The Computer Buzz!!

I have recently brought in a computer, as most of you have noticed. The children are VERY excited and eager to use it. I have been looking around for online educational games that are age appropriate as well as fun! So far, we have found several letter games, and a few matching games. If you have any suggestions for games please let me know.

I did want to take a moment and explain my reasoning for introducing a computer at a four year old level. The first and foremost reason is for extended learning. I have had a few children ask me questions about different subjects; sometimes I can answer them, and sometimes I can't. Now, instead of telling them I will look into their question, we go to the computer and look it up online. This has been a great resource for our Dinosaur unit.

Another reason for the computer is for them to have yet another way to learn their letters and other skills we are working on such as fine motor. It is challenging to be able to move the mouse, click an object and move it to another location (our ABC matching game is a great example of this).

Ask your child about the computer in our classroom. I am excited to hear some feedback on what they think.

Please rest assured, your child is NOT sitting in front of the screen all day. The children are allowed to have 10 minutes each taking turns playing a "game of the day."

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

January 2010

Welcome Back from a long Christmas break. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to keep up with this blog better! Sorry for lacking in information. My Goal is to post weekly what we are doing and provide you at home access to our daily events. Time is passing so fast, I think I just updated the blog, then two months go by.

The children all seemed excited to be back (after the parents left this morning of course). We are working out a new routine and trying to get back in the groove of "learning."

Please check back later in the week, for I will be posting new pictures as we learn all about water and ice!

Also, please remember hats, mittens and winter coats... it is cold out there! One more house keeping reminder. Children enjoy (and are more comfortable) with a small pillow and blanket. I do have extra, however my stock is getting limited. If you could send these items from home so each child has his/her own blanket that would be great! Thanks for your help!

Hi, Everyone,
Wow! Where has the time gone? I can't believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner!
The Cardinals have been busy learning all kinds of new things. One of the things we are working hard on is our alphabet books and writing journals. Your children are learning all of their letters (and the sound each one makes) and practicing how to write each one.

The Cardinal room is a bit challanging right now because I have some children getting ready to go off to Kindergarden and some that are going to be staying with us another year. Rest assured those that will be staying with us, your child is NOT being pushed to learn some of the things that the others will be doing. If they choose to do it-great, if not, they work at their own pace.

We also will be making alot of cool art projects. We are in need of empty veggie cans and creamer bottles (please make sure both are rinsed out if you bring some in).

I will try my best to update the blog more often (I'm hoping for a weekly update, but it hasn't been working out that way).

Just a friendly reminder: Breakfast is an important meal of the day and I would like to make sure everyone gets a balanced meal. However, in order to start our day we will be serving breakfast from 7:45 to 8:30. If your child needs/wants breakfast please make sure they are in the room by 8:25. At 8:30, it will be cleaned up and no longer available. Thanks for understanding! :)

Everyday is a new learning experience in the Cardinal Room, if not the kids, it is the teachers! We have been keeping busy learning to build buildings as tall as we are, playing the guitar, and just relaxing in the book area.

November is conference month at Diamond Street. Please call the office if you would like to have a conference. They will be held on Monday 23rd and Tuesday the 24th. If these days do not work for you, please see me and we will make other arrangments. :)

When the weather does not permit us to go outside, we head to the big room for scooter races, hoop toss, and fun active games!

Playing outside is so much fun in the fall. We made a maze path in the leaves, had leave "fights" and raked a huge pile to jump into! We were sad when they bagged them all up.