Moving our bodies and Color Me Healthy

Anytime we move our bodies is a good time! Students love being active and at times show their nature of competitiveness. Students have enjoyed the challenge of target throwing and competing against each other and improving their personal best. Not only is this fun, but the Nevada preschool standards go on to state that eye-hand coordination, manipulation skills, strength, dexterity and control are all essential for the physical development of fine motor skills. Through active participation in these activities, children will develop necessary future skills such as eye-hand coordination, strength and dexterity, and control of writing utensils.
(http://www.doe.nv.gov/Standards/Pre-K/Pre-K_Standards.pdf)

Physical Movement standards addressed:
2.PK.2 Perform a variety of large motor skills (e.g., throw a ball in purposeful direction, attempt to catch a large ball).
4.PK.1 Engage in daily moderate to vigorous physical activity.
5.PK.1 Participate appropriately during physical activities.
5.PK.2 Demonstrate turn taking and cooperation during physical activities.
5.PK.3 Interact positively with others regardless of personal differences (e.g., skill level, gender, race, and disability).
5.PK.4 Participate in multi-cultural activities that enhance physical development (e.g., dance, games, and activities).
6.PK.1 Demonstrate skills in eye-hand coordination (e.g., stacking, sorting, lacing toys, stringing beads, reproducing basic patterns, complete six-piece puzzle, Legos and peg-boards).

The Nevada preschool curriculum further states: "Knowledge and habits of healthful living begin early in life. While young children are not in charge of providing themselves with a healthy  environment and lifestyle, they can begin the life-long process of developing habits of healthy living and physical activity. Children feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when taking an active role in preparing nutritious snacks, maintaining a clean and healthy environment, and caring for their bodies.They begin to understand how daily activities promote overall personal health and safety when they are able to: Distinguish between healthy and non-healthy foods, take care of personal hygiene, follow basic safety rules, and identify feelings."

"Children learn as they live. Every program for young children needs to have established routines involved in healthy living. Children are able to choose from healthy snacks and lunches and begin to recognize the necessity of food and water for life. Habits of washing hands, brushing teeth and keeping their environment clean, safe and healthy are established during the period of early childhood. While children are engaging in these activities, teachers interact with them,informally introducing information and facts about healthy living." (see the Nevada preschool standards HERE)

To help our students learn about healthy living, we have been participating in a new program called "Color Me Healthy." This program is focused on providing fun, innovative, interactive learning opportunities with physical activity and healthy eating. Every day students participate in different physical activities and then monitor their heart rates. Look for your child to come home with a red wagon stamp. This means that they participated in an activity that gave them a vigorous heartbeat. They love challenging themselves and being active.

This new program helps to establish many new healthy habits and an active lifestyle for our little ones.

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #22

Different Approaches to Bringing up Kids
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

I know of two dads with different approaches to bringing up their kids. One dad has already bailed his boy out of jail twice for being in the wrong place with the wrong kids, doing the wrong things. He has lectured his boy on the problems he has created and what’s going to happen if he doesn’t straighten out.

The other dad had a discussion early in his son's life, "You know, pal. My grandpa had a rule about never getting a lawyer and bailing his kids out of jail. My dad had the same rule. It's become a tradition in our family. I think I'm going to have the same rule so that we can maintain that tradition. So if ever you find yourself in jail, don't take it personally if you don't get bailed out. It's the family tradition."

Which parent gave his son a special gift of love by meeting the child's need to think about consequences?

Which parent met his own need to feel in control?

Which parent is in for increasing problems with his youngster?

Which father has the best kid in the long term?

We all know the answer.

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

Fireman Oh!

We are so lucky to have so many wonderful parents at HO4K. Last week Fireman Oh, a parent, came in to teach the students all about fire safety. The students learned about all of the different clothing items, tools and  equipment that firemen use. We learned not to be afraid of the appearance and noise that firemen make when they come to save us in an emergency.

One of the most important things we learned from Fireman Oh was what to do if we were to catch on fire. Above we are listening to the steps and then we practiced! Fireman Oh showed us how to "Stop, Drop and Roll!" We loved practicing this at home and can show you how to do it! Just ask your little one when they get home!

Some Nevada State Standards addressed through this presentation:

1.PK.5Identify some safety rules (e.g., fire safety, traffic/pedestrian safety, dangerous objects/substances/activities, etc.).

