Welcome Summer!

     We are excited to welcome summer here at SMART START and have already been embracing many of the season's quintessential activities! We hope you enjoy our introduction to summer and seeing what your preschoolers are up to! ☀ ☀ Sprinkler Fun! ☀      SMART START's group is thrilled to put on their bathing suits and play in the sprinklers!  Their smiles and laughter fill the outdoor classroom as they explore in the sun and cool off in the water.  Our mini sprinkler water park has been a the highlight of water play thus far.  Water play is a perfect summer activity. Benefits include:

• sensory exposure
• language development
• develop motor skills
• calming and therapeutic
• stimulate creativity and imagination

😊 Outdoor Play Structure and More! 😊      The swing set in our backyard offers endless learning developments and is the class favorite!  Friends spend hours playing on it each and every day.  Whether swinging, sliding, gliding, playing in the fort, driving the trucks around, planting the flowers or climbing the rock wall, they are always busy learning through play!  A milestone and skill to achieve for our preschoolers is pumping on their own while they swing.  With determination and perseverance throughout the summer months we are confident that there will be many independent swingers!  Our outdoor play structure also provides the perfect platform for imaginary play. We often witness many different story lines throughout the day. As educators, this brings us pleasure to listen and watch as the children engage in this form of free play. Here are some more reasons why outdoor play surrounding the play structure is beneficial:

• gross motor skills
• social and emotional development
• builds confidence and self esteem
• encourages and supports imaginative play

   ☁  Let's Go Fly A Kite! ☁

     There is something about kites that simply amazes our preschoolers.  Last Spring, classmates decorated their very own kites using paper, paint and ribbons. All anxiously awaited and were delighted when a warm, windy day filled the air to take out our kites and recycle this sought out activity. Joy is had by all as kites take flight and soar. 

🍉 Watermelon Picnic! 🍉

     SMART START friends gathered on a blanket for a watermelon picnic during snack time. The children absolutely love picnics with their peers!  We await many more this summer!

⚘ Grow What You Eat ⚘ 

      We have a lot happening at our gardening center. Green thumbed girls and boys have been busy - raking the grounds, digging holes, planting seeds, transplanting and watering flower and vegetable plants.  We have officially tasted our first green bean harvest!

 Pupils have worked on garden themed puzzles.  They embrace the challenge puzzles bring and always work well together to complete. 

Gardening is a wonderful hands-on activity that provides many benefits and learn new skills and gather information.  

• connection with the outdoors and nature
• moderate exercise
• teaches children about caring for living things 
• exercises reasoning, initiation, planning and organization skills
• builds self confidence
• encourages healthier eating

☼ Weather ☼

     Our budding meteorologists have been taking a closer look at the large thermometer and adjusting it each day according to the temperature.  They have learned that when the weather is extremely hot it is important to dress appropriately, apply sunscreen throughout the day, cool off and remain hydrated. Students also played a weather matching game that featured a large poster and individual spinners for teaching about the forecast and its many patterns.

     

￮ ￮ Bubbles ￮ ￮

     Blowing bubbles, popping bubbles, chasing bubbles, dancing in bubbles...anything bubbles, children simply adore them!  Here at SMART START bubbles are often part of our outdoor fun!  We always like to add some learning in while our young learners are busy at play!  Here are some educational  facts about bubbles and your little ones:

• gross motor movement
• visual tracking skills
• oral motor skills
• hand-eye and foot-eye coordination
• spacial awareness 
• body awareness
• social and communication skills

🏖 Sandbox 🏖

     SMART START construction workers wore their heavy duty aprons and safety goggles for the sand box cooperative project.  We gathered the materials needed being wood, nails, measuring tape and tools to construct the sandbox.  Together with our assistance all worked diligently and patiently. Teamwork was in full swing as buckets were filled with sand and then poured into the sandbox frame. What a sense of accomplishment for our work crew!  The children cannot wait until Glen the Andover Handyman comes to visit and add finishing touches.

     Our SMART START chorus loves to sing! Pride filled pupils practiced memorizing words and getting the tune just right as they learned a song to officially welcome the season of summer!.  We hope they will sing this cute song to you at home.  Here are the lyrics so you can sing-a-long, too!  It is sung to the tune of "Frere Jacques."

Days are longer, sunshine's stronger.

Summer's here!  Summer's here!

Lets jump through the sprinkler,

Lets make lemonade,

Summer's here!  Summer's here!

Summer Fun Collages!

Click below to view our Welcome Summer Videos!

