Summer Science Enrichment with Bobby the Scientist

     We were so pleased to welcome back an outstanding visitor as part of our summer enrichment series, Bobby the Scientist! Bobby has graced us with his presence and enthusiasm here at SMART START before and all anticipated his return.  He notoriously captivates our students with his charm and passion for science. We hope you enjoy a glimpse into the world of Bobby the Scientist and his SMART START apprentices.
🥄 Make Your Own Oobleck 🥄
     Bobby the Scientist set up the essential materials needed for this ooey, gooey, hands-on activity.  All had an individual bowl, lab apron and goggles. Students mixed together cornstarch and water until the right consistency was formed. Eager pupils squished, smooshed and squeezed the fascinating texture. This thrilling sensory experiment is a great way to expose preschoolers to the concept of cause and effect.

⌣ Mealworms ⌣
     Budding scientists gathered around Bobby as he brought out a plastic bin filled with mealworms!  Curious learners looked through magnifying glasses to get a closer look at the different stages of  development. They observed and handled crawling  mealworms, touched cocoons and witnessed the beetles hatching. Bobby shared basic information and answered questions. 

🐉 Lucy the Bearded Dragon🐉
     SMART START had it's first ever visit from a bearded dragon! Lucy stole the hearts of the children as she relished in all the attention given from our animal loving class. Bobby allowed our group to pet and feed Lucy. They were utterly overjoyed to interact with Lucy and share in pet keeping responsibility.  What a friendly and interesting creature indeed! A great bonding experience and while confidence soared!

  🍃 Terrariums 🍃
     Science in our outdoor classroom was well learned and loved as Bobby taught all about terrariums! He brought supplies for each child to create their very own terrarium. All filled a beaker with rocks, soil and a mint leaf before exploring the backyard for moss and other natures treasures for personal final touches. 

🌋 Volcanoes 🌋
    Next Bobby mesmerized the entire classroom as he created volcanic eruptions! He placed a large green cylinder in the center of the circle and called upon volunteers to assist. Using baking soda, vinegar and red and green dye, classmates made "EXPLOSIONS"! All were fascinated as the "lava" oozed over the top of the "volcano."   

  🝆 Vinegar and Baking Soda 🝆
     SMART START young learners could hardly wait for the next experiment. Each received a ziplock bag that Bobby filled with vinegar and baking soda.  Eyes widened when the plastic bag inflated as the two ingredients made a chemical reaction! Class pet chickens, Charlotte and Caroline, joined in to witness science at work!  

☁ Cloud Dust ☁      Raring and ready to go, our inquisitive bunch listened and watched intently as Bobby introduced cloud dust! He explained how cloud dust is made and reactions that can take place. Committed to the experiment and mission,  the children played with the different colored cloud dust.  They used test tubes and droppers to add vinegar which created bubbles and fizz and magnifying glasses to get a closer look. Another fun hand-on activity to stimulate the senses and minds of our preschoolers!

🌎 Planets 🌎
     Fellow scientists took to the arts as they decorated planets! They used Styrofoam balls, blue and green paint, colored tissue paper squares and plastic stars.  Bobby discussed the eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth,  Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune and general information about the solar system. Arts and crafts always serves as a catalyst to relate the subject matter in a different fashion, while improving hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and so much more.

Click below for more fun with Bobby the Scientist!

     A very special thank you to Bobby the Scientist for providing our future scientists with an interactive and stimulating science enrichment program. Science is essential and an important part of SMART START curriculum. We are proud to offer these extended units of study and appreciate the support of our parents and caregivers.


        💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

Community Worker On-Site Field Trips

     This past academic year, SMART START students were active participants thoroughly enjoying our community workers curriculum! Our themed on-site field trips coincided each month to enhance and enrich our pupils. The children at SMART START embrace and thrive here at school when taught through a hands-on learning approach. Locals from our Andovers welcomed and provided such tutelage as each shared about their careers and how they affect surrounding neighborhoods.  
Here are just a few favorites from September-June

     We are very grateful to the employees of our community for taking the time out of their busy day to come teach and inspire our classroom. Thank you for supplying the next generation with amazing and educational experiences!

💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

Pirates and Princesses

      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

     Most notably, preschoolers dressed up as classic characters from Peter Pan, Peter Pan, Wendy and Captain Hook.  They looked absolutely darling in their costumes as they reenacted scenes from "Never Land" on their pretend pirate ship!

     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

     While pirates are typically busy on their ships and searching for buried treasures, our SMART START buccaneers continued with their academics.  Each received a themed workbook and chest of tools. Mazes, problem solving, letter sorting and more.  Aaaargghhhh!

     Pirates and princesses combined clever imaginations along with artistic abilities and gathered around our art table to design a spectacular telescope or treasure box. Arts and crafts are crucial to early development and an essential part of SMART START curriculum. Here are some of the reasons why:

• 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!

    "Just Imagine" a song learned this particular week was beautifully sung as all took turns "walking the plank" and jumping into "deep water"

    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!

Click below for more fun Pirate and Princess fun at SMART START!

     

         We hoped you enjoyed a look into our imagination filled pirate and princess week!  💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

All About Emma

     Emma was next in our sequence for "All About Me" presentations. She did a superb job with her public speaking skills as she shared facts about herself to her classmates. Emma spoke with the utmost of confidence and maturity while filling everyone in on important details. It was an absolute pleasure watching Emma proudly shine. Here are some things we learned about Emma: Favorite color - pink Favorite animal - cat 🐈 Favorite food - bananas 🍌 Favorite thing to do - read books 📚 Favorite place to visit - Vermont  When I grow up I want to be - queen 👸 If I had one wish I would wish for - lots of cupcakes 🎂      Emma beamed as she achieved the "Student of the Month"award. She was especially excited to show her younger sister, Isla.  Thank you for giving us the opportunity through your "All About Me" to learn new and interesting facts about you!

      We had a marvelous time celebrating Emma's 4th birthday here at school! Classmates enjoyed the delicious cupcakes and goody favors that she brought in for her party.  SMART START friends gifted  Emma with a birthday book and sang "Happy Birthday!" in English and Spanish. We love having Miss Emma here with us at SMART START.  She is a significant role model, kind friend and an intelligent, adventurous, unique and lovely young girl!  We look forward to exploring 4 years old with her!

💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

Welcome Brooklynn

     We are pleased to introduce, Brooklynn, to our SMART START family! Brooklynn has transitioned with ease and we love having her!

     Brooklynn was excited to take part in some of our class favorites here at SMART START, most notably "Show and Tell" and "Sharing Snack."  She was delighted to bring in her favorite stuffed animal friend, Poppy, and tell us all about her.  Brooklynn was a kind friend and passed Poppy around to all of her classmates.

  For snack time, Brooklynn brought in peanut butter puffs and proudly passed out the snack to the group.  As with all of the students, Brooklynn exuded confidence and excitement as she shared the tasty treat.

     Happy 2nd birthday, Brooklynn!  We had so much fun celebrating with you here at school and we hope you did, too!  Thank you so much for bringing in the delicious and adorable smiley face cupcakes to share with your friends as we celebrated your special day! Her new SMART START friends presented Brooklynn with a birthday book and sang "Happy Birthday."  It has been lovely getting to know you, Brooklynn and we look forward to spending many more fun-filled days ahead with you and watching you grow!  You are such a sweet and smart young girl!

💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

All About Nora

     Nora was our next proud presenter for "All About Me".  She did a marvelous job sharing her poster with our SMART START bunch.  Nora shined as she spoke with confidence and enthusiasm.  It was evident that she really enjoyed sharing these special interests with her friends and teachers.  Here are some fun things we learned about Nora: Favorite color - pink Favorite animal - tiger/cat 🐈 Favorite food - pizza 🍕 Favorite thing to do - go to a Hibachi restaurant 🔥 Favorite place to visit - indoor playground ⛹ When I grow up I want to be - princess 👸 If I had one wish I would wish for -  a truck ⛟

          Nora was given the "Student of the Month" award for good conduct. She was all smiles as we handed her the award!  Nora was especially excited to show her big brother, Theo!  Thank you for sharing your "All About Me" poster with us, Nora!  We loved learning more fun and interesting things about you!

