Today was the first full day with all of the keiki.  It was a fun day….but a typical kind of Monday.  The children went through the day with the daily schedule.  The only difference this time is that they had to share toys and activities with 15 other children.  So the very first rule that has emerged naturally is:  “Don’t pull toys away from others.”  Eventually though, we will change the negative tone of that rule to:  “If someone is playing with a toy that you want, find another toy to play with.”

This picture shows some keiki in the Dirt Digging Area.  This outdoor center provides an area where child can not only dig, but can explore the properties of soil.  It also allows children to practice being safe with the tools and with the dirt.

Aloha Friday Day

Pajamas and Pals Day

Leaf Printed T-Shirt Day

Crazy Hair and Mixed-Up Clothes Day

SUNDAY BEST DAY

Today was our walking field trip to Papahana Kualoa.  It was our way of biding aloha to  the three year old program.  We will return for a visit in the four year old program in September 2012.   The children were able to see that the lo’i area has doubled in size since the first started school back in September, 2011.  Wading in the cold mountain stream is always a treat!

Today the children did a relay game.  They had to squeeze a small hard foam ball between their thighs and walk to a bucket and drop it in without it falling to the ground.  The teachers demonstrated it first.  It’s not as easy as it looks.  Relays reinforce oral directions, agility, coordination, and large motor development.  They also teach the importance of cooperation, conforming to following rules, and winning and losing graciously.  But most of all, it’s fun and exciting.

Children, water and toys are unbeatable combination for fun.  But, it can also be a perfect combination for learning.  This sink or float activity in the science center helps children practice and expand their thinking skills.  It opens the door for prediction, observation, and discussion

“May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.”  The Dramatic Play area is now called the ‘Ulu Hula Hālau.  The children can dress up in Hawaiian clothes and lei and explore Hawaiian instruments such as ‘ukulele, ipu, pu’ili, and kala’au.  If you have anything that could be added to this center, we would be grateful for your donation.