     It has been an eventful start to summer here at SMART START!  We anticipate many sun-filled days with our students and cannot wait to share this journey with you!

💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

Happy Father's Day

     Father's Day is a special holiday dedicated to all the wonderful fathers.  Here at SMART START our young learners have been preparing for this occasion and looking forward to spending this day with their fathers and grandfathers.  We hope you enjoy a look at our activities here at school!                                      

           SMART START's budding readers gathered around for group story time both inside and outside, as well as in pairs and independently to learn more about Father's Day. We read about the traditions that take place honoring fathers on this day held on the third Sunday in June.  Below are some benefits for early readers:

• improves speech and cognitive skills
• builds motivation, memory and curiosity
• develops positive association with books
• enhances concentration, attention span and discipline

     Our pupils stirred up lovely conversation surrounding their dads. Discussions of typical roles played in families and how they love, care for and help support.  The children highlighted their unconditional love for their dads during circle time and expressed the most darling comments and stories with us.  Here are some of the precious words spoken:

• My Dad is funny
• My Dad works hard
• My Dad loves to play with me
• My Dad gives the best hugs
• My Dad helps me fix things
• My Dad teaches me lots of new things
• My Dad tucks me into bed at night and sings me songs

     Lessons were taught about ways to show and tell these special men that we love and appreciate them on Father's Day and every day.  Here are some favorites:

• Giving Dad lots of hugs and kisses
• Playing with Dad
• Helping Dad with work and his tools
• Being a good listener for Dad
• Sing Dad a song
• Read Dad a book
• Make a special picture for Dad
• Cook something yummy for Dad

     Our thoughtful bunch wanted to make something special for their fathers here at school.  A wooden paintbrush was the agreed upon choice.

     SMART START woodworkers gathered around the table to create the gift. They put their safety goggles on as they set to work using the handheld sanding block.  Each had their own palette and painted the wooden paintbrush handle.  Once the paint dried, a modge podge glaze was spread over the paint to preserve and prevent chipping. Our gift givers wrapped the paintbrushes in tissue paper and finished with a ribbon.  All were proud as can be of the final product and eager to present to their fathers for Father's Day!  Projects such as these have many benefits including:

• eye-hand coordination
• fine motor skills
• problem solving
• Social and Emotional
• stimulates creativity and imaginative thinking
• increases independence and self esteem
• working with different textures
• respect for tools and materials

     The SMART START chorus learned a special song for Father's Day!  We hope they sing it to you on your day of your celebration  It is sung to the tune of "Happy Birthday."

Happy Father's Day to dad Happy Father's Day to dad Happy Father's Day dear, Daddy Happy Father's Day to dad!
Children proudly say at the end, "I love you, daddy!" Click below to hear our SMART START singers and a Father's Day Video!
     

                                         

                                         

To all of our amazing SMART START fathers...Happy Father's Day!  We hope your day was filled with love, laughter and joy with your child(ren).  It is truly our pleasure taking part in their education, enrichment and care.

💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

All About Me Featuring Theo

     Theo was our next presenter for "All About Me."  He did an incredible job sharing his poster with our SMART START bunch.  Theo exuded confidence and was all smiles as he filled everyone in on the details of his "All About Me" poster.  It was a special treat to witness Theo's presentation and see his personality shine through.
Here are some fun thing we learned about Theo:
Favorite color - Orange Favorite animal - Dinosaur  Favorite food - Waffles Favorite thing to do - Play with mom, dad and Nora 👪 Favorite place to visit - Library 📚 When I grow up I want to be - Doctor  If I had one wish I would wish for - A play date with Elsa ❄
     Theo was presented with the "Student of the Month" award for good conduct and he was so excited to receive this honor.  Big smiles as we handed Theo his award!  He was especially delighted to show his younger sister, Nora!  Thank you for sharing your "All About Me" poster with us, Theo!  We loved learning more fun and interesting things about you!

     Happy 4th birthday, Theo!  We had so much fun celebrating your birthday here at school and we hope you did, too!  Thank you so much for bringing in a delicious treat to share with your friends to celebrate your day.  SMART START friends presented Theo with a birthday book and sang "Happy Birthday!"  It has been an absolute pleasure watching Theo grow and make big strides at school.  He is a smart, kind, fun-loving and adventurous young boy!  We look forward to seeing what this year has in store for you, Theo!

💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

Happy Mother's Day

     SMART START's lovely bunch has been learning all about a very special upcoming holiday, Mother's Day! The children were delighted to prepare for this joyous celebration with their beautiful mothers.  Mothers, fathers, family and friends, we hope you enjoy a look at our Mother's Day activities here at school.

