How to Make Kids Friendly Smoothies

Smoothies are easy to put together. Use whatever fruit you have available and add a little milk, some yogurt and some ice cubes. It really is that simple. You can also add extra flavors like sugar or vanilla. We prefer to leave the sugar out the preschoolers not only for health reasons but we want to appreciate the real flavors of the fruits. What I love about smoothies is that they are great for any time of year, and it's a fun way for the children to get their calcium!

 Kids love to cut and wash all the fruits!

Big Blue Fruit Smoothie
Carton of blueberry yogurt
1 cup of milk
1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries, strawberries or peaches
½ cup ice cubes
Have the children add all together in blender and blend until smooth.

The Straw-bana Smoothie
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
2 cups orange juice
1 banana, cut in pieces
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Have the children add all together in blender and blend until smooth.

The Van-anna Smoothie
1 cup yogurt plain, vanilla or flavored
1 banana or other kid favorite fruits
1 cup milk
1/2 cup ice cubes
Have the children add all together in blender and blend until smooth.

What kinds of smoothies do your kids enjoy?

The Preschooler's Snow People Song

Here is an all time winter favorite the children always have always loved whether it's via flannel story or simply acting it out. The snow people song has been a great motivation for kids to draw and tell stories about their own experiences. We frequently add concepts and facts about ice and water as well as allowing the children to freely improvise their own ideas to make the story their own. The staff and I often joke that this is the only politically correct song we know of for "people of the snowy persuasion". We hope you and your class of preschoolers enjoy this as much as we are.

Five little people all made of snow, 

five little snow people all in a row.

Out came the sun to shine all day

and one little snow person melted away....

Four little people all made of snow, 

four little snow people all in a row.

Out came the sun to shine all day

And one little snow person melted away...

Three little people all made of snow, 

three little snow people all in a row

Out came the sun to shine all day

And one little snow person melted away...

Two little people all made of snow, 

two little snow people all in a row.

Out came the sun to shine all day, 

and one little snow person melted away....

One little person all made of snow, 

one little snow person all alone.

Out came the sun to shine all day...

And one little snow person melted away....

Okay kids! Who wants to build them again?

Young Children and Insecurities

Some fears are imagined. But no matter how small,
a little reassurance can go a long way!

Young children can have fears or insecurities that are real or imagined. No matter how small it may seem to us, worries like these can really weigh on our little ones. So how do we put their fears and insecurities at ease? Here are some tried and true tips from teachers and families that work!

Tried and True Tips That Help Young Children Manage Their Insecurities and Fears:
1. There are many books you can read to kids or older children can read that help kids cope. Ask a librarian for kids books on a specific topic or check them out online.

Celebrate kids unique talents and skills!

2. Do you remember a time when you felt afraid or insecure when you were the child's age? What did you do? Sometimes talking about real life experiences with kids puts them at ease.
3. Helping a child begin to feel secure in their own abilities really empowers them. Everyone has talents, skills and intelligences that are unique to them. Talk about them and celebrate them.
4. Not all kids that have insecurities are insecure. Life happens and can get a bit overwhelming at times. Spending regular family time or special group time where everyone can simply talk about what we're thinking often gets a friendly conversation going.
5. With persistent insecurities it may be best to limit kids exposure to television/movies with dramatic or violent content. Going out on picnic or to the park are relaxing casual events that help ease every one's nerves.

What do you do to help our little ones manage their fears?

Just Do It

When I was a little girl I really wanted to be a ballerina. I was about 4 years old and I only had to see the Nut Cracker one time before I know that was it. My foundation was sent and I had wrapped re-bar around that notion.
My parents didn't have much money but made a way for me to go to ballet lessons. I was very small for my age and my sister joked that my tutu was more or less a one-one. I worked really hard but my teacher finally confided that I would be too small to ever really dance.
I was heartbroken.
My parents sat down with me and told me that whatever I had a mind to do. Just do it. Don't listen to what anyone has to say. That conversation really changed my life. I decided later that I wasn't going to pursue ballet about a year later. The Olympics came on and I saw the gymnasts. That was it again!
I am glad my family really supported me through my hundreds of career ideas. I never would have known what to do unless I gave it my all.

What dreams did you have as a kid?

Make your own sewing activities for children!

Sewing helps with hand eye coordination, fine motor skills, even pre-writing skills. It's a great activity but with young children we worry about needles. We found a great safe and inexpensive way to get kids started on sewing!

