Sunday

Welcome Fall

Image result for welcome fall clipart banner     It's that time of year again here in New England...Fall! This is one of our favorite seasons here at SMART START as the air is beginning to feel cool and crisp, leaves are changing colors, festive activities are upon us and the smell of all things pumpkin and spice put a smile on our faces. Fall warms the hearts of our young learners and puts a spark into our back to school routine. Come along on our adventure! 
    
     

     

        Preschoolers had bushels of fun as they arranged an Autumn scene in our outdoor classroom! Flowers, pumpkins, haybales, apples and more! Our bunch was full of smiles on this fabulous day as they posed for adorable photos.  "1,2,3... APPLES PLEASE!"



     The great outdoors awaits us!  Our backyard is inviting and the children always look forward to learning and playing daily in nature. Miss Francesca read many Fall themed books to our attentive patch. They highly enjoyed the stories as they basked in the sun and breathed in the fresh Fall air.  When learning takes place in nature, students benefit tremendously as it:

  • activates thinking outside of the box
  • works on intrinsic motivation for learning
  • increases creativity
  • improves over health and well-being as well as social skills and behavior
  • provides extra sensory experiences
  • freedom to think and experiment
  • promotes teamwork 


     Fall enthusiasts hopped in our red wagon and relished in the joy of a hay ride.  With their muscles raring to go, the children took turns pulling each other around the backyard through our Fall scene.


     Here at SMART START, we have the best Fall clean-up crew in town! Our rakers set right to work immediately once leaves began falling. Aside from a pile of leaves to jump in, this added chore brings other benefits such as:

  • helps establish motor planning
  • working together to achieve goal
  • learning about the surrounding environment
  • promoting physical activity
  • learning about proper tool usage
  • establishing good habits, responsibility and routines


      Our older students had the special task of putting Fall flowers in the front yard.  They were proud and filled with school spirit as they placed the flowers.  A job well-done!  Thank you SMART START landscapers!



     Apple picking is a staple Fall family outing! While outside on a brisk morning, the children giggled as they shared past memories of such. They crunched and munched on delicious apples at snack time as we explained and taught about the nutritional benefits, many varieties and parts of Apples: stem, leaf, skin, flesh, core and seeds. They also learned a song about apples entitled, "The Apple Song". 



🍎 "Apple Song" 🍎
Tune: Have You Ever Seen A Lassie?

Have you ever seen an apple, an apple, an apple,
Have you ever seen an apple, that grows on a tree?
A red one, a yellow one, a pink one, a green one.
Have you ever seen an apple, that grows on a tree?



       

     The backyard Fall dΓ©cor was not complete without decorations for the play structure.  Our exterior designers were up for the task and displayed such teamwork! 



     Students cozied up at our book displays both inside and outside  Emergent readers read independently, as well as with younger peers.  We love hearing them discuss books by using picture cues...simply darling! Early reading in the classroom has many benefits such as:

  • offers a path for critical language and literacy development
  • increase in vocabulary
  • improves speech and cognitive skills
  • builds motivation, curiosity and memory
  • develop a positive association with books
  • enhances concentration, attention span and listening








  Time for dress-up!  The children looked adorable as they sported a dashing Fall patterned dress and bonnet, while others wore aprons to collect eggs from our chickens.  Happy Fall kids!




    
     Little fingers set to work as they peeled and pressed stickers onto cardboard pumpkins.  A simple and engaging activity to master fine motor skills!



     All students reported to the felt board for Math.  They placed various fabric pieces such as, leaves, apples, pumpkins and squirrels on the felt board.  Young learners worked together to count and create patterns. Group effort was in full force while confidence levels boosted! Their counting skills and sequence recognition is right on target!  



  
    SMART START chorus has been singing along to a class favorite, "I Like Autumn" during activities.  We often hear them singing or humming the tune during free play.  They have practiced quite a bit to learn and memorize the lyrics.  Follow the link by clicking "I Like Autumn" to sing along at home with your child.


     With plenty of hay leftover from our Fall dΓ©cor, energetic children grabbed it by the handfuls and threw into the air.  They ran, danced, jumped, laughed and sang as hay flew around and music played.  Fall is full of surprises!





      Talented artists circled around the activity table to create a Fall inspired project!  Each received a white paper plate with a cloth colored leaf, bonkers, glue, paintbrush and colored confetti. We will join the spectacular leaves together to form a gorgeous wreath!





     In addition, imaginative minds decorated large felt owls and leaves. Students used paint, sprinkled colored sand, added tissue paper and pops of color with fabric markers.







   



πŸ–Œ Arts and crafts are a priority in our curriculum. Here are reasons why: πŸ–Œ


  • encourages fine motor skills
  • neural development
  • problem-solving abilities
  • enhances learning in other subject areas such as reading, writing, math and science
  • expression of feelings
  • promotes creativity and happiness
  • FUN!

     Click below for more Fall Fun at SMART START!






🍁 Mary and Francesca  πŸ

Tuesday

Welcome Sonnie Jean

     It is with great pleasure that we introduce one of the newest members of our SMART START family, Sonnie Jean! 

     Sonnie Jean was happy to participate in some class favorites, particularly "Show and Tell" and "Sharing Snack." Sonnie Jean could not wait to show and pass around bunny to her friends. She demonstarted how she loves to hug him. Thanks for sharing bunny with us!

   Sonnie Jean brought in raisins to share with the class for "Sharing Snack.".  She proudly passed them out while using her manners and displaying confidence. Students were thankful for the treat!




      Happy 2nd birthday, Sonnie Jean!  SMART START friends had a fabulous time celebrating you here at school. We hope you enjoyed your celebration!  Thank you for bringing in yummy cupcakes to share with friends. All were thrilled to gift Sonnie Jean with a birthday book and sing "Happy Birthday." SMART START has truly loved getting to know you and are glad you joined our school! We look forward to spending more time together!

πŸ’™ Mary and Francesca πŸ’™

Thursday

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.Related image

πŸ₯„ Make Your Own Oobleck πŸ₯„

     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. 



πŸ‰ Lucy the Bearded DragonπŸ‰

     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!
 
πŸƒ Terrariums πŸƒ

     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. 

πŸŒ‹ Volcanoes πŸŒ‹

    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."
  
 
πŸ† Vinegar and Baking Soda πŸ†

     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.

Image result for science kids quotes


 
     
πŸ’™ Mary and Francesca πŸ’™

Saturday

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!




πŸ’™ Mary and Francesca πŸ’™

Sunday

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!



Image result for logic will get you from a to b. imagination will take you everywhere


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