploration: </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kpsU7ElBYHk/UxZC5g1YmDI/AAAAAAAAB5g/5p-WCAwUHC4/s1600/DSCN0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kpsU7ElBYHk/UxZC5g1YmDI/AAAAAAAAB5g/5p-WCAwUHC4/s1600/DSCN0144.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--K-jMbYiMwQ/UxTo7jEvhzI/AAAAAAAAB5A/UR3ut1LhIyo/s1600/IMAG0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--K-jMbYiMwQ/UxTo7jEvhzI/AAAAAAAAB5A/UR3ut1LhIyo/s1600/IMAG0239.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I later added a better magnifying glass and a book about gems and minerals). </td></tr>
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Here are some close-ups: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds224-bB8v4/UxTo1VjLXpI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/-BRBriDr9FA/s1600/DSCN0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds224-bB8v4/UxTo1VjLXpI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/-BRBriDr9FA/s1600/DSCN0145.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I believe to be a trilobite fossil. They are a marine-based arthropod that have been extinct for over 250 million years.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZNZnWOSFU4/UxTo1kucEzI/AAAAAAAAB4U/QUG_iHSaBBY/s1600/DSCN0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZNZnWOSFU4/UxTo1kucEzI/AAAAAAAAB4U/QUG_iHSaBBY/s1600/DSCN0146.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal quartz, geodes, pyrite (also known as fool's gold), and desert rose (see the petals?).</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbCvpg_NvpY/UxTo3EEgbuI/AAAAAAAAB4g/wrt2iIXRShA/s1600/DSCN0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbCvpg_NvpY/UxTo3EEgbuI/AAAAAAAAB4g/wrt2iIXRShA/s1600/DSCN0147.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are wonderful additions to the science area! Sparkly geodes are pretty much always a hit, and the fossil sparked a lot of interesting conversations.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84Pr_wO_uLA/UxTo5ai1biI/AAAAAAAAB4s/_WaWXOYSlCY/s1600/DSCN0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84Pr_wO_uLA/UxTo5ai1biI/AAAAAAAAB4s/_WaWXOYSlCY/s1600/DSCN0148.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The children searched the book looking for pictures matching the minerals we had in the classroom. </td></tr>
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What is something interesting that you can bring into the classroom to spark interest in science? I look forward to your comments! </div>
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Happy playing!</div>
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Gina </div>
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Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-2893875393048717532014-02-07T00:11:00.004-07:002014-02-07T00:11:44.537-07:00Technical Difficulties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-uIJCN8-b8/UvSG_5rz-JI/AAAAAAAABz8/R4yDk1S-s3Q/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-uIJCN8-b8/UvSG_5rz-JI/AAAAAAAABz8/R4yDk1S-s3Q/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I apologize to anyone browsing my blog at the moment. Last night I downloaded Google + and was playing with the settings, and somehow I ended up locking all the pictures in my most recent blog posts. I tried undoing it, but the pictures are still blocked.<br /><br />Sigh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will figure this out! Thanks for your patience! In the meantime, check out the Play-Based Classroom Facebook page: </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PlayBasedClassroom?ref=hl" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/PlayBasedClassroom?ref=hl</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also, please browse the Play-Based Classroom Pinterest Boards:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/playbasedclssrm/" target="_blank">http://www.pinterest.com/playbasedclssrm/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Playing!</span>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-72104542323236847502013-12-22T20:45:00.001-07:002014-05-14T12:53:12.370-07:00Glow in the Dark Flubber<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My class has been exploring lights this week. Naturally this means means our light table had to have something interesting and engaging. We decided to make </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Glow-In-The-Dark Flubber. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The children pulled out the light table toys to stick on the flubber. I loved this little butterfly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you press translucent materials onto the flubber, the light shines through from below. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is the recipe:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Get yourself 3 cups of glue, 6 cups of hot water (I like to microwave it for a minute...it does not have to be boiling), 2 tbs of borax, glow-in-the-dark paint, 2 bowls, and (optional) a mixing spoon. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> In the first bowl, mix 3 cups of glue, 4 cups of hot water, and 2-3 oz of glow in the dark paint. Stir it up.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> In the second bowl, mix the 2 cups of water with the 2 tbs of borax. Stir it really well until all the borax is dissolved! Then SLOWLY pour it into the glue water mixture, mixing it with a spoon or your hands. Pour a little, knead it a little. When it starts forming a ball, and pulling away from the sides of the bowl, it is ready to be played with. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Store it in an airtight container. It can be used for weeks if you take care of it.</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFwZCFJ1kEU/UrhtEPQTkAI/AAAAAAAABUE/8eABFtwnxa0/s1600/blogger-image-2058302915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFwZCFJ1kEU/UrhtEPQTkAI/AAAAAAAABUE/8eABFtwnxa0/s1600/blogger-image-2058302915.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>**Note**</b>The children can help with all of this, but depending on how hot your water is, make sure to have an adult supervising and helping. This recipe contains borax, which cannot be ingested. Be sure to make this recipe with children who are past the mouthing stage (ages 3 and up)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Invite the children to touch and describe the water-glue mixture before adding the borax mixture. Then ask them how it feels after. They can all help mix with their hands for that sensory experience.This stuff is so much fun to play with! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We put it on the light table, and then turned out the lights...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy playing!</span></div>
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Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-64820004747549227892013-08-20T19:37:00.000-07:002013-08-20T20:42:13.963-07:00A Play-Based Library and Peace Corner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's official.</div>
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Summer is over!</div>
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My co-teachers and I have been working very hard (as I'm sure many of you have been) preparing for this time. </div>
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Parent handbook? Check.</div>
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Operation: "Clean and Organize?" Check. </div>
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Rearrange the classroom? Check. </div>
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We got this!</div>
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We agonized about the room arrangement. I really wanted to create a bigger art studio, but my original plan meant we had to move the library. This just would not work! The only other corners in the room were near a bathroom or an exit (high-traffic areas), and we still wanted to preserve the peacefulness of the cozy area. We finally managed to come up with an arrangement that fit all of our needs.</div>
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I am very pleased with how it turned out. I expect it to change throughout the year. We will add photographs of the children, rotate books, and display art and documentation. I'm sure we may try twinkly lights, or perhaps add more soft things. </div>
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Here is the beginning of a wonderful Library!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Th2KogiX9zA/UhHCE3nct4I/AAAAAAAABQk/u7yoMJjfV0U/s1600/cozyareaentrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Th2KogiX9zA/UhHCE3nct4I/AAAAAAAABQk/u7yoMJjfV0U/s640/cozyareaentrance.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a commercially bought <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=24887&keyword=creative%20canopy&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">canopy </a> from Discount School Supply.</td></tr>
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This was originally a canopy, not an entrance way. I had to fold the fabric in the back in half three or four times, until it was tall enough for an adult to fit through. (I intended to create a child-sized entrance, but I plan on spending time reading to individual children in this center throughout the year. For this reason, I made it adult-friendly.) I safety-pinned the fabric to make it stay folded.</div>
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<a href="http://cloud.myknobs.com/ri75708171-prod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cloud.myknobs.com/ri75708171-prod.jpg" /></a></div>
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My classroom has a low, drywall ceiling (just under ten feet), so I used a screw-in hook to attach it.</div>
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I tied the sides with a bit of yarn, and taped the yarn to the sides of the adjacent shelves. The fabric covers the tape, so it is still aesthetically pleasing, but the children are less likely to pull it down. It has been two full weeks, and so far, so good. (Knocking on wood!)<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp0Kqa3IcGY/UhHCEy2gJfI/AAAAAAAABQg/S8t7CSfUXSw/s1600/cozycornerbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp0Kqa3IcGY/UhHCEy2gJfI/AAAAAAAABQg/S8t7CSfUXSw/s200/cozycornerbooks.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bGZw_uD5UE/UhHCFuexfxI/AAAAAAAABQw/6_vsQgaPeY0/s1600/cozycornerplant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bGZw_uD5UE/UhHCFuexfxI/AAAAAAAABQw/6_vsQgaPeY0/s200/cozycornerplant.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The artificial plant, (see-through) lace, and authentic-looking couch add a cozy touch to our library. The children may read individually or in small groups (no larger than three or four).</div>
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The shelf with the lace curtain above was originally a piece of dress-up furniture. It has a shelf on top for storage, six hooks for hanging clothes, and four more shelves down the right side for more storage. It has a full-length mirror down the left, outer side, similar to this:</div>
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<a href="http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/elccontent/dss/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/products/25153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/elccontent/dss/www.discountschoolsupply.com/images/products/25153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've re-purposed it as a "Peace Corner." The Peace Corner can fit two or three children at the most. It is a space for "hiding," but, of course, we are still able to see who is in there for safety reasons. </div>
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Behind the curtain there is a mirror, some pillows to make it cozy, and there are puppets for role-playing on the side shelves.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eG_T736hVsY/UhQecvZer6I/AAAAAAAABRA/iFh4CGBNewE/s1600/PC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eG_T736hVsY/UhQecvZer6I/AAAAAAAABRA/iFh4CGBNewE/s400/PC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The following pictures are the resources I have printed and laminated for children. They are on the top shelf of the Peace Corner. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9w3eRbg2q24/UhHCDi1dFzI/AAAAAAAABQQ/r5kb1vUcQJ0/s1600/PCFF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9w3eRbg2q24/UhHCDi1dFzI/AAAAAAAABQQ/r5kb1vUcQJ0/s400/PCFF.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Peace Corner is a peaceful area for those children who need a quiet spot to calm down, or for a couple of children who need help solving a conflict.</div>
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This is not a space for "time-out." I am very firm about this. When I bring children to this area, I make sure to let them know they are not in trouble. This is a place of peace and problem-solving. For more information about my child-guidance philosophy, click <a href="http://play-basedclassroom.blogspot.com/2013/07/child-guidance-philosophy.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfIKvgkgT6Y/UhHCDbZPZ_I/AAAAAAAABQU/DkUD3l0fW7I/s1600/PCTT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfIKvgkgT6Y/UhHCDbZPZ_I/AAAAAAAABQU/DkUD3l0fW7I/s400/PCTT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First the children may point to the picture that shows how they are feeling. If they are angry or frustrated, we read the <i>Tucker Turtle</i> story together.<u>Tucker Turtle Takes Time to Tuck and Think</u> is a free resource you can download <a href="http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/strategies.html" target="_blank">here</a>. It is a social story I use to teach children self-regulation.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY2jDmPea0w/UhHCDTH0XvI/AAAAAAAABQM/S1dOoOBmtSw/s1600/PCSK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY2jDmPea0w/UhHCDTH0XvI/AAAAAAAABQM/S1dOoOBmtSw/s400/PCSK.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After we read <i>Tucker Turtle</i>, the child or children may pick a solution from the Solution Kit. I organized the solutions by type of problem:</div>
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<b>"If you want something someone else has, you may..."</b></div>
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<b>"If someone else wants something you have, you..."</b></div>
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<b>"If someone is bothering you, you may..."</b></div>
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The solution kit doesn't solve every problem out there, but with consistency it can become a means to teach the children that there are many ways to solve any given problem. Having three solutions available to choose from narrows it down for the children, and streamlines the process. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHX8-RYjV4w/UhHCFLA1cnI/AAAAAAAABQ0/tv_zVeH5Tgo/s1600/cozycornerexit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHX8-RYjV4w/UhHCFLA1cnI/AAAAAAAABQ0/tv_zVeH5Tgo/s400/cozycornerexit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You may now exit the Library/ Peace Corner.<br />
:)</div>
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I will be posting more pictures of my classroom setup soon!</div>
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Happy playing!</div>
Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-53883486920434606832013-07-27T18:26:00.001-07:002013-07-28T10:04:46.488-07:00Child-Guidance Philosophy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Next week, the official school year begins! As I prepare for the new year, I decided to review and share my philosophy on child guidance. I typed a modified version of this to add to my classroom hand book. (Do you have one? I will be sharing more about mine in a future post) I hope you find it a handy resource.</i> </div>
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<b>As you read it, I hope you take the time to reflect on your personal philosophy. </b></div>
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<i>Is it similar? If your philosophy is different...how so? I love to hear feedback, so share away! </i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Child Guidance </span></u></b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><u>Philosophy </u></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“</span><span style="font-size: 19px;">I've</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in
the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my
daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power
to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an
instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my
response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a
child humanized or dehumanized.”</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
-Haim G. Ginott</span><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We take care of ourselves first.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We understand that children learn by example, and
that the positive, calm learning environment begins with us.We model the behavior we expect from the children. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Children should be treated with love and
respect.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We will do our best to create a learning
environment in which the child feels safe, loved, and is a respected member of
the community. When a child feels valued, his/her self-esteem will soar.
