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Greetings!
ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JULY 4 FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY. WE WISH EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
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CENTER GARDENS
Our gardens are now planted and ready to grow! We have a raised garden bed on the both the preschool and toddler playgrounds. The children helped with the planting and will help take care of the plants by taking turns watering and weeding. We are growing tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and various herbs. We look forward to trying our freshly grown vegetables when they are ready!
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TARNHILL PARK
The preschoolers will periodically be taking walking field trips to Tarnhill Park throughout July. We will head out at 9:00 and have the morning to play on the equipment, participate in some outdoor games and explore the area. There will be a separate permission sign-up sheet on the preschool door when we go on these walking field trips. We will be returning to the center in time for lunch each time.
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WATER PLAY DAYS
We plan on offering water play days for all classrooms this summer! We will let you know ahead of time when these special days will take place so you can be prepared to bring in a swimsuit, swim shoes, and a towel.
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SUMMER VACATIONS=VACATION CREDITS
Please let us know about any vacation time you plan on taking this month by writing your child’s name on the calendar located on the parent table. If you are on vacation for five weekdays in a row and have been with us for more than 6 months, you are eligible for a half-week tuition credit. You may use a tuition credit twice a year.
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ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE REMINDER
Please remember to stay with your child at drop off and at pick up. Children should be escorted into the classroom at drop off. When you leave the center for the day, please inform a staff member that you are picking up your child. We appreciate your support!
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STAR WELLNESS FOOD, FITNESS & FUN
Here are some fun outdoor activities and patriotic recipe that you may try at home…
ACTIVITY: Scoop Ball
AGE LEVEL: Preschool
EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Empty and washed plastic milk or “Tide” bottles with handles, a tennis ball, nylon stocking ball, yarn ball, or Nerf ball
SKILL DEVELOPMENT: The child gains gross motor skills by throwing with control.
DIRECTIONS: Make a scoop out of the plastic bottle by cutting it off at an angle, starting below the handle. Try different angles. Tape edges with duct tape. Start by having the children move the ball in the scoop, without dropping the ball. Then let them throw the ball into the air using the scoop and catch it again in the scoop. Next, let them toss the ball back and forth to each other using the scoops. As the children gain success, they may move further back. Have fun!
ACTIVITY: Water Transfer
AGE LEVEL: Toddlers
EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 2 buckets, sponges, water
SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Fine motor, hand strength
DIRECTIONS: Have the child help you put water in 1 bucket. Show the child how to squeeze the sponge to deposit water into the other bucket, let the child continue to transfer the water from one bucket to the other.
FRUIT SPARKLERS HOW TO:
- Cut watermelon vertically into 1-inch-thick slices.
- Use a small star cookie cutter to cut out star shapes from the flesh of each watermelon round.
- Thread 7-10 blueberries into the center of each bamboo skewer, leaving enough space at the end for someone to be able to comfortably hold it, and a space at the top for the watermelon star.
- Place the watermelon star on top and set the fruit sparklers on a serving tray. Cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
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TIME TO INVESTIGATE
(Originally published: July 2017)
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When children are interested or intrigued by an object or an idea, they need to dig deep and explore.
- Judith Pack, Early Childhood Education Consultant
One of the most important characteristics we can foster in our children is that of curiosity. We have previously written that children are naturally inclined to have inquisitive minds—it is how they begin to understand the world around them.
Following a child’s lead and asking open-ended questions are two ways to foster a child’s sense of curiosity. These interactions flow out of our conversations in a natural way, but we can also create opportunities for discovery through planned activities, such as science experiments. The field of science provides a method of investigation, hypothesis and trial and error that can spark (sometimes endless!) curiosity.
If you have ideas that you’ve tried in your family, we would love for you to share them in the Comments section of the blog!
Human Sundial Shadow Experiment
In this experiment, children record the size of their shadows throughout the day using sidewalk chalk. Through observations and questions, children can learn about the rotation of the earth and how time relates to the position of the earth relative to the sun. Get all the details on this activity here:
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Filtering Water Experiment
Children filter dirty water through coffee filters, paper towels, colanders, etc. to see what gets left behind. Children compare and contrast the effectiveness of different filters and learn about liquids and solids. For more details, check out:
Balloon Rocket Experiment
Using string and balloons, children create a zipline from which they launch their balloon rockets. Children can learn about force, friction, angles, speed and more! For info on setting up your balloon rocket, go to:
Have fun with your investigations!
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TWIN CITIES
FAMILY EVENTS
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Especially for Children
5133 W. 98th St.
Bloomington, MN 55437
(952) 831-1435
Center Director:
Kathy Hane
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VEAP FOOD DRIVE
We are excited to host drive in support of VEAP from 7/13 through 7/20. Please view the list below for most-needed items. Thank you for your participation!
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