All About Teeth

February is Children's Dental Health Month! SMART START celebrated by incorporating enhanced oral hygiene activities into our everyday curriculum. 

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    Future dentists and dental hygienists explored various instruments used for optimal teeth cleaning. While exploring the displays, the class acquired knowledge on the topic. 

Here are a few facts we learned:

🦷A cavity is a tiny hole in a tooth

🦷Plaque is a sticky film that is unhealthy for teeth

🦷Brushing teeth twice per day in a circular motion removes plaque & prevents cavities

🦷Pictures of teeth taken inside the mouth are called X-Rays

🦷Eating and drinking too much sugar can cause cavities

🦷Foods such as fruits, vegetables and proteins keep teeth healthy

🦷Flossing daily cleans between the gums

  All engaged in an interactive pretend play exercise. Peers acted the part of dentist, hygienist or patient. This lesson allowed the opportunity for students to apply the subject matter in a hands-on, realistic fashion. 

View Below!

The group gathered in the outdoor classroom for a themed storytime and discussion. 

    To conclude this unit, a pediatric dental hygiene expert from Andover Pediatric Dentistry visited our school. This annual event consisted of an interesting and informative presentation regarding oral health and the role of a dentist. Classmates listened intently, asked thoughtful questions and eagerly shared all they had been learning.  

    Teaching about health and hygiene in early childhood education is essential. Early exposure to these topics promotes establishing healthy habits and overall wellness. This foundation will assist children throughout their development into and adulthood. 

                        🦷 SMART START🦷

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

   

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Martin Luther King Jr. Studies

     Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed annually on the third Monday of January.

Read about how our young learners honored Dr. King at school below!

✋🎨Classmates created an MLK inspired art project using paint, paper, brushes and handprints. A special poem was also placed on the finished product: 

"I CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

WITH MY TWO HANDS

MAKE A BETTER PLACE

WITH MY TWO HANDS

MAKE A KINDER PLACE 

WITH MY TWO HANDS"

    We discussed how Martin Luther King acted as a leader to make the world a better, kinder place to live. The class thought of ways they can lead using their own two hands. Here are a few examples: sharing with others, including all in play and helping friends in need. 

    Outdoor learning time was designated to the teachings of Dr. King. The group listened intently to a storytime. Afterwards, Preschoolers selected books to ponder over while Pre-K/K peers conversed about the subject matter. All were most intrigued by the concept of "peace" and how Martin used his powerful words to fight for what was right. 

    Introducing individuals such as, Martin Luther king Jr. in Early Childhood Education is essential. These teachings foster empathy and compassion which is crucial for social-emotional development. In addition, these historical figures act as real-life heroes that inspire children to make a difference. It is the role of educators to empower the next generation to change the world (starting with just their own two hands!). 

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Snow Much Fun!

    SMART START has had "Snow much fun" welcoming winter! Our young learners have been enjoying a variety of seasonal studies in both their indoor and outdoor classrooms. 

🌨Follow Along Below🌨

❆SMART START Scientists put on their lab coats and conducted an experiment. Students concocted their very own snow inside using their hands, baking soda and hair conditioner! All were amazed by the final product as it resembled fresh fallen snow and was cold to the touch. This hands-on sensory activity served as a fun and simple introduction to Chemistry. 

📘The group circled outside for one of their favorite stories, "The Cozy" by Jan Brett. This tale became an interactive experience as weather, temperature, animals and habitats were discussed.  

➕Pretend play snowballs and flashcards were utilized for a math lesson. Pre-K/K solved basic addition and subtraction problems while preschoolers practiced counting and number recognition.

🧊Friends bundled up to enjoy some gross motor fun on their play structure. Swinging, sliding, climbing, running, skipping and more! Changes in nature were observed as ice was discovered on the ground, branches, toys and even the chicken coops. 

🥄Classroom Chefs combined marshmallows, Rice Krispies, butter, and chocolate chips to make Rice Krispies Treats. Peers cooperated perfectly as each took turns pouring and stirring the ingredients. The class excitedly tried a piece and said they were delicious!

We hope you enjoyed reading about "Snow Much Fun" at SMART START!

 ❄SMART START❄

Holiday Happenings

    Beginning December 1st, SMART START enjoyed celebrating the Christmas season! Young learners engaged in an abundance of festive fun throughout this magical month. 

Read about our holiday happenings below!

📅Classmates crafted a "Countdown to Christmas Calendar" using posterboard, Santa face plates, glue sticks, glitter and a printed sheet of numbers 1-25. A cotton ball is added each day until Santa has a fluffy, white beard on the 25th!

👵 Everyone excitedly anticipated the annual visit from Mrs. Claus. From singing classic carols to playing reindeer games, all had a holly jolly good time! At the end of this special event, each child placed their Christmas wish list inside a mailbox. Mrs. Claus promised to deliver the letters to Santa once she arrived back at the North Pole. 

✋Paper, red & white paint, brushes, glitter and littel hands were utilized to create a "HO, HO, HO Handprint Ornament."

