Today was our Recycle Day.  The children participated by sorting plastic bottles and aluminum cans and by putting them into the correct containers.  Hopefully, they also learned how important it is to recycle and save our natural resources.  We made $65.00 total.  Thanks to all of you, we raised enough money to cover the cost of Uncle Wayne musical visit.  He will perform on Thursday, May 9.  A very BIG MAHALO!

The children discovered bugs under our three circular stepping stones.  They worked together to lift them up and search for bugs.  They used their hands, senses, and scientific tools to explore. When children naturally discover nature and living things, we know that they are at the beginning stages of scientific investigation.  When guided, exploration can help children’s lively energies by channeling them away from mischief, and toward more constructive, and ultimately satisfying, pursuits.

Have you ever noticed that children take toys and use them for a different purpose other than it was intended for?  Children love to use their imaginations and enjoy make-believe props in planned and sustained play.  This shows representation and symbolic thinking.  Play helps children learn to think, to express their ideas, and to become successful learners.  In this picture, children took plastic bowling pins and turned them in water bottles, soda, and juice.

“Free Dance” Friday!

Today was our Sumida Watercress Farm field trip.

Today, we used music to dance through the three different stages of a butterfly.  The first song had a slow tempo.  The children crawled around the room slowly like a caterpillar.  The second song had a soft and quiet tempo.  The children lay very still like a cocoon.  The last song had a cheery and upbeat tempo.  The children flew around the room like a butterfly.  The children are bringing home their antennae headbands today.  Please ask your child to demonstrate the three different stages.  You might also want to play three different songs and dance the butterfly life cycle with them.  Children love to dance with their parents!

“Makaukau?”  The Dramatic Play Area has been transformed into the ‘Ulu Hula Halau.

Today, we introduced a new play dough activity.  The children were challenged to cover the entire surface of a plastic animal with the play dough.  By now, you know that play dough is a fun way to develop hand skills as young children poke, pinch, roll, and cut.  Play dough can be used for other development too.  Three year olds have short attention spans.  One activity rarely can hold their attention for more than a few minutes.  Sensory activities, such as playing with play dough, often help children stay focused for longer periods of time.  This can help lengthen the attention span of other activities as well.

Today, we dramatized the life cycle of a butterfly based on Eric Carle’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  First, the children crawled around like caterpillars and went around looking for healthy fruits from the book to eat.  Second, the children curled up into cocoons and tried their best to lie still.  Third, they emerged from their cocoons as they turned into beautiful butterflies.

Water Play Fun!  The children are taking an ice cake break.