tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667365454391020512024-02-19T08:15:32.287-08:00Helping Hands Family SchoolThis blog is intended to serve the families of Helping Hands Family School.Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-5999856936851627412013-09-22T09:47:00.001-07:002013-09-22T09:47:40.143-07:00Making Friends "One of life's greatest joys is the comfortable give-and-take of a good friendship. It is a wonderful feeling not only to have a good friend but to know how to be a good friend yourself. Learning about friendship begins at an early age when children graduate from playing side by side to playing with each other. There is so much to learn about sharing toys and sharing loved ones as children begin to share themselves with others." ~ Fred Rogers<br />
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<br />Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-18767444354937701312013-09-22T09:30:00.000-07:002013-09-22T09:30:25.029-07:00Apples again....it MUST be September in Maine"I know a fruit that's good to eat and apple is it's name-O"<br />
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Every fall we talk about apples here at Helping Hands. I think this is true for most preschools (especially in New England). We spend a bit of time on the subject of apples these first few weeks of school because they are both plentiful and versatile. Did you know there is a star inside every apple? Most 3 year old children don't know this interesting fact and are delighted to discover it. Did you know that there are OVER 7000 different types of apples? This month we've taste tested 10 different types grown here in Maine. The children who tried them, LOVED everyone of them! <br />
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We've measured the children by comparing them to apples piled high. We've introduced the names of the parts of an apple, we've washed apples, counted, sorted, matched and labeled apples. This month in our sensory discovery box we've had green split peas and small red pom-poms with baskets and scoops for imagination play.<br />
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One favorite activity was lacing a pipe cleaner 'worm' through a card stock apple. Of course, the apple cooking projects were very popular and YUMMY! Applesauce (cooked in the crockpot) is very easy and delicious. If you would like the recipe, just ask. <br />
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On our playground REAL apples are growing in an apple tree in my neighbor's yard, just over the fence, it's heavy branches create a shady spot perfect for young children to stand on their tippy toes and reach for the apples in the low hanging branches. <br />
<br />Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-4692709705984466952013-06-28T10:28:00.001-07:002013-06-28T10:28:17.282-07:00Helping Hands 2013<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/209eJpaMyk8" width="480"></iframe>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-30686207753067173302013-04-15T14:59:00.001-07:002013-04-15T14:59:40.517-07:00Be in control of what your children see and hearMy heart aches for the victims of today's bombings; many of whom were children. Below is information from Parent's magazine about how best to address this topic with your children. My peace be with each of you. Love Jennifer<br />
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The news of the <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57579671/two-explosions-rock-boston-marathon-at-least-2-dead/" target="_blank">explosions at the Boston Marathon</a> once again necessitates that <strong>parents take control of what their kids will hear and see</strong>. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.
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Be aware that coverage (TV and online) of these explosions – and the coverage will be continuous and extensive – will have some <strong>graphic footage</strong>.
There are recordings of when the explosions happened. There are images
of injured people on stretchers. You will see the aftermath which can be
disturbing. It will be on TV. It will be online. Keep this in mind in
terms of what your kids will see. Kids of any age will find this
disturbing. It’s a good idea to monitor your kids now so you can be in
control of what they see – and be on the ready to switch off quickly if
there are things they shouldn’t see.<br />
In addition to footage, remember that interviews will contain <strong>graphic talk</strong>.
People will be describing what they saw and heard. Many will be
distressed. The talk may be graphic and reference fatalities. Online,
you will read quotes by witnesses. Again, you might want to actively
screen this information.<br />
While shielding your kids from footage and conversation that is upsetting, it’s also important that <strong>you be the source of information for them</strong>. You can explain things in the best way possible without deviating from being honest. Keep your descriptions <strong>short and factual</strong> (“Yes something bad happened. Some people were hurt.”) without going into much expansion. Allow your kids to <strong>ask you questions</strong> and <strong>answer exactly what they are asking</strong>. For example, if they ask if anyone died, you can simply answer “Yes” and see if they ask anything else. Try to be <strong>calm and in control</strong>
even though these catastrophes rattle all of us. Even though we can’t
assure our kids that we can keep them safe every second of the day, we
do want them to <strong>feel safe</strong> with us and have some sense of control.<br />
Finally, be aware that your kids may have questions for awhile, as
this tragedy will undoubtedly be in the news for some time. Keep the
lines of communication open and be ready to have <strong>frequent and short conversations</strong>
about it – kids may have a question here or there and they are only
looking for an immediate answer to it. You can rely on your knowledge
about your kid’s personality, but do bear in mind that kids typically
don’t want the level of detail that we adults would pursue.<br />
And of course do what you do best – <strong>hug your kids</strong>. That will speak volumes.Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-7856280113239554672013-03-20T18:35:00.000-07:002013-03-20T18:35:15.970-07:00Cat In the Hat Dress Ups! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-84025592491841633052013-03-20T18:11:00.000-07:002013-03-20T18:11:42.229-07:00More Cat In the Hat <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I LOVE Dr. Seuss so here is another language idea.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Cat in the Hat: Story Extension</span><br />Using the words and images from this familiar story I created an Object box (2) work for the 3-6 year old classroom.<br />Materials needed:<br />box, tray or basket containing the following<br />phonetic objects (or in this case drawings of the objects)<br />
<ul>
<li>cake</li>
<li>rake</li>
<li>cat</li>
<li>hat</li>
<li>cup</li>
<li>fish</li>
</ul>
slips of paper<br />a pencil<br />and printed labels cards to match the objects<br /><br />Preparation for this work: the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">moveable</span> alphabet and Object Box 1<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presentation:</span><br />Elementary movements (rug carry, bringing materials to rug etc.)<br />Language used by teacher:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I'm thinking of one of these objects and I'm going to give you a clue."</span><br />teacher
writes the word and draws a simple picture of the first object on the