Make Your Own Activities for Young Children:
Materials Needed: Scotch tape or masking tape, yarn or twine, hole puncher, paper plates. You can even choose themed paper plates like those that have pictures on them from party stores.
The Preparation: Punch holes in various places all over the paper plate. In order to get holes in the middle we recommend you fold the plate and use the hole puncher in the center. Use a long length of yarn and tape off one end like a shoe lace tip so it won't frey on the children as they sew. Tape the other end securely to the back of the plate.
The Process: Place the finished plates on table or on a comfy rug so they can begin sewing any way they please.
Extensions: Children color the plates before they begin sewing. You can also cut the paper plates into shapes. For older ones, you can add plastic needles, bits of  burlap fabric and large buttons for kids to sew onto the plates (Be sure to make provisions for adult supervision on this one). It's a good firm surface to start on once kids really get the hang of it! We found small paper cake plates are less expensive and easier for little hands to work with at times.

What are some great sewing activities you have?

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream

Translation: Dear Mom and Dad, I am very very angry. I would really like to ask you both for help but I don't know how. I feel stuck. Do you think you could come talk to me tonight before you go to sleep? I think that would make me feel much better.

We suggest talking it over with a nice bowl of homemade ice cream!

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream With Kids:

•2 coffee cans with resealable lids, one large can and one small.
•5 cups ice
•1 cup rock salt
•1 pint half and half
•½ cup sugar
•2 tsp vanilla
•Instant pudding mix or frozen fruit (optional)
Kids can then stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and close the can. You will probably want to seal the lid with duct tape for added security.

Now, kids can place the small can inside the larger can and surround it with ice and rock salt. Once adults seal the lid on the larger can, kids are ready to make some ice-cream.
Kids will need to keep that can moving, but with all their energy, this shouldn’t be a problem. They can sit roll the can back and forth to eachother, kick, or shake their ice-cream maker to keep the recipe swirling.
You can set a timer for 15-20 minutes. When the timer goes off, kids can open the cans to check the ice-cream’s texture.
Adults or kids will need to stir the coldest ice cream on the sides together with that in the middle. If the concoction needs a little more firming up, kids can add a new batch of ice and salt and try ten minutes more.

It's a great way to bring a smile to anyone's face!

Making Your Own Watercolors

I love the look of watercolors. It is a very soothing activity for kids to do when they will be indoors and away from the elements. I had often thought of ways to extend on watercolors and finally found a way. I'm sure it's not original but it's a great way for kids of all ages to enjoy art as well as science.

How to make your own watercolors:

Materials: clear plastic cups (mini butter cups will do, too) have at least 3-5 for each child, warm water (it activates color faster) in a pitcher, various shades of colored tissue paper (starting out with red, blue and yellow is best), white paper, thin paint brushes
The Procedure: pour small amounts of water in each cup and allow children to select a few sheets of different shades of tissue paper. Children will need to tear small pieces of tissue and place them in the water.
The Process: The children will see the tissue colors bleed into the water as it creates their watercolors. Mixing various tissue colors in the water will change the colors! When your desired color is reached, you may begin painting.

Some kids never get past the color mixing process. We are always sure to have plenty of water on hand so kids can start over with their colors when they like! This art will produce a bit of texture left over from the tissue. Some kids like the effect but some may choose to pick the tissue of the remaining paper.
What we love about this activity is it stimulates fine motor skills, cognitive thinking, and promotes language development.

What are some things you like about creating your own colors with kids?

Skip!

Skipping is just jumping for joy, step after step."

~Jessi Lane Adams

It's impossible to skip and not smile at yourself. It seems like it's a built in reflex or something. Kids are naturally wiggly, fidgety, and a bit bouncy. I suppose we all can feel that way at times; you know, that nervous energy that makes the mind refuse to sit still.
When I see kids skipping I love to join in.
Skipping for me is a lot like life. You go up, down, even bounce around.
But through it all I can't help but smile....

Excellence

 "Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude." 

~Ralph Marston

I can really appreciate how young children love repetition so much. While I spend most of my day trying to manage my time to get all my errands and tasks done as quickly as possible, they spend their time mastering skills by taking time to do them over and over again.

A built in attitude for mastery and excellence.

Some parts of my childhood I hope I never lose....

4 Things to Look for Before Potty Training a Child

"Are we there yet?"

Let’s face it, everyone has some pretty interesting insight on how to effectively potty train a child. Well meaning pediatricians give lots of information but are sometimes vague in the approach. Dr. Tony Braselton,  has always advised patience and mutual respect (well said). Then of course, there is the old school method of the naughty child that must be punished for making a puddle.
I have found it unfortunate that many preschools will not take children into programs until they are potty trained. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure no only on the parents but on the child as well. With so much to do, see, touch taste and feel, not all children learn about how their body works after merely strolling on the planet three years.

What I have found is most helpful is if we are aware of what would make children successful potty learners in the first place. Sure, we can all run around placing a child on the potty every half hour but who is really trained then?
I have actually narrowed it down to 4 things to look for before potty training and this will cut down the potty training/learning time by 50%.

