Best of Parenting

Best of Parenting

Jan 6, 2026

Sweet Creations & Sensory Exploration

 Over the holiday break, our children stayed busy learning through play while strengthening important developmental skills! 

We would also like to give a special thank-you to Ms. Lindsey, our Health and Wellness Coordinator, who helped guide and complete this activity with the children. Her support ensured the experience was not only fun and engaging, but also focused on healthy habits, safety, and mindful choices.

We focused on fine motor development by encouraging small hand movements such as scooping, sprinkling, pressing, and assembling—activities that help build hand strength, coordination, and control needed for writing and everyday tasks.


At the same time, we explored our five senses through a fun and interactive cooking experience. Children had the opportunity to see, smell, touch, and taste different ingredients while listening to directions and sharing their observations.


One of the highlights was creating our very own S’mores Pie! This activity encouraged creativity and leadership, as children made independent choices about what ingredients they wanted to include. They practiced decision-making, took turns, followed steps, and proudly led their own creations from start to finish.


Through experiences like these, children not only learn important developmental skills—but also build confidence, independence, and joy in learning. We love seeing their personalities shine through their choices!











Dec 19, 2025

Exploding Snowman Christmas Craft!

 

This week, our classrooms were buzzing with excitement during our Exploding Snowman Science Project! Using simple materials like baking soda, vinegar, and a Ziploc bag, the children observed how mixing the ingredients created pressure inside the bag, eventually causing it to expand and “explode” like a snowman bursting into a snowy surprise. This hands-on experiment introduced the children to basic scientific concepts such as cause and effect, reactions, and pressure—while keeping learning fun, safe, and engaging.


Our Preschool Two through Pre-K2 classrooms were especially involved in this activity, as it allowed them to take a more guided, independent role. The children practiced fine motor skills while pouring, scooping, and sealing the bags, and strengthened cognitive skills by following step-by-step directions and making predictions about what might happen next. Activities like this encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence, while giving our children the opportunity to explore science through play and discovery. We love watching their excitement grow as learning comes to life!









Nov 26, 2025

Thanksgiving Fun

 







                During enrichment, we learned about the meaning of Thanksgiving and why it is celebrated. We talked about how it is a time for giving thanks, spending time with family, and appreciating the good things in our lives. As part of our activities, we made colorful paper turkeys, decorating them with feathers, patterns, and messages about what we are thankful for. The project helped us understand the holiday better while also giving us a fun, creative way to express gratitude

Nov 10, 2025

Corn Stamping Into November!

 

This week, our classroom explored a festive and hands-on Corn Stamping Craft to celebrate the season of fall during this month of November. Using real corn cobs dipped in vibrant autumn paint colors, the children created beautiful patterns and textures that showcased their creativity. They enjoyed experimenting with different color combinations and observing the unique prints each cob made, turning a simple art activity into an exciting sensory experience.


Beyond the fun of painting, this activity supported important areas of early development. Children practiced fine motor coordination as they gripped and pressed the corn, building strength and control in their hands and fingers — essential skills for writing later on. They also engaged in cognitive learning by predicting patterns, comparing shapes, and exploring cause and effect as they stamped. Additionally, the open-ended nature of the craft encouraged creativity and problem-solving, allowing each child to express individuality through their artwork.


At our school, we value activities that blend creativity with learning. Corn stamping is a wonderful example of how play-based experiences can help children grow, think, and learn while having fun and celebrating the beauty of the season.










 

Oct 29, 2025

Reading Is A Real Treat This Halloween!

 

This week, we’re celebrating Halloween with a special read-aloud of “How Do Dinosaurs Say Trick or Treat?” by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. Ms. Hannah came to visit each of the classrooms to have this special activity. The children have been full of excitement as we dive into this playful story filled with silly dinosaurs learning all about Halloween traditions. From trying on costumes to remembering their manners while trick-or-treating, this book brings laughter and plenty of opportunities for learning!


During our reading, we focus on strengthening the children’s cognitive skills by encouraging them to think deeply and make connections. We ask open-ended questions such as, “What do you think the dinosaur will do next?” or “How do you think the dinosaur feels when it gets too much candy?” These types of questions invite children to think critically, express their ideas, and use problem-solving skills while engaging with the story. It’s also a wonderful way to help them build vocabulary, strengthen listening comprehension, and develop their ability to predict outcomes.


The children love sharing their own Halloween experiences and comparing them to what the dinosaurs do in the book. Through these conversations, they learn that reading is not just about listening—it’s about thinking, imagining, and connecting. This festive story time helps children grow their curiosity, creativity, and confidence as little learners, all while getting into the Halloween spirit!











Oct 6, 2025

Enrichment time

Enrichment this week focus's on learning about parts of the body are a fun and important part of early childhood development. With preschool-aged children, these lessons can be introduced through songs, movement games, and interactive storytelling. For example, singing songs like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” helps children identify body parts while building coordination and memory. Using puzzles, dolls, or posters can also support visual recognition and vocabulary development. Talking about the body in playful, hands-on ways encourages curiosity, language skills, and self-awareness, all while laying the foundation for understanding health and personal care.








 

Sep 5, 2025

Open House

We were so excited for Open House! This was a wonderful opportunity for our families to explore our classrooms, meet our caring teachers, and learn more about our play-based learning curriculum. We shared information about our curriculum and conscious discipline, and had information out from SafeSplash Swim School and Coach Kristin out from Dance Mania.