One of the most popular rug toys are the Magna-Tiles.  This toy is a magnetic building tile that connects with magnets.  Children usually start exploring the tiles with 2D flat shapes.  Then they begin to realize that flat shapes can transform into 3D objects.  Children can create cubes, pyramids, and other geometric shapes.  They can explore creativity, math, and spatial relations.  It develops spatial, tactile, patterning, and basic geometry skills.  Although we switch out the rug toys once or twice a month, the Magna-Tiles are usually a toy that holds the children’s interest and therefore remains a rug toy choice throughout the year.

Today, we were finally blessed with a full morning tranistion time outdoors without Ko’olau showers.  Several of the children asked us to tie the colored scarves around their necks.  Scarves make great capes allowing imagination to take flight!

Today Aunty Naomi, our Outreach Counselor, visited our classroom today.  She  brought three “friends.”  Pua, the bear puppet, Malama, the girl puppet, and Pono, the boy puppet.  She did a short guidance lesson on “How to be a Good Friend by Taking Turns.”  She discussed how we show Aloha to our friends.  After the large group lesson, Aunty Naomi worked with all the children in pairs to practice the words and strategies to take turns.  The children each had a chance to use Malama and Pono.  Aunty Naomi put a letter for families to read in your parent mailbox.

This week, the children are experimenting with color mixing using liquid water color and water.  They call it “magic.”  Three year olds do not have much experience focusing on specific characteristics of objects.  Tools (such as magnifiers, lenses, and eye droppers) can help them attend to a particular object or specific aspect of an object. A simple science activity like this one can provide minutes of fun and wonder.  What you need:  a glass jar, eye droppers, liquid paint or food coloring or primary colors (red, yellow, and blue).

Today the children painted their own hands and made prints on their paper. Children love to finger paint.  It’s fun, creative, and messy.  It allows children to explore the texture of paint with their sense of touch.  Plus, they feel very proud to see their own hand print on a piece of paper.  Finger painting will be available for the entire week.