rug on a slip of paper, folds it (dramatically) and passes it to the
child. The child <span style="font-style: italic;">reads</span> the word and places the paper label next to the object on the rug.<br />T: <span style="font-style: italic;">"You just read the word _____" </span><br />Once
all the objects have been presented and labeled, review each object and
word, replacing the paper word with the label cards.<br />Example:<br />T:<span style="font-style: italic;">"This is a cat, this says 'cat'. This is a hat, this says 'hat'...."</span> all the way down the list, hand the child the paper word as you do this step.<br />Next,
remove one object at a time, leaving label card. When object is
removed, read the label card together, continue doing this all the way
down the list until on the rug is left only the label cards. Again
review the label cards.<br />T"<span style="font-style: italic;">This says 'cat', this says 'hat'.....</span>" encourage the child(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ren</span>) to read the words with you.<br />again the control of error can be the book <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Cat in the Hat</span> by Dr. Seuss or without the book obviously, the teacher.<br />end with elementary movements.<br /><br />This is a fun way to introduce rhyme and has many extensions.<br />Extensions:<br />1.) child creates word book from the slips of paper by stapling them together and writing their name on the back.<br />2.) child writes the paper labels<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"></span>.<br />3.) Child and teacher write each other 'notes'.<br />4.) making a book from metal inset sized paper of the Object box words with pictures!<br /><br />Enjoy!(Again
if you do not want to draw the pictures yourself, make color copies of
Dr. Seuss's illustrations if not for re-sale.)<br />Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-60071391392401593972013-03-20T16:59:00.001-07:002013-03-20T16:59:21.958-07:00March Peacemaker: Theodor Seuss Geisel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During the month of March we celebrate the great late Dr. Seuss. His stories and pictures are just a part of what makes him one of the Peacemakers we study. Dr. Seuss, Theodor Geisel, shared with children what he believed were lessons everyone should learn early. Through his stories he educated his young audience: <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lorax" title="The Lorax">The Lorax</a></i> (1971), about environmentalism and <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-consumerism" title="Anti-consumerism">anti-consumerism</a>; "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sneetches_and_Other_Stories" title="The Sneetches and Other Stories">The Sneetches</a>" (1961), about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racial_equality" title="Racial equality">racial equality</a>; <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Butter_Battle_Book" title="The Butter Battle Book">The Butter Battle Book</a></i> (1984), about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arms_race" title="Arms race">arms race</a>; <i><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yertle_the_Turtle" title="Yertle the Turtle">Yertle the Turtle</a></i> (1958), about <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler" title="Hitler">Hitler</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-authoritarianism" title="Anti-authoritarianism">anti-authoritarianism</a>; <i><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_the_Grinch_Stole_Christmas" title="How the Grinch Stole Christmas">How the Grinch Stole Christmas</a></i> (1957), criticizing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Materialism" title="Materialism">materialism</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumerism" title="Consumerism">consumerism</a> of the Christmas season; and <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horton_Hears_a_Who%21" title="Horton Hears a Who!">Horton Hears a Who!</a></i> (1950), about anti-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolationism" title="Isolationism">isolationism</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internationalism_%28politics%29" title="Internationalism (politics)">internationalism</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span>During the month of March we vote on our favorite Dr. Seuss books and characters. We play games that help illustrate the messages he brought forth to young audiences. We ask the children to share what they have learned from Dr. Seuss and what they already know about their emotions with each other. </span>We believe that is it through the sharing of who we are as individuals, that we grow as a classroom community.<span> </span>We
as teachers nurture the children to act cooperatively and encourage
them to support one another and to express their delight in each other’s
accomplishments.<span> </span>We honor each other’s voices and messages given and promote making choices that will benefit the group as a whole.<span> </span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Each morning, we gather at circle and greet each other with a song.<span> </span>The circle itself is a wonderful symbol of community.<span> </span>It has no beginning or end, no front row or back row.<span> </span>Each sitting space is equal in rank, indicating that each person in the circle is equally important.<span> </span>It
is our hope that the children look forward to gathering together,
sharing their stories and thoughts and to learning along side one
another.<span> </span>It is our goal to establish a loving,
safe environment where our children can grow and develop, not only a
love for learning, but love for one another and respect for their
valuable place in the amazing cosmos.<span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: JanieHmk; font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: JanieHmk; font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">Dr. Seuss and his books help us to do this. Besides, he's a ton of fun! Hey, that rhymes, what do you know? Happy Dr. Seuss month! </span><br />
<br />Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-67786909893664756112012-12-31T18:30:00.000-08:002012-12-31T18:30:18.899-08:00Goodbye Morgan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of our beloved kitty cats, Morgan, passed away this month. She was such a love, and she will be missed by everyone. Morgan was a cat who LOVED being around people. She was sweet and gentle and of course very curious. She also liked to eat "people food" rather than her cat food. This bad habit of hers was the reason for her early passing according to our vet. Morgan died of a heart attack due to a poor diet. As much as we tried to keep her away from people food, Morgan would find each and every crumb left behind. She was the first to remind us if someone left a cereal bowl on the kitchen table and she was such a helper after circle when our young friends might have left bits of snack on the rug. Morgan was always underfoot and ready to play. She seemed to really enjoy having a house full of children each day. She would welcome families as they arrived and bid them farewell when the school day was done.<br />
After Morgan's death we shared a "good-bye circle". This is a gathering where I inform the children of the factual information and they have an opportunity to respond to this new information however the may need to. Many comments are made, feelings shared and tears are often shed by many. We began the circle by quietly passing a photograph of Morgan around circle. I lit a candle and gently announced that Morgan had died and shared that I was sad about this fact because I was going to miss Morgan very much. <br />
