We begin each class with a gathering activity. It gives the little ones a chance to acclimate to the environment, moms a chance to get their materials put out for the activity they are hosting that day, and everyone just a chance to breath and ease into the morning. AND of course, gives the moms running a couple of minutes late (because an independent 3 year old insisted on tying his shoes himself), a chance to make it before we start circle time.
We try to offer a mixture of hands on activities and quiet activities. Some little ones need a chance to warm up. I always have a selection of books in a basket available for those wanting/needing some lap time with Mommy. For those ready to jump right in to playing with friends, I have theme related puzzles or activities available. Each lesson plan includes ideas for these activities.
I give a two minute warning when it is time to get ready for circle time, to allow them time to finish a book or activity they are working on.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Circle Time Info
Each week I select a book for our Mommy and Me Book Club. I try to select quality children's literature, with engaging pictures, and that are age appropriate. But most importantly, I look for books that are fun to read aloud and can hold the children's attention.
We begin each circle time singing "Here We Are Together" at Mommy and Me. Then we name each of our kids. After the opening song, we sing the ABCs, count to 10 and then count backwards to zero.
Next we introduce the story of the day, which I read aloud to the children.
After the story we sing several songs and finger plays related to the theme. I make sure to include a lot of movement into the songs and finger plays.
We conclude each week with the song "Shake My Sillies Out."
We end with a verse "I'm gonna tiptoe my sillies out" and tiptoe to the art table.
We begin each circle time singing "Here We Are Together" at Mommy and Me. Then we name each of our kids. After the opening song, we sing the ABCs, count to 10 and then count backwards to zero.
Next we introduce the story of the day, which I read aloud to the children.
After the story we sing several songs and finger plays related to the theme. I make sure to include a lot of movement into the songs and finger plays.
We conclude each week with the song "Shake My Sillies Out."
We end with a verse "I'm gonna tiptoe my sillies out" and tiptoe to the art table.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Snack Time
I am gradually adding explanations to each part of our day. Hopefully I will have them all up soon for those of you who are hoping to duplicate this with your friends where you live! I have already posted info about circle time and gathering activity.
Snack time is probably one of the little ones' favorite parts of Mommy and Me. They laugh and talk with each other and eat yummy food. Snacks are usually theme related and most of the time are healthy. I try to plan only one sweet treat a month. (But sometimes, the ideas are just too cute to resist and we have two). As with the other activities, the moms take turns bringing the snack. Sometimes we have a cooking activity and the children help make the snack. Other times it is ready to go when we start snack.
Here is some other basic info about snack. We have a class set of plates and cups that the children use each week, so that we can keep Mommy and Me as "green" as possible. We usually only bring snack for the children. Mainly because it is simpler to make 6 olive penguins than it is to make 12. The children eat snack and talk with one another, and it gives the mommies a chance to catch up. We make sure that our conversations are appropriate for little ears, but it is really the only time during the class that we have personal conversations. The rest of class is completely focused on our children.
Snack time is probably one of the little ones' favorite parts of Mommy and Me. They laugh and talk with each other and eat yummy food. Snacks are usually theme related and most of the time are healthy. I try to plan only one sweet treat a month. (But sometimes, the ideas are just too cute to resist and we have two). As with the other activities, the moms take turns bringing the snack. Sometimes we have a cooking activity and the children help make the snack. Other times it is ready to go when we start snack.
Here is some other basic info about snack. We have a class set of plates and cups that the children use each week, so that we can keep Mommy and Me as "green" as possible. We usually only bring snack for the children. Mainly because it is simpler to make 6 olive penguins than it is to make 12. The children eat snack and talk with one another, and it gives the mommies a chance to catch up. We make sure that our conversations are appropriate for little ears, but it is really the only time during the class that we have personal conversations. The rest of class is completely focused on our children.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
