I Have a Dream....

Our Pre-K class combined two great activities in one!  They spent their circle time talking about Martin Luther King Jr and the impact he had on our country.  Ms. Shanice told the children all about his famous speech and how just a simple dream can change the world.  She closed the circle time by asking the children an open ended question, "what is your dream?"

After asking a child an open-ended question, allow quiet time for them to think before responding to your comment or question. Young children often need extra time to decide what to say and how to say it. Try to use open-ended questions to start a conversation with your child and not just to gather information.  Asking children these questions is just as important as discussing our country's history with them!

What is your dream?

Free Art Fun in Toddler 2!

Suddenly, our toddler 2 room became very quiet....as we peeked around the corner to see that was going on, we saw concentration at it's finest!  FREE ART!  Free art is a great way for little ones to express their creativity and make their own choices.  See the 6 ways we love to inspire creativity below!   

Prepare for a mess. Set up an art space where your kid can be free to experiment (and get messy!), advises Bushara. Throw a drop cloth or a newspaper on top of your kitchen table or in the garage. If weather permits, let kids paint outside.

1. Avoid giving direction. Don't tell your kid what to make or how to make it. Instead of saying, "Paint a rainbow," encourage her to "experiment with mixing colors using different types of brushes and paper," suggests Bushara.
2. Speak specifically about art. When talking to your child about his artwork, try to be precise in your comments. For instance, instead of giving a generic compliment, Bushara recommends saying, "I see you used a lot of purple. Why did you choose that color?"
3. Explore your child's process. Often the best way to encourage conversation about your child's art is simply to say, "Tell me about what you made," or ask, "Did you have fun making it?"
4. Don't draw with your child. When parents draw something representational while a younger child is sketching, it can frustrate him, warns Bushara. "It's better to be near him and let him know that you're interested and supportive of his art-making," she says.
5. Let it be. When a child finishes a piece, don't suggest additions or changes, advises Bushara. It's important for a child to feel that what she's created is enough -- even if it's just a dot on the page.

Little minds hard at work!

Full concentration!

Check out that excitement for her creation!!!!  

If you would like to learn more about how we inspire children to be themselves, click here!