A special visitor

delightful puppet show!

Emergent Curriculum: Construction

There happens to be some renovation work going on next door. The children (both toddlers and preschoolers) have been fascinated, so we decided to spend Friday morning observing.

We squealed in delight as the giant yellow backhoe loader filled its loader buckets with dirt and hauled it away.

We discussed the caution tape, the cones, and the different sounds the machines make.

We analyzed the way the friendly workers repaved the sidewalk and driveway.

The children were thoroughly engrossed. It was evident how critically they were thinking through the questions they were asking. A very exciting morning for all of us!

Peek into the classroom: Toddler streamer dance

The physical development portion of the planned experiences for the month of March included streamers.

We used our large muscles as we waved, twirled, and pulled the streamers!

Toddlers: Ring Around the Rosie

Another happy day at Windsor!

We were playing hard all morning.

The classic nursery rhyme "Ring Around the Rosie" was requested again...again...and again...!!!

Clapping and giggling ensued during and after each fall.


Ring Around the Rosie, Part 1

Ring Around the Rosie, Part 2

Peek into the classroom: Building with Marshmallows

Highlighted project: marshmallow structures

The children enjoyed the sensory experience of the fluffy, soft, squishy marshmallows in their hands.

Building was incorporated into the project by giving the older toddlers toothpicks to build marshmallow structures. Children exercised their creativity and imagination in this open-ended, hands-on exploration session as they built castles, trains, people, etc.

Poking marshmallows through the toothpicks also served as an excellent fine motor development activity for our pre-writers.

And, of course, devouring the marshmallow creations afterward (and during the project) was great fun. :)



Reminder: Children engage in planned experiences, like the one above, daily. Monthly or weekly lesson plans are posted.

Gathering Drum

It started with RK, but now all the tots are very interested in drumming...

Exploring the gathering drum

Socio-emotional development:
The gathering drum brings all the children together in a drum circle. The children love to make music together while looking at each others excited, giggling faces.

Physical development: 

As the children pound with their hands, they exercise their large muscles. Drumming with a drumstick allows for a different movement.

Cognitive Development: 

Children observe different sounds, rhythm, and experiences as they experiment with the drum. 

Idea for home: Give your child pots, pans, and spoons made of different materials (wood, metal, etc.). Have your child pound away! This will allow children to make different sounds (due to different materials) and analyze them. It gives your child a simple learning activity to do while you're making dinner.