Next, I asked if anyone had any questions about what I had shared. Several children had raised their hands. Questions were asked and answered in a matter of fact manner. Short and honest were my answers.<br />
Q: "Why did Morgan die?"<br />
A: "Her lifespan ended."<br />
Q: "Where did she go?"<br />
A: "I don't know for sure, but I like to believe she went to heaven."<br />
Q: "When will she come back to school?"<br />
A: "She will not be coming back to school. Morgan died, she will not return."<br />
Q: "Did you cry when Morgan died?"<br />
A: "Yes, I felt sad."<br />
Q: "Does Diana (Morgan's sister cat) know that Morgan died?"<br />
A: "Yes, when Morgan died, I let Diana smell Morgan. I think she misses Morgan too."<br />
Q: "Will you get new cat now?"<br />
A: "No, not now. Maybe someday."<br />
<br />
Children are curious and caring, they want to be told the truth and they need to have answers. This will only help them to come to accept their loss. Just to be clear, not all of the children cared that Morgan had passed away. And that is okay. Children at different ages are at different stages of understanding about the concept of death. And then each child is at their own personal point of understanding. Be available for questions. Speak from your heart. Tell the truth. Most importantly don't try and force your feelings on to the children. If the question was not asked about how I felt about the situation, I probably would have shared that I was sad with the children, yes. But would I tell <i>them</i> to feel sad? No, not at all. The final part of the "Goodbye Circle" was to pass the share stone. When it was their turn, the children could share with the group one word or a story about their time with Morgan. My favorite comment from this exercise was this,<br />
"I loved Morgan because she loved me."<br />
You can't get more honest than that!<br />
Simply sweetness, that's what this job is.<br />
In Peace,<br />
Jennifer Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-70503993120655817212012-10-18T17:03:00.001-07:002012-10-18T17:03:49.667-07:00Peace Makers 2012-2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year we will introduce a different famous peacemaker each month. September: John Chapman October: Dr. Maria Montessori<br />
November: Fred Rogers December: Sadako Sasaki<br />
January: Martin Luther King Jr. February: Samantha Smith <br />
March: The Dalai Lama April: Helen Keller <br />
May: Rachel Carson <br />
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When our school day comes to an end we sing the following song:<br />
"Go now in PEACE, Go now in PEACE, May the spirit of LOVE surround you, everywhere, everywhere you may go."Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-76409965892284173782012-10-18T15:43:00.001-07:002012-10-18T15:43:30.373-07:00Off to a Great Start!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time for apple prints and making new friends,<br />
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some love for our pet bunny Poppy,<br />
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and sunshine smiles from our youngest student:<br />
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I hope it is obvious that we are off to a wonderful start to our school year. Upcoming dates to remember:<br />
Friday October 26th will be our first Family Potluck 4-6pm.<br />
And soon it will be time for our third annual Dress-Up Parade on October 31st. Remember all are welcome and cameras are a must bring! See you then. <br />
In PEACE,<br />
Jennifer Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-50952099972887555002012-07-25T16:45:00.000-07:002012-07-25T16:45:22.976-07:00Summer Camp is So Much Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This summer we have been busy: Writing and illustrating our very own books and building fairy houses....<br />
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we've welcomed some special visitors....<br />
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and have enjoyed meeting and making new friends....<br />
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it's been fun playing dress up and dramatic play...<br />
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& taking turns driving our train, The Helping Hands Express, on the playground...we are half way through the summer session with more fun on the way! Thanks for the memories thus far kiddos. I can't post enough adorable photos....these kids are too cute!Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-19978205583647617172012-07-10T17:35:00.000-07:002012-07-25T16:59:58.079-07:00Summer Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Working the farm stand...<br />
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learning about the parts of a flower....<br />
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Showing off our group mural.......<br />
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making animal masks...........<br />
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hot day pool play.............<br />
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and toothy grins! </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9F7qi5RiXh9HLolV1K-8CPkjwkswRZhIxo3VNLEyEUxQY2lWlOOYpzqM3IjnobYhagyN5M1NBPWCFw1WipXhyw5QiRpZk0UW3h2jZ4CSEId5VM7S01JQt-b3GDvPXtXkaKTm5dhhlvSt/s1600/tooth+gaps.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9F7qi5RiXh9HLolV1K-8CPkjwkswRZhIxo3VNLEyEUxQY2lWlOOYpzqM3IjnobYhagyN5M1NBPWCFw1WipXhyw5QiRpZk0UW3h2jZ4CSEId5VM7S01JQt-b3GDvPXtXkaKTm5dhhlvSt/s640/tooth+gaps.JPG" width="640" /></a>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-67315191232396473702012-07-01T15:14:00.001-07:002012-07-01T15:14:52.661-07:00Helping Hands Movie 2011 2012 email<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R8wRaqSZfsw?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-18736300587661545882012-05-19T12:37:00.002-07:002012-05-19T12:37:28.715-07:00Stained Glass Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week we worked on a new painting style. Using painters tape we created areas to paint within. We emphasized the importance of using different colors in each taped off area, although not every child did this, the effect was still beautiful. On a smaller scale of this project we used crayons rather than paints. This way the children could remove the tape right away so that they could see the white lines that were left behind without having to wait for the paint to dry. Some of the children chose to color in the white lines using a different color than the crayons previously used; this resulted in a very interesting composition. [no photos taken sorry]<br />
I can't wait to see what these all look like displayed side by side! <br />
PEACE ~ Jennifer <br />
<br />Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-48900886350922924882012-04-22T11:12:00.003-07:002012-04-22T11:12:56.339-07:00With a Little Help From Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">During the preschool day, you should see children who are playing
by themselves, but you should also see cooperative play, small groups
or even the class as a whole working on a project. The amount of
cooperative play increases as the children grow older. Some of this
play may be child initiated, and some may be teacher directed.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Working together, whether it's on a
block building or planning a tea party, helps children to learn to
respect the ideas of others. They develop their social skills, and
social competence is an underlying goal of early childhood education.