Teachers respect the child’s choices throughout the day, while still
maintaining expectations that the child is safe, responsible, and respectful.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We understand that children are in the
process of learning social skills.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">During
this age period, children struggle with self-regulation. We teach them to
identify emotions, how to cope with stress, and play together with peers
constructively. Children learn through repetition. They NEED to be reminded of
the same things daily. We anticipate this, and provide positive visual and verbal cues regularly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <a href="http://play-basedclassroom.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-does-play-based-classroom-teach.html" target="_blank">How Does a Play-Based Classroom Teach Social and Emotional Skills?</a> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There is always a reason for the
behavior.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Children rarely act out
“for no reason.” As teachers, we strive to find out the reason behind the act
to better help the child solve the problem. When misbehavior becomes a habit, this form pretty handy to determine cause of behavior. <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5OCHiDzG28fVm5HcWxqcVJ5dFk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Action Behavior Consequence Form</a>. You may use it to observe what happened before, during, and after (i.e. how did you handle it?). </span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 14pt;">Sometimes re-direction is
necessary.</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We help the child find an appropriate choice, and state it in a
positive form. “Please walk. It is safe to walk inside.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b style="font-size: 14pt;">We do not solve the
problem for them.</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Instead, we provide them tools to do it on their own. My classroom utilizes this free “</span><a href="http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/ppt/solutkitcuecards.ppt%E2%80%8E" style="font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">Solution Kit</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;">" from Vanderbilt University. I love this video from High Scope: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbawu6taGj4" style="font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">Conflict Resolution</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> that demonstrates how to calmly approach a problem in the classroom setting. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>We give positive feedback.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We understand that children need to know what they are doing right. We give descriptive feedback, rather than a generic, "Good job!" For example, if a child shows responsibility by cleaning up his/her mess, we would say, "I see you cleaned up this mess all by yourself! That was very responsible of you!" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">What is your philosophy on child guidance? I look forward to reading your responses!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As always, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Happy playing!</span><br />
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Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-81474228365658847612013-03-03T23:01:00.001-07:002013-03-03T23:10:52.665-07:00Reggio Emilia: The Hundred Languages of Children <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="293" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/02/19/sunday-review/19COVER/19COVER-articleLarge-v3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo came from the New York Times article, "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/opinion/sunday/the-art-of-distraction.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" target="_blank">The Art of Distraction</a>", illustrated by Rutu Modan. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In the United States, the traditional classroom consists of a teacher who is the "Giver of Knowledge." The children are empty buckets, waiting to be filled with new information. They sit in desks, either loving school because they are good at memorizing information and taking tests, or hating school because they are not visual/auditory learners. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In the preschool setting, teachers plan themes based on holidays, seasons, and more recently, the new "cute" thing they found on Pinterest. (Guilty!) The children's interests and passions are of little importance. After all, the teachers are in charge, right? We also feel pressure from lawmakers, directors, and parents to get them KINDERGARTEN READY. Some <i>preschools </i>even proclaim to be "Getting your children ready for college!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The Reggio Emilia Approach has a different attitude about learning. The image of the child is that children are capable of extraordinary things! They are viewed as competent and naturally curious. The Reggio teacher understands that each child enters their classroom full of knowledge of the world around them. They are full of potential, and are able to construct their own knowledge. They are active participants in their community of learners. </span>(Gandini, 2010)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Please watch this short video, entitled, The Hundred Languages of Children. You may read along below. This poem, written by Loris Malaguzzi, is very touching. It reminds me that we as teachers are able to provide an environment where children can take the lead. Children can construct their own learning, and we are there as partners to facilitate this process!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The child</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is made of one hundred.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The child has</span></span></div>
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A hundred languages</div>
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A hundred hands</div>
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A hundred thoughts</div>
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A hundred ways of thinking</div>
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Of playing, of speaking.</div>
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A hundred always a hundred</div>
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Ways of listening of marveling of loving</div>
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A hundred joys</div>
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For singing and understanding</div>
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A hundred worlds</div>
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To discover</div>
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A hundred worlds</div>
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To invent</div>
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A hundred worlds</div>
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To dream</div>
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The child has</div>
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A hundred languages</div>
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(and a hundred hundred hundred more)</div>
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But they steal ninety-nine.</div>
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The school and the culture</div>
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Separate the head from the body.</div>
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They tell the child;</div>
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To think without hands</div>
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To do without head</div>
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To listen and not to speak</div>
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To understand without joy</div>
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To love and to marvel</div>
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Only at Easter and Christmas</div>
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They tell the child:</div>
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To discover the world already there</div>
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And of the hundred</div>
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They steal ninety-nine.</div>
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They tell the child:</div>
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That work and play</div>
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Reality and fantasy</div>
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Science and imagination</div>
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Sky and earth</div>
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Reason and dream</div>
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Are things</div>
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That do not belong together</div>
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And thus they tell the child</div>
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That the hundred is not there</div>
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The child says: NO WAY the hundred is there--</div>
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<em style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Loris Malaguzzi</span></em></div>
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<em style="background-color: white;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Founder of the Reggio Approach</span></em></em></div>
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<img alt="#child #dreams" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/550x/bf/8a/c3/bf8ac35174efbcac768adf305fa4820d.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I challenge you as an educator/parent to give children a bigger role in their learning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy playing!</span></div>
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Works Cited<w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></h1>
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<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>BIBLIOGRAPHY <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span><![endif]-->Gandini, L. (2010, September 13). <i>Learning
Materials Work.</i> Retrieved from Values and Principles of the <br />
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Reggio Emilia
Approach: http://www.learningmaterialswork.com/pdfs/ValuesAndPrinciples.pdf<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="MsoBibliography" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Malaguzzi, L. (2006). <i>The Hundred Languages of
Childhood</i>. Retrieved from Reggio Kids Childcare<br />
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Centres:
http://www.reggiokids.com/about/hundred_languages.php<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-9102821565091663072012-09-02T23:04:00.000-07:002012-09-02T23:04:48.186-07:00Using Fabric To Enhance The Preschool Classroom EnvironmentAs an educator on a budget, I'm always looking for inexpensive ways to add a little "something extra" to the classroom. I've been experimenting with adding elements of whimsy. This sheer curtain was under $10 dollars at Walmart, and since then it has been used several different ways in my classroom:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDKIXn5q0KE/UERBNjpI8GI/AAAAAAAABKU/jDPPOHUgess/s1600/IMAG0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDKIXn5q0KE/UERBNjpI8GI/AAAAAAAABKU/jDPPOHUgess/s400/IMAG0146.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We draped it over the dramatic play area...</span></td></tr>
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I had been looking for ways to drape fabric over the the pretend center without violating the fire codes here (we cannot hang anything within 18 in from the ceiling). This curtain was thumb-tacked to the wall, and is hanging from a white, wood curtain rod. The curtain rod was secured with fishing line that is taped to the ceiling.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--i15nF1i3kc/UERCWZLtcCI/AAAAAAAABKc/SqNf1RqCe8I/s1600/IMAG1260+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--i15nF1i3kc/UERCWZLtcCI/AAAAAAAABKc/SqNf1RqCe8I/s400/IMAG1260+(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The curtain also served as a "tent" for a camp sight. </span></td></tr>
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I thumb-tacked to the wall, and used clear, packing tape to secure it to the shelf.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aeg18Ovopyo/UERCXxcI40I/AAAAAAAABKk/ekgJ9Wq-nlM/s1600/IMAG1263+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aeg18Ovopyo/UERCXxcI40I/AAAAAAAABKk/ekgJ9Wq-nlM/s400/IMAG1263+(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We used rope lights to enhance the tent.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQT_sNOUVwY/UCHsutJeblI/AAAAAAAABIw/oSnAVjsKyag/s1600/IMAG1340+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQT_sNOUVwY/UCHsutJeblI/AAAAAAAABIw/oSnAVjsKyag/s400/IMAG1340+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally, we used it as a make-shift canopy over the cozy area/library.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhYHW2h5Lbc/UCHsvpdFXQI/AAAAAAAABI4/Jz1-XyrkaRc/s1600/IMAG1341+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhYHW2h5Lbc/UCHsvpdFXQI/AAAAAAAABI4/Jz1-XyrkaRc/s400/IMAG1341+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't get a great shot of the rope lights, because the hall lights kept interfering with my camera, but it looks really cozy and wondrous when the lights are off. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnsscb6ZO0c/UCHswtKefPI/AAAAAAAABJA/BEaPS7qNPMQ/s1600/IMAG1342+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnsscb6ZO0c/UCHswtKefPI/AAAAAAAABJA/BEaPS7qNPMQ/s400/IMAG1342+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This time we used wood curtain rods, a little duct tape, and thumb tacks. Next time, I would use the clear, packing tape, but we didn't have any "on hand" at the moment.</span></td></tr>
