Our very own Miss Helene reads a favorite children’s book written by Lois Ehlert: “Feathers for Lunch.” The daycare students love going on the backyard adventure together as Miss Helene reads about the escaped housecat who tries to catch and eat twelve different birds. The book is very colorful and includes pictures of beautiful birds. While the sneaky cat uses unique hiding places to try to fool his prey, the children laugh together each time
Using stencils is a great way to enhance hand-eye coordination and strengthen fine motor skills.  With stencils, preschool children can also learn about different geometric shapes and pattern making. Paper based stencils were first developed by the Chinese around 105 AD. The stencils were used to expand their printing techniques. Later, stenciling was used on cloth to create colorful patterns that were sewn onto garments. In the eighteen century, craftsmen used stencils to paint creative designs
Our Terrific Two’s are so proud when they achieve something, like stacking toys successfully! At Apple Hill Academy we like to speak about the developmental phase experienced by young children that is often marked by “cheeky” behavior, as the “Terrific Two’s” stage. It is a wonderful time for parents and educators to appreciate the opportunities available in which to build confidence in toddlers. Confidence building is the single most important life skill a person will ever acquire.
Playing instruments helps improve hand-eye coordination and is a great way to practice patterns. Our daycare toddlers love making music! We find that some of them “march to the beat of a different drummer” sometimes. There are many idioms which incorporate musical instruments into the vernacular. The saying “March to the Beat of a Different Drummer” refers to those of us who tend to act independently and are usually “out of the box” thinkers. Some creative children
Sometimes all you need are paper, glue, scissors, and an imagination. Our preschool children enjoy creating works of art using various tools, especially safety-scissors. Cutting with scissors gives children the opportunity to use both hands together while tracking with their eyes. Using scissors also helps build hand muscles and fine motor skills. While children are cutting paper or other material, they are practicing focus and attention. Interestingly, the metaphor “cut a wide swath” means to