Holiday Happenings 2023

Throughout December, SMART START’S classrooms were filled with the Christmas spirit! 

Read all about our holiday happenings below!

Classmates created their annual “Countdown to Christmas” calendars- Ho Ho Ho! Afterwards, a felt tree was “trimmed” using an assortment of supplies. 

Santa Face Plates Linked Here 

Countdown Numbers Linked Here 

Festive friends helped to “deck the outdoor classroom halls” using ribbon, wreaths, bows and ornaments. Jingle all the way! 

“Holiday Pajama Day” was so cozy and fun! Peers showcased their favorite, festive pjs and enjoyed some hot cocoa. A photo frame inspired by the staple story, “Twas the Night Before Christmas” was made. 

Photo Frames Linked Here

Laminating Photo Pouches Linked Here 

All were very merry and bright while decorating gingerbread houses! This classic activity was a delicious treat. 

Aprons Linked Here 

View Gingerbread Decorating Video Here 

Handprints, fingerprints, paint and poster board were used to fashion a beautiful holly berry wreath. 

View Wreath Video Here

SMART START Elves were very busy in their  workshop sanding, dusting, polishing and glistening. Holly jolly enthusiasm filled the air while the little elves worked on wood masterpieces. 

Backdrop Linked Here 

Wooden Axes Linked Here 

Watch Elf Workshop Video Here 

Students constructed some timeless Christmas décor: paper chains, cranberries & popcorn and pomanders. Tis the season! 

Christmas cheer was spread to the class Guinea Pigs, Kenne & Porter. These two critters absolutely adore their preschool caretakers!

Reindeer Antlers Linked Here 

Class cat Simon was also gifted some snuggles while Santa stories were enjoyed.

Imaginations and playdoh were used for  “cooking” christmas cookies. 

The infamous “Mr. Grinch” from Dr. Seuss’, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was appreciated through themed magnatiles. We discussed the main idea of the story and various ways we can fill others with holiday spirit.

Grinch Tiles Linked Here 

Mrs. Claus visiting our school is a favorite tradition! The class was most enchanted with her magical presentation. She engaged the children in classic carols and musical activities. In addition, all mailed a special letter to Santa Claus. 

Mrs. Claus Presentation Linked Here

Peers were delighted to participate in a classroom gift exchange. All selected a surprise present from a friend to unwrap together. Oh what fun! 

Video Linked Here 

Plaid Santa Hats Linked Here 

A Christmas Eve poem was performed in anticipation of Santa’s arrival!

Video Linked Here 

The song, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” was gleefully sung by the group.

Video Linked Here 

Thank you for reading our holiday happenings at SMART START! 

Sharing in these magical experiences with our young learners brings us so much joy! 

🎄SMART START🎄

Goodbye Fall!

Autumn activities were throughly embraced at SMART START!

Read below to see what our young learners experienced this season 🍂

Fall fun began with a class favorite, “Apple Tree Counting.” This game consists of adding  apples on a tree to match the numbered bushel. Addition and subtraction problems can also be introduced for example, adding the sum of two trees. 

“Leaf Letters” was another learn through play activity. Upper & lowercase leafs were matched and simple words such as “fall” were spelled. 

Friends frolicked around their pretend play pumpkin patch. All found a perfect pumpkin to paint! 

Autumn was in the air as classmates enthusiastically jumped off hay bales, stuffed a scarecrow and went on wagon rides! 

Wagon Linked Here

Gross motor skills were challenged and enhanced while raking and jumping in leaves! 

Rakes Linked Here

Learning in and about the outdoors is a central component of our curriculum. Our students appreciated all of nature’s changes: rainy days, brisk mornings, falling leaves, bright colors, prickly pinecones and more! 

An autumn masterpiece was created using paper, leaves and paint. 

A “Fall About Me” poster was completed and presented by each student. A fun way to learn fall facts about the class!

Thank you for reading! 

🍁SMART START🍁

Thanksgiving 2023

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Read about our holiday activities below. 

Festivities began with a turkey  crown craft. Peers also practiced writing their names on their crowns. 

Turkey Crowns Linked Here

Storytime in the outdoor classroom served as a time to teach about the essence of Thanksgiving. Various words such as: grateful, thankful, generous and kind were explained. 

“Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind” Book Linked Here

Beginner bakers put on aprons and chef hats and headed to their kitchen to make some delicious school-made bread & butter. They also used apple cider to create ice pops. 

Butter Churner Linked Here

Fine motor abilities were enhanced through creating paper chains and other holiday decorations. 

The class completed a “Thankful Leaf” for their weekly homework assignment. Each wrote/drew what they were grateful for on a paper leaf. We discussed the leaves during outdoor circle time. 

The annual Friendsgiving feast was a memorable event. Each student brought in a dish to share with their classmates. All expressed things they were most thankful for and the celebration of friendship was highlighted. 

🦃SMART START🦃

Halloween Happenings

Halloween is an exciting time at SMART START 👻

Read about our activities below! 

Students decorated “trick or treat” bags in preparation for their Halloween party at school. The finished products showcased some creepy designs such as spiderwebs, witch hats, monster faces and flying bats.

The class circled on our outdoor classroom tree stumps for a read aloud of, “Go Away Big Green Monster.” this classic story engages children’s imaginations while also empowering them to use their voices and express themselves. 

Fine motor abilities were challenged while constructing a tasty treat- ghost pops. All you need are lollipops, paper towels, ribbon and a marker- boo! 

A spooky sensory art project was created using hand and footprints.

View Below! 

The annual Halloween party was fun for all! Trick or treating, bingo, coloring, creative costumes and more! 

Festivities were concluded with a photo craft. Our young learners love to look back on these magical formative memories! 

🎃SMART START🎃

Mother Goose Rhymes

The nursery rhymes of “Mother Goose” were studied at SMART START. Our young learners eagerly embraced these classic stories and songs through play based lessons. 

Read below! 

Rhyming is a key component of Mother Goose tales. Students used picture cards to match objects that rhyme. 

Rhyming activities in Early Childhood Education assist children in developing phonological awareness. (Identifying sounds in letters/words). These skills are essential as they are the foundation of reading! 

“Mother Goose” herself visited for an interactive musical experience. The magic of her nursery rhymes were brought to life through singing, dancing, games and more! 

View below! 

Mother Goose Show Highlights

To conclude this unit, classmates enthusiastically acted out various rhymes such as “Little Bo Peep”, “Jack & Jill”, “Ring Around the Rosie” and “Hickory, Dickory, Dock.” Dramatic play opportunities can enhance vocabulary, emotional expression, creativity, imagination and promotes high self-esteem!  

Links to performances below! 

Nursery Rhyme Pretend Play 1

Nursery Rhymes Pretend Play 2

📖SMART START📖