Map-Making Sensation The Fireflies recently explored maps! The theme started when we observed the Fireflies drawing treasure maps and dressing up as pirates. Based on the children's enthusiasm, we decided to start a study of maps. We talked about what maps are and documented their ideas on the...

Time for Potty Training Potty training is a major milestone for toddlers, as well as parents. It is important not to start potty training until the child and the parents are both really ready. Timing and patience is the secret to success!! Potty training depends on the emotional and physical...

Early Learning. Early Literacy. Exposure to literature is extremely important during the first years of life. Early literacy not only consists of reading books to young children, but also the way young children observe, handle, manipulate and comprehend books and stories. In the Wild Things...

Loving Literacy The Starfish Room recently received an easel and a dry erase board (squeal!), so now the Starfish’s meeting time conversations are more exciting than ever. “That’s a lot of letters,” one Starfish remarked as her teacher wrote down what her friend had just said. As we talked, we...

written by Assistant Teacher Mandi Bompensa Uncovering Creative Interests Last month was filled with holidays, trips, and goodies. Even after the end-of-the-year gala showcase, many of the Hawks and Eagles spent their time feverishly creating gifts for loved ones and friends. As a new member of the...

Parent Participation Matters It's not always easy to find the time for PPP ( Parent Participation Program) hours. You know you have to do it, but what you might not know is how important your participation is to the teachers, the children, and fellow families. Believe it or not, magical (yes...

Beginning to Build Vocabulary We know that early language and communication skills are important for children’s development. The Doodlebugs are learning new and exciting ways to express themselves with words, gestures, and body movement. The teachers have been engaging children in play that promotes...

What IS a Roadrunner? PIC's first Fall Festival flowed like a warm autumn breeze. The various activity stations set up invited engaging interactions as our community witnessed a collection of creativity in various areas of emergent curriculum. Each classroom designed t-shirts with a collective theme...

Birding at Tinicum One of the best things about PIC's After School Center is being located in an urban setting. We easily expand our classroom and enrich learning by visiting to nearby sites and destinations. The Starlights took a trip recently to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum...

Creating Clubs of Artistry As the weather gets colder, creative minds are just getting warmed up in PIC's After School Center. This session, we are happy to welcome a new set of clubs that focus on artistic expression. The artistic energy can be clearly seen in the kindergarten students of the...