1.PK.7
Recognize community health and safety helpers (e.g., police, firefighters, doctors).


LANGUAGE AND LISTENING
7.PK.1a
Listen for a variety of purposes with increasing attention span.

7.PK.1b
Listen to and follow a two-step oral direction with the use of formal and informal language

7.PK.3
Listen with increasing attention span to gain new vocabulary.

8.PK.2
Use and expand vocabulary to describe feelings, experiences, observations and ideas.

8.PK.4c
Ask and answer simple questions.

Living and non-living

We continue to explore the world around us. It is important for children to be able to decipher the difference between living and non-living objects. In the far left jar you can see the avocado plants that we have been working hard to grow. (See the past post on avocado plants to learn more about this ongoing project). Students have discovered, displayed and continue to observe, objects that are both living and non-living.  

Students have measured and compared several different plants. We chart the growth of plants and continue to learn about what helps them to grow strong and healthy. We have noticed that our avocado plant growing in the soil is healthier and growing faster than then one in water.

We have sorted, compared and discussed the difference between objects that are living and non-living. Using our five senses we have observed these objects and understand that living things need air, water, food, etc. to continue to grow. We have been very careful to take care of our growing plants at school.

Students learned about the different parts of a flower. These flowers were donated by a student and we loved taking them apart to see the flower structure. Next, student took turns examining them and sorting the petals into groups by color. Here students talked about observable characteristics and worked together to figure out the different groups and placements.

Although there are many Nevada State Preschool Standards addressed throughout these learning opportunities, below are examples from the science core curriculum:

 

N.PK1.a Observe their world.
N.PK1.b Ask questions about their world.

N.PK.3 Use tools safely to observe and explore different objects/environments.

N.PK.5 Students work in small groups and share ideas with others regarding to science related activities.

E.PK.4 Identify and sort different natural objects(e.g., rocks, soils, etc.).
P.PK.1Sort objects according to observable properties (e.g., by shape and color).
P.PK.3 Explore what happens to objects in relation to other forces (e.g., magnets, gravity, and water).
P.PK.4 Investigate how objects react when placed in water.
L.PK.7 Identify and/or sort plants and animals by observable characteristics.
L.PK.8 Observe living and non-living things on Earth.

* REMEMBER YOU CAN SEE ALL NEVADA PRESCHOOL STANDARDS HERE.

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #21

Helping Unmotivated Kids
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

 

Helping unmotivated kids is one of the most complex challenges we face as educators and parents.

In approximately 99% of cases, the child's lack of motivation results from far more than simple laziness or a conscious desire to act out. The roots of apathy go far deeper, into feelings of frustration, anger, hopelessness, lack of control, or loss. The majority of these feelings lay at the subconscious level, where they wreak havoc on a child's ability to engage in higher-level thinking tasks, such as sustained attention to detail, problem-solving, memory, perseverance, and self-control.

This is why punishing children for getting bad grades usually backfires. Since they are already feeling bad about life, how is making them feel worse about it going to get them motivated to succeed?

In my new book, From Bad Grades to a Great Life!, I teach a variety of alternative strategies for getting at the roots of apathy…rather than making it worse with anger, lectures, threats and punishments. At the core of what we teach is the importance of loving kids for who they are…rather than who we want them to be. Yes! The healing process begins when we end the power struggle by saying, "We will love you no matter how well or poorly you do in school. Your grades are your grades…not ours. That's why we are no longer going to fight with you about them. Just let us know how we can help."

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible.

By the way, I'll be LIVE on our Facebook wall discussing
"When Kids Bring Home Bad Report Cards"
Thursday, October 13th from 11am - 12noon (Mountain Time)
Please join me!

Dr. Charles Fay

Our little ones

 It is never to early to start your children in learning activities. Simple concepts, such as holding a paint brush and putting marks on a paper serve a purpose. Look at the excitement and pride in her face! She is aware that she has created something. This motivation will continue to drive her as things get difficult and as she learns more challenging tasks. This particular activity is helping to prepare her for other fine motor skills and for the proper pencil grasp in writing.