4 Things to Look For Before Potty Training a Child

1. The child shows interest in the toilet and when others go potty.
2. The child shows bladder control and can stay dry for long periods of time.
3. The child feels uncomfortable when wet or soiled. He/She will usually tell you before, after or during the process of elimination.
4. The child can remove simple clothing like buttons or snaps. Removing their own clothes is part of this process as well.

Having all four attributes are best. All attributes may not come at the same time, some may manifest early.
Talking to your child very young, getting and reading books about the potty really help encourage and prepare them.
We hope these tips are helpful and let us know how it’s all coming along for you!

The Honorable Mention: Encouraging Persistance in Preschoolers

 Did you ever stop to think, 
and forget to start again?

~Winnie the Pooh

I love persistence. I think it’s an admirable trait. I think characteristics we have can be polished and buffed just like stones.
I saw children today working together to get a wagon out of the mud. They argued if anyone should be sitting in it at first. Little voices got shrill.
When everyone got out, no on could agree on which direction to pull.
The children argued again and little arms were waving.
Then they finally agreed  an a direction the wagon came free and they hopped around congratulating each other.
They got about ten feet and the wagon was stuck again.
There was finger pointing but they knew what to do.
Could I have jumped in at any point-sure. The kids looked back at me every now and then and knew I was there. To their credit, I said nothing. I smiled and waved...I gave them a nodding look of encouragement. What pleased me most was that the kids have these skills to work together and are not falling a part at the seams.
Not bad for thee-years-olds.

Encouraging Scientific Thinking in Early Childhood Education

“Many saw the apple fall but Newton asked why.”

Bernard Baruch

How often do we provide opportunities for scientific thinking, questioning, and problem solving for our kids? Do we challenge them enough in their environment?
Take the challenge for yourself and ask yourself these questions.

*Are the children interested and excited about the materials in the environment both inside and outside?
*Do the questions I ask the children have a yes/no answer or a right/wrong answer at least 50% of the time?

*Do I allow the children to use materials in unconventional ways? Why or why not?
*Do I use materials in unconventional ways (in front of the children)? Why or why not?
*Do I ask children a question and correct them if they get the answer wrong?
*Do I ask children a question simply to hear their answer?
*Do I provide opportunities for children to problem solve together or individually.

What other questions do you think would be needful?

The Honorable Mention: Successful Clean Up Times with Kids

 “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”
~Henry Ford

Kids look up all the time. Why? They’re little doesn't mean "small"...just ask a Hersey's Kiss.
How do I know this?
I, myself…am vertically challenged. Petite…...ahem. But, I am a giant among the wee ones so please don’t break the news to them.
There are so many things I could be doing in the room that would be quicker, more convenient, and more efficiently done if I had done them all by myself….but I have a certain culture I wish to create in my classroom.
Teamwork.
Culture is like a seed. You must be take care in what you plant…because it can take over, like beautiful flowers or like thorny thistles.
We have small wash cloths, squirt bottles, and brooms for clean up times. The children use them often and were shown with care how to use them properly.
Parents were surprises when they first saw a clean up station set up in a preschool class. They initially thought the children weren’t allowed to touch it. When they saw children working with the materials they said.....
“Wow, so how do they know which of the clean up materials to choose? Option A, B, C or D?” They joked.
“As long as they use the materials together with purpose, they can choose all of the above” I laughed.

Becoming Who You Are

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
~e.e. cummings

I’m sure we all ask kids what or who they want to be when they grow up. I also watch their pretend play within the classroom. I delve as deeply as I can into their world…I ask questions, write them down, and read them back to the children. Kids love this…here are some thing they have said when I asked who they ‘will’ be when they grow up….as time goes on I’ll ask them the same question throughout the year…I noticed no one talked about pop singers, movie stars, or models...just their families. As kids get older I notice this changes sometimes.....

“I am gonna be a podiatrist. A-cuz (because) we already have a doctor in our family and my sissy is gonna be a lawyer.” (Child age four)

“I will be a mommy because I love little babies and I love my daddy and…um, I don’t want to change stinky diapers, though.” (Child age four)

“I want to be a nurse and a ballerina and a doctor. All that because I love to dance and take kids to the doctor but I don’t like to see kids sick or mommy or daddy sick.” (Child age four)

“I want to go to a big school like my brother. My dad goes to work. I don’t have a mommy. My daddy works a lot and cooks food and I like to help and go to my school. I love my daddy and my brother.” (Child age four)

Total Recall

 “Now that it's all over, what did you really 

do yesterday that's worth mentioning?”

~Coleman Cox

I often do what is called “Recall Circle” with the children. It is a time of reflecting on work the children did before we gathered. They often say with whom or where they played…what they did, how they did it…as the year goes on their language gets more intricate and detailed. I love to take dictation during this time.
“What about you, Ms. Barbra? Tell us what you did!” The children questioned me. As I looked at their happy hushed, smiling faces I told them where I worked and who needed me. After we’re done we all clap for each other.
Every now and then I take a tally of my day…and imagine their sweet little faces asking me that question.
If I can’t think of anything, I definitely find something worth clapping about.