Click Here to View!

🎄Festive friends decked the halls in both their indoor and outdoor classrooms with tinsel, wreaths, lights, ornaments, ribbon and more! 

🍬 Students were "baking spirits bright" on Gingerbread Day. Cookies were baked, decorated, eaten and the classic game of "Candy Land" was played. 

🎨 Pupils were provided the opportunity to select their own project: wreath, bag or ornament. The finished decor came out beautifully!

👕All was merry and bright on Pajama Day! Peers fashioned their favorite holiday sleep attire and cozied up with a cup of cheer, candy canes and Christmas music. 

🧝 SMART START Elves were busy in their workshop making surprise presents for their parents: a carton to fill with eggs from their class chickens. 

🥚Eggs were collected and added to the thoughtfully decorated cartons. 

🎵 Filled with the holiday spirit, our chorus practiced and performed a song.

 Lyrics: (sung to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")

Ring, Ring, Ring Your Bell

Ring It Loud and Clear, 

Everybody Everywhere

Christmas Time Is Here!

View Below!

✂ A themed cut and paste was incorporated into our everyday core curriculum. Pre-K/K worked on matching holiday objects to their corresponding sounds while Preschoolers familiarized themselves with basic scissor skills and number recognition. 

📕 The group gathered outside for circle time. Using an alphabet poster, all identified Christmas words that start with each letter such as "Tree starts with T", "Santa starts with S" and "Presents start with P."

🎅 Christmas Eve's enchanting essence was embraced through a finger play poem: 

When Santa Comes to My House

I'd Like to Take a Peek

But I Know He'll Never Come

Until I'm Fast Asleep

View Below!

🎁 Yuletide traditions continued with our annual party! Festivities included a gift exchange, bingo, freeze dance, arts and crafts and a surprise visit from Santa Claus- Oh what fun!

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    We hope you enjoyed reading about our holiday lessons! The first five years of a child's life are extremely significant to their future development and well-being. SMART START is grateful to partake in these special formative stages with our young learners. Our hope is to foster early experiences that will have a lasting, positive impact throughout their educational journey. 

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Community Collections

    SMART START has thoroughly embraced the season of giving! Each year, our young learners participate in giving back to their community through a variety of hands-on experiences.

Read about our recent community service activities below!

Cradles to Crayons 👕

    Classmates eagerly awaited our annual "Cradles to Crayons" clothing drive (click here to learn more about this organization). Each child graciously contributed a large bag of their clothes and assisted a Cradles to Crayons representative load the truck.  Click here to view💜

 Operation Gratitude 🍬 

    In honor of Veterans Day, students donated to the "Operation Gratitude Halloween Candy Giveback" (Click here for more information). This program provides candy to veterans, members of the military and first responders. Peers proudly shared some of their Halloween treats to show appreciation for those who have and still are serving their country.  Click here to view💙

Community Cupboard 🥫

    To prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, the class collected canned food items to put inside their "Little Free Library." All expressed that they are "very thankful for food to eat" and were happy to help feed friends in need.  Click here to view 💛

Toys for Tots🎁

    This December, pupils picked out a present to give to our annual "Toys for Tots" gift gathering. SMART START elves were full of the Christmas spirit and were excited to spread some holiday cheer. Sometimes giving is better than receiving!  Click here to view 💝

  As early childhood educators, our hope is to instill in the next generation a sense of compassion, a connection to the community and to teach that anyone can make a difference in even the smallest ways. Whether it is partnering with a charitable organization or committing small acts of kindness, every effort counts!  

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Fire Safety & Prevention

    During the month of October, SMART START observed Fire Safety & Prevention Month. Our young learners have been acquiring knowledge on how to prepare for emergency situations through an assortment of interactive activities. 

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    Future firefighters dramatic played with trucks, hoses, action figures, magnets and their creative imaginations. All pretended there was a fire on their swing set and acted the role of fire chief (and a Dalmatian too!). 

    Safe students executed exact steps to take if their clothes ever catch on fire: STOP where you are, DROP to the ground, COVER your face and ROLL back and forth. 

View STOP, DROP, COVER & ROLL Below 

    Everyone eagerly awaited the annual visit from North Andover Fire Department. Five firefighters along with two fire engines came this year. Lieutenant Davis discussed prevention protocols and was most impressed with questions and answers from the class. 

View N.A.F.D On-Site Presentation 

Fire Safety & Prevention Discussion (Click Link)

Fire fighting friends gathered to work on pages in their themed activity books. Pre-K/K pupils practiced identifying what number to call in the case of an emergency (911) while preschool peers colored related materials. 

    To conclude this unit, other community heroes were explored. Occupation flashcards were matched to corresponding figurines. This lesson prompted conversations about what our aspiring group wants to be when they grow up. Classmates' career aspirations included firefighters, police officers, farmers, doctors, librarians, pilots and even the tooth fairy!

          View More Fire Safety Highlights Below

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