Children in cooperative play learn to contribute to joint efforts.
They also learn how to problem solve by working together to find a
solution.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Even
though research has proven the value of play, play is at risk. With the over scheduling of young children lives and their parent's, nurturing time to play is even more important.
Here’s how you can support your child's need to play: </span></div>
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Create safe play environments and toys; lobby for clean, safe outdoor play spaces for all children.</span> </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Focus on the learning that happens through play; use play as the means to teach and foster development.</span> </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Provide
a wide variety of play experiences and materials through which young
kids can try new things, experiment, ask questions, talk, read, sing,
dance, get messy at times, explore, and listen. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fuel creativity, curiosity, and the desire to know more. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Allow time for free play in which children are choosing and directing play, balanced with structured play.</span> </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monitor play and step in with an idea if a conflict arises, offer a new prop when enthusiasm wanes, or redirect play as needed.<span> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Offer opportunities to play safely outdoors as well as indoors. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Adopt a playful attitude, and model playing.</span> </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most importantly, <strong>value play!</strong> Notice and comment on children’s healthy play to show that you recognize the importance and meaning of play in their lives. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">When
children have this kind of support, the benefits include gaining
confidence as well as self-esteem, building relationships,
problem-solving, conflict resolution, expanding language, understanding
rules and limits, discovering talents, sparking creativity, inspiring
thinking, defining personality, and sorting out likes and dislikes. In
fact, healthy, valuable play touches on every area of a child’s
development. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">At Helping Hands we believe in the importance of play! We hope to improve our outdoor play space with your help. Please consider donating yard sale finds, such as:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">trucks, balls, hula-hoops, shovels</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">aquarium gravel, geodes,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">gems, sea shells, river stones,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">fake flowers, durable plastic animals, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">funnels, strainers, baskets, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">wind chimes, galvanized buckets, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">lettuce spinners (for future art projects)....</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">While I making a wish list I guess I'll add:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">tissues</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">school glue</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">markers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Thank you all! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">PEACE</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jennifer </span>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-42729569466971749532012-04-05T15:30:00.001-07:002012-04-05T16:41:08.870-07:00Baby, baby...Gone is the "baby stage" for all of our preschool friends BUT oh do they LOVE to play with babies! Here are just a few photos from this week. Enjoy! Time how it flies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbK0Tc7VyQwFc3iFubvH7tf95Jpf5wmzEV3pSAphTwb3TENQ5BVRmL_Ev1SR80HAwplXjiFOToPrazpQygAzhFqeOOJIxdkJNSKgU_Bz2vsEfnMASdrmK02Mo3AZ2RUPN6o3V_4uRBtLd/s1600/SAM_4283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbK0Tc7VyQwFc3iFubvH7tf95Jpf5wmzEV3pSAphTwb3TENQ5BVRmL_Ev1SR80HAwplXjiFOToPrazpQygAzhFqeOOJIxdkJNSKgU_Bz2vsEfnMASdrmK02Mo3AZ2RUPN6o3V_4uRBtLd/s320/SAM_4283.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLOMRPAnjQOPf_6MWhyphenhyphenC7H2zzjOP9n9nfAWxR4WKRM1VaSF_o0lwwznGJbXvDhjR3b_PhPZ65R5a5teZ_zpOEK3Hb9bvHLijNaghocPpTmm578DzQFGJW3SGBYAyiA9UyKoP21_vnvju_/s1600/SAM_4275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLOMRPAnjQOPf_6MWhyphenhyphenC7H2zzjOP9n9nfAWxR4WKRM1VaSF_o0lwwznGJbXvDhjR3b_PhPZ65R5a5teZ_zpOEK3Hb9bvHLijNaghocPpTmm578DzQFGJW3SGBYAyiA9UyKoP21_vnvju_/s320/SAM_4275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Of course the most precious of all the babies new to our classroom, is Retta Lily, our dear friend Rowan's new little sister! Congratulations to Ashley and Aaron on the birth of your second beautiful daughter & future Helping Hands student baby Retta.<br />