A Beautiful Discovery

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart."
~Elisabeth Foley

How often do we encourage friendships in our kids? Sure, it's really easy to separate everyone during an argument or a fight...or go in different corners...that is, till the next round.
But what about talking it out...I mean, finding out what kids are really about?
Maybe, just maybe...if it starts with us.....it may occur to start with them.

You've Got a Friend in Me

“A friend comes in when the whole world has gone out.”

~Grace Pulpit

If you're alone, I'll hold your hand. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your arms. If you need joy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll be there.

Bawl on a String

“When someone asked Abe Lincoln, after he had been elected president, what he was going to do about all his enemies, he replied,
“I am going to destroy them. I am going to make them my friends.”

There was a ‘pincher’ in a class near mine. He targeted a ‘screamer’. It got to the point where the ‘pincher’ merely laid a finger on the ‘screamer’ and fabulous ballet of nurses and faculty would come running from everywhere to see what “hatchet murder” was taking place. Well, the powers that be decided that these two children move up together in my class. I worked closely with the parents, faculty, and spoke regularly to both the children. There would be no added attention to the situation till I got to the bottom of what was REALLY going on.
It turns out…if you hadn’t guessed already, these two had socialization issues. They were naturally drawn to each other but, didn’t know how to engage socially other than…well, pinching and screaming…and yes, they were annoying each other…and everyone else in their, “getting-to-know-you-phase”. Thankfully, we had a floater I could use that would shadowed the boys through their friendship process. They cried regularly, were offended on a whim, and need lots of teacher guidance when problem solving.
It all took time… but the boys eventually understood how to be friends with each other and with others.
I don’t believe I have ever seen a child look at another as ‘an enemy’. Little kids will argue or even fight…but ten seconds later they are playing together….happily. As a parent or teacher we can use that-there are teachable moments for children when they are receptive….teachable moments for us ‘big people’,too…if we are REALLY paying attention.

Successful Circle Time Teaching Techniques

 Children love to actively participate and interact at group times. At times I will personally narrate what will happen and model for them how you wish for them to participate, if that is what the activity calls for. Being animated and excited about what is being taught comes in many forms. Not all circle times will feel loud with everyone rolling in belly laughter. I mean, let's be real, there can be just as much fun and excitement in learning in a quiet atmosphere as there is in a noisy one. Here are some tips of the trade to keep in mind.

Circle Time Teaching 
Techniques for Teachers:
*Keep the circle time VERY visual and interactive
(Talking puppets kids can touch, large picture books, flannel stories, etc.)
*The children are your dashboard, when they are fidgety and bored-start to end your circle time.
*TRY to have enough supplies for all the children if possible, unless the activity specifically calls for otherwise. Sharing supplies and waiting for turns work best in small groups rather than large ones.
* Speak clearly and in a peasant joyful tone to the children-look them in the eyes and encourage questions.
*Enthusiasm is your first, middle and last name! And smile and make it fun for yourself as well!

“Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.”
-Rabbinical Saying

Sharing vs Taking Turns in Early Childhood Education

Depending on the age, whether the child has siblings, and situation in the home, a toddler or a preschooler may have a period adjustment in a social situation such as a home daycare or preschool. Montessori calls it a period of "normalizing", or getting used to the social environment.
this requires positive adult guidance and interaction.
Some preschool teacher's believe sharing is a natural occurrence in toddler's and preschoolers and a loving act. It is actually more so developmental and learned-more likely to occur when a child's basic needs are met.
Basic needs of a child:
Well fed/and hydrated 
Diaper changed/body feels comfortable 
Child feels safe and loved

Sharing is considered a to be more a milestone in development than manners for little ones in early childhood programs like mine. When children have positive feelings about sharing it is usually because of a positive environment as well as hitting a milestone in their development.
Supervising and being observant of preschoolers and toddlers is very important. I am often there to narrate their actions for them because so often I see them misinterpreting a loving hug as an assault or vise versa. I encourage taking turns, letting them work out the reasonable amount of time they wish to take a turn-then commending them for sharing when they follow through with the turn taking. Yes.....it takes time. The reward comes when after a while the scenario plays out like this...

"I want to ride bike, Jada." Taylor says.

"Um..5 more minutes, okay?" Says Jada.

"No, 3 more minutes." Says Taylor.

"Okay..." Says Jada. "Come get me." (Taylor runs off to play in the sand).

Jada rides the bike for five more minutes then goes to get Taylor in the sand box.

"Taylor, I done, get your bike!"

"Thanks, Jada!" They high-five each other and switch places.