August 15, 2016

Sticks and Fine Motor Skills


"Quite simply, when we deny our children nature, we deny them beauty."
- Richard Louv



One of our toddlers has shown great interest in playing with sticks at our picnic table. Every time we go outside she heads straight to the picnic table and gathers sticks to slide in the spaces between.


To build on this interest, Miss Arigo invited the children to collect sticks from our nature area. We used our math skills and counted all the sticks. Then, we brought them all to the picnic table.


All of the children sat down and picked up a stick to insert in the slats.


Through this activity, the children are enhancing their fine motor skills and developing problem solving skills.
 
by Miss Arigo

August 10, 2016

Enjoying Our New Play Space


We have recently expanded one of our play areas. A big thank you to Mr. Blatz and the Discovery staff for all their hard work in improving our play spaces! The children and teachers have been enjoying the abundance of space, freedom to explore, thoughtful additions in our fence, and comfortable shade this summer.


Yesterday afternoon, we decided to do a picnic on our deck. We served peas, crackers, and milk.


We had to hold on to our hats because the wind kept blowing them away!


After snacks, the children were on the move to explore and play.


One child walked towards the texture boards and carefully felt the different materials.


Another child started running up and down the hill using her gross motor skills.


One child picked up a soft orange fabric and walked around with it.


We also did some stomping and marching on the deck. We made loud sounds with our feet!


After marching, one child decided to stop and hug the tree in our deck. She looked up at the leaves and smiled.


The texture boards were made by several Discovery staff a few years ago. They are very inviting to our young toddlers and promotes sensory learning.


One child enjoyed the wide space to crawl and move around.


Pushing his shopping cart, he is improving his balance and coordination.


Miss Arigo also brought her ukulele and she sang songs with the children. Each child explored the musical instrument afterwards.


We love playing in our newly renovated Quiet Cove. It is a great space for children to learn through play and enjoy quality meal times with their teachers and friends.

by Miss Arigo