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On Retta's first visit to our classroom, the children gathered around her and Rowan. Quietly they began to sing a lullaby called "The River". I have to say, it was one of the most beautiful moments I have witnessed in all my 20 years of teaching. A spontaneous and beautifully sung lullaby to welcome our newest Helping Hands family member! Your kids are the BEST.<br />
In PEACE,<br />
JenniferJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-69214122402230102192012-02-28T19:11:00.000-08:002012-02-28T19:11:27.338-08:00Print Making<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVXXb3b8Vsj19a3NSZGbg8J0USLaf4pxeHJqX33FbnP3un8V-f4tAqKy9sGvQHJwBxfjTKoKKTwbGL2aXCDm1onmTopIVswte22Hzncwq8ZjQZJ7swRXxU6QA60qnG13vS4-REOOKLhyt/s1600/SAM_3586.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVXXb3b8Vsj19a3NSZGbg8J0USLaf4pxeHJqX33FbnP3un8V-f4tAqKy9sGvQHJwBxfjTKoKKTwbGL2aXCDm1onmTopIVswte22Hzncwq8ZjQZJ7swRXxU6QA60qnG13vS4-REOOKLhyt/s400/SAM_3586.JPG" /></a> </div>Styrofoam meat trays re-purposed. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuUnCoRnCzs6c2JDIVX4D0WmhN97hPmWovaei_3U7dMVFGMIHwutAZJ5NYG59uiaT86M1enVpAHK0qOso-HInVglfqgfVPO5Lm1C_4U6CtTK1ywUWJri6CmTbS-1j3Ct9ZP6PqKyr-Wmh/s1600/SAM_3584.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuUnCoRnCzs6c2JDIVX4D0WmhN97hPmWovaei_3U7dMVFGMIHwutAZJ5NYG59uiaT86M1enVpAHK0qOso-HInVglfqgfVPO5Lm1C_4U6CtTK1ywUWJri6CmTbS-1j3Ct9ZP6PqKyr-Wmh/s400/SAM_3584.JPG" /></a> </div><br />
Today we began making prints. The children really enjoyed this art~full process. <br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Cy5kFN_EzU6Y6h2QeBICYqoF4T5OhN8_lowbK8W2ck5MfD2HJKmHUPgIrJF3pOSj5o5dSzWnCrhIvHcQxS7zeWlGoymHpfrkIK7jQDUPPd3YnjY66-6zeqaGA_DGpeBpXfeC2GyaqdJ4/s1600/SAM_3593.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Cy5kFN_EzU6Y6h2QeBICYqoF4T5OhN8_lowbK8W2ck5MfD2HJKmHUPgIrJF3pOSj5o5dSzWnCrhIvHcQxS7zeWlGoymHpfrkIK7jQDUPPd3YnjY66-6zeqaGA_DGpeBpXfeC2GyaqdJ4/s400/SAM_3593.JPG" /></a> </div>The trick was getting them to stop before repositioning the stamps. If their print didn't look as they thought it should when they lifted the stamp the first time, they would press it down again and the result would be smudges and some sad faces. This process is much like Montessori practical life pouring exercises. Stopping when the glass is full, not when the pitcher is empty. It is often through our mistakes we learn. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2TMtaK15jk2Vt8SBwGCdhL-9Qy7nq02tfV0X928yvBsV-hFnuJm7tLGZkVD0W1Eio0pvQzHWQ5wcLddOjvqCf6dCbsQJbuCG4w94L4ipoya-1Vw1kXNBzo402KH46ya-eNf1ww7xdVLl/s1600/SAM_3600.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2TMtaK15jk2Vt8SBwGCdhL-9Qy7nq02tfV0X928yvBsV-hFnuJm7tLGZkVD0W1Eio0pvQzHWQ5wcLddOjvqCf6dCbsQJbuCG4w94L4ipoya-1Vw1kXNBzo402KH46ya-eNf1ww7xdVLl/s400/SAM_3600.JPG" /></a> </div>The prints came out wonderfully. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZdE8Jt8ESHQi6WvdqfXM7qOH8N7k3gMLMf9gA2AoWbkLCAe3g7dFtm-ycjyGXRbZJAyhE3osywD5a9N9peq_J6YMkYeAVW0gP7iKp5OOQKreOLtwrPITGcgzbMGmFD8ILY-ijGVZlHbK/s1600/SAM_3595.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZdE8Jt8ESHQi6WvdqfXM7qOH8N7k3gMLMf9gA2AoWbkLCAe3g7dFtm-ycjyGXRbZJAyhE3osywD5a9N9peq_J6YMkYeAVW0gP7iKp5OOQKreOLtwrPITGcgzbMGmFD8ILY-ijGVZlHbK/s400/SAM_3595.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-5123276416536613192012-02-08T16:50:00.000-08:002012-02-08T16:50:57.747-08:00Welcome Eamon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThkp9PUGn54WbwBHUFtQogv1f26ppG0R6D7xEBwoz9vW4nCNpDK5HdPbpw9RAREIBEPs-waU6InmXIYT7SYdl8k_WTTsKAlJD64E1ysp3QQGaXY28qJBKqauNI61UXJmfxdy-HMusySDn/s1600/SAM_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThkp9PUGn54WbwBHUFtQogv1f26ppG0R6D7xEBwoz9vW4nCNpDK5HdPbpw9RAREIBEPs-waU6InmXIYT7SYdl8k_WTTsKAlJD64E1ysp3QQGaXY28qJBKqauNI61UXJmfxdy-HMusySDn/s320/SAM_3208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Joining us mid-year is a new friend. Please join me in welcoming our new friend and his family to Helping Hands Family School. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKjhMEWUUYq5x4VMTVqN7ZdyIDb7sQYXVCizaBTbR1gvFxNupyy7EohV14d7F7M9SgnLr_Cv0eLrp2DwoTsgkivis1t_nB2HdLj0Jpcj7xDYmb_LA3qigJsNde2LWA3lvdcn7d7oIpM84/s1600/SAM_3218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKjhMEWUUYq5x4VMTVqN7ZdyIDb7sQYXVCizaBTbR1gvFxNupyy7EohV14d7F7M9SgnLr_Cv0eLrp2DwoTsgkivis1t_nB2HdLj0Jpcj7xDYmb_LA3qigJsNde2LWA3lvdcn7d7oIpM84/s320/SAM_3218.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>This handsome little guy lives with his family on a cow farm! He enjoys being outdoors, tools and the jobs they do, and spending time with his big sister. <br />