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I love the idea of using fabric to enhance the environment. The use of fabric can set an area apart, and make a child feel like this is a space especially for him/her.<br /><br />If you are wondering how the three-year old children handled it, I will tell you the truth. <i>They handled it just fine.</i> Of course, they did test it at first. Some experimented with tossing stuffed animals and small toys on top of the curtain. Others jumped and jumped and jumped to touch the smooth material. This is to be expected. I'm a firm believer that we should not restrict the environment out of fear of this initial testing phase. If you set clear expectations that the environment is to be respected, and demonstrate how to use the space, the set up can last for months and months!</div>
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Happy playing!</div>
<br />Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-16682855604206670282012-08-06T02:12:00.003-07:002012-08-07T23:50:57.126-07:00Reggio-Emilia: How To Bring the Most Out of Your Early Learning Environment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My quest this year was to create a more organized, visually pleasing environment in our preschool classroom. My inspiration has come from various classes I've taken this year, inspirational teachers, cohort among local preschools, and of course, blogging! My research of other classrooms and personal aesthetic have led me to the Reggio Emilia approach to classroom environments. </div>
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I do not claim to be a Reggio teacher. I have, however, learned to borrow bits and pieces from various pedagogical philosophies.<br />
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I do love how Reggio classrooms are designed to be a beautiful third teacher. If the environment is set up right, the children will be more likely to be actively engaged with the materials. Actively engaged children are learning through play. When children are engaged in activities, teachers have more time to positively interact with the children, observe the learning in action, write down language, and take pictures. Documentation is a HUGE part of the Reggio Emilia approach, but that is another blog post entirely!</div>
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In order to bring out the best of any classroom center, you must ask yourself. </div>
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<li>Are the materials easily accessible for young children? </li>
<li>Are the materials clean and organized?</li>
<li>Are they labeled with a picture and words (preferably in two languages)? </li>
<li>How does the center encourage mathematical concepts? Writing? Inquiry? Socio-emotional development? Easy clean-up?</li>
<li>Always ask yourself, "What else can this center offer? How can I make it better?" Remember: what works for one group of children may not work for another. I like to think that the classroom is never "done." There is always some project to add to your To-Do List to make your classroom the best learning environment possible. </li>
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I met another teacher named Esther through my classes this semester who has challenged me to make the most out of my classroom environment. Esther allowed me to tour her center (which is a Reggio school), and even visited my classroom to give me tips. In return, I helped her with math. I completely got the better end of the deal! ;) She showed me how to look at the classroom from EVERY angle. </div>
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<li><u>Stand at the door way</u>. Does your classroom look inviting? Does your classroom have an open layout? Are the centers clearly defined? Is it clear of clutter? Is there any furniture essentially blocking entrance to the classroom? </li>
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<li><u>Get down on your knees</u>. This is the level that children stand at. Are materials easily within reach? Are the displays at eye level? Are the materials clean, organized and inviting?</li>
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<li><u>Stand in every corner of the room.</u> Are there any areas not visible? </li>
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<li><u>Stand by a window</u>. Is there a way to take advantage of the natural light? Could you maybe move the art center so that the easel is near a window? What about the science center?</li>
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<li><u>Look at the displays</u>. Do you know the children, families, and teachers who share this space? Do you see pictures of the children? Are there unique pieces of art displayed in way that shows their work is valued? Is there anything to tell you what the children are studying this week besides the lesson plan? This brings us back to documentation. </li>
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<li>For more information on documentation in the Reggio Emilia approach, look <a href="http://www.addedadvantagehomecare.com/observationanddocument.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. </li>
<li>This <a href="http://playcentrepd.ning.com/group/allthingsassessment/forum/topics/end-of-session-evaluations" target="_blank">website</a> has some wonderful insights on observation, assessment, and documentation. </li>
<li>This writer gives tips on how they <a href="http://www.coetail.asia/clairwain/2012/02/19/the-need-to-tell-our-story-making-learning-visible/" target="_blank">make learning visible</a>. </li>
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<li><u>Look at the baskets.</u> Are they bright, primary colors that detract from the brightly colored toys inside? Reggio environments typically take advantage of wicker baskets. You may also see containers that are either neutral in color or clear. Examples include: pie tins, glass jars, clear plastic containers, white, black or brown baskets, and metal containers. The point isn't that wicker baskets are better than plastic ones! Neutral colors make the materials more eye-catching, and eye-pleasing. </li>
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<li><u>Have a seat.</u> Is there a space for an adult to comfortably sit? Parents should feel welcome in the classroom. How can they get comfortable? </li>
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<li><u>How is the lighting?</u> Are there alternatives to florescent lights? (Think floor lamps, shelf lamps, aquarium lights, or even white Christmas lights)! Is there a way to allow more natural light into the classroom?</li>
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I hope I've inspired someone to take another look at their early learning environment. This past year my classroom has changed quite a bit as I peek into what other people are doing around the world. What changes have you been inspired to make to your classroom? If you're interested in learning more about how to transform your preschool setting, consider reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Designs-Living-Learning-Transforming-Environments/dp/1929610297" target="_blank">Designs for Living and Learning: Transforming Early Childhood Environments</a> by Deb Curtis and Margie Carter. It has gorgeous pictures of classrooms on every page!</div>
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Happy playing!</div>
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ms.ginasemail@gmail.com</div>
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</div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-80581222216389871932012-06-03T18:08:00.002-07:002012-06-03T18:08:41.907-07:00International Mud Day 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's almost here...are you ready? </h2>
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Here are some resources to help get you prepared: </div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://play-basedclassroom.blogspot.com/2011/07/international-mud-day.html" target="_blank">International Mud Day 2011</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://play-basedclassroom.blogspot.com/2011/06/mud-puddle.html" target="_blank">The mud puddle</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://simplemom.net/let-your-kids-get-dirty/" target="_blank">Let your kids get dirty</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://ccie-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wfwp/mudday2011/downloads/5019878.pdf" target="_blank">Marvelous Mud</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.healthyandhappyinlife.com/playing-in-the-mud-make-children-smart/" target="_blank">Playing in the mud can make your children smart!</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://progressiveearlychildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2010/03/ways-to-incorporate-mud-play-into.html" target="_blank">7 Tips for Mud Play at Preschool</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://progressiveearlychildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2011/06/5-tips-to-help-parents-embrace-messy.html" target="_blank">5 tips to help parents embrace messy play at preschool</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://handsonaswegrow.com/2011/06/30-dirty-kid-activities.html" target="_blank">30+ Dirty Kid Activities </a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/playbasedclssrm/sand-and-dirt-with-preschoolers/" target="_blank">Sand and Dirt Activities To Do With Preschoolers</a></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy playing!</span></h3>
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<br />Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-65862968396914977202012-05-31T23:33:00.002-07:002012-05-31T23:33:22.178-07:00What to do when a class pet dies<div style="text-align: center;">
"Oh no. He died! Oh no, oh no! The caterpillar died!" </div>
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On Friday, we found a horned caterpillar much like this one near the garden.<br /><br />It was about an inch and half long and about the width of a thumb. The interesting thing about it was how reactive it was to stimuli. At the gentlest touch, it flipped onto its back and right side up in a flash. After a quick reminder of using gentle hands when handling living creatures, the kids had a BLAST exploring it up close with magnifying glasses. </div>
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Can you guess what story we read at circle time that day? </div>
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Well...after we were finished observing the caterpillar, I put him in the glass aquarium that we are currently using to grow corn. I tossed in a couple of leaves from the tree we found him in, a branch (just in case it wanted to build a cocoon over the weekend), watered the plants, and forgot about it until Tuesday morning. </div>
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(We didn't have school on Monday in honor of Memorial Day). </div>
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Um. </div>
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Needless to say...the poor thing didn't make it to Tuesday. Simon discovered the dead caterpillar buried half way into the soil (it must have dug a hole over the weekend). I pulled it out, and realized that it was dead. </div>
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At first, they asked me. "How did he die?" I posed the question back to them. "What do you think? How do you think it died?"The comments from the children were...well...see for yourself!</div>
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Not a single child answered, "I don't know." They really took the time to think about it. They got out the magnifying glasses to see if it was injured. They turned it around and upside down, discussed it in length with each other, and I frantically scribbled their responses onto index cards. </div>
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As they hypothesized, I posed more open-ended questions:</div>
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"Maybe he got died because he scratched himself." -Diego<br />"How do you think he scratched himself?" -Me</div>
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We spent the rest of our free time investigating, hypothesizing, observing, and discussing. Who knew that a dead caterpillar could be such an enriching experience? </div>
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What do you do when a class pet dies? Investigate! Hypothesize. Discuss. Hypothesize some more. And please....don't forget to write down what the kids say!</div>
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Happy playing!</div>
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<br /></div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-5236758734931602542012-05-29T00:18:00.002-07:002012-05-29T00:20:05.329-07:00Our New Classroom Pet: Snails<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi! </div>
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I know it's been a while, but now that college classes are out for the summer, I am back to blogging! I'm so excited to be back! As soon as school was out, I was able to go on a much-needed 10 day family vacation to San Diego, CA. I have a huge family (3 brothers and 3 sisters), and we have gradually moved away from each other to different parts of the country. Its rare we spend time together, and it was refreshing to be around family again!
