Grocery Store and More!

Grocery stores provide multiple opportunities for learning; counting, comparing attributes, describing objects, events, and relations, and using vocabulary related to a particular situation, just to name a few.

In Magic Kingdom this week we spent time exploring grocery stores; making purchases, waiting in line, talking about items which can be found in a grocery store, and solving problems related to materials.

We set up a pretend grocery store in our classroom composed of items donated by our families. The children were given fifteen counting bears as their currency, each representing one dollar. The children gathered items off the shelves and placed them into their mesh shopping bags. They then waited in line to pay for their treasures. In order to aid the children in grasping the concept that each item costs money they were required to pull one item out of their bag at a time and pay for it individually. Many of the children noticed that with each purchase they made the less currency they had in their possession. After they completed checking-out they returned their purchases to the shelf for another friend to take a turn.

As an extension to the grocery store exploration the children were provided with a tremendous opportunity to make and eat a food often consumed in Japan, another culture represented in our classroom. We received a visit from two of our mom's who helped us make Japanese Rice Balls. The children were encouraged to stir the rice and seasoning mix, mold the rice into balls, and eat their creation. A surprising number, 14 out of 19, children enjoyed their rice balls; some asked for seconds (and thirds)!

Next time you are in the grocery store take time to have a purposeful conversation with the child about the process you are taking to choose items; those that cost less money, are you using a list, searching for a favorite brand, buying multiple items because it is something consumed often by your family. Allow your child to pay the cashier for an item to help them experience that actual give and take of money.

The children of Magic Kingdom thoroughly enjoyed their grocery store exploration. Who knew that we could learn so much from going grocery shopping?

Halloween Happenings

On Friday, October 29th ABC Academy on Laurence Avenue enjoyed many Halloween Festivities. All of the children dressed up in their costumes and we paraded around to each classroom and on the playground.

Magic Kingdom explored a large pumpkin in the sensory table and a pumpkin match game that encouraged the children to the number of dots on one pumpkin to the corresponding
number written on another. We also used toilet paper to wrap eachother, our teachers, and our wonderfully helpful parents into mummies!

As I write this blog, I have a child sitting on my lap. I asked him, "what should we tell people about our Halloween party?" His response... "tell them that we should have another one." I think that is confirmation that we all had a great time!

New School Year in Sesame Street

As we have started in on a new school year we have been taking some extra time to learn more about each of our children. We used crayons to draw self-portraits. We measured our heights and displayed them on a bulletin board. We alos made prints of our hands and feet.

This week we used all five of our senses to explore a variety of apples! We sorted them, noticed their similiarities and differences, ate them, rolled them, painted with them, and smelled them. It was an intriguing and informational way to begin our new school year.

A New School Year!

Welcome to a new school year at ABC Academy filled with learning, growth, and success! This year you can be prepared to expect many great things from us; beginning with your child's preschool education.

A child's education begins long before they step foot into their kidnergarten classroom. In the preschool setting children learn about the importance of cooperating in a group environment, develop the ability to solve problems, are instilled with confidence and independence, and they are able to create their foundation for further learning. Their skills in all academic areas are postively impacted by their presence in preschool; such as math, science, language and literacy, and creative representation.

We recognize our importance and the importance of parents in their children's development. We have designed a system that will reach each child on a more individual level. We gathered information about our children and their families through our Parent Teacher Conferences which focused on preparing the children for their new classroom and setting goals for the children. Each day as we write our lesson plans we will plan for specific children; using their interests and goals to create a small group time activity.
For example, In Magic Kingdom one goal that we have set for a couple of children is the ability to recognize letters and their corresponding sounds. One of those children holds a strong interest in playdough. As a result, playdough was used to create letter forms and practice their sounds. This child was engaged, advancing towards the mastery of their goal, and excited about it!

During the year, we will be continuing to help the students acheive their goals and collaborate with their parents to develop ones. We are excited to be working so closely with our families to enhance the children's education.

Summer Fun in the Kitchen

Butterfly Sandwiches

You'll Need:

Bread
Cream cheese, peanut butter, or other bread spread
Bananas, raisins, pickles, vegetable slices, soft fruits... be creative and colorful!

How to:

Create an open faced butterfly sandwich by cutting a slice of bread diagonally, then reversing the halves to form a butterfly shape. Spread the chosen bread spread, then decorate with the colorful foods of your choice!

Take some time this summer to explore exciting activities at home with your child. This simple kitchen creation can be done in the kitchen or on a picnic blanket in your yard! Have fun and Enjoy!