Springboro Preschool Discovery Blog

Fun with Farmer Frank

05/05/2012 15:33:00

We learned all about farm animals this week and enjoyed a visit from Farmer Frank and some of his animals. Among his animal friends were Belle the lamb, Pickles the pig, Debbie the chick, and Mr. Quackers the duck.

Easter Bunny Visits SPD

04/06/2012 13:35:00

The students enjoyed a visit from the Easter Bunny! The kids took home colored eggs, candy, and toys in the Easter baskets they had made. Happy Easter everyone!

Fun at the Grocery

03/07/2012 11:22:00

I always love articles that talk about how we as parents can find teaching moments throughout the routine of a normal day. This article from The Savvy Source, written by Eliza Clark, talks about teaching opportunities parents and kids can have at the grocery. So have fun strolling the aisles of DLM, Kroger, or IGA! :)

The Waiting Game

02/15/2012 17:49:00

This NAEYC link had some ideas on how to create fun learning moments out of those everyday routine moments in which we so often find ourselves.

Mental/Intellectual Readiness

01/30/2012 12:33:00

Came across a good article by Carolyn Tomlin at www.earlychildhoodnews.com. Below is a section that I wanted to share with you. Thought this part of the article gave some good tips for how to work with your kids at home.

Mental/Intellectual Readiness

Statistics report that a large percentage of what children learn is acquired before five years of age. When parents ask, “What can I do to help my child adjust to school?” the answer is to encourage early preparation. Here are just a few things you can do at home to foster a love of learning in your child.

Storytelling can and should be a part of every day. This stimulates reading aloud and storytelling. A study by Dorothy Alison and J. Allen Watson (1994) showed that the earlier parents begin reading aloud to their children, the higher the children’s emergent reading levels are at the end of kindergarten. In another study, psychologist Robert Thorndike (1975) found that children who have been read aloud to from an early age become the best readers.

Talk to your child. Then listen. High Scope Educational Research Foundation suggests setting up a “planning period” each day. During this time, talk to your child about what he intends to do. Suggest plans for the morning, afternoon, or bedtime. Plans could include: How do you plan to paint a picture? What will you need? What book would you like to read at bedtime? This type of conversation takes active listening on both sides. Refrain from asking your child “closed” questions that require a one-word answer. Phrase statements or questions so that the child must think about the answer before responding.

Choose challenging activities. If an activity appears too easy, the child becomes bored. If too difficult, the child loses interest.

Set aside time each afternoon to discuss your child’s day. Get involved in homework, even if it’s listening to a kindergartner count to 10, name rhyming words, or spell her name. Parents who encourage self-discipline and responsibility keep in touch with their child’s school or child care. It’s one of the best ways to ensure your child remains stimulated, mentally and intellectually.

Foster Independence. A study by Robert J. Havighurst (1972) shows that specific types of behavior are required if individuals deal successfully with challenges and problems. He defines these as “developmental tasks.” Achieving personal independence becomes a task for the school-age child. Of course, it’s a slow process, which begins in early childhood and continues into adolescence and possibly adulthood. As a parent, it’s important to give your child the opportunity to try new things and to be supportive when she’s not successful on the first try.

Benefits of a Quality Pre-K Program

01/17/2012 15:12:00

The following is found on the Center For Public Education website! For further information, follow the link below.

Research indicates that children of all races/ethnicities and income classes can benefit from a high-quality pre-kindergarten program. For many, pre-k can make the difference between struggling through school or doing well in the elementary grades and beyond. Numerous studies have shown both short- and long-term benefits for those who participate in high-quality pre-k. Children enrolled in quality programs not only demonstrate higher academic achievement in the elementary grades, but are far less likely to need costly instructional services down the road and far more likely to succeed in school, both academically and socially, than their peers who did not attend pre-k.

Did you know...85% of a child’s brain development takes place by the age of five?

A host of pre-k research information is available on the Center for Public Education’s web site at www.centerforpubliceducation.org.

Holiday Program

12/21/2011 18:12:00

Here's the slideshows that were playing before the holiday programs. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah

12/18/2011 18:07:00

Just a reminder that our holiday programs are this week. On Tuesday and Wednesday, our morning programs will begin at 8:50am and our afternoon programs will begin at 12:50pm. Programs typically last between 20 and 30 minutes.

Don't forget that class holiday parties begin at 11:00am and 3:00pm for morning and afternoon sessions respectively. Parents are always welcome to join in the fun!

Our last day of school for 2011 is Wednesday, December 21. School opens again on Tuesday, January 3.

We're looking forward to seeing you around school this week!

The Joy of Giving

12/02/2011 16:42:00

In this month of December we have the opportunity to participate in a long-standing Springboro Preschool Discovery tradition. That tradition is having our children bring in an item (or items) to donate to those who are in need.

Giving, sharing, and thinking of others are certainly character qualities we desire in our children and as parents we are often looking to provide practical opportunities to help our children develop their character. To really celebrate the spirit of what we are doing, our teachers take time in class to discuss what it means to “donate” and also talk with their students about what it means to give to others. Please consider brainstorming with your child on an item they think would be a good gift.

Maybe donate a canned good or a toiletry item. Maybe a toy, a book, or some warm mittens. Please bring your unwrapped item to class within the next couple weeks. Thanks so very much for participating in this tradition with us!

Grandparents Week

11/16/2011 16:46:00

We celebrated the conclusion of our Home and Family Unit with Grandparents Week, November 7-11. Over 145 grandparents and other special adults visited their grandchildren in the Large Motor or Art Rooms.

Those visiting students in the Art Room were invited to watch or help as their student completed an art project. They also enjoyed making a Native American necklace together. To the delight of their grandchildren and our staff, many grandparents were seen proudly wearing their necklaces!

The Large Motor room featured movement activities with music and lots of laughter during the Hokey Pokey! Our homemade playdough was a big hit with many talented artists - both children and adults! Many of you requested the playdough recipe and it is included below. Enjoy some over the holidays!

We would like to thank all of you that were able to visit. Your grandchild really looked forward to your visit, enjoyed "showing you off" to their friends and teachers, and loved having you all to themselves!

Thanks for being that special someone in a child's life!

Playdough Recipe (the amount on the table in Large Motor room is a double recipe)
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
2 tsp. cream of tartar
2 Tblsp. vegetable oil
food coloring

Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly
until it forms a ball (about 5 min)
Turn out onto a smooth surface and knead (careful-it's hot)
Keep in a ziploc bag or airtight container.
Will leave oily marks on play surface.