Making Crayons!

Want to spice up the crayons that your children color with?

Materials:
Crayons (with paper removed)
Silcone baking container (in any desired shape)
Oven
1 tablespoon of desired scent

Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
2.Unwrap the paper from the crayons
3. Layer crayons in baking container and add scent
4. Place in oven and bake until wax is melted
5. Remove from oven and allow to harden
6. Enjoy your new crayons

*To make many circular crayons a cupcake pan could be used.

Icy Suncatchers

The students in Big Bird Buddies and Magic Kingdom were able to help Ms. Jolene recycle curling ribbon and tinsel remaining from the holiday season. We put about an inch of water in the bottom of an empty butter dish. Then we added a colorful variety of curling ribbon pieces, gold tinsel, and sprinkled glitter over the top. After we placed both ends of a strand of red yarn into the water, to create a handle, we set the bowls outside to freeze.

Once the suncathers are completely frozen we will hang them outside our classroom windows!

This simple activity encompassed many key developmental indicators; such as communication and language, mathematics and science, and creative representation! If you have ribbons, sequins, tinsel, glitter, or other shiny materials around the house, then I suggest taking some time to get in-touch with your inner child and make an icy suncather alongside your child. You will learn just as much they do! Have fun!

The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.

Marcel Proust

Book In A Bag

Big Bird Buddies has put a new spin on the word "bookbag". We have placed the book Ten Little Ladybugs, a beanie ladybug, red playdough, a camera, and paper inside a tote bag which says, "Read With Me". Our families will be taking turns exploring our travelling bag at home. They are encouraged to read the story and be creative with the other elements.

Ms. Jolene was the first person to take the activity home. She spent time reading the story, using the playdough to create her own ladybug, and enjoyed the beanie's company as she constructed a picture of her experience.

We are hoping that this experience promotes diverse at-home literacy; reading is more than repeating written words. It is about bringing the story to life and we sincerely hope that this activity creates a renewed love for books and spending quality time with family.

“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.”
~Clay P. Bedford

Red Light, Green Light

"Red light! Stop, stop, stop! Green light! Go, go, go!" Big Bird Buddies now consists of many race car drivers; all concerned with traffic lights. The children are running in a large circle around the playground, pushing lawn mowers, shopping carts, and baby strollers.
As they reach the corner by Big Bird Buddies door, they encounter an interesting traffic light... Ms. Jolene. As they get close to Ms. Jolene she tells them the color of the traffic signal. They then decide whether they should stop or continue running.
Many of the children spend their entire outside time running circles and paying close attention to the traffic signals. They do not even realize they are improving fitness, stamina, listening skills, and coordination. They are too busy having fun!
The next time you are at a light with your child encourage them to recognize the color and appropriate action.

Parent Discussion Topic: Separation Anxiety

Question from a parent: "How do you deal with Separation Anxiety when you drop your child off at ABC Academy in the mornings? What things have helped alleviate your child's anxiety? How do you feel emotionally and how do you think that has helped your child overcome the anxiety?"

Answer: (Reply to this post with answers to this question.)