First Day of School

Our first day of pre-school was so much fun. The kids were great and really worked well together. They followed directions & were very willing to do each change of activity. During Center Time, Riley, Carsten, & Anneclaire spent the entire time in the tent, reading books: together, with me, and by themselves. Riley was especially excited when he would see certain animals in the pictures. Every so often, Carsten would lean over and put his arm around Riley or pat him on the back. So happy to be together. Carsten needed to point out the feelings of each character in the book. Riley was into naming the animals and making their sounds. I think their favorite book they read was O Sullivan Stew. Riley also really enjoyed I Love You Stinky Face, as Carsten read Would you like to be my Friend?, by Eric Carle.

The main event was the reading of a "making a cake" book, followed by the boys helping me make their own Play Dough. It went very smoothly. The were great at taking turns, adding the ingredients, and enjoyed watching the mixer stir the dough. The only part I did alone was the food coloring (because as good as Carsten & Anneclaire were with it last time, it still managed to stain their hands). When I asked them what color they wanted the dough to be, I gave a few suggestions, and Riley announced "pink." A great choice: very easy for me to do successfully :). I was amazed at how good the boys were in front of the gas range, on their stools, watching the dough come together. They were soo good. We had a blast!

Playdough Recipe

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1 cup water

1 tbs oil

1 tsp tartar

food coloring (or kool aid--smells good)

Mix dry ingredients & combine with oil, water & food coloring

Cook over stove on medium heat until dough pulls away form the sides of the pan

Should take 30 sec to a minute

knead dough until smooth

keep in air tight container in fridge or cool place

the boys are waiting for the dough to pull away from the pan

Riley & Carsten were so excited to make shapes in their playdough with cookie cutters

Riley announced that he had made an "o." He also found it fun making prints on his cheek.

Carsten had me help him create a catepillar, butterfly, & a crocodile, where Riley was very satisfied working alone and showing me his creations every once in a while.

snack time

washing their hands before cooking

Riley & Carsten took turns adding each ingedient into the mixer.

reading in the tent

Riley & Carsten reading O'Sullivan's Stew together

reading separately

Train Track fun






Here are our Centers for this week:

book reading tent

blocks

art center

table setting

We spent little time in Carpet Time, the boys wanted to play trains. So we took a break and built a track for them to drive on.

During Snack Time, Carsten tried to pour some water into his glass and was concerned when it got all over his pant leg. Just need a little practice. Riley was very polite during snack time...you would have thought the boys were having "tea."

The sun came out so we went on a 10 walk for Outside Time. Everyone geared up for the cold: including Riley wearing his backpack. Riley enjoyed the horses, dogs, and chickens, while Carsten was very intent on making tracks in the snow.

As Riley went to say "good-bye" to Carsten, Carsten shy-ed up and hid behind the door. The door shut and Carsten looked at me with the puppy dog eyes. I asked him if he was hurt. He said, "no," but then started to sob. He did not want to see Riley go. It was a wonderful first day of pre-school, and a fun morning.