Insect Lifecycles

Insect lifecycles are a central component of SMART START’s spring curriculum. The magic of metamorphosis is observed first hand in our indoor and outdoor classrooms. 

Our young learners experienced significant stages in the lifecycle process of a butterfly, ladybug and praying mantis. 

Read along below:

🐛🦋The first insect lifecycle to be completed was the butterfly. Classmates witnessed five caterpillar larvae grow in size each day at school before they spun themselves into chrysalises. After about one month, the butterflies emerged and were released into our outdoor classroom.

🐞 Ladybugs were the second insect to fully reach metamorphosis. The tiny larvae crawled around their habitat until they transformed into pupas. About one month later, adult ladybugs were released into nature. Students were excited that both the butterflies and ladybugs flew off to lay eggs and continue the lifecycles. 

🌱 Peers were most patient for the final insect lifecycle to be fulfilled. The praying mantis nymphs lived inside their egg case for almost two months before they hatched. Once out of the egg case, there were around 150-200 praying mantis nymphs to release outside. Unlike the butterfly and ladybug, the praying mantis undergoes incomplete metamorphosis. The process of nymph to adult takes an additional 1-2 months. 

This spring science unit is always a class favorite. In addition, these lifecycle lessons can be correlated to the development that occurs throughout Early Childhood Education. Similar to the insects described above, each child learns and grows at their own, often unpredictable pace. Some can achieve certain stages or milestones in accordance with mainstream expectations while others may need additional time and assistance to flourish. Not all caterpillars spin into a chrysalis at the same rate or in the same way. However, if placed in a safe and nurturing environment, they will all emerge as beautiful butterflies. 

                                 🦋SMART START🦋

2023 Talent Show

 SMART START Students showcased their unique abilities at the annual "Talent Show." Our young learners exuded confidence as they proudly performed for their peers. Classmates in the audience patiently awaited their turn and enthusiastically applauded for each friend. 

Click Here to View the 2023 Talent Show

Special events such as this provide a platform for preschoolers to express their individuality in a safe, social environment. In addition, high self-esteem, creativity, good sportsmanship and hindering stage fright are all fostered and promoted. 

                       🌟SMART START🌟

Spring into Learning

Spring is in the air at SMART START! Our young learners have been embracing the season through nature based, hands-on learning. 

Read Along Below! 

🌱Students began their seasonal studies by planting green beans. Materials included cups, soil, seeds and water. Green beans are a great way to introduce gardening indoors and can be replanted outside late spring. 

🧩Peers partnered together to complete a puzzle. These collaborative activities foster skills needed to accomplish projects as a team. 

🎲The group engaged in games galore: board games, memory match, fine motor fun, and more! 

Here are links to class favorites: Eric Carle ABC Game, The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Surprise Slides, Lucky Ducks

📖 Classmates circled outside for a read aloud of the classic children's book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. The story was read in both English and Spanish. This storytime assisted in reinforcing Spanish vocabulary of fruits/foods and days of the week as well as two bonus spring words: caterpillar = oruga and butterfly = mariposa.  Book Linked Here

🍃The class contributed to spring cleaning their school by raking leaves and collecting sticks. 

The cutest cleanup crew!

🎨SMART START artists decorated the sticks they gathered using paint and glitter. 

⛅Spring has officially sprung in our outdoor classroom. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and creatures are crawling about. Friends have been observing these changes while learning and playing in nature. 

Thank you for reading about spring at SMART START!

                      🌷SMART START🌷

Happy Easter

                            🐰SMART START🐰

Dr. Seuss Day/ Read Across America

Read Across America Day is celebrated each year on March 2nd, Dr. Seuss’ birthday. This annual event is intended to promote literacy and encourage a love of reading. 

Our young learners had a fantastic day engaging in Dr. Seuss related activities. 

 Read below 📖

🔢 Dr. Seuss Day at school commenced with memory and counting games. Classmates enjoyed matching classic characters and practicing their counting skills. 

📕 Peers pondered over some Dr. Seuss stories. We discussed the career of an author and the process of writing a book. All were interested in this concept and were curious about other authors from our classroom collection. 

🖍Friends completed themed coloring pages and worksheets. Cognitive and fine more abilities were enhanced through letter tracing, mazes, connecting the dots, finding what is different, drawing missing items and more. Activity Books Linked Here

🍳The class brought the Dr. Seuss classic, “Green Eggs & Ham” to life. Using eggs from our outdoor classroom chickens, students made their very own green eggs and ham. This hands-on project consisted of cracking, mixing and coloring the eggs. SMART START Scientists were fascinated as they mixed blue and yellow food coloring to create the color green. Afterwards, all ate their lunch while listening to the story that inspired the meal. Green Eggs & Ham Book Linked Here

The significance of the book was explained to the group- always be open to trying new things! This message is especially important for young children as they are often cautious of eating different foods. In addition, March is National Nutrition Month and this “Green Eggs & Ham” lesson was a fun and delicious way to begin our extended nutrition studies. 