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While I was in San Diego, I found a nest of snails on the outer wall and plants of my brother's apartment. I wouldn't have paid them much attention, except that my three year old son, D, would get excited EVERY single time we entered and exited my brother's apartment. He's never really been an animal lover. He's afraid of cats and dogs, and will usually only tolerate creatures if they are behind a glass cage.</div>
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I figured if HE liked snails, so would my classroom. Before we left, he helped me pick a couple of hostages to take home with us. </div>
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I didn't want to let my son down, and let the snails die within days of bringing them to Arizona. Obviously, dry, desert heat is not their natural environment. I looked up basic snail care to keep Scooter and Slow-Poke alive. </div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Snail Care Rules: </span></u></b></div>
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<li>Never, ever, EVER pick a snail up by it's shell. Slide your finger under the snail, and pick it up from the bottom. </li>
<li>Snails eat fresh fruits, veggies and a steady supply of calcium. The calcium is very important, as it helps keep their shells nice and healthy. You can buy a cuttlefish bones from the pet store. I happened to grab a couple of dead snail shells from the nest in my brother's yard, and those will do just fine. If snails don't have a steady supply of calcium, they will eat their own shells.</li>
<li>Snails need a clean, fresh, damp environment. Arizona is not very damp, so I make sure to spray their cage at least once or twice a day with water. You can also keep a small, shallow dish of fresh water in the cage to keep it humid. I prefer to spray. </li>
<li>I put fresh, clean soil at the bottom of the snail cage, along with the vacant snail shells, and fresh veggies. So far, so good! I've managed to keep them alive for more than two weeks...thank you very much! :)</li>
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For more information, you can look at this website. I found it very helpful: <a href="http://www.petsnails.co.uk/care/intro.html" target="_blank">http://www.petsnails.co.uk/care/intro.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Common_snail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Common_snail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I brought the snails into the classroom, they generated an enthusiastic response. D was excited to show off "his" snails. I kept having to remind him that I brought them for the class. He agreed to share them with his friends, as long as he can help take care of them. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the cage I picked for the snails. This is before I added the soil to the bottom. </span></td></tr>
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Now that I'm certain I can keep the snails alive, I've started a "Snail Buddy" system. Every weekend, parents can sign up to take the snails home. I send a journal with care instructions on first page. Parents care for the snails with their children, and can journal about it over the weekend. On Mondays, the children can share their experiences with the class at circle time. </div>
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<i>This weekend was the first time the snails and journal were sent home with a parent. I will update on how that goes, along with pictures of the journal. </i></div>
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How do you incorporate living creatures into your curriculum? </div>
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I would love to hear about it!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy playing!</span></div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-47289826946389806842012-04-14T15:15:00.002-07:002012-04-14T15:15:26.747-07:00Timing is everything.When it comes to photographing children, timing is EVERYTHING!<br />
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I'm no expert. I take photos of activities we do in the classroom, and I try to capture the happy moments as well.<br />
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Take this photo. Four children spontaneously decided to lie down and enjoy the beautiful weather together, and I managed to capture a few giggles. But look at the boy on the right. He is right about to...<br />
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<br />...get up.<br />
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In the few seconds it took my camera to click and prepare for the next photo, the moment was gone. But wasn't it lovely?<br />
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Happy Playing!Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-78309918846462630562012-04-10T16:29:00.000-07:002013-06-03T00:33:20.682-07:00How Does A Play-Based Classroom Teach Social and Emotional Skills?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
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<i style="color: #330000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance. ~Franklin P. Jones</i></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part 2:</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Welcome to the second in my series “How Does a Play-Based Classroom Teach…?” The first in the series was <a href="http://play-basedclassroom.blogspot.com/2011/08/making-portfolio-for-play-based.html">Making a Portfolio for a Play-based Classroom</a>, which stated the reasons for making a portfolio and how to organize it. Now you are going to join me in my process of actually making a play-based portfolio! My objective is to create a portfolio that will demonstrate the standards we meet through play.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> There is a reason that Social/Emotional skills are the first in the series, and also first in the Arizona Early Learning Standards. Social and Emotional Skills are a means of recognizing and controlling our feelings and interacting with other others. Those skills include:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Self Confidence</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recognizing and expressing emotions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Self-control (stress management)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cooperation (Turn-taking/sharing)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Respect for others (asking before taking)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Children who have mastered these skills generally do better in a traditional classroom (and any social situation). However, as anyone who has experience with a 3-5 year old knows, these skills are difficult for many children! Yet these are the skills that--<i>more than any other</i>--will follow a child into <u>every </u>social interaction of his/her life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> How scary is it to think that as parents and educators, we are responsible for teaching this ever-important skill set to each and every child we are responsible for?! It's not easy. There is no over-night fix. It will take time--and yes, extreme amounts of patience.</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We take care of ourselves, first. </span></b></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“<i>I’ve come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in
the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my
daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power
to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an
instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my
response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a
child humanized or dehumanized</i>.”
-Haim G. Ginott</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The first step a teacher can take is to take care of him/herself. That means we as role-models must effectively be able to handle OUR OWN stress. Easier said than done, right? Here are a few ways teachers can take care of themselves: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Know your limits. If you're feeling the stress knot building in your chest, it's time to take a potty break! Go in the bathroom and breathe in and out for a few minutes. It really helps!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carry around a stress ball.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure to get enough sleep each night. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eat right.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exercise daily. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take deep breaths. All day long. It's magical. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Above all, remember this: We want the children to feel <u>safe </u>in their environment. A teacher who yells a lot, and becomes easily frustrated does not set a good example of self control, or maintain a positive, safe environment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b><br />We discuss feelings and emotions every day. </b></u> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many tried-and-true ways of discussing feelings words with preschooler. I talk about how I am feeling all day long. When I'm happy, I tell them I'm happy. When I'm frustrated, I say, "I'm frustrated," and put myself in a quiet spot to take three deep breaths. I do this to:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> a)</b> let the children know that is OK to have upset feelings (even teachers!), and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> b)</b> model an appropriate way of managing those feelings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other ways include:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discussing feelings "in the moment." </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Point to characters in stories during story time. "Uh-oh. Her fists are balled up, and she's stomping her foot. How do you think she's feeling right now?"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sing songs and recite poems about feelings. A very popular song is "If you're happy and you know it." There is a poem that I love that is very similar to Eric Carle and Bill Martin Jr.'s <i><u>Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?</u></i> book. <br /><br /><i> "Happy face, Happy Face,<br /> What do you see?<br /> I see a sad face looking at me. <br /> Sad face, Sad Face, <br /> What do you see? <br /> I see a surprised face looking at me! (and so on and so on....insert any emotion. Use facial pictures that match each emotion to go with the poem!)</i></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Use charts. This <a href="http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/strategies.html#teachingskills">webpage </a>has several free templates for you to download and print. I use them all the time, but you can always make your own! There is a <a href="http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/modules/2006/feelingchart.pdf">feelings wheel</a>, a feelings chart, and feelings posters. Why not use them all? </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>We help children to manage their stress</b></u>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little ones get stressed, too! They have to share an environment with up to 20 other little humans, sharing toys, space, and attention with only 2-3 teachers. You also don't know what their home life is. The fact is, we don't know WHAT happens from the time they leave our doors to the time they are signed back in again, and it is our job to give them coping skills to deal with the situations life throws at us.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We provide a cozy space indoors and out to "escape" to for awhile. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We model stress-coping mechanisms like deep breathing or finding a quiet spot. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We wait for them to calm down before approaching them about how to fix the situation. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We use tag-team approach when we find ourselves in a power-struggle with a child. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We give lots of hugs and kisses. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We tell them we love them, and it's okay to make mistakes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We offer positive choices as alternatives to hurting others, screaming, or throwing a good old-fashioned tantrum. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What do you do to help teach social and emotional skills in your home or classroom? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As promised, here is a sample of what our portfolio would look like. This is the first strand in the Social Emotional Standard of the <a href="http://www.azed.gov/wp-content/uploads/PDF/EarlyLearningStandards.pdf" target="_blank">Arizona Early Learning Standards</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Arizona Department of Education</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Early Learning Standards </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ages 3-5 Years Old</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Social Emotional Standard</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Strand 1.