     Our early readers joined together for Mother's Day stories both in our inside and outdoor classrooms.  Students learned that this momentous holiday celebrates Mother's everywhere and is observed during Spring on a Sunday in May.  In addition to our group story times, friends paired to look at Mother's Day books, sound out and identify site words while sharing warm memories about their own mothers. There are endless benefits to reading some being, develops language skills, increases vocabulary, deepens concentration, encourages a desire for knowledge and enhances imaginations. 

     Circle time discussions focused on kind, loving, important and challenging tasks that a mom fulfills each and every day. We also explained ways that they can show their mother how they love and appreciate them. Many chimed in with their own darling commentary.  
Some of our favorite ideas included:
~ Giving Mom lots of hugs and kisses ~ Be a good listener for Mom ~ Sing Mom a song ~ Read Mom a story ~ Make Mom a special picture ~ Clean the house for Mom ~ Cook something yummy for Mom with Dad

  

  

     Our thoughtful young learners expressed wanting to make something here at school for their mothers.  A special box was the agreed upon decision.

      SMART START woodworkers gathered around the table to embark on making such an important craft- a gift for mom!  After receiving a wooden box, each student put on safety goggles and aprons to begin step one- sanding the wooden boxes to ensure a smooth surface for painting. All were enthralled with the sanding process and did a fine job.  Sanding allows children to work on their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.  It also brings an awareness of tools and materials used, as well as differentiating textures. 

    

     Step 2- artistic classmates began the painting portion of their Mother's Day project. Suited up in aprons, each received their own water color palette, brush and bowl of water. While deeply concentrating on their strokes and color choices, masterpieces were well underway!

Step 3 and 4- Once dry, our handy workers used screwdrivers to tighten and secure the screws and latches. Each used a glue gun, with the help of a teacher, to add a colorful paper flower for a finishing touch.

     Lastly, the children beamed with confidence as they placed a chocolate flower inside and wrapped their mother's present.  All are excited to present their gift to their mother on Mother's Day! 

     SMART START chorus learned a special song for Mother's Day. We hope they sing it to you on your day of celebration.  It is sung to the tune of "Happy Birthday."

Happy Mother's Day to mom

Happy Mother's Day to mom
Happy Mother's Day Dear, Mommy

Happy Mother's Day to mom!

Children proudly say at the end, "I love you mommy!"

Click below to hear our SMART START singers!

Click below for more Mother's Day fun at SMART START!

   To all our amazing SMART START mothers...Happy Mother's Day!  We hope your day is filled with love, laughter and joy with your child(ren) . It is truly our pleasure taking part in their education, enrichment and care.  

💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

All About Me Featuring Kaylee

     Kaylee was next in line to be our "All About Me" presenter!  Kaylee did a fantastic job and was in her glory as she showcased her poster with the group. It is apparent how much progress Kaylee has made speaking in front of her peers by her exuding confidence.  What a treat to witness her enthusiasm and rise in self-esteem!  Bravo, Kaylee! Here are some fun things we learned about Kaylee:
Favorite color - Purple Favorite animal -  My dog Reesey 🐶 Favorite food - Cheese  Favorite thing to do - Ride my bike 🚲 and bake cupcakes 🎂 Favorite place to visit - The lake ⛵ When I grow up I want to be - An engineer like my Dada 👦 If I had one wish I would wish for - Ice cream 🍦 and go to Disney World 🏯      Kaylee was beyond excited when she was presented with the "Student of the Month" award for good conduct.  She smiled proudly when we handed it to her and was especially happy to show her sister, Zoe!  Kaylee was excited to bring it home to share with her parents, too!  Thank you for sharing your "All About Me" poster with us, Kaylee!  We loved learning more fun and interesting things about you!

     Happy 3rd birthday, Kaylee!  We hope you enjoyed celebrating here at SMART START as much as we did! Thank you for bringing in a special treat of cupcakes to share- they were delicious! Classmates had so much fun running around outside trying to catch bugs, insects and other treasures with the nets you brought as well! SMART START friends presented Kaylee with a birthday book and sang "Happy Birthday."  Kaylee has been with us since 5 months old! It has been a joy partaking in her care and education.  We have watched her grow into a smart, kind, brave and determined young girl and we cannot wait to see what this year has in store for her!