We are so happy to welcome Eamon and his family to our school community.<br />
The children are all a flutter this week preparing for Valentine's Tea Party on Friday Feb. 17th at 10am. Invitations have been sent, mailboxes decorated and today place-mats were painted! <br />
In addition the crafty preparations we have also been practicing a new song to share with our special guests.<br />
To close this post, I would like to thank all of you parents for signing up for parent teacher conferences! Meeting with you all this week has been a wonderful experience. It's no surprise why we enjoy your kids so much, you are amazing people. Thank you for choosing Helping Hands. <br />
In PEACE and with LOVE,<br />
JenniferJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-31815855462916674672012-02-02T16:47:00.000-08:002012-02-02T16:47:57.976-08:00This Week in Review<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUahrvZYzjf8JRdrYO1KvB0PUWc1Wq7QsnEIW1hmkrDFGmQnBLSfx66quVsYoQ0E4Ryhyphenhyphen7cPs8agKPFChsgnQ7epitD7N4GCioOdPS8tCqU7hmHUZnk486PS6nQSXRN07BZ_JVpBa2wUjA/s1600/SAM_3256.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUahrvZYzjf8JRdrYO1KvB0PUWc1Wq7QsnEIW1hmkrDFGmQnBLSfx66quVsYoQ0E4Ryhyphenhyphen7cPs8agKPFChsgnQ7epitD7N4GCioOdPS8tCqU7hmHUZnk486PS6nQSXRN07BZ_JVpBa2wUjA/s400/SAM_3256.JPG" /></a> </div><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK0L2tBSiLSXWxdB6GErHMDjdspFfrPWVPyKlDRCOqQvh5Kxwfz5ucF6E-N4uwgaYs8sJec1ecyVBV-5lK0Duj0jtsWf1Vl3jVaLDsWLSAM0Ccn4irl6j7sYw5DfKPPjq93MOp4Wpau-L/s1600/SAM_3254.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK0L2tBSiLSXWxdB6GErHMDjdspFfrPWVPyKlDRCOqQvh5Kxwfz5ucF6E-N4uwgaYs8sJec1ecyVBV-5lK0Duj0jtsWf1Vl3jVaLDsWLSAM0Ccn4irl6j7sYw5DfKPPjq93MOp4Wpau-L/s400/SAM_3254.JPG" /></a> </div><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23FBYDFqQrAYwVqQPANbzYtP2x6r6opqAXixaqSDVC6q5gOC3eMRzIOYIkjMIDZ7seSZ8Z_O3S2W-1INEsSN9TJ-1A1XAPHNPjnLXKVoUHoNI6LE9sRt0cmchcL6ERqFZEOf_WiPghlSe/s1600/SAM_3233.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23FBYDFqQrAYwVqQPANbzYtP2x6r6opqAXixaqSDVC6q5gOC3eMRzIOYIkjMIDZ7seSZ8Z_O3S2W-1INEsSN9TJ-1A1XAPHNPjnLXKVoUHoNI6LE9sRt0cmchcL6ERqFZEOf_WiPghlSe/s400/SAM_3233.JPG" /></a> </div><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkTIDk1j7s6FSj2GJVI5RAX5vW2kqE0j7io9K4HmNWNh7tp8vWdHbVkA020ecPbb4NitMDrl5MxgNfAcKU4lH0rEwyV5oSRPLLIdzOYSpdyJ4BiaIybcdapNYyv4Ezplg0ZebGrsmnFr2/s1600/SAM_3210.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkTIDk1j7s6FSj2GJVI5RAX5vW2kqE0j7io9K4HmNWNh7tp8vWdHbVkA020ecPbb4NitMDrl5MxgNfAcKU4lH0rEwyV5oSRPLLIdzOYSpdyJ4BiaIybcdapNYyv4Ezplg0ZebGrsmnFr2/s400/SAM_3210.JPG" /></a> </div><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJoeZXwJEyCnAgc0cyysmC_1naHKDjn90trCx5B8nYQH6hPCUsNT1alt66TRITy6GHNX2DxQv53_p4b2RqVCd9SLgxR814IehD81kzBso41fSeWvh8RT0drWyoefRhRnk7fvRZ2z3nypH/s1600/SAM_3204.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJoeZXwJEyCnAgc0cyysmC_1naHKDjn90trCx5B8nYQH6hPCUsNT1alt66TRITy6GHNX2DxQv53_p4b2RqVCd9SLgxR814IehD81kzBso41fSeWvh8RT0drWyoefRhRnk7fvRZ2z3nypH/s400/SAM_3204.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-29214195229450632662012-01-09T15:04:00.000-08:002012-01-09T15:04:14.891-08:00The After Chrismas TreeThe story goes that Maria Montessori observed the "children's joy in making silence" when one of her assistant teachers visited the classroom with her infant daughter. The baby, just weeks old, was asleep when the teacher visited.<br />
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Maria observed that the children, who had been excited about meeting the new baby, quickly quieted down and sat down on the floor forming a circle of awe and silence around the visiting baby and mother. With respect and reverence they circled the infant, admiring it's small features and soft hair. The once busy and bustling classroom had become quiet, peaceful and reflective. <br />
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Dr. Montessori later went on to introduce 'The Silence Game' recreating the peaceful atmosphere by leading the children in 'making silence', and in doing so she would share with the children and with the world, that even young learners benefit from a quiet time in their day, a time to listen and nurture one's inner peace.<br />
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In our classroom making silence has been inspired by listen to the delicate sound of a cherished music box, the lighting of a candle, the discovery of a spider in the garden, and simply through observation. Before it's removal, we would often sit around the classroom tree and admire the lights in silence. <br />
