Dear Parents,

Our last unit of the year is often “farm animals,” as this is a wonderful learning experience for young preschoolers and an opportunity to learn about animal babies and their parents.

This link is a video of a teacher introducing farm animals to her class.  I like it because it uses various tools which engage young children.

As a followup to the introductory video here are some questions to explore with your preschooler/preschoolers:

1. Let’s make a list of animals that live on a farm. Who are they?
2. What do baby farm animals need to grow?  And what do children need to grow? Comparing baby animals to children
3. Do all farm animals look like their parents?  Do all children look like their parents?
4. Do all animals come from an egg?  Let’s make a list of the ones that do.  Then make a list of the ones that are born alive.

5.   What sounds to farm animals make?

6.  How do they move?

For older 4’s and 5’s this video of the farm focuses on letters as well as animals.

Hi Parents,

Miss Carol’s idea to come together on Friday and plant flowers for our moms is the perfect springtime preschool project. Miss Carol, Amy and I have been busy dropping off planting bags and taking the time to say hello to preschoolers and their families (at a safe distance).  One parent wrote “my child was ecstatic after your visit. Her mood instantly lifted and she came in skipping and singing.” I know as a teacher it does my heart good to reconnect with as many of you as I can.

I am posting and sharing some recent photos that were sent to me. They are great examples of how very busy preschoolers can be even when not at school. I hope you enjoy them!

Dear Parents,

We had a rockin’ good time this morning at our preschool gathering. For those of you that couldn’t be there we had a read aloud called “The Poky Little Puppy, ”  got up and moved to an exercise video, and shared some things from home. During our sharing we had a beautiful rendition of “Blackbird Singing in the Dead of Night,” played and sung by Jalynn on her pink ukulele.

This Wednesday, Ms. Neal, our Art Teacher, will join us at 9:30am to do a drawing activity with us.  Get your markers and paper ready!

On Friday morning we will again gather at 9:30am. and do a planting activity together for Mother’s Day.  Hoping you can join us on both days.

Parents continue to send in photos of their children showing us what they have been up to…biking, planting, and picking up trash in the neighborhood to help make a difference in our world.  Way to go!!

Hi Parents,

Children continue to email me photos of themselves during this time and I know I enjoy seeing some of the things they are doing..  Here  are the most recent ones I’ve received.. Outdoor play, drawing, and creating. Taking care of the cows!

Dear Parents,

I hope that these postings have been helpful and I would appreciate your feedback in the Comments section. I check it frequently and I think it’s a good way for me to monitor whether or not I am providing you with helpful ideas during these unusual times.

In this post, I am including some Math Activities that are hands-on and fun to do.  Please paste the link below in your browser to try them out.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14D651kM5rnXMQaxq9iwPBmwVBn9N1Ac5gFN3meWoSD8/edit?usp=sharing

Also there is a video that will get your preschooler up and moving to some engaging music. It did me!!

The Connecticut Science Center is offering some engaging  science activities.  Just copy the link into your browser:  https://mailchi.mp/ctsciencecenter/scienceathome?e=58a8d46a7c

On behalf of the Preschool Team we wish you all to stay safe and healthy.   Ruth Love

This site DEY is working hard to encourage young children to limit their screen time.  During the Covid-19 pandemic DEY realizes that sometimes our only way to communicate with friends and loved ones is by using technology and they are supporting that during this new normal.  They have posted some offscreen ideas for families on their website and I have pasted some of those below.

Ideas for Learning New Skills

The video  above uses puppetry to talk about the Corona virus and the feelings of young children.  I highly recommend it for our preschoolers.  Preview it and see what you think…

Dear Parents,

Mr. Stewart, our fifth grade teacher at LES,  posted some wonderful ideas in relation to Earth Week. This link is to an Earth Day 2020 Choice Board.  Thank you Mr. Stewart!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PN0qtGJA6mbkgkj-YKhit5ekuSJPzWaErUilbw9z03I/edit

Good morning Parents,

As we begin another week I thought your preschooler/preschoolers might enjoy Dorothy Cresswell’s Curious Giraffe Show. Dorothy has a wonderful way of connecting with young children through the use of puppet friends and song.  It’s something they can do independently.

I am looking forward to seeing as many of you as can join us on Friday morning April 24th at 9:30am. when Ms. Liz gets us all up and moving. So make room in your house to get those dancing feet going..

Dear Preschoolers,

A few parents have sent me photos of their children during our time at home.  I decided to post some so that you can see what  others are up to.  I miss you all!  I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do…I am also posting an exercise video that will get kids moving! (Thanks to Cindy and Lynn our PT mavens)

Take good care,

Ruth Love