Pumpkins and preschool 09/25/2024

​A Day of Discovery and Learning at Preschool
Today was an exciting day at preschool, filled with exploration, learning, and fun activities that engaged our young minds and hands. Here’s a glimpse into our day:
Nature Discovery: The Orb Spider
Our day began with a fascinating discovery in the garden. We observed an Orb spider that had caught a grasshopper in her web. The children noticed that the spider looked bigger than she did on Monday, sparking curiosity and discussions about the life cycle and growth of spiders.
Story Time Adventures
We enjoyed reading several delightful books today:

• The Leaf Thief
• Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
• Pete the Cat and the Five Little Pumpkins
• Going on a Leaf Hunt

Reading aloud to children is incredibly beneficial and so much fun!! It not only enhances their vocabulary and comprehension skills but also fosters a love for reading and storytelling. According to experts, reading aloud helps children develop language and listening skills, stimulates their imagination, and expands their understanding of the world12.
Puzzles and Letter Recognition
We worked on our leaf identification puzzle and letter recognition puzzles, focusing on:

• A is for Apple
• L is for Leaf
• P is for Pumpkin
• T is for Turkey

These activities help children recognize letters and associate them with familiar objects, which is crucial for early literacy development. These puzzles were created by The Artisan’s Mill Early Childhood Education division specifically for our program.  Mr. Robb does an AAAMMAAAZZZIIINNNGGGG job!  We love his creations!!!
Exploring Pumpkins
Our exploration of pumpkins continued as we identified the parts of a pumpkin seed, pumpkin, vine, and flower. This hands-on activity helped the children understand plant growth and development.
Fine Motor Skills: Scissor Practice
We practiced our fine motor skills by using scissors to cut lines on our paper pumpkin handout. Scissor skills are essential for developing hand-eye coordination, muscle strength, and dexterity. They also enhance bilateral coordination and visual motor integration34.
Learning the “Five Little Pumpkins” Rhyme
We learned the “Five Little Pumpkins” rhyme and accompanying hand motions. This activity not only made learning fun but also helped improve memory and motor skills.
The Importance of Outdoor Exploration
Spending time outside is vital for children’s development. Outdoor play promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. It also improves physical health, mood, and social skills56. Today, our time in the garden observing the spider and exploring nature provided the children with rich sensory experiences and opportunities for discovery.
Conclusion
Today’s activities at preschool were not only enjoyable but also packed with educational value. From developing fine motor skills with scissors to enhancing literacy through reading aloud, and fostering curiosity with outdoor exploration, each activity contributed to the holistic development of our young learners. We look forward to more days filled with discovery and learning!


References: 3: Ready Kids - Scissor Skills 4: Tot Spot Preschool - The Importance of Teaching Scissor Skills in Preschool 5: Healthy Children - Playing Outside: Why It’s Important for Kids 6: Harvard Health - 6 reasons children need to play outside 1: All For Kids - The Importance of Reading to Your Children 2: Reading Rockets - Reading Aloud
 

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