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With the end of the holiday season upon us we have removed the Christmas tree from the classroom and placed it in the play-yard. Today we read the book : The After-Christmas Tree by Linda Wagner Tyler and Susan Davis. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZSJocz_smUNQvedRn6lAxomqs7QptpLRW7jlrh_Lv2rf8WJKLu572QAgtRUI7rEnnwK6NSK_IJi2PN6z7uKEPigKWV9OzzLJOePwZ1lBaY3s67dKkjIVzdWt2d55MYBjj85hu1Tz-9Qo/s1600/after+christmas+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZSJocz_smUNQvedRn6lAxomqs7QptpLRW7jlrh_Lv2rf8WJKLu572QAgtRUI7rEnnwK6NSK_IJi2PN6z7uKEPigKWV9OzzLJOePwZ1lBaY3s67dKkjIVzdWt2d55MYBjj85hu1Tz-9Qo/s320/after+christmas+tree.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>The book shares the story of a family who recycles their Christmas tree by placing it outdoors and decorating it with yummy treats for the animals to enjoy! <br />
Our classroom tree is already outdoors as I mentioned next the children will begin making bird feeders using empty toilet paper rolls and pine cones. They will spread sun butter (a peanut butter substitute made from sunflower seeds) all over the pine cone they choose. Next they'll spooned bird seed over the sticky pine cone. At our next Family Potluck on Friday Jan 13th, we will hang these yummy bird (or squirrel) snacks from the branches of our After-Christmas tree for our feathered friends to enjoy.<br />
We look forward to seeing you at the potluck. We do not plan on making silence around the After-Christmas tree at the potluck, but we will the next day at school for sure. And it will be magical. <br />
PEACE,<br />
JenniferJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-91025361639222623512011-12-31T19:23:00.000-08:002011-12-31T19:23:05.297-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYkDrxqAtUbS4EE_6R1tV8gRgKkYF2IAk4HPTMiMOzvz5p7b5BfMG3dSKnbrQYdoh4oZG3qKTE8tjcWSqIK0FizuleQM5CCwTWyjlAvM9Vj5hNR8Ee2LMjrLsGKVXAQTmq6_F_5Ok22kD/s1600/IMG_20111201_103610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYkDrxqAtUbS4EE_6R1tV8gRgKkYF2IAk4HPTMiMOzvz5p7b5BfMG3dSKnbrQYdoh4oZG3qKTE8tjcWSqIK0FizuleQM5CCwTWyjlAvM9Vj5hNR8Ee2LMjrLsGKVXAQTmq6_F_5Ok22kD/s320/IMG_20111201_103610.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Please join Ian, Mallory and me in welcoming a new friend to our school, Piper. She is starting this week! Welcome Piper, and your beautiful family, to our school community. <br />
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2012 brings with it mitten weather, our second all family pot-luck on January 17th and another DATE NIGHT.<br />
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When you return to school, please take a moment to sign up for snack, check your child's extra clothing bin and to remove any artwork from your children's cubbie. Many thanks!<br />
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Happy New Year to All!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-32466494822921713332011-12-31T19:03:00.000-08:002011-12-31T19:03:51.324-08:00A Moment of Silence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5cLClfE7zvRunjg1siU2v41l8fh3wpkuioD8uOO_cXnMiZCXt8g8axRbyjDldmjm5V_jMaOBoe3qjTTff9Yluh_r43dIvA4QKAemgEBuiXMupv_Is0U0THAZCAaCaN1gihyP_cWnF-XC/s1600/ayla+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5cLClfE7zvRunjg1siU2v41l8fh3wpkuioD8uOO_cXnMiZCXt8g8axRbyjDldmjm5V_jMaOBoe3qjTTff9Yluh_r43dIvA4QKAemgEBuiXMupv_Is0U0THAZCAaCaN1gihyP_cWnF-XC/s320/ayla+heart.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-37316183027300090032011-12-15T17:32:00.000-08:002011-12-15T17:32:39.483-08:00Celebrating St. Lucia Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh81T9Dcx1E1qL6eQuI7JBW9VipojHapJl00vggP64dFyQH2c81jw5a_klEKFR4fdKAm3jnL4CrHOEBHa60pd-v0TxvFi5dTR2ptedQq8RcATiPLGVHYE81GHW4U8ZuNSMOhLPogGCXiDj/s1600/DSC03384+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh81T9Dcx1E1qL6eQuI7JBW9VipojHapJl00vggP64dFyQH2c81jw5a_klEKFR4fdKAm3jnL4CrHOEBHa60pd-v0TxvFi5dTR2ptedQq8RcATiPLGVHYE81GHW4U8ZuNSMOhLPogGCXiDj/s320/DSC03384+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX4WqvbwbwVIfgcT97Xhc2NPcyz3v5QgeuHO_rJmp1AR3qQZI6kuh8lNJLMlBrhWaMfdmFqA1pS1IR42Cl1Qiv27_hRZe694c1av5N9i3yxKta0sqXX7w4sz3ijE7CDugD5O7QmRm3OKl/s1600/DSC03394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX4WqvbwbwVIfgcT97Xhc2NPcyz3v5QgeuHO_rJmp1AR3qQZI6kuh8lNJLMlBrhWaMfdmFqA1pS1IR42Cl1Qiv27_hRZe694c1av5N9i3yxKta0sqXX7w4sz3ijE7CDugD5O7QmRm3OKl/s320/DSC03394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1JvyPK-AXySEE4r966STwX7c4mgIl-48XhLwxjz6dPUegbaeU610R2B8asN6qNI_FMja5XsGP_vXemrTcxQl8wjK72GQalRvTodIt9_a_KFaVpi3iGSdwF8r6yz1ZUGSMhiMwVMoEqqr/s1600/DSC03399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1JvyPK-AXySEE4r966STwX7c4mgIl-48XhLwxjz6dPUegbaeU610R2B8asN6qNI_FMja5XsGP_vXemrTcxQl8wjK72GQalRvTodIt9_a_KFaVpi3iGSdwF8r6yz1ZUGSMhiMwVMoEqqr/s320/DSC03399.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1T2WOF3eOWZNZd9G_0ejY7sWmemHXs9nhAq-VzExm7HWnIfeupZw6FGD2vNGcesYWHCLBYcixSsF8ckFe7G5_AO2WqIe0nrKH_QYmn24qOaqplm26O_pNHvFFzW59AgrMsl5Zb14PQmT/s1600/DSC03406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1T2WOF3eOWZNZd9G_0ejY7sWmemHXs9nhAq-VzExm7HWnIfeupZw6FGD2vNGcesYWHCLBYcixSsF8ckFe7G5_AO2WqIe0nrKH_QYmn24qOaqplm26O_pNHvFFzW59AgrMsl5Zb14PQmT/s320/DSC03406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Just a few favorite photos from a wonderful day at Helping hands Family School! See my same name post at my other blog: <a href="http://spiralmontessorimama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Montessori Mama</a>. <br />
