If you thought the kitchen was busy for Thanksgiving, you should see what our little chefs have been up to this month! Besides baking up a storm, our November preschool themes develop skills in all aspects of the whole child. That’s because at UDA Creative Arts Preschool, we believe all our learning should be fun. So it is!
Jets and Journey- Jj
In our movement class, we took turns being the “Stop” and “Go” sign. The children used their large motor skills to push their cars (scooters) around, as well as practice inhibitory control when it’s time to stop…but their inner Lightning McQueen is saying, “I am speed”!
Our vehicles helped us learn our letters and numbers. Children matched the number of car with the number on the garage. Our cars also drove the roads on their letter sheets…or was that streets?
We took on roles of pilots and other community helpers that use so many special types of transportation. Role playing provides our preschoolers with opportunities to develop language skills, as well as characteristics like kindness and empathy.
We put our engineering skills to work as we used tinker toys to build wheels for our ramps. The children learned problem solving skills as they worked together to make vehicles that could go down the ramps. They also discovered laws of physics as they compared the speeds of different inclines.
Kitchen- Kk
Our homemade lip paint (lipgloss) was a fun language arts activity. Whoever said lipgloss had to be pink? Whoever said it had to stay on your lips? These kissing cuties had a fun time decorating the letter “K”…
…and themselves!
Did you know apple cider changes color? We put science to work as we discovered that when you first make apple cider it’s an off white color, but the juice color changes as it’s in the air, just like an apple turns brown. We also made some delicious apple sauce after we all took turns peeling the apples.
We continued our multisensory learning as we each made our own fruit salad. Cutting up fruit helped our preschoolers develop small motor skills and confidence as they learn real life skills.
The results?
Most satisfying!
Preschool Bakery
The discovery room bakery was busy. Chocolate, vanilla, and spice-scented play dough inspired the creation of cupcakes, cookies, cakes–with sprinkles of course! In the process of manipulating the dough, children are developing stronger hand muscles and coordination that will help them with scissors and writing.
Preschool Pizzaria!
If you think our baking skills are impressive, you should check out our pizzeria! With the kind of helping hands we have going here, we could start our own business!
The children loved adding the toppings to their personal pizzas and we loved seeing so many healthy food choices, like peppers and onions. One of our preschoolers even exclaimed, “This is the best pizza I’ve ever had!” Look out Papa Murphy’s! You have some competition.
Leaves-Ll
Even though our Ll week was short, we spent some time discussing our character trait, gratitude. We are so grateful for the beautiful fall leaves and nature outside that we enjoy.
Thanksgiving Feast
Our Thanksgiving feast was attended by Pilgrims and Native Americans alike. We offered the children the choice of dressing as a Pilgrim or a Native American. After hearing the Thanksgiving Feast story, many of the children chose to be Native Americans because they were so friendly to the Pilgrims.
But we think it’s pretty safe to say that everyone who partook enjoyed the feast!
Plus, it was a wonderful opportunity for us to practice our manners for our “Mm” week.
Continue Learning-
As we focus on whole child learning, we try to integrate different styles and types of learning in all our activities. We also focus on having our preschoolers kindergarten ready. You can help your child by encouraging them to practice with writing tools and scissors.
And of course, a life time of learning begins with a passion for learning. By surrounding your child with books, and taking time to read to him, you will foster that passion.
Our preschool themes for November were both delicious and educational. Feel free to stop by and see what learning adventures we have going on today by calling (801) 523-5930 for a free tour of our Draper, Utah UDA Creative Arts Preschool facility.
Written by: Elsje Denison