Spring Into Learning

    Spring is in the air at SMART START! Our young learners have fully embraced the season through a variety of hands-on activities, interactive play with peers and experiencing the natural world around them. 

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🌱Spring studies commenced with a planting project. Each student received seeds, soil and a cup to begin the process of growing their very own green bean. In addition, some flowers were planted. SMART START Scientists have been diligently watering their plants, ensuring they are placed in sunlight and observing and documenting growth. 

A song was learned to reinforce the planting process. 

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This full circle learning experience promotes critical thinking, high self-esteem, patience and a sense of responsibility. All anticipate harvesting their crop later in the season!

⛅ Learning through play is an essential component of our core curriculum. Carefree classmates enjoy engaging with one another in their outdoor classroom. Whether they are swinging, sliding, running or climbing together, the children are developing social behaviors, improving their communicative skills, forming friendships and reaping the benefits of fresh air and exercise. 

🕮The group gathered for a seasonal storytime and discussion about signs of spring. 

🍃The class put on pith helmets and binoculars to prepare for a nature adventure. Eager expeditioners decorated bags then ventured outdoors to explore. Pinecones, rocks, sticks, leaves and moss were among the natures treasures discovered. Our class chickens even joined in the search!

🎨Artists selected one pinecone and one stick from their nature bags to paint. Glitter and colored sand were added for a finishing touch. 

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We hope you enjoyed reading all about our introduction to spring at SMART START!

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Women's History

March is Women's History Month. Our young learners honored this time by completing an "Influential Woman in History" project and presentation. 

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Saint Patrick's Day

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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❆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!

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