Gathering Activity Info

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.

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.

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.

Games

Each week we play games that relate to our story.  Often we are just acting out a part of the story or pretending to be a character from the book.  Sometimes we are practicing a specific skill.  (Throwing, hopping, pedaling, pincher grasp).  We try to have a good mixture of gross motor activities and fine motor activities.  We often repeat successful activities with a little twist.  One week you might see us throwing fishy beanbags and the next week throwing newspaper balls.  The kids enjoy the familiarity.  They feel successful when they can do something more than once.   Right now some of their favorites are parachute games, throwing games, and any kind of Hide-and-Go-Seek we can think up.  We play quiet group games, like Bingo, too.    Occasionally,  with our one to one ratio, we are able to divide up and play a game just with our Mommy!  

We NEVER play competitive games with our little ones. at Mommy and Me.  We find ways to make our games cooperative.  That way the little ones can focus on the enjoyment of the game ,and not whether or not their friend is faster, stronger, or throws better.

I do feel learning to lose or win graciously is a valuable skill.  But it is one I practice at home with my 3 year old, without the pressure of peers and their mommies' eyes upon him.  There are lots of opportunities in family life to learn how to be a good winner or a good loser.  And as they get older, plenty of teachable moments in and outside of the safety net of family.     

Art Activity

Each week we have an art activity that relates to the book.  I try to make sure that the art activity is more process than product oriented.  (Meaning the "what they are doing" is more valuable than "what it looks like" when they are finished).   We paint, craft, color, glue, cut, string, and explore materials together.  Because we are a Mommy and Me group, we can attempt some messier or more difficult projects that require a one to one ratio. Things that a traditional preschool setting may not be able to duplicate.   (Like painting with our dancing feet)!

The Mommy who signs up to do the art activity, brings all needed materials ready to go.  They are pre-sorted so that she can hand each Mommy and Me pair the materials they need for the complete project.  We try really hard not to have lag time between activities.  We don't want the little "me-s" to lose interest.   Sometimes the Mommy in charge of art brings a sample, but not always.  It is really just if a guideline is needed for the Mommies to know how to help our little ones.  It is never something the children are expected to copy EXACTLY.  At 3 years old, we are really just focused on enjoyment and exploration.   So if they want to color their penguin purple or neon green, great!  They want to use the circles for the snowman's ears instead of eyes, awesome!    If they are like my son last week and don't want to do any art projects "EVER EVER AGAIN" then we watch the fun our friends are having and save the materials for later.  :)