 Oh how we love our little ones! They remind us to slow down, laugh, and have fun! They encourage the other students to be good examples, nurturing them and their needs. We learn from each other and even though they are little, these children teach all of us each day!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Friday night out is back!!! Last month was such a great success we are looking forward to Friday, October 21, 6-8pm, for our next one.
Bring the kiddos in their PJ's... we'll provide the dinner, fun, snack and more fun! (RSVP ASAP)

Also, as required by licensing we will be doing developmental screenings at least twice per year. Mary and I went to a training last week and will be implementing "Ages and Stages Questionnaire" (ASQ). It is designed for Parents and teachers to play games and activities with the children while observing their developmental levels. (See handson4kids.com for more details and new up on blog). Please contact me to set up a day we can "play" with your child for approximately 20 minutes. It can be at drop off, during your lunch, or pick up time.

"PLAYING WITH PLAYDOUGH"

Play is how children find out about their world. All types of play; manipulative play, play with games, rough-and–tumble play, and socio-dramatic play – provide children with opportunities to try things out, see what happens, and learn (Rubin, Bukowski & Parker,1998).  Play is also a great opportunity to sneak in learning and assessment of concepts! This week we have been "playing" with playdough. All of the activities can be done at home, just for extra practice ; ) Tracing letters, numbers and shapes, forming patterns and just creating with our imaginations all reinforce valuable skills  Below is listed just some of the State Standards that can be addressed with a manipulative activity such as playdough. How much fun we have!

VISUAL ARTS
1.PK.3Use a variety of media, techniques, and processes in art activities that are of the child’s creation without a model.
2.PK.4
Identify color, shape, and texture through art experiences.

While working as a group many different opportunities arise for students to practice their correct behavior and choices. Some of the SOCIAL EMOTIONAL STANDARDS addressed with this activity would be:

5.PK.1b
Play in pairs and small groups.
5.PK.1c
Engage in dramatic play.
5.PK.1d
Initiate play, or enter into play with a group of children already playing.
5.PK.2a
Participate in cooperative groups to complete a task.

 Students demonstrated the mastery of many Nevada preschool Standards as they created with playdough. Fine motor skills such as stamping, rolling, pinching, cutting, tracing, etc.

Physical development standards:
6.PK.1 Demonstrate skills in eye-hand coordination (e.g., stacking, sorting, lacing toys, stringing beads,
reproducing basic patterns, complete six-piece puzzle, Legos and peg-boards).
6.PK.2
Demonstrate the muscle strength, dexterity, and control needed to manipulate items (e.g., scissors, writing utensil, paint brushes, play dough, buttons/snaps, etc.).
6.PK.3
Use fingered or tripod grasp with drawing, painting or writing instruments.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Just a quick note to let you know we will have Rexi's dad, Firefighter Jung Oh visiting us Monday, Oct. 10 at 9am until approximately 10am, as a guest speaker on fire safety. He may even be bringing a fire engine to tour! If this is not your child's regularly scheduled day you are welcome to attend with your child to share this experience.

Also, about 6 months ago Ms Jenny recorded our school as a music and movement demo for her website. It is now up and running and you can enjoy those who attended that day dancing with Ms Jenny at: dancingwithMsJenny.com

WELCOME TO HO4K!

As the Fall begins we are always excited to start a new year and welcome new faces! This year we have two new friends that are a part of the our school family! This month we have welcomed 4 year old Cheyenne Calhoun. (Yeah a girl!) She is very friendly, full of creativity and new dramatic play ideas. She is currently attending preschool.

We also welcome our new friend (on the right) 11 mos. old Reghan. She is full of smiles, loves to feed herself and is eager to discover all we have here! HO4K is like one big family with kids of all ages! We love to learn from each other and help one another grow and experience through play!

We still have 1 more full time space available! Please keep your ears open for a child that would be a perfect fit to HO4K!

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #20

Love and Logic Alternatives to Saying "No"
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

 

When I advise parents about saying "no," I tell them the same thing I tell adolescents who might be considering some self-destructive act: "You can always do that, so let's try other things first."

• Give a choice and imply consequences: "Gee, I don't think that is a very good decision and I'm pretty sure it might work out poorly for you."

• Suggest an alternative behavior without ordering it: "I think that if I were in your shoes, I would probably change my tone of voice rather than being asked to leave."

• Ask for illumination (without using a witness stand tone of voice): "I've always wondered about what leads kids to be obnoxious. Can you help me understand that?"

• Give a direct question: "How do you think this is going to work out for you?"

Remember, Love and Logic has nothing against telling a kid "no." However, that means the response has not been clearly thought through. If we can say something that gets the kid to make his own decision, we are further ahead.

