Last week in Room 5 we baked chocolate chip cupcakes. While our activity began as an extension of the new “bakery” dramatic play center we installed, it was also meant as a real-world experience to put the early math and literacy foundations they learn each day into some very productive practice!

We began by working together using our literacy skills to decipher the recipe on the box. We read our list of ingredients, and found the correct size of measuring cups we’d need for this baking project. Then we showed off our math skills using addition and subtraction to count how many eggs to add to our batter, and how long to stir it.

We used one-to-one correspondence, counting out the number of mini-cupcake holes we filled in our tin. Then finally, we completed our project by adding our own personal flare to our lovely finished cupcakes. Each child chose how much icing or sprinkles they wanted to add, and decorated their own delightful creations!

Now THOSE are some happy bakers! 🙂

Room 5 is all about hands-on projects which nurture a wealth of developmental areas. What better way to boost our young 2-year-old’s self esteem, creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination than with a big project to conclude our big winter theme? We made real glass snow globes this week, and the results were fabulous!

Our excited friends took full control of this project. They picked their own decorations, poured the jar full of baby oil, and chose their own sparkles to shake into their snow globe. When the finished product was flipped over and ready to go they went home with a timeless craft of their own design which they can enjoy for years to come- and know THEY MADE IT!

Way to go Room 5!

“Cold Hands, Warm Hearts” has been our theme for January in room 5. We are learning about the Golden Rule and exploring the components of winter! While our young two-year-olds are developing their social-emotional skills like empathy and purpose, we are supporting them with the words of God. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12-14 (NIV)

We are also learning new vocabulary, cause and effect, and creating beautiful winter art. Cold weather and wintery themes allow for a great opportunity to integrate all of these concepts like sharing, showing love, and togetherness.

We read “The Mitten” and talked about making room for others, and sharing even when we may not think there is enough to go around. God will provide for us, all we have to do is share his love.

So stay warm and share the love, friends!

In Room 5 we like to make everything friendly and accessible for the young twos- it is their room after all! So, we made a toddler-sized felt tree which they happily decorate without fear of breaking things, knocking it down, or having it topple over them. What a joy! Not only did they create the felt decorations for the tree themselves with stickers, glitter glue, and paint- they get to take them off and re-decorate to their little hearts’ content. We love the wonder in their eyes as they take on the opportunity to trim the tree again and again.

The friends in Room 5 have been hard at work getting our bulletin ready for the main lobby! They mixed up some sparkly puff paint and created whimsical snowmen. While they worked on their art, we worked some math foundations into the activity. We discussed ordering, shape, and size while we put each snowman together. They are very proud of their work and so are we! Check out their finished product in the main lobby for the remainder of the Christmas season.

The preschoolers enjoyed a visit from PCS orchestral students. The 5th grade students played a selection of songs and then demonstrated each instrument by explaining the various parts of each instrument and playing a few individual notes. The preschoolers were eager to say which instrument they liked best. One little friend danced through the whole show…a musician in the making!