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><b>Knowledge of Self</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><u>Self Awareness</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> a)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Demonstrates self-confidence</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TX8f0LH7zWM/Tc41jhJ9I-I/AAAAAAAAAME/vWm_qIu8jhs/s1600/Photo2624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TX8f0LH7zWM/Tc41jhJ9I-I/AAAAAAAAAME/vWm_qIu8jhs/s320/Photo2624.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The children frequently measure, pour, and mix concoctions that are used in the classroom. We stretch paint with liquid starch, make flubber, play-dough, glarch, goop, oobleck, and also do cooking projects once a week. </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> b)Makes personal preferences know to others</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> (children participate in class surveys, in which they are able to mark with stick, name plate, or felt-tip markers.)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The children often participate in group surveys. We do simple surveys to see what colors the children are wearing, to find out how many boys and girls there are today, and also to vote for preferences. </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> c)Demonstrates knowledge of self-identity</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RkHf7QhgDc/Tl3JOq0Bq7I/AAAAAAAAA5A/1ehsplXO1ko/s1600/IMAG0728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RkHf7QhgDc/Tl3JOq0Bq7I/AAAAAAAAA5A/1ehsplXO1ko/s400/IMAG0728.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Children are given time with mirrors to create self-portraits. Children also pick favorite art work to put in their portfolios. The child's name is used to label his/her cubby, nap mat, nap shelf, and art. </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">d)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Shows an awareness of similarities and differences between self and others</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><u>Recognition and Expression of Feelings </u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Associates emotions with words and facial expressions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">b)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Identifies and describes own feelings</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veronica made a self portrait, and dictated to me: "I made it with those eyeballs, and this hair, and with a smile because I like to small all the time. I feel joy. I feel peaceful." </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peyton helps her friend dress in one of the dress-up costumes. She helps him put his arm through the hole, and even assists him in zipping the outfit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-29495300424411742482012-04-05T22:41:00.003-07:002012-04-05T22:51:19.935-07:00It Matters<div style="text-align: center;">
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This quote has been weighing on my mind. Please pardon me if I tweaked it slightly. Just let it sink in.</div>
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"The best thing about being a teacher is it matters. The hardest thing is that it matters every moment of every day." --Todd Whitaker</div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-91935248866498754642011-10-18T22:26:00.001-07:002011-10-18T22:41:46.245-07:00Guest Post: Why We Love Finger Painting<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Have you been over to visit Leslie at <a href="http://playideas.blogspot.com/">Play Ideas--Early Childhood Activities</a>?</span><b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 21px;"> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If not, you are missing out! I've pinned many of her tried and true play ideas on my pinboards on Pinterest, and I've fallen in love with her new blog. Leslie was kind enough to guest post on Play-Based Classroom while I take a blogging break. When you're done reading, why don't you hop on over to <a href="http://playideas.blogspot.com/">Play Ideas</a>, and have a peek at her quick, easy to implement ideas for play?</span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> --Gina </span></i></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why we love finger painting</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Finger painting feels great and it is a delightful, creative, sensory experience. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">It is an unstructured and completely child-centered activity. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> <span lang="EN">It also helps children learn and develop: </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">moving skills,</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">feeling skills and </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">thinking</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">skills.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They have a sense of purpose and curiosity as they discover what marks they can make.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They watch and experiment as the marks change and change again before their eyes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They work independently in active, hands-on learning.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">They take pride in their creations - “Look what I made by myself.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Providing opportunities for them to explore a variety of materials is what parents and teachers can do and then watch them have fun.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Suggestions to extend finger play:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add sand to the paint.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add glitter to the paint.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use coloured glue instead of paint and add beads to the glue.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://playideas.blogspot.com/">http://playideas.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-40910037001095014512011-09-24T14:50:00.000-07:002011-09-24T14:50:02.050-07:00Guest Post: When Life Gives Me Rain, I Make Puddles!<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong><u>Note from Gina:</u></strong> Blogging has given me the opportunity to meet some fabulous preschool teachers from around the world: one of which is Ms. Kierna Corr, the author of the blog, "<a href="http://nosuchthingasbadweather.blogspot.com/">Learning for Life</a>." Kierna and I bonded over a flubber recipe, and we soon realized we had similar approaches to teaching. When I decided to open up the blog for guest posting, she was the first person to come to mind! I hope you learn to love her as much as I do! </em></div>
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I live in N. Ireland, and everyone knows that the island of Ireland is known for its green landscapes. There is a very good reason for that - loads and loads of rain!</div>
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I decided that rather than fight against it or try to stay inside when it rains that I needed to embrace it.</div>
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<strong> As the old saying goes, 'When life gives you lemons make lemonade!" When life gives me rain, I make puddles!</strong></div>
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I teach 26 three and four year olds, and we go outside everyday, no matter what the weather. In fact I can't imagine anything worse than having to spend the 5 hours each day inside. It helps that all staff are in agreement with me, and are prepared to don waterproof trousers & boots & get stuck in to!</div>
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We usually find that after about 2 weeks the children are all happy enough to be outside in all weathers provided they are dry, warm & comfortable. We have invested in waterproof clothing for everyone. In fact we have 2 sets of coats & trousers so that if we out first thing & get soaked we have another set to put on later if we go again again.</div>
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I watch the forecasts so closely because I like to know if it is going to be a very wet or windy day so I can plan to have the powder paints out so we can decorate the playground with the rain or fly our kites.</div>
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From following other preschools around the world I also now appreciate that although we may have rain & sun in the one day, we don't get the extreme heat that some people have to worry about. Our slide is never going to be too hot to use; nor would I ever have to put the tyres away in case anyone got burnt on them.</div>
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I like that we can have hailstones one minute & sun the next, <em>literally</em> as this photo shows.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We do spend a lot of time in our 'rain gear,' but it means we can enjoy whatever the weather throws at us.</span></div>
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We can always take our coats off if we get too warm. Most parents comment on how much their child enjoys going out in any weather after a few weeks at our school, and none of them have ever complained or asked that their child stay inside, even on the coldest, snowiest days. They were delighted that their child was getting the opportunity to go out.</div>
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It really is all about the right clothes, not the weather!</div>
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<em><strong><u>Note from Gina:</u></strong> So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! I'm drooling over that weather gear--especially the rain boots! If you would like to see more from Kierna, hop on over to her blog: <a href="http://nosuchthingasbadweather.blogspot.com/">Learning for Life</a> </em></div>
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<em>You can also find her on Facebook here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nosuchthingasbadweather">https://www.facebook.com/nosuchthingasbadweather</a></em></div>
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<em>Happy playing!</em></div>
Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-11219146721645581552011-09-17T20:31:00.003-07:002011-09-18T13:55:53.138-07:00Want to guest post?Hi Everyone!<br />
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I have some apologizing to do. I naively started a series the same week that I also started fall classes, THINKING that I would be able to manage it. Little did I know that I would barely have time to even get on the internet for enjoyment (which is what blogging is for me)! I apologize to anyone who has been waiting for my second post in the "How Does A Play-Based Classroom Teach...?" series. I am still adjusting to my new schedule, and I'm trying to work in a time slot just for blogging. Please bear with me!<br />
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On a happier note, I decided to open up the blog for guest posting. If anyone is interested, please let me know. The criteria for posting are pretty basic. Please post something family and (more importantly) child friendly. It should be new material (i.e. not something from your archives).It can be relating to any early childhood education topic: sensory, large/small motor, science, art, block play, dramatic play, or WHATEVER tickles your fancy. If it is relating to an art project, it should be open-ended, process oriented art. The messier the better! So that is my challenge to you! If you're game, let me know!<br />
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<b>UPDATE: If you would like to guest post, you may email me at:</b><br />
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<b> ms.ginasemail@gmail.com </b>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-252572514560204982011-08-23T00:00:00.009-07:002011-08-23T00:00:05.405-07:00Making a Portfolio For a Play-Based Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JnmM95BHWPM/TYWdNeKpTAI/AAAAAAAAAA8/xb3qhosh1yA/s1600/Photo1133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JnmM95BHWPM/TYWdNeKpTAI/AAAAAAAAAA8/xb3qhosh1yA/s400/Photo1133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This is the first post in a 8 part series of "How Does a Play-Based Classroom Teach...?"</span></b> </div><ol><li>Making a Portfolio for a Play-Based Classroom.</li>
<li>How Does a Play-Based Classroom Teach...Social/Emotional Skills?</li>
<li>How Does a Play-Based Classroom Teach...Language and Literacy? </li>
<li>How Does a Play-Based Classroom Teach...Math?</li>
<li>How Does a Play-Based Classroom Teach...Science?</li>
<li>How Does a Play-Based Classroom Teach...Social Studies?</li>
<li>How Does a Play-Based Classroom Teach...Health and Safety?</li>
<li> How Does a Play-Based Classroom Teach...Fine Arts?</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMIkfZEp2fI/TcDEU7kqNfI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/3wCTv_YzdLI/s1600/Photo2216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMIkfZEp2fI/TcDEU7kqNfI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/3wCTv_YzdLI/s400/Photo2216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I am killing two birds with one stone by not only breaking down how children actually learn in a play-based setting, but by also organizing my ideas for my own classroom portfolio. Documentation is an <u>essential</u> exercise for early childhood educators who follow a play-based curriculum. </div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why make a portfolio?</b></span><br />