 

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #19

Why saying, "Just try it, it's easy" isn’t a good idea.
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

Has someone ever said to you, "Just try it, it's easy!" and then you found-out the task they coaxed you into trying was painfully difficult? Did this leave you feeling exceptionally capable or downright stupid…and  embarrassed?

 

When this happens to the average adult, it doesn't take long for them to conclude two things:

• This person who's trying to help me is nuts…and definitely not to be trusted!

• Why should I try if I can't even handle the easy stuff?

Quite frequently I overhear well-meaning parents and educators using the "Just try it, it's easy!" approach in an attempt to urge a reluctant child into trying something they're afraid of. When the child finds the task easy, all is right with the world. When they don't, they're confronted with the pain of seeing that they might be so slow that they can't even do something really, really "easy"!

 

How often does this need to happen before our kids lose faith in our word? How often does this have to happen before our children lose faith in their own abilities? Are you willing to take this sort of risk with your kids?

 

In my book, From Bad Grades to a Great Life!, I teach a far safer approach. Experiment with asking your child:

 

A lot of kids find this kind of challenging. Would you try this and let me know what you think?

 

If you hear, "It's too hard. I can't do it," smile, pat them on the back and ask:

 

Aren't you glad that I don't believe that?

 

"Aren't you glad that I don't believe that?" represents an exceptionally powerful way of communicating to your children that they have what it takes to succeed. Delivered in question format its effectiveness becomes supercharged. Remember: Questions create thinking. Statements create resistance.

 

You may also experiment with asking another question:

 

And…aren't you glad that I'm going to love you the same even if you have to work really hard to figure this out?

LOOK WHO'S COOKING!

     In cooking class we used our 5 senses to discover a pineapple. We decided it was healthy a food. We discussed how much it weighs in comparison to a feather. Then we weighed ourselves and compared which one weighs more. We discussed where they grow. We learned that it takes 18 mos to grow a pineapple and only one at a time grows on each bush type plant....making them more expensive per pound. We observed the pineapple plant Ms. JoAnn showed Brodee Bear in So. Carolina (where Ms JoAnn's grandchildren Naomi and Noah moved to). We observed our collection of coins and identified which ones were quarters. If we spent all quarters it would take approximately 16 quarters to buy a 1 lb pineapple.

NV Pre K Standard Life Science- L.PK.4 5 senses:
Use 5 senses to explore and investigate the natural world

NV Pre K standard Health (HE)-
1.PK.3 identify Healthy Food

Nv Pre K standard math(M)-
3.PK.1 compare objects by size to determine smaller and larger

Nv pre K standard Geography (G)
G7.PK.1 begin to understand that people move to other places.

Nv Pre K Standard Math (M)
M3.PK.4 sort pennies and nickels

NV PreK Standard social studies/ economics (EC)
Ec 10.PK.1 demonstrate the role of consumers and understand that money is exchanged for goods and/or services.

Growing up!

41.2 Lbs and is 44 3/4 ".

41.2 lbs and is 44.5" tall.

 
  This past week we have been working with measurements; different measuring tools, different things to measure and different measuring systems. Students loved learning about their growing bodies. Students used a scale to find out their weight and then used a ruler to determine their height. They organized and recorded this data to be used for later discussion and activities.

     It was fun to see the growth that several students have had throughout the year. This student has been with HO4K for several years so he was able to predict how many inches he has grown since last summer. After predicting we learned that he has grown 2 3/4" in just a little over a year! Wow!

 41.2 lbs and is 45" tall

     After all students were measured and weighed we compared the sizes of friends. Students moved into order; light, medium, heavy, more than, less than or the same, short, medium tall or big, bigger, biggest etc. We can't wait to work more with measurement as we continue to track our growth and grow into "BIG KIDS!"

NV Kindergarten (K) standards addressed:

*Math 2.PK.1 Sort objects by similar attributes (e.g., size, shape, color, etc.)

*Math 5.PK.1 Identify and sort information.

*Math 3.K.1 Compare, order, and describe objects by size.

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #18

Saved by One Letter
Weekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts


 

      Judy saved her own life. She used to listen when her kids argued with her. She used to fall for their manipulation. When her teen daughter said, "You love Billy more than me!" she used to get upset and insist, "That's not true! I love you BOTH!"