     SMART START friends presented Nora with a birthday book and sang "Happy Birthday" in English and Spanish. We had so much fun celebrating your 3rd birthday at school and we hope you did, too! It has been rewarding watching Nora blossom here at school and make tremendous progress in all areas.  She is a sweet, inquisitive and smart young girl!  We look forward to seeing what this year has in store for you, Nora!                                                     💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

Happy 4th of July!

     SMART START Patriots have been busy learning all about Independence Day and the United States of America here at school.  The 4th of July is an exciting, action packed and history filled holiday that we incorporate into curriculum and celebrate with our young learners. We hope you enjoy a look at our 4th of July celebrations and activities!

     SMART START's eager group read all about Independence Day during story times both in our indoor and outdoor classrooms.  Circle time friends listened intently, whether on an indoor rug, outside on a blanket or together under the oak trees. We studied the history of the holiday, its celebrations and traditions. Preschoolers shared 4th of July memories and what they are doing this year!  

Here are some fun facts the children learned about Independence Day:

• The day we celebrate our freedom
• The Pledge of Allegiance 
• There are many men and women who work hard to keep our country free and safe
• America's first president: George Washington 
• Family and friends gather together and typically grill outside and eat festive foods
• Red, white and blue is worn by many and the colors used to decorate
• Decorations feature flags, fireworks, stars, stripes, 
• Songs surrounding the holiday: "You're a Grand Old Flag", "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America"
• Many towns have parades

     It is important for the younger generations to understand why we celebrate holidays and the meanings behind them.  Making these connections at such a young age will provide the knowledge and wisdom needed to reflect on future holidays. 

     Students worked diligently on their mathematics holiday worksheet  consisting of different groups of patriotic symbols. All used one to one correspondence to count each object and then wrote the number amount in each box.  Miss Francesca and some of our veteran students assisted when needed. All are making great strides in the mathematics department as we practice daily.

     Holiday based worksheets make learning more interesting for our pupils. Most often they do not even realize the focused on skills at hand as they are fascinated by the festive component!  

     Barny enjoyed listening to stories and playing dress up with our patriotic class. Even though Barny is a stuffed friend, he has a remarkable way of teaching the children about kindness, inclusion, respect, compassion, empathy, responsibility and acceptance. Barny has been a wonderful addition to our classroom and has helped make SMART START a better place!

     It was a perfect, hot Summer day when we brought out SMART START's slush machine. This activity was part of our Happy Birthday, America celebration! Star Spangled slush makers worked together in pairs to fill the machine with ice, press down the button to grind the ice, hold the cup to catch the shavings and add red, white or blue flavoring. Fun was had by all while making this tasty treat!

 A hands-on activity as simple as slush making fosters many benefits for our preschoolers such as:

• independence
• self-esteem
• creativity
• curiosity
• patience 

     SMART START had its very own 4th of July parade right here in our backyard!  Our young nationalists assembled together with American flags in hand and hats on their heads as they  proudly marched around.  Even Caroline and Charlotte took the liberty of joining in the festive fun!  Smiles graced their darling faces as they waved the flags back and forth and sang, "You're a Grand Old Flag." We love witnessing their spirit, excitement and pledge to our country!

     All sporting 4th of July hats, necklaces and other attire, classmates gathered around as we celebrated America's birthday!  A special thanks to Cody and Kinsley for bringing in Star Spangled cookies with crackling jimmies for a very special sharing snack! The children also savored the red, white and blue slush they made prior to the party.  Miss Francesca entertained the group with a 4th of July story and all sang classic songs!

Click below to see more 4th of July fun at SMART START!

                                        

     SMART START chorus members sang “Happy birthday to America” and “You’re a grand old flag,”  Our older students sang beautifully while assisting the younger children with the lyrics. Incorporating music into our curriculum is extremely beneficial for language acquisition, mathematics and reading skills. 

"You're A Grand Old Flag"

     We hope you have a safe and fun-filled time celebrating our country this year on the 4th of July.  As always, thank you for your kindness and support as we continue to educate, enrich and enhance the lives of your child(ren).

💙 Mary and Francesca 💙