Thank you for reading all about Read Across America/ Dr. Seuss Day at SMART START!

                     📚SMART START📚

Snow Much Fun

 Our young learners have had ❄Snow Much Fun❄ celebrating the season of winter! 

Read about our seasonal studies below😀 

⛄Classmates decorated large felt snow people using markers, glue, glitter and other materials. Similar Craft Linked Here

❅SMART START scientists concocted their very own snow using baking soda and hair conditioner. This simple chemistry experiment also served as an exciting sensory activity. 

🥞Pancakes and Pajama Day at school was a delicious and cozy event!

🧤Gross motor abilities were enhanced while shoveling and playing in the outdoor classroom. Similar Shovels Linked Here

➕Peers practiced basic math skills while adding and subtracting pretend play snowballs. Flashcards were utilized to reinforce number recognition. Snowballs Linked Here

⭐Students did a fabulous job presenting a special item from home for the "Snow & Tell" assignment. Introducing public speaking exercises in Early Childhood Education promotes high self-esteem, increased vocabulary, conversational capabilities, social skills and so much more!

📘Seasonal stories were enjoyed in both our indoor and outdoor classrooms. Class Favorites Linked Here

🛷Friends assembled a ramp outside to use for sledding! Sleds Linked Here

The group engaged in various games such as "Don't Break the Ice" (linked here), "Penguin Tower" (linked here), a snowball scavenger hunt (linked here) and more!

🧊Winter artists used ice cubes, watercolor paint and doilies to create colorful snowflakes. 

🥣 Beginner bakers put on their chef hats and aprons to bake and frost cake loaves. 

🌨The class was curious how long the winter season will last. It was discussed that winter will officially end on March 20th this year. In addition, the holiday, "Groundhog Day" and its traditions were explained. Classmates constructed their own groundhog using paper bags, scissors, paper, markers and more. Afterwards, all used their puppets outdoors to identify shadows. 

Thank you for reading about "Snow Much Fun" at SMART START!

❄SMART START❄

Goodbye Fall 🍁

 Our young learners had a memorable time Fall-ing in love with learning through an abundance of autumn inspired activities. 

🍂 Fall-ow along below 🍂

🖍Autumn academics commenced with the seasonal staple of leaf rubbing. Stencils and crayons were utilized to form the perfect fall leaf. We discussed the different shapes of leaves from various tree types such as maple, birch, oak and more. Similar Product Linked Here!

🔠 Alphabet skills were reinforced during a “leaf letter” matching game. Students were tasked with pairing all uppercase leaves with their corresponding lowercase leaves.

⛅Learning about seasons through nature exploration is an essential aspect of our curriculum. Students explored and discovered nature’s treasures brought by fall: leaves, pinecones, insects, animals etc. all while playing in the fresh air with friends.

📖 The group gathered in the outdoor classroom for a seasonal story and snack: Apples! 

🟠 Peers picked their very own pumpkin from a pretend play pumpkin patch. The pumpkins were saved for a special project. 

🔢 A felt board was incorporated into a basic math lesson. Felt pumpkins and squirrels were utilized to add to ten and then simple subtraction problems were solved such as, 10-3 squirrels= 7 pumpkins. Felt Board Linked Here

💦Creative classmates used watercolors to paint wood leaf shapes. The final products portrayed beautiful, brightly colored leaves. Wooden Leaves Linked Here

🌳Number recognition was reinforced while playing the game Apple Tree Counting. Everyone received an apple tree card and had to place the quantity of apples that correspond with the number on the tree. Bushels of fun! 

🎨Autumn artists were eager to paint the pumpkin they picked from the school pumpkin patch. Paint, glitter, tissue paper and stickers were used for decorating. 

⭐Students were tasked with a “Fall About Me” poster assignment. All did a fabulous job completing the poster at home and then presenting it at school. Friends learned some fall facts about each other while also enhancing their public speaking skills. Projects such as these promote high self-esteem, language development, conversational skills and more!

🍞Bakers geared up in aprons and chef hats to make apple pumpkin bread loaves and muffins. Mixing ingredients, lining and filling pans, putting muffins in the oven and frosting bread loaves were among the responsibilities- learning life skills through hands-on fun!

🍁SMART START friends enjoyed some gross motor play, raking and jumping in leaves. This quintessential New England activity is always a class favorite! 

🍏Parts of an apple (stem, skin, flesh, core & seeds) were discussed as all ate the delicious fall fruit.  Afterwards, this lesson was reinforced with a color by number worksheet. 

🍂Autumn scenes were designed using poster board, stickers, crayons, glitter, ribbon and imaginations. Each masterpiece came out unique and beautifully represented each child’s vision of fall.

Thank you for reading all about fall at SMART START!

🍂SMART START🍂