All You Hungry Caterpillars!

This week we are learning about caterpillars and butterflies. We are using the story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, in shared reading. We are also sequencing the story using the things the caterpillar eats on each day of the week.

 

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Crowning Mary in a Preschool Classroom

Now that May is upon us (where has the year gone??), our thoughts here at Our Lady of Grace have turned to … Our Lady of Grace. It’s time for our May crowning. Read more

Rainy Day Fun

Last week was a wet one. We had been inside for 3 days, and if you teach young kids, you know what that means!! To put it lightly, the students had a lot of energy. :) Read more

How Silliness Saved a Not-so-Good Day!

We are approaching the end of the school year, which is good and not so good. Last Friday was turning into a not-so-good day. The students know each other very well by now, and at times become more like sisters and brothers. Yikes. Read more

Getting Ready for an Accreditation Visit

Last week I spent 2 1/2 days out of my classroom preparing, organizing and uploading information needed for an upcoming AdvancED accreditation visit. There are 7 areas in which we had to evaluate ourselves as a school, as well as gather evidence that supports our accreditation. It really has helped us see what we do well, and identify some things we can improve on. Read more

Replacing Praise with Encouragement (Like Jesus)

I went to a teacher workshop recently called Using Praise? Change Your Ways! It was about using praise vs. encouragement. I was really surprised by what I learned.

I think most teachers were trained to use praise to encourage behaviors. I don’t know how often I say things like, I like how Tom is sitting on the carpet. Or, I like how Isabelle is doing her work at the table quietly. Read more

Pennies … and Love! … for Pachyderms

At Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy, preschoolers dream BIG. Pachyderm big, that is!! And we did something about it!

Here’s the story: Last January during Catholic Schools Week, the preschoolers insisted they wanted to go into the community and do service just like the big kids. That’s a little tough on our schedule (many are half-day), and given our need for naps, snacks and jumping around, though. :)

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Help for Making Preschool Fun!

I have never thought learning shouldn’t be fun. In fact, I think if learning ISN’T fun, it’s not actually working! That is, kids who aren’t engaged and enjoying their classroom experience probably aren’t learning much. (Or at least aren’t learning what you wish they were.) Read more

How Smart Boards make Smart Leaders

Mornings are always fun in preschool … and even more fun this year with our Smart Board! It really gets the kids up and moving while they learn. No desks for us!!

We received our Smart Board last fall. It looks – and acts – like a giant touch-screen tablet mounted on the wall, and it can do everything but tie the kids’ shoes. (Okay, that’s a bit of an overstatement. But it is amazing!) Read more

I Like Butterflies!

I Like Butterflies – Broadband