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<li>Because there are still many parents, teachers, and directors who still differentiate play from learning. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Portfolios tell your story. They document how you meet standards, your classroom routines, classroom traditions, the teacher's creativity, and the children's joy all in one place! </li>
</ul><ul><li>Pictures speak a thousand words. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Portfolios demonstrate consistency in your curriculum. </li>
</ul><ul><li>When teachers are prepared with a portfolio that is organized and up-to-date, the teacher gains credibility. </li>
</ul><ul><li>When a parent comes in asking, "So what did they do today?" about their three year old, you can confidently say, "Play," with a visual portfolio showing how play supports learning. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Portfolios serve as a great resource when accreditation assessors come a-knockin'! Nothing growing in the garden at the moment? No worries! It's all documented in the classroom portfolio. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Maintaining a portfolio gives teachers feedback. What worked? What didn't? What were the children's interests? What are the program's strengths and what do we need to focus more on? </li>
</ul><ul><li>You can take portfolios with you wherever you go. Hey. In this economy, it never hurts to be safe. If you end up in a situation where you need to find a new job (or even just want a raise!), a portfolio is the perfect resource to have on hand. </li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tips for Assembling a Classroom Portfolio: </b></span><br />
<ul><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hl-ZMdJ0AHI/TlILIyNtIuI/AAAAAAAAA48/IBtg605MSG0/s1600/IMAG1809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hl-ZMdJ0AHI/TlILIyNtIuI/AAAAAAAAA48/IBtg605MSG0/s200/IMAG1809.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnak9gP5oMQ/TlIKzJP-ioI/AAAAAAAAA44/paxk9BVPIrY/s1600/IMAG1531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnak9gP5oMQ/TlIKzJP-ioI/AAAAAAAAA44/paxk9BVPIrY/s200/IMAG1531.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsSWooMnDwI/TlIKfz-aFUI/AAAAAAAAA40/SuCVkh-qjtM/s1600/IMAG1211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsSWooMnDwI/TlIKfz-aFUI/AAAAAAAAA40/SuCVkh-qjtM/s200/IMAG1211.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJSZZDIDZiE/TgbGiNINexI/AAAAAAAAAg0/F7Id3S90WCA/s1600/IMAG0580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJSZZDIDZiE/TgbGiNINexI/AAAAAAAAAg0/F7Id3S90WCA/s200/IMAG0580.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li><b>Know What Kind of Portfolio You Want To Make. </b>It might sound obvious, but before you start this project, ask yourself, "What do I want my portfolio to tell people?" In my case, my objective is to design a portfolio that portrays what standards we meet through play. </li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Gather Your Basic Information</b>. Make copies of your daily schedule, hand washing procedures, disinfecting schedule, daily reports, a sample of your planning, parent newsletters, class expectations, and whatever else you have on your Parent Information Board. </li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Take pictures throughout the year.</b> I've found blogging to be the perfect excuse for me to take out my camera more often. Make it a habit to carry your digital camera around with you at all times. Technology has made it possible for some camera phones to have nearly equal quality to a digital camera. </li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Organize as you go</b>. As you take pictures, mentally organize what standard the activity meets. When you upload your photos onto your computer, sort them into files according to your needs. You might sort them by Early Learning Standards, by date, or by what type of activity it is. It's up to you. For a long time, I only had mine organized into only two folders: "Printed" and "Needs To Be Printed." :) </li>
</ul><ul><li> <b><span style="font-size: small;">Make neat, legible labels</span></b>. Once you have the paperwork and photos organized, it's time to make labels. If you choose to write the labels with your hand, please make sure it is neat and legible. You also use a label maker, or type and print labels from your computer. <br />
<u><br />
</u><u>This is important</u>: if you decide to make an Early Learning Standards Portfolio, like me, make sure the labels are specific to each strand and sub strand. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The Arizona Early Learning Standards read like this: </span><br />
<br />
"Strand 1: Knowledge of Self<br />
Concept 1: Self Awareness. The child demonstrates an awareness of his or herself.<br />
Indicators: a) Demonstrates self-confidence." </li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Assemble</b>. By now, you have an objective in mind, your papers and photos organized, and labels are made. Now all you have to do is assemble! :)</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfnVt1seHaM/TdnNT3-PzNI/AAAAAAAAARc/e2vWBmoISys/s1600/IMAG0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfnVt1seHaM/TdnNT3-PzNI/AAAAAAAAARc/e2vWBmoISys/s400/IMAG0047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Take your time! This is a huge undertaking, and I'm well aware of all the MILLION things that teachers already have on their plate. Do a little bit at a time, and you will have a killer portfolio to show for it! Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-89615972001378302162011-08-22T00:00:00.000-07:002011-08-21T21:31:07.906-07:00Organize Your Crayons, Markers, and Colored Pencils<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Problem:</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been searching for ways to make my art and writing center more organized. I'm sick of marker lids being lost, basket contents getting mixed up despite all labeling, and colored pencils being forgotten. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pS4e5pBcD7I/TlHVdVFZqqI/AAAAAAAAA4w/VZNhZ-lVcx0/s1600/IMAG1058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pS4e5pBcD7I/TlHVdVFZqqI/AAAAAAAAA4w/VZNhZ-lVcx0/s400/IMAG1058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found these thin baskets that are meant for organizing drawers at the dollar store. They were only 3 for a dollar! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>How I Did It: </b></u></span></div><ol><li>I hot-glued strips of construction paper to the bottom of each one: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black, pink, purple, white, and brown. </li>
<li>Then I sorted my crayons, (and later) my markers and colored pencils into the baskets according to their color. </li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What works: </span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>Markers are lasting longer, now that lids don't get lost in one, huge bucket of markers. It is easier to find a marker lid in a small basket of only 4 markers. </li>
<li>This is a natural color sorting activity. I over hear the children correcting each other, "NO...that goes in the red one!" </li>
<li>I have more space on my writing shelves. I've since filled that empty space with baskets of stickers, pencils, note pads, dry-erase markers/ boards, various types of paper, calendars, etc. The extra space means more space for creativity! </li>
<li>The great thing about using baskets (as opposed to cups or cans) is that they are <u>stack-able</u>! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>What Doesn't:</b></u></span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li>I love my new organized shelves. The only qualm I have is that children may not learn to sort crayons from markers, and markers from colored pencils. This may become an issue when they move on to the next classroom. However, it works really well for my classroom of young 3's! </li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">Happy playing!</div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-91839245255192917402011-08-21T07:00:00.010-07:002011-08-21T07:00:04.238-07:00I'm going back to school.Hello bloggers!<br />
<br />
I've never really taken the time to talk about me, personally, but I just wanted to give a quick update about this upcoming fall semester. I am currently going to school to earn my AA in Early Childhood Education. This semester I will be taking 7 credits (3 classes), as well as working 30-35 hours a week. I'm also married, and I have a 2 year old (soon to be three) at home. This semester is likely to give me gray hairs! <br />
<br />
Between family, work, school, and the blog, something will have to give, and it will probably be the blog (and probably house work...yes...I foresee lots of housework piling up, and fast food in my future...)<br />
<br />
I will continue to try to update when I can--once the semester starts, I will try to keep up with a schedule. I still have LOTS of ideas and pictures to share with you all! This was also my way to communicate with parents, and I am really regretting that I won't get to devote as much time to this endeavor.<br />
<br />
These past six months I have come to LOVE blogging to the point of obsession. I have learned so much from fellow bloggers, and I have grown as a teacher as a result. <br />
<br />
THANK YOU for taking the time to read my little blog...a baby in the world of blogging! It means the world to me whenever I see that someone has been inspired by one of my posts, or just happens to click on by while searching for ideas for the classroom.<br />
<br />
This is certainly not the end, and hopefully it will not be an extended break. I will keep you posted as often as possible. <br />
<br />
--GinaPlay-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-19046172810577354762011-08-20T07:00:00.003-07:002011-08-20T18:48:15.436-07:00Plunger Prints<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ooey Gooey Lady Groupie Alert!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I LOVE the Ooey Gooey Lady. Her ideas for the classroom are developmentally appropriate, messy, and FUN. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1h2WvBTQjI/TjypGCj_9CI/AAAAAAAAA00/0wp7FbVdZ18/s1600/IMAG1061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1h2WvBTQjI/TjypGCj_9CI/AAAAAAAAA00/0wp7FbVdZ18/s400/IMAG1061.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plucked straight out of the Ooey Gooey books, here is an activity that is sure to please, sure to get messy, and sure to be developmentally appropriate: <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Plunger Prints. </span><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;">Don't worry. These were new. I bought them from the dollar store specifically with this project in mind! :) <br />
</span><u><span style="font-size: small;">Do yourself a favor, and do this one <i>outside</i>!</span></u> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FMVYjs0HYQc/TjypGvQ85KI/AAAAAAAAA04/myOEmRaiMHM/s1600/IMAG1062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FMVYjs0HYQc/TjypGvQ85KI/AAAAAAAAA04/myOEmRaiMHM/s400/IMAG1062.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We did ours on a water day.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was at the tail-end of our school year, so the only paints left were blues, blacks, and browns. The kids didn't seem to mind at all. They were too busy learning a new skill...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lms1e3YEMZ4/TjypHVVzorI/AAAAAAAAA08/AzdlRslJMis/s1600/IMAG1063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lms1e3YEMZ4/TjypHVVzorI/AAAAAAAAA08/AzdlRslJMis/s640/IMAG1063.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">..<span style="font-size: large;">.because it takes some serious muscles to pull a wet plunger from a piece of paper with paint on it</span>! <br />
