Sensory Exploration and Discovery The Doodlebugs have been busy exploring sensory play with new and familiar materials. This type of exploration helps children discover various textures, tastes, smells and objects. One of our favorite experiences is using spoons to scoop wet oatmeal and fill nesting...
Having Expectations in Common Stated expectations are a common thread between PIC classrooms. In the Grasshopper classroom, we call these expectations our “classroom practices.” We chose this language to foster a sense of community, and our hope is that everyone—children, teachers and parents—will...
Conversation Starters As parents it is natural to want to know as much as possible about your child’s day at school. But sometimes it can feel like pulling teeth to get a couple of words about your child’s day! Getting children to talk about school is often harder than simply asking “how was your...
Understanding the Biter Recently, Moonbeam teacher Shayla Felton-Dorsey attended the 2013 NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Conference and Expo in Washington, D.C. One of the trainings she attended was on biting as a developmentally appropriate behavior for infants and...
Encouraging Young Engineers I’ve been thinking and writing a lot about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education as part of the Early Childhood Education degree that I am pursuing at Temple University. In particular, I’ve been addressing the underrepresentation of women and ethnic...
Never Too Young to Read Lately, the infants in the Caterpillar Room have shown great interest in reading books and looking at pictures. The older children in the classroom can go over to the book corner and get a book of their choice. They will sit and turn the pages and make different sounds like...
Did you know that several of our classrooms are actively participating in recycling programs? PIC works with the TerraCycle and Crayola ColorCycle recycling programs to help divert difficult-to-recycle waste from landfills. To date we have five programs in place. All PIC families are invited to drop...
The following article written by PIC After School Teacher Carolanne Mitchell appeared recently in the Fall 2013 Pennsylvania School-Age Child Care Alliance newsletter. Blogging with 8-11 year olds Blogging with kids is a great way to get them writing and to teach 21st century skills. I started...
Setting Limits with Toddlers is Tough We all know that setting limits with young children, especially toddlers, is challenging. We read an article recently that had useful information for parents who may be struggling with setting limits at home. Young children depend on the adults in their lives to...
All About Autumn The Leapfrogs have been talking all about autumn this past month. We have read lots of wonderful books such as Falling Leaves and Bear Snores On. We have learned many new songs such as Autumn Leaves Falling Down (to the tune of London Bridges), and Rake the Leaves (to the tune of...