   Now she takes better care of herself. When the arguing and manipulation start, Judy goes brain dead. She doesn't listen to the words lest she be tempted to do something dumb - like respond. Instead, Judy picked a brilliant sound to use when her kids attempt to push her buttons. The sound is "Mmmmm."It works with nearly any situation:

"You’re ruining my life!"

"Mmmmm."

"You think it's 1950 or something!"

"Mmmmm."

    Judy's life - or at least her sanity - is saved. She no longer gets roped into long, destructive fights with her kids. She no longer gets defensive or worn down. She just shuts her brain off, stops listening to the manipulative words, and repeats "Mmmmm."

    Her kids have no idea what to do - but they HAVE learned very quickly that when Mom goes into "Mmmmm mode," there's no use in arguing. They hardly even try anymore.

    For more great tips on using Love and Logic techniques to save your sanity, check out Love and Logic Magic When Kids Leave You Speechless

* WOW could it be really this easy?!?! Weekly challenge: oractice being "brain dead" when your little one is pushing your buttons! : )

New Preschool Standards

The state of Nevada has recently revised the Nevada Pre-Kindergarten standards. This is a complied list of learning objectives that provide a framework for curriculum and instruction at the pre-kindergarten level. As parents it is very important that we are aware of the learning that is to be taking place with our little ones. At HO4K, all of the state standards are discussed, addressed and practiced with the students. Many activities actually address several of the standards for pre-K learning. Frequently the new state pre-K standards will be listed under the description and pictures on the blog throughout the week. This will help you to be aware of what your child is doing, the reasons we are doing certain activities and where your child's learning ability should be upon completing preschool. Please take a moment to review these standards yourself as it is extremely informative and even offers ideas on how to cover concepts to help your child understand a concept. The new Nevada Pre-Kindergarten standards can be found HERE!

Growing Avocados

Its planting time again! When trying to help children learn about responsibility, planting is a great concept. Many might be confused by that statement, but when planting, children are required to work hard to create the perfect environment for the plants to flourish, the plants need to be cared for and watered frequently and students need to be aware of the condition of the growing plant.

At HO4K we have germinated our own avocado seeds for 6 weeks in a wet paper towel inside a closed container. See our past post about how we germinated our avocado seeds here.

. We are now ready to put one seed in soil and one in water to grow plants. Students have researched and have learned that all living things need air,water, food and sunshine.

The more we work with plants, the more students realize that we have the same basic needs.
 We have worked together to create a nourishing environment for our seeds in hopes that they will grow strong and healthy just like us!

F IS FOR FUN!

F-F-F-FLYING!

This week students worked on the letter F. There were many activities but the favorite hands down was the flying swing! Students took turns waiting patiently and reading their names off of a list to participate. Once safety rules were discussed, students were harnessed in and flying! Many skills were learned and reinforced from this activity. For starters, students used their bodies and large motor skills to move the swing. This took practice of coordination and core body strength. Focusing on their upper body and self control, students maneuvered in different positions, practicing above, beside, next to, behind and over objects. This connects to the math concept of spatial relationships. When swinging students also discovered speed, motion, gravity and cause and effect. These science concepts are always fun to learn about, but we all agree that learning with our bodies is the best way!

Fun is just a consequence of attending Hand-On-4-Kids preschool!

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #17

When to RescueWeekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

The chapter in Parenting with Love and Logic emphasizes the importance of not rescuing kids from their mistakes. However, this is not an absolute. This does not apply when the matter has to do with loss of life or limb.

And there are some other times when I would be willing to rescue a child from a mistake. It really doesn't hurt to rescue a child who is usually quite respectful, appreciative, and responsible. It feels good to help out this kind of person and actually helps reinforce relationships.

Rescuing a demanding, unappreciative, and irresponsible person never feels good. And it does nothing to develop relationships and only reinforces irresponsibility.

Night out

Our First "Night out" is filling fast...
Reserve your space today!

Date: Friday, September 16, 2011
Time: 6pm-10pm
Cost: $20 per child ($15 each for the 2nd and 3rd etc.)
Includes: delicious AND nutritious dinner and evening snack

Send them in PJ's, have confidence in their safety and fun!

We are Looking forward to YOUR "Night Out" !! Contact me at your earliest convenience with RSVP, payment due by Wednesday, September 14, 2011. Don't forget!