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These young learners will always hold a special place in our classrooms. We are already looking forward to planning the next reunion!
ð SMART STARTð
The final theme of SMART START’S summer enrichment program was “Crop to Classroom!” Our young learners thoroughly enjoyed this unit which focused on “growing what you eat” and instilling independence through nutritious, interactive activities.
Read below!
Students completed their weekly chore of collecting eggs from the chicken coop. Caring for the chickens and other class pets promotes responsibility, respect for nature, high self esteem and so much more!
The school garden grew beautifully all summer long and was finally ready for a harvest. Tomatoes, blueberries, zucchinis, green beans and peppers were among the produce picked.
Classroom chefs cleaned the crop in their kitchen. Next, knives and cutting boards were utilized to chop and slice the fruits and vegetables. Fine motor skills and hand to eye coordination were certainly challenged and enhanced!
Afterwards, everyone enjoyed their healthy snack. All agreed that the food was most delicious because they grew and prepared it themselves!
The group gathered outside to read a “Garden to Table” story. All were able to hold some pretend play items to reinforce the subject matter. Peers then partnered up to further explore the book in nature.
Thank you for reading!
The fifth week of SMART START’S summer enrichment program was “Oceans of Fun!”
Come join our young learners as they explore ðĄ under the sea ð
Underwater adventures began with an assortment of themed activities: fishing, puzzles, coloring and more!
Classmates selected a sea creature to decorate using a variety of materials. The starfish, seahorses and fish dazzled on display!
Student scuba divers ventured to the “ocean” to discover what lies below. Sharks, whales, crabs, dolphins, sting rays and squids were among the animals brought to life by imaginative minds.
The class circled together for an interactive read aloud. Hand and finger puppets were incorporated throughout the story.
Oceanographers constructed their very own cookie to resemble the deep blue sea. Frosting and gummy sea creatures were used. Delicious!
Friends had fun enhancing their cognitive skills by playing “Pin the Clownfish in the Coral Reef” and “Memory Match.”
Peers looked at related books in small groups. Reading in nature is a wonderful way to start the day!
The classic children’s book, “Rainbow Fish” was read during circle time. A puppet was utilized to reinforce the message of the story.
Afterwards, the group sat in a circle and passed the puppet around while “Under the Sea” played. When the music stopped, the person holding the puppet shared something kind about one of their classmates.
An ocean unit would not be complete without discussing the magic of mermaids! All took turns holding their favorite sea creature and showcasing our pretend play costume.
Thank you for reading!
ðSMART STARTð
Our young learners embraced their inner hero while being “Superhero Students.” Another exciting week of hands-on curriculum and imaginative, nature based play.
Read along below!
Friends fashioned photo frames using stickers, markers, jewels and glue. Picture activities are an excellent way for children to formulate memories and solidify special moments!
Classmates decorated masks and capes using an abundance of art supplies. All anticipated wearing this creative craft once complete!
Super students gathered for a heroic read aloud. We discussed some everyday superpowers: kind, responsible, cooperative, brave, honest, confident and more! Our school's S.M.A.R.T (service, mindfulness, achievement, respect & trust) character building blocks were highlighted.
SMART START Superheroes soared around the outdoor classroom showcasing their finished masks and capes. While flying about, peers proudly shouted affirmations to motivate and inspire one another, “we are kind”, “we are brave”, “we are smart”, “we are responsible”, “we try our best” etc!
Introducing the concept of “superheroes” in Early Childhood Education is an entertaining way to teach about and instill core values.Emphasizing social motional learning in the first five years of development is absolutely essential. All that is instilled throughout this critical window establishes a foundation for children’s future growth and success.
Thank you for reading!
ðSMART STARTð
Read along below!
Beginner biologists learned all about the human body through an assortment of lessons. Skeleton sticker sheets, X-Rays and pretend play costumes assisted in teaching the different organs and functions. In addition, the classic game, “operation” was played.
A microscope and slides were used to view various specimens up close. Leaves, feathers, fur and more. All were amazed to find tiny spots and bugs that could only be seen when using the microscope.
Classroom chemists geared up in aprons and safety goggles to conduct a staple science experiment: volcano eruption!
Here are the materials & steps:
(Mini water bottle, brown coffee filter, markers, baking soda, vinegar, red food coloring, beaker & test tube)
-Empty mini water bottle
-Color volcanic ash on brown coffee filter
-Cover water bottle with filter (cut off top)
-Pour in baking soda (in test tubes)
-Add red food coloring to vinegar/ “lava” (in beaker)
-Pour in vinegar and watch eruption!
Students were excited to create school-made slime! This sensory experiment involved mixing cornstarch and dish soap until desired texture was achieved.
Peers practiced writing letters, numbers and shapes using invisible ink markers. Friends were fascinated when they colored over their papers and the drawings magically appeared. We explained how the ink is colorless until it is colored over with citric acid.
The group circled outside for a science story time. The influential scientist, Albert Einstein was introduced along with various instruments used for research: magnifying glass, beaker, test tube, petri dish etc. Afterwards, friends had fun taking photos with the scientist board.
The class brought to school items representing different branches of science for the annual “Science Fair.” Exhibits included a telescope (astronomy) dinosaurs (paleontology), a crystal (geology), a koala (zoology), seeds (botony) and more! All explored each exhibit using magnifying glasses and inquisitive minds.