The plunger suctions to the paint, and you can either slide it off, anchor the plate with your foot and pull really hard, or walk around with a paper plate stuck on your plunger. They figured it out eagerly and quickly. I was impressed.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uob2IgCiqys/TjypH3HW4_I/AAAAAAAAA1A/j2OqcOP_inI/s1600/IMAG1064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uob2IgCiqys/TjypH3HW4_I/AAAAAAAAA1A/j2OqcOP_inI/s640/IMAG1064.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I used logs to hold the paper down. If I could do it again, I would use even more paper, because this was very popular!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOjPd91rMrg/TjypIUr77rI/AAAAAAAAA1E/DT1oVscqMCc/s1600/IMAG1065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOjPd91rMrg/TjypIUr77rI/AAAAAAAAA1E/DT1oVscqMCc/s640/IMAG1065.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLuAdJvd1-o/TjypIz9LYFI/AAAAAAAAA1I/aK5Ay9d79YQ/s1600/IMAG1066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLuAdJvd1-o/TjypIz9LYFI/AAAAAAAAA1I/aK5Ay9d79YQ/s400/IMAG1066.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42_zz5ypb8E/TjypJjQqY4I/AAAAAAAAA1M/5EfHvhCVch8/s1600/IMAG1067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42_zz5ypb8E/TjypJjQqY4I/AAAAAAAAA1M/5EfHvhCVch8/s640/IMAG1067.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMLErNc1y3o/TjypKFkat4I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/NR_2LXzmMlo/s1600/IMAG1068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qMLErNc1y3o/TjypKFkat4I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/NR_2LXzmMlo/s400/IMAG1068.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z71ZrY-uyWQ/TjypK2PVPeI/AAAAAAAAA1U/DUY0i7V1VhY/s1600/IMAG1069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z71ZrY-uyWQ/TjypK2PVPeI/AAAAAAAAA1U/DUY0i7V1VhY/s400/IMAG1069.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">See why it's a good idea to do this one <i>outside</i>? </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the paint ran out, I busied myself with taping the paper to the fence to dry (and be displayed). Meanwhile, the boys had filled up a bucket of water, and began cleaning the plungers...<br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_QKDVHYeZI/Tk9lorG9Y0I/AAAAAAAAA3w/nHJbPaHY2O8/s1600/IMAG1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_QKDVHYeZI/Tk9lorG9Y0I/AAAAAAAAA3w/nHJbPaHY2O8/s400/IMAG1074.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmxtLrslgek/Tk9lpWNdjaI/AAAAAAAAA30/bvJ_2ggpBI4/s1600/IMAG1075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmxtLrslgek/Tk9lpWNdjaI/AAAAAAAAA30/bvJ_2ggpBI4/s400/IMAG1075.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I need to hire these guys to fix my toilet! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uJjHddirgY/Tk9lp2d_6eI/AAAAAAAAA34/1BNXN85N-J4/s1600/IMAG1076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uJjHddirgY/Tk9lp2d_6eI/AAAAAAAAA34/1BNXN85N-J4/s400/IMAG1076.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Their WHOLE bodies were involved in this activity</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKkD89oGOBk/Tk9lqWBxilI/AAAAAAAAA38/ZYhap_0isjE/s1600/IMAG1077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKkD89oGOBk/Tk9lqWBxilI/AAAAAAAAA38/ZYhap_0isjE/s400/IMAG1077.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The plungers were sparkling clean by the time we went inside. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KloIwkEkiM/Tk9lq5GN3NI/AAAAAAAAA4A/zoQDReGkMAU/s1600/IMAG1078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KloIwkEkiM/Tk9lq5GN3NI/AAAAAAAAA4A/zoQDReGkMAU/s400/IMAG1078.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">While the boys were busy cleaning the plungers, we found out that the paper plates had become stuck to the sidewalk. This is pretty typical in hot, dry climates like Arizona. The paint-soaked paper plates dried quickly, and were glued to the pavement. The girls scratched, scratched, and scratched away to get the paper plates off, while I aided them by keeping the area wet (to soften the paper). </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUJevmEhIiY/Tk9lrmiFQCI/AAAAAAAAA4E/IXQ5XOrkSLk/s1600/IMAG1079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUJevmEhIiY/Tk9lrmiFQCI/AAAAAAAAA4E/IXQ5XOrkSLk/s400/IMAG1079.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxJCB1NDu6g/Tk9lr8BLyII/AAAAAAAAA4I/mpRz9jcZfdU/s1600/IMAG1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxJCB1NDu6g/Tk9lr8BLyII/AAAAAAAAA4I/mpRz9jcZfdU/s400/IMAG1080.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHbLSsc9P8g/Tk9lshZ62GI/AAAAAAAAA4M/2B3nJovMYls/s1600/IMAG1081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHbLSsc9P8g/Tk9lshZ62GI/AAAAAAAAA4M/2B3nJovMYls/s400/IMAG1081.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's what worked: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b>This activity is great for building gross motor skills:</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Arms, shoulder and back muscles are needed to push and pull the plungers, and incidentally, these are the same muscles needed for writing. In a way, this activity was a very effective pre-writing exercise!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This activity is a language booster:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b> Here we put real meaning to the words, "plunge," "suction," "grip," and "circles." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">It meets Early Learning Standards: </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Making prints with plungers meets the AZ Early Learning Standards by allowing the children to use a variety of writing tools, materials, and surfaces to create marks.</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clean up time was almost more fun than the actual painting:</span></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clean up time took more time than the actual painting. However, in this case, clean up became almost more fun than the painting, so it worked out.<b> </b>When we were done, I hosed everyone down, and we continued on with our day. </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's what didn't:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I only had four plungers available for a class of 13.</b> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Silly Ms. Gina. I should know better by now! If it's possible, try to have one for each child. If the budget doesn't allow for that (these plungers were only a dollar at the dollar store, but they were a part of a larger purchase), try to have at <u>least </u>enough for half of the kids. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Paper ended up being blown down by the wind:</span></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I thought I taped it pretty good, but by the time we came out in the afternoon, that paper was gone. So much for our cool plunger print display! It's times like this that I have to remind myself, "Process, NOT product." The process was enjoyable, and the product...not that important.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b> </b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I forgot to explain what plungers are really meant for BEFORE the activity.</b> <br />
While I put them away on the bathroom shelf, one of the children exclaimed excitedly, "PLUNGERS! THOSE ARE FOR PAINTING!" </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Uh-oh.</span> </span></span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy playing! </span> </span></span></div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-28794070889637974212011-08-07T19:23:00.000-07:002011-08-07T19:23:56.176-07:00Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest<div style="text-align: center;">Howdy from over here in Arizona!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I am all up to date with technology, now, and have not one, not two, but THREE accounts to share with you. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow me on Twitter: <span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/PlaybasedClssrm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/#!/Playbas<wbr></wbr>edClssrm</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Twitter is a great way to quickly share links, and give a short description (140 characters, to be exact). This way, all the hours spent poring over new ideas, articles, and pictures won't be spent in vain! I can actually share some of this with others who are interested. Yay!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Follow me on Facebook: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Play-based-Classroom/252515388097475">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Play-based-Classroom/252515388097475</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Just about everyone I know has one, and not everyone has a Google account. Facebook is a convenient way to quickly connect to your readers, as well as interact with them. You can even purchase a Facebook ad space for your blog, and target it to your audience. This gets the word out to potential readers. I love my new Facebook account, because it has also allowed me to interact with other bloggers, and I get quicker feedback from my readers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Follow me on Pinterest:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/">http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I am hopelessly addicted to Pinterest. It is a free website that allows you to "pin" photos of your favorite ideas onto a virtual board. You can categorize your bulletin boards into as many categories as you like. I already have 24 boards! When you come across an idea online that you really like, click "Pin it," and pick the photo to pin. It will link you back to the original site every time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Here is a list of my personal boards:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><ol><li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/art-ideas/">Art</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/cooking-projects/">Cooking</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/diy/">DIY</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/dramatic-play/">Dramatic Play</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/fine-motor/">Fine Motor</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/gifts/">Gifts</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/gross-motor-play/">Gross Motor</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/ideas-for-classroom-design/">Ideas for Classroom Design </a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/language-and-literacy/">Language and Literacy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/marble-runs/">Marble Runs</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/math-skill-builders/">Math Skill Builders</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/multicultural-activities/">Multicultural Activities</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/music-ideas/">Music Ideas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/outdoor-classroom-ideas/">Outdoor Classroom Ideas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/painting-with/">Painting with...</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/play-dough-ideas/">Playdough Ideas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/recycling/">Recycling</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/sand-and-dirt/">Sand and Dirt</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/science-activities/">Science Activities</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/sensory-ideas/">Sensory Ideas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/teacher-resources/">Teacher Resources</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/things-to-do-with-water/">Things To Do With Water</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/tinkering-and-construction/">Tinkering and Construction</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/blndmxcn04/transition-ideas/">Transition Ideas</a></li>
</ol>Disclaimer: The majority of the pins are not my original ideas (although some pins are from Play-Based Classroom). When you click on the Pin, it will take you back to the original post. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Happy Playing! </div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-21566622272471883362011-08-07T12:20:00.000-07:002011-08-07T12:20:30.990-07:00Glove Spider<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Preschool teachers don't have much time in a day for making cute little projects..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">at least THIS one doesn't! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My day is all about efficiency. I don't do arts and crafts that require me to do much more prep work than gathering the supplies, and maybe cutting a large sheet of paper to cover the table. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I am not one of those teachers who spends hours creating cute little creations out of construction paper, felt, or socks. Being the only teacher in a classroom of 13 students keeps me busy enough. That being said: <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a quick tutorial on how to make the EASIEST puppet ever!</span><br />
<br />
<b>Step 1</b>: Gather a glove and googly eyes (I had some googly eye stickers on hand, and these were perfect.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2hiUU3VVYk/Tj7hyjCeJVI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/chK93mBdyK8/s1600/IMAG1684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2hiUU3VVYk/Tj7hyjCeJVI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/chK93mBdyK8/s320/IMAG1684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step 2:</b> Either glue or stick the eyes onto the glove. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGSfyQ_sNL0/Tj7hzI5PdsI/AAAAAAAAA1c/tc-sRpoxo9Q/s1600/IMAG1685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGSfyQ_sNL0/Tj7hzI5PdsI/AAAAAAAAA1c/tc-sRpoxo9Q/s320/IMAG1685.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">TA DA! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
