GeoBoards & Pattern Blocks

We do not use worksheets or printables to teach at MCP.  We have many manipulatives in our room to introduce, practice and master many concepts.  We tell the children there are shapes, numbers, letters and words everywhere.  We talk about shapes, numbers. letters and words during their center time, group time and during class.

We have geoboards and pattern blocks in our Discovery Center.  With a geoboard and rubber bands, your child can create geometric shapes, strengthen their fine motor skills and even create some beautiful art.

Pattern blocks are colorful wooden blocks that your child can either match a pattern on a template or create a pattern.  This is how we do math!

How can you help your child develop their math skills? 

http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/math-geom.htm

http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/article/shapes_space

You can help your child with their math skills everyday because shapes and numbers are everywhere!

Messy Monsters!

Messy fun with our TTh 3 y/o class today!

Don't Stick Your Finger Up Your Nose- 2016

This is another song we sing for obvious reasons.  I love it and the kids love it...

http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2015/09/dont-stick-your-finger-up-your-nose.html

School Songs

 

 Click to learn 'Sticky Bubblegum' and our calendar songs!

http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2013/09/sticky-sticky-bubblegum.html 

Lacing Cards 2016

One of the activities in our Discovery Center is lacing cards.  We create lacing cards that the children can take home.  Why do we do we have the children lace?  This type of activity helps your child develop and strengthen fine motor skills.  For more information check out this article from PBS---

http://www.pbs.org/parents/adventures-in-learning/2015/02/lacing-cards-strengthen-fine-motor-skills/

More information and 'how to'---

http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2009/12/lacing-cards.html

http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2013/09/lacing-cards-2013.html

http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2014/09/lacing-cards-2014.html

You and your child can create lacing cards for home!

Our First Project-TTh

Our TTh 3 y/o class did a lot yesterday.  Many of our friends found the scissors in the art center!

 

After we did our 'jobs', we sat at the tables for a group project! We used glue.  We learned that we only need a 'dot'.  Glue also has to dry so we can take our project home on Tuesday. 

Each child received a white piece of paper and a bottle of glue. 

 Lots and lots and lots of paper was placed in the center of the table for children to freely choose colors and shapes.

Some finished projects are ready for the family art gallery!

National Play-Doh Day

You either love it or hate it in your house (and in shoes, carpet, hair, toys...)  I love it and next Friday, September 16th is National Play-Doh Day.

More info and fun facts (I'm not sure any moms & dads will know who Captain Kangaroo is or where Romper Room is located)---

http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-play-doh-day-september-16th/

http://mentalfloss.com/article/52727/10-fun-facts-national-play-doh-day 

DIY Recipes---

http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-power-of-play-dough.html

Create a spot to have some fun with Play-doh with your child.