PEACE and Happy St. Lucia Day from our family to yours.<br />
xoxoxoxJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-64075728105106085942011-12-02T20:11:00.000-08:002011-12-02T20:11:01.234-08:00Orange Peels Potpourri<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHlQHeL6emRP6lbBYAq2GshdFyWwNs3Vb6Pyx0hpYj1CUl5HOetvg9oGpgixEFag9OEVkJaDrAx-G9AgMA__3iAdf9Py0IdlGkaZIfj_aklU-Vy6sJPcpKU7CiUntgZkPRdBCbfPjkRev/s1600/IMG_20111201_104057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHlQHeL6emRP6lbBYAq2GshdFyWwNs3Vb6Pyx0hpYj1CUl5HOetvg9oGpgixEFag9OEVkJaDrAx-G9AgMA__3iAdf9Py0IdlGkaZIfj_aklU-Vy6sJPcpKU7CiUntgZkPRdBCbfPjkRev/s320/IMG_20111201_104057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Clementines are on sale! Here at Helping Hands we save the peels, we dry them and then we take turns breaking them into tiny pieces. This is a wonderful fine motor exercise by the way and is helpful in strengthening the same muscles you use to hold a pencil. This aromatic activity is very popular presently; every child wants to have a turn doing this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0nhn1WuXfxVrdNqwE_fjhohN_yU-Qrbgj5quALFUuk7JjLAhS1ctRYXSzdSGmsgc14A1CKbqC4Nc6USU0fXH-76FXWwqLFTpC0nX87CWoAThipt0PXUUueZkhXjCaukSOUG6V7V_qZD-/s1600/IMG_20111201_103043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0nhn1WuXfxVrdNqwE_fjhohN_yU-Qrbgj5quALFUuk7JjLAhS1ctRYXSzdSGmsgc14A1CKbqC4Nc6USU0fXH-76FXWwqLFTpC0nX87CWoAThipt0PXUUueZkhXjCaukSOUG6V7V_qZD-/s320/IMG_20111201_103043.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Once the orange peels are broken up we will begin the next step in making our holiday potpourri. Then when the fir tree needles have all been snipped and the whole cloves ground up into powder; we will mix all the ingredients together! <br />
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Next the children will prepare small satchels filled with the combination of yummy smells that they, together as a class community, helped to prepare. These potpourri satchels will be small enough to fit in your children's pockets and treasured by their little hands.<br />
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This is a beautiful tradition taught to me by my son Max's wonderful kindergarten teacher. I am grateful, especially every holiday season, for having been a student/parent/teacher at such a lovely Montessori school. And I appreciate that from our children sharing their special school traditions, often family traditions are born. <br />
Blessed Be,<br />
Jennifer<br />
Jennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866736545439102051.post-73905055165886040092011-11-19T11:18:00.000-08:002011-11-19T11:18:31.555-08:00A You're Adorable, B You're so Beautiful..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kp6QkMmD1ZXASdZLqm3Ygc9t_Bsa37ielKDjxtWksMATx1JKVlKRRIRiathjb6S9_5ezVKGy2LdJKuskB4z3EEbByTT7msCfliFOHBk474927yZHisffg1K8FO_tDDeWOu9WskRJceJ2/s1600/SAM_2725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kp6QkMmD1ZXASdZLqm3Ygc9t_Bsa37ielKDjxtWksMATx1JKVlKRRIRiathjb6S9_5ezVKGy2LdJKuskB4z3EEbByTT7msCfliFOHBk474927yZHisffg1K8FO_tDDeWOu9WskRJceJ2/s320/SAM_2725.JPG" width="180" /></a></div> D is for Drew ~ <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiPjHb4DrByH-9HlFDxCt7i6Ee3bCo_Jt7jtFANC1bt7fJtaGCxY799QuzqPtV3UjaRnuQ2X_asAiyCQEq2ut0Krf3sJbys64YrDvhM2KfFv8U1a9xKao3eWCRoRdFLBiA7U_vOIkdYwy/s1600/SAM_2720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiPjHb4DrByH-9HlFDxCt7i6Ee3bCo_Jt7jtFANC1bt7fJtaGCxY799QuzqPtV3UjaRnuQ2X_asAiyCQEq2ut0Krf3sJbys64YrDvhM2KfFv8U1a9xKao3eWCRoRdFLBiA7U_vOIkdYwy/s320/SAM_2720.JPG" width="180" /></a></div> J is for Jack ~<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiukczQJkTD-BltR2YX604_JC08VNppyvQBLyu0y1fxVRG2s9CIlwRWjIuqnJypTQj7KWcoMf1VSs0hiFJjSCOEh-g9OYQEEitzeUKo9XJf4f7UPXGETiwM_PKxW1nKG_pFlxApsxk0qGk/s1600/SAM_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiukczQJkTD-BltR2YX604_JC08VNppyvQBLyu0y1fxVRG2s9CIlwRWjIuqnJypTQj7KWcoMf1VSs0hiFJjSCOEh-g9OYQEEitzeUKo9XJf4f7UPXGETiwM_PKxW1nKG_pFlxApsxk0qGk/s320/SAM_2723.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>and <br />
J is for Jane ~<br />
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Many more letters to discover. Names to be written. It all starts with one little letter.<br />
Thank you all for the well wishes. I'm on the road to recovery.<br />
I miss your children!<br />
Hugs all around,<br />
JenniferJennifer Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17852494826840027858noreply@blogger.com0