We gathered in a circle, and sang Raffi's "Spider on the Floor" song. The laughter and squeals of delight were beautiful. When were done, I put the spider in the home living area, and he has explored every corner of the room via little hands. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy playing! </div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-90672317312336237752011-08-03T22:40:00.000-07:002011-08-03T22:40:14.174-07:00Coffee Oobleck!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of our lovely teachers, Ms. Leslie, brought in a week's worth of used coffee grounds for us to use. I immediately added them to our sensory table, thinking they would be an instant hit! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not so much. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I didn't get it. How could they not be drawn in by the smell alone? I even tried sitting at the table and inviting the children to come join me...I had a few takers, but no one stayed for long. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYIPouNLdhA/TjZBPZJdHrI/AAAAAAAAAyc/7hgaubTr4T0/s1600/IMAG1026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yYIPouNLdhA/TjZBPZJdHrI/AAAAAAAAAyc/7hgaubTr4T0/s400/IMAG1026.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Usually it's just a simple fix to draw the children in to the sensory table. In this case, our simple fix was the addition of cornstarch (I added two cups.)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GM23tOsD1uc/TjZBQIh1WNI/AAAAAAAAAyg/cxVLecqApEg/s1600/IMAG1027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GM23tOsD1uc/TjZBQIh1WNI/AAAAAAAAAyg/cxVLecqApEg/s400/IMAG1027.jpg" width="238" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...and a container of water. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAww8beJYgo/TjZBO9Zcz6I/AAAAAAAAAyY/-Z2HslDRxf4/s1600/IMAG1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAww8beJYgo/TjZBO9Zcz6I/AAAAAAAAAyY/-Z2HslDRxf4/s640/IMAG1025.jpg" width="380" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also added wooden spoons (for those who don't like coffee's gritty texture), measuring cups, and measuring spoons. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKl-KlEWXRs/TjZBQkC5auI/AAAAAAAAAyk/LHAr0Rf3rbY/s1600/IMAG1028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKl-KlEWXRs/TjZBQkC5auI/AAAAAAAAAyk/LHAr0Rf3rbY/s640/IMAG1028.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jackpot! The table began gathering attention, although they didn't immediately dump the cornstarch and water.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28tT0LtjHOo/TjZBROdop7I/AAAAAAAAAyo/ludEp0f-kfU/s1600/IMAG1029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28tT0LtjHOo/TjZBROdop7I/AAAAAAAAAyo/ludEp0f-kfU/s400/IMAG1029.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Instead, they used the measuring spoons to mix </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCSikXbBRZ8/TjZBSmPjBpI/AAAAAAAAAyw/ZcCPWsQc8V4/s1600/IMAG1031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCSikXbBRZ8/TjZBSmPjBpI/AAAAAAAAAyw/ZcCPWsQc8V4/s640/IMAG1031.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1P-3F7H66I/TjZBUKnM8qI/AAAAAAAAAy4/rp4_FckxknY/s1600/IMAG1033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1P-3F7H66I/TjZBUKnM8qI/AAAAAAAAAy4/rp4_FckxknY/s400/IMAG1033.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Their favorite thing to do was transfer the cornstarch and coffee grounds into the cup, watching the water slowly swirl, mix, change colors, and settle. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWRgjK3afIs/TjZBUxMrQeI/AAAAAAAAAy8/gZGqoLyMwWU/s1600/IMAG1036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWRgjK3afIs/TjZBUxMrQeI/AAAAAAAAAy8/gZGqoLyMwWU/s640/IMAG1036.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can see the layers of cornstarch, coffee grounds, and water. The children lovingly called this, "Chocolate milk." </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ3cQysfUoM/TjZBVQvfx5I/AAAAAAAAAzA/r7Iz0FlgOoY/s1600/IMAG1037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ3cQysfUoM/TjZBVQvfx5I/AAAAAAAAAzA/r7Iz0FlgOoY/s640/IMAG1037.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The language this activity inspired was amazing. The kids started calling it the "coffee table," and spouting out words like "mochachino, and cappacino." </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9DLE_f7iH4/TjZBWgV3Y5I/AAAAAAAAAzE/uzLIqIw3Gvw/s1600/IMAG1038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9DLE_f7iH4/TjZBWgV3Y5I/AAAAAAAAAzE/uzLIqIw3Gvw/s400/IMAG1038.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I heard stories of Mommies and Daddies who always drink coffee...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFOMsidelro/TjZBXPzWKZI/AAAAAAAAAzI/_H771cp7FSU/s1600/IMAG1039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFOMsidelro/TjZBXPzWKZI/AAAAAAAAAzI/_H771cp7FSU/s640/IMAG1039.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...and how coffee was for grown ups only, although no one really knew why. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks4V7YUqLDs/TjZBX24VgrI/AAAAAAAAAzM/LRkh80MtTMc/s1600/IMAG1040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks4V7YUqLDs/TjZBX24VgrI/AAAAAAAAAzM/LRkh80MtTMc/s400/IMAG1040.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eventually, the container became so fill, that the water overflowed, creating a river of coffee.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN_ywVvIA9Q/TjZBYTU5M3I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/6fRQLFduv3s/s1600/IMAG1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN_ywVvIA9Q/TjZBYTU5M3I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/6fRQLFduv3s/s400/IMAG1044.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...And this became a new sensory experience. The smell was incredible, but to be honest, the texture was not. It was very gritty and wet, which was off-putting to most of the kids. Most...but not all (obviously). </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDK1OC9DovY/TjZBZBFAKMI/AAAAAAAAAzU/QnUT1i9z9oE/s1600/IMAG1046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDK1OC9DovY/TjZBZBFAKMI/AAAAAAAAAzU/QnUT1i9z9oE/s400/IMAG1046.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They truly savored the process of creating a new substance. It was very relaxing to watch the white cornstarch swirl and mix with the contrasting, brown coffee. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuOYs60z24o/TjZBZ_4qopI/AAAAAAAAAzY/TyEl-JGaBIs/s1600/IMAG1047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuOYs60z24o/TjZBZ_4qopI/AAAAAAAAAzY/TyEl-JGaBIs/s400/IMAG1047.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next day, I added another box (2 cups) of cornstarch to the table, as well as some more water. <br />
*<b>Side note:</b> If you decide to do a coffee/water/cornstarch combo...leave the mixture UNCOVERED over night, or it will mildew. I've forgotten this in the past, and came to class the next day with a healthy growth of mold...and well, you can just imagine the smell. Ugh. Leave it uncovered! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoGAgVCEQkY/TjZBaoRexjI/AAAAAAAAAzc/qaDTYP5NRzw/s1600/IMAG1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoGAgVCEQkY/TjZBaoRexjI/AAAAAAAAAzc/qaDTYP5NRzw/s400/IMAG1048.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was more mixing action...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P88LoDUdDzk/TjZBbeo3K3I/AAAAAAAAAzg/Vp2l2_PIBdI/s1600/IMAG1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P88LoDUdDzk/TjZBbeo3K3I/AAAAAAAAAzg/Vp2l2_PIBdI/s400/IMAG1050.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can see the coffee in the table change as it gets more attention from the kids. The consistency is thicker, like gravy. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgbg3tUcQO0/TjZBcA-ubZI/AAAAAAAAAzk/yrm75MPFuPg/s1600/IMAG1054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgbg3tUcQO0/TjZBcA-ubZI/AAAAAAAAAzk/yrm75MPFuPg/s640/IMAG1054.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eventually, all the cornstarch is dumped, and little hands start to mix it up. The process took two days...If I had my way, I would have done it immediately. Adults are efficient like that. But children need time to explore, and figure things out on their own. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2YElDMnb9k/TjZBePuXhhI/AAAAAAAAAzs/bAc3-QgsqE8/s1600/IMAG1101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2YElDMnb9k/TjZBePuXhhI/AAAAAAAAAzs/bAc3-QgsqE8/s640/IMAG1101.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here it is...Coffee Oobleck: Mix </span><span style="font-size: large;">2 boxes of cornstarch (4 cups), 2 cups of water, and a few days worth of coffee grounds (maybe 3-4 cups?)</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Just like normal oobleck (cornstarch and water), this was completely addicting to play with, and filled the classroom with beautiful smells.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<i>Ready for some nerdy talk? </i><br />
The cornstarch/water combo creates a non-newtonian substance. It's viscous in nature (something all cooks know from when they add a little cornstarch to sauce...it thickens up!). This substance looks like a liquid, but when you touch it, it feels solid. When you force the molecules into motion (for example, letting it drip from your hands), it acts as a liquid once again. <br />
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Because of the unique nature of oobleck, you can roll a ball, and watch it melt before your eyes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that coffee grounds act as an exfoliate? </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Who knew? The cornstarch will leave your skin feeling silky smooth, and the coffee rubs away dead skin! </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2AjMcD5oR8/TjZBfgIMLXI/AAAAAAAAAz0/NDL714MUrC8/s1600/IMAG1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2AjMcD5oR8/TjZBfgIMLXI/AAAAAAAAAz0/NDL714MUrC8/s640/IMAG1107.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">So, rub your hands in some coffee oobleck, and after you rinse, they will be rejuvenated and silky smooth. Bonus: They'll smell great, too! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Happy playing! </span></div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204570525108756890.post-45523819964340436392011-07-31T21:58:00.001-07:002011-07-31T21:59:15.857-07:00Box Painting and 3D Picture Display<span id="goog_1966797479" style="font-size: small;"></span><span id="goog_1966797480" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In my<a href="http://play-basedclassroom.blogspot.com/2011/07/water-colors-on-cardboard-squares.html"> last post</a>, I covered our experience with painting cardboard flaps. But what to do with the left over boxes? Well, we painted those, too, of course! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLgxjAk_frw/TjYRn0daaFI/AAAAAAAAAyA/NkaaFUcfYfQ/s1600/IMAG0917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLgxjAk_frw/TjYRn0daaFI/AAAAAAAAAyA/NkaaFUcfYfQ/s400/IMAG0917.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Children need an upright easel to practice hand dominance and the proper pencil grasp. This child displays the mature 3 finger pencil grip. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93aXd1Yzca8/TjYRmdflW1I/AAAAAAAAAx0/IWTXwtE7WuI/s1600/IMAG0910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93aXd1Yzca8/TjYRmdflW1I/AAAAAAAAAx0/IWTXwtE7WuI/s400/IMAG0910.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For more information on building pencil grasp, please visit this website, called <a href="http://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/pencil-grasp-development.html">OT Mom</a>. </span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sN8fKKTvu0/TjYRm9oSlTI/AAAAAAAAAx4/ncBQus1VDSA/s1600/IMAG0911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sN8fKKTvu0/TjYRm9oSlTI/AAAAAAAAAx4/ncBQus1VDSA/s400/IMAG0911.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBCGoOaF_Rg/TjYRocXB_zI/AAAAAAAAAyE/bgBFAuooaBs/s1600/IMAG0918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBCGoOaF_Rg/TjYRocXB_zI/AAAAAAAAAyE/bgBFAuooaBs/s400/IMAG0918.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7ZyjI-bzaA/TjYRr2Ie4dI/AAAAAAAAAyI/QbVHOMCRGYo/s1600/IMAG0966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7ZyjI-bzaA/TjYRr2Ie4dI/AAAAAAAAAyI/QbVHOMCRGYo/s400/IMAG0966.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the box was dry, I decided to use it as a 3D picture art display. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-226tqGZd5D4/TjYRsXhDBZI/AAAAAAAAAyM/3fQpOaq6Dls/s1600/IMAG0967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-226tqGZd5D4/TjYRsXhDBZI/AAAAAAAAAyM/3fQpOaq6Dls/s400/IMAG0967.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For now, I put pictures of the children painting on cardboard...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcxpydVqavE/TjYRs3a__lI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/jp8FCfabFKo/s1600/IMAG0968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcxpydVqavE/TjYRs3a__lI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/jp8FCfabFKo/s400/IMAG0968.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...but this can be re-used to display pictures of any activity, and displayed around the room. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lg9hyf_MTMc/TjYRtY7LTLI/AAAAAAAAAyU/9fr8DEO0rTo/s1600/IMAG0969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lg9hyf_MTMc/TjYRtY7LTLI/AAAAAAAAAyU/9fr8DEO0rTo/s400/IMAG0969.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I even stapled it to one, bare corner of the classroom, just above the children's eye level. We hung children's art from the bottom of the box. Now it's being displayed in the hallway just outside the classroom. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">How have you found ways to display children's art/ photos in your class? I'm interested in hearing about it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Happy playing! </span></div>Play-based Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05434004229093919339noreply@blogger.com2