SMART START has been thoroughly enjoying the summer season! While we still focus on our curriculum, it is also the perfect time to introduce a special theme, "Pirates and Princesses".
Pirates and Princesses both beautiful and brave paraded throughout our kingdom. Phrases such as, "Ahoy Matey", "Aaarrghhhhh", "Walk the plank", "Once Upon a Time", "Make a Wish" and "Let it go"! were shared. Dressed to impress, all had a marvelous time acting out each role as they played with pirate ships, treasure chests, telescopes, maps, gold coins, wands, jewelry and more!
Dress up is a classic preschool activity that not only brings joy to young children everywhere, but has many additional benefits such as:
- brain building
- vocabulary building
- problem solving
- emotional development
- gender exploration
- imitation
- empathy
Our finest crew took to the land for adventures in our outdoor classroom. Coins were buried deep in the sandboxes and activity and water tables. Pirates worked together digging away to reveal these buried treasures. Both water and sand based sensory activities are always sought out by our students. Along with having a swashbuckling good time, there are numerous advantages some being but not limited to:
- open-ended and investigative play
- develop fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination
- discovery
- literacy development
- cooperative play
- social and emotional development
- further development of fine motor skills
- supports executive functioning
- raises self-esteem
- promotes self expression
- encourages creativity
In addition, creative classmates put together magical wands. After receiving materials, they skillfully drizzled glue, colored with flair and added sparkling jewels for a finishing touch. The wands completed their ensembles and were perfect for sprinkling pixie dust and spreading joy throughout their royal school!
"Hear ye, hear ye, your castle awaits"! exclaimed our majestic pupils as they embraced dramatic play in our indoor play castle showcasing crowns, gowns and costumes. All had a splendid time in their world of make believe.
Our group of mateys searched the outdoor classroom for buried treasure. Miniature treasure chests and gold coins were hidden throughout. They worked both independently and collaboratively gathering all the loot. An exciting exploration!
Other activities during our special themed week included board games, books and puzzles. One favorite was "Pretty Pretty Princess!" This hands-on game involved spinning the spinner and making your way around the board while dressing up in the finest jewelry.
We love board games here at school. These are some of the benefits:
- cooperative play
- encourages patience and turn taking
- consider concept of rules
- practice following rules
- patterns and skills
- actions and consequences
- good sportsmanship
Academics in our SMART START palace are always a focus. Each member of the court found a pencil, took to their throne and wrote first names to complete the primary step of making a personalized crown. Our older friends are doing excellent with their handwriting skills as are younger students are diligently mastering their pencil grasp and sounds of letters. All proudly beamed wearing their finished crowns!
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