Decisions Decisions

I love to build! Today I am making a freeway. I have to drive my car and my train on it. "How will the train be able to go?" asked Ms. Nikki Oliver replied, "Its a special road, I better get some more blocks." "What kind of blocks do you need?" I dont know, its has to be like this one so the train can get up there." Oliver snapped.

Lunch Set Up

We love helping our teachers!! Today we are helping with lunch set up. Ms. Nikki set out the right number of napkins for us. We are responsible for making sure each napkins gets a fork and each cup gets filled with milk. If we spill we have to clean it up ALL BY OURSELVES! We did a great job!!

I Can Do It Myself

From the time we are 1, we feed ourselves at lunch and sleep on cots. We are encouraged to develop an "I can do it" attitude which will carry us through our life. We drink out of regular cups; not without LOTS and LOTS of spills. After lunch, we get to brush our teeth before we lay down for a nap.

WHEN I GROW UP

Dramatic play is the best example of imagination at work. Bella says to the class "My mommy got highlights" "Do you want some, Gracie?" Gabrielle and Taylor decided to help, Gabrielle tells Gracie, "Sit still girl, I can't braid your hair if you keep moving." Taylor says, "Close your eyes, it might burn." Students from diverse culture make this center most intersting. I love listening to them act out their day-to-day life bringing to the class different ways of doing things. They discuss colors of hair, eyes, and skin. They talk about different people in their families and their titles. Who knew their were so many ways to say "Grandma". We have Mi Mi's and Gi Gi's and Nanna's and the list goes on. I even learned that there is peroxide in the dye (lol) you have to mix the color you want in there, one of the girls rambled and another asked for a timer so it didnt stay on too long. Have you ever sat back and listened to your child PLAY?

My Extended Family

For the first 30 minutes and the last 30 minutes of each day, we have combined classes as the attendance is lowered. The older students love to take care of our bity bitties. Here you see Parker, He is an only child, so it is definately a treat for him to care for a younger student. He asks questions like: "Why are her feet so small?", "Why is she smiling at me?" and no matter how many times we tell him to stay out of her face, he insists on kissing her over and over again. These are the moments that keep my spirit alive and leave me hungry for more. I love ALL my babies :)

Creative minds

The students are always doing things to amaze us. One day I (Ms. Nikki) took out some clay and decided we were going to make our own art exhibit. After thousands of questions like: Why? What's an exhibit? Can I? etc. this is what they created:

Seeds to Plants

Ms. Rickita (known as Ms. Kita by the students) planted seeds with them about 3 weeks ago and we finally have some growth. Each student had the opportunity to dig in the soil, choose the type of plant the wanted to grow, plant the seeds and water their own plant. Twice a week they are allowed to water their own plants and watch them go from seeds to plants. The students loved this activity and enjoy seeing the plants emerge from the soil. The are caught talking about which plant grew first or which one has the most in it and even what color they think the plant will change to when it gets bigger. I enjoy this activity because it helps promote their language skills and requires them to be responsible for their plants growth and general care. It also enhances their knowledge about time and measurements. I truly believe chikdren learn best when they are unaware there is a lesson being taught. Learn through play!!!!!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!!!

Do you know the story behind these trees? There is a book called Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. The kids absolutely love this book, so Tucker's mom ( a former student) starting bringing the movie here. It was a hit!! The kids watched it over and over and over and.....S0 anyway one day one of them said to me, " I wish we had chicka chicka boom boom trees in our room. That's how we got the idea. The kids decorated it with coconuts and leaves made in our art center. The book was re-read so many times by students and teachers that it has since fallen apart and been discarded, but the trees remain and from time to time one of the kids will look up and say " Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, will there be enough room?'

I would like to thank Marcia Pierce (Gracie and Allie's mom) for setting up this blog for us!!!!!!