Happy Birthday Sophie Ganot

There are some years in a preschool classroom when you have two children with the same first name.  Inevitably, those children are called by their full name for the entire year.  I have seen children years later who still recall this preschool memory.  This year we have two Sophies.  Sophie Sherman and Sophie Ganot.   Not Sophie S. or Sophie G., but first and last names.  This week we celebrated the birthday of Sophie Ganot when her mom, Denise, came in to share a couple of books.   Denise's teacher expertise was also shared as she was able to quickly capture the attention of the group.  Thanks Sophie Ganot and Denise! 

Less IS More

After spending yesterday morning observing at the Early Childhood Learning Laboratory at Boston University, we decided to start our day by trying one of the many new ideas we observed. We liked how the ECLL offered limited choices during the 30 minutes drop off period, allowing for a calmer drop-off. We decided to start by closing the two most popular centers - dramatic play and blocks.

After explaining that all centers would be open after circle time, we were delighted to see that children happily spent extended periods of time in the choices that were available. Fewer choices also afforded teachers the opportunity to spend more focused learning time with children.

The writing center was very popular!A group of us listened to stories in the book corner, including The Matzah Man.

Everyone made playdough, with Drew proudly sharing his Matzah Man!

Our Cozy/Quiet Space

Since children develop at their own pace, classrooms are likely to have children at all stages of play development from solo through large group skill levels. Supportive classrooms will have spaces and places that support each level of play with opportunities for children to grow to the next.

It is important to help children feel comfortable during the program day by providing time, space and activities for children who choose to work alone or with one special friend. These opportunities allow children to practice friendships at their own pace.

Today the teachers introduced the Tel Aviv children to a cozy/quiet area (a small tent) that is set off to the side of more active areas in the classroom. The children will have this space to go to alone or with a partner to try risk-free activities to practice working with others.

At circle time we asked the children, "How many children do you think will fit safely in our tent/quiet area area?" Some children said four, and others thought three would be a good number. So we experimented with the space and they felt two children would work/play best in that space. During free play the children did a amazing job sharing the tent and taking turns. Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to use our cozy space again...I can't wait!