Deja Vu

 

 As I was moving into my new classroom during pre-planning, summer camp for the school age students was going on in my new class room. I had the unique opportunity to observe some of my former students engaged in play using similar materials they had played with just a few years ago. As I watched, I realized how their play had grown. The imaginary scenarios they envisioned were much more complex and detailed that it had been when they were in Pre-K. I relished the few moments I stood there and observed. Because I've been around their play for such a long time, they continue in my presence without changing as they might with a new observer. Occasionally, they stopped to fill me in on their excitement with their buildings and play. I realized then what a gift it was to be able to see them engaged this way in play, years after their Pre-K experience with me. I realized I had to get some pictures of this, even if just for myself. By the time I had gone to get my camera and returned, they were in the midst of cleaning up. I promised myself if I had another opportunity that week, I would try to be ready. Later, I did get another opportunity to see them in action again. This time, they used the big hollow wooden block to build and air hockey table and were using the road signs as paddles!

I also observed them playing with these need interlocking ...blocks, tracks, I'm not really sure what they are, but they're pretty cool. We didn't have these in my old classroom, so I enjoyed watching the kids build ramps and tracks and roll marbles and matchbox cars down them at varying slopes.

I wondered how my new little group of Pre-K kids would explore with these new materials. Would they build slopes and ramps? It will be interesting to see how their play progresses through the year. For now, here's how they are using them...built in circular tracks. Who knows where the play will take them this year? Only time will tell.  (But I can't wait to watch along the way!)

Father's Day Ideas from Around the Blogosphere

Since we're out for the summer, I don't have any Father's Day crafts planned this year. I thought I would share some of the great ideas I've seen posted recently, in case anyone needed a little inspiration.

Gift/Craft ideas:
This Duct Tape Picture Frame from Teach Preschool is such a simple idea, even younger kids can make this. Be sure to check out the links at the bottom for a few more ideas.

I love this keychain from Brick by Brick.

One of my favorite ideas is this BBQ sauce idea from The SEEDS Network:

This footprint bookmark is very cute, looks easy to do and is also from The SEEDS Network:

 Kiboomu has a post, Kid-Made Father's Day Gifts, with several different ideas to choose from.

This clipboard from AlphaMom would be a great way to preserve a masterpiece.

Baking for Dad is a sure fire way to show the love. Check out these Cookie Gift Cans from Pre-K Pages.

This Father's Day Wordle Gift , also from Pre-K Pages, would be a handsome addition to Dad's office.

Card ideas:
I love this Kid-Made Father's Day Tie Card from Kiboomu.

I love this Father's Day Toolbox Card from Brilliant Beginnings Preschool 

There are several ideas you can use for Father's Day cards in the post, Father's Day Handprint and Footprint Crafts from Handprint and Footprint Art.

I also encourage you to take a moment to be mindful of your students who maybe only have one parent. Aunt Annie's Childcare has a great post, Thoughts on Mothers' Day about talking with families who have only one parent about how they handle such specific holidays.


A few good reads for Father's Day:
       

Happy Father's Day!!!!

The Gift of Observation

There are many, many times in a teacher's career when you are observed. Usually it is school, system  or county administration observing, but occasionally it is another teacher. This week, I had the very common experience of being observed by a peer teacher, but for a unique reason. We have begun our "cross training" experience, for lack of a better term.  The company that I work for owns the three preschools, with a total of 5 Georgia Pre-K classes. We have some really fantastic teachers. Because we are not housed in the same school, we often miss out on the idea sharing that other teachers who work in one setting have the opportunity to experience. 


Over the next few weeks, we will get a chance to spend the day observing Pre-K teachers in our other schools.  The only agenda is to see what others are doing in their classrooms so we can grow and learn as educators. 


 Mrs. Becky came to my class this week. I was a little nervous, just as I am with any observer, but there was no pressure. (Honestly, I was probably nervous because she is such an energetic and innovative teacher that I was afraid I might not measure up.) 


"How many times in my career will I have this unique opportunity to spend a full day just watching another teacher?" I thought to myself. Two of our Pre-K teachers are mentor teachers, so they go to many additional trainings to get and share ideas. I will certainly enjoy seeing what they are doing in their classrooms.



Our administrators are giving us a gift, and I get to open mine on Monday, when I go to my first observation. This is going to be great!