💙 Mary and Francesca 💙

Happy Earth Day

     SMART START budding environmentalists have been learning about our wonderful planet Earth and all that it has to offer. Added curriculum has focused on caring for the planet and how to be an eco- friendly citizen.  Our young learners love "Being Green" here at school and are excited to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd!
          We are fortunate to have Memorial Hall Library located here in downtown Andover as a valuable resource for books, music and much more.  MHL generously donated reusable bags to help inspire our students- the future generation! SMART START artists put on smocks and gathered around the table to decorate the bags. Each used puff paint, glue, foam shapes and letters to spell their name.

     

            Once the bags dried, SMART START shoppers headed off to the "supermarket". Fun was had by all while grocers selected, purchased and placed items in their bags during this dramatic play activity.  The children are anticipating using their reusable bags to aid in the elimination of paper and plastic while going on an errand. 

          Although SMART START has always recycled, this process now has new meaning as pupils are playing a major role. We gathered and separated boxes, plastic containers, fruit peels and aluminum cans brought in from sharing snack. Teachers taught about these different recyclables and how they can be reused.  Items were identified, sorted and placed into bags in preparation for pickup at the end of the week. Our mini DPW crew was given the privilege to deposit their bag of items into Andover's recycling truck! All were thrilled to share about Earth Day with Andover's DPW staff and how they are working hard to help the environment!

           Pre-readers look forward to circle time and are always attentive listeners and active participants. As educators, we are pleased when our pupils are engaged and passionate about the subject matter at hand. All have been engrossed in our Earth Day literature and book displays and have been providing unique commentary and suggestions.       

     Miss Francesca read several books about Earth in our outdoor classroom and explained the different layers that comprise earth. Open discussion consisted of insightful ideas and curiosity filled questions. It was refreshing to witness connections being made about littering, reducing waste and pollution. All learned and joyfully sang, "The Pollution" song in unison.  
    

      Recycling and garbage trucks and many other toys were used to facilitate learning through free and collaborative play! 

           SMART START ecologists applied attained information as they labeled and stickered four bins to assist with our recycling distribution here at school: compost, aluminum, plastic and cardboard. Lessons were reinforced through this additional hands-on unit as pupils collected and placed recyclables in corresponding bins.   

           Miss Francesca led an interactive, fine motor game for our young learners to utilize their eco-motivated abilities.  Each were given a sheet of stickers including: compost, aluminum, plastic and cardboard/paper materials. Our students are "green" and proud!  Miss Francesca led an interactive, fine motor game for our young learners to utilize their eco-motivated abilities.

           Earth Day is a perfect time to appreciate nature and discovery.  Happy to be outdoors and in spring climate, SMART START naturalists set out with magnifying glasses, containers and nets to search for rocks, leaves, sticks and more. Containers were filled to the brim with a variety of treasures. Classmates were overjoyed to share their findings. Some even came across plastic pieces and other littered objects that they later recycled. Actions speak louder than words and we were very impressed!

            Preschoolers have been using their green thumbs to tend to our "Growing What We Eat" garden.  They have learned that growing vegetables is good for the environment! We have recently replanted our sprouting vegetables to a larger space indoors and are looking forward to replanting them outside late spring. Students feel most accomplished as they maintain and watch their plants grow each week.  All are anxiously awaiting the initial crop of green beans, peas, peppers and lettuce!  In addition to our edible items and in honor of Earth Day, we designed our own compost bin to fill our garden with nutrients. Hard work, dedication and responsibility is the recipe for success! 

          SMART START engineers were ready to put forth their best effort and build creations out of recycling materials collected from sharing snack and school supplies. All drizzled glue, wrapped colored tape around and decorated with markers and bonkers. Imaginations and fine crafting formed a compilation of houses, towers, castles, fire engines and boats.  Using recyclables in and around your home is a wonderful way to "go green" by not creating any further waste while providing your child with endless hours of fun and learning!  

     Earth enthusiasts used their eagle eyes to search and discover places and objects throughout the world by using maps, books, puzzles and flashcards. 

    

     Each student diligently completed pages in their science workbooks that focused on caring for our world. The activities included matching, coloring and sorting.  Nice work!

           Geography studies were most enjoyable while playing a game similar to that of musical chairs. The children gathered in a circle and passed the globe ball around while music played. When the song stopped, the child with the ball in hand pointed to something of interest on the globe such as, a lake or continent. In addition, we used our larger globe to continue learning about our world as we are now teaching the seven continents and major bodies of water.

Click below to check out more Earth Day Fun at SMART START!

 We are very proud of our promising environmentalists! It was our pleasure to teach them about Earth Day.  Your children hold the future in their hands to help make the world a better place. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! 
💙 Mary and Francesca