<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Own a Daycare Blog &#187; Activites</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/index.php/category/supplies-and-equipment/activites/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog</link>
	<description>Just another WordPress weblog</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:06 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>Thanksgiving: Teaching Preschoolers the Letter T, Alphabet Recognition Activities</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-teaching-preschoolers-the-letter-t-alphabet-recognition-activities</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-teaching-preschoolers-the-letter-t-alphabet-recognition-activities#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>csnuggs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learning the alphabet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lesson plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thanksgiving]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1079</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Preschoolers and young children in child care centers can successfully learn to write the letter T as well as recognize objects beginning with the letter T through simple, fun activities. This activity ties in well with a Thanksgiving lesson plan.
Learning Objectives

The students will identify the letter T
The students make and recognize the T sound
The students [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/teaching-the-alphabet-to-your-preschooler' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Teaching the Alphabet to Your Preschooler'>Teaching the Alphabet to Your Preschooler</a> <small>Teaching a preschooler or a kindergartener the alphabet can really...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-theme-lesson-plan-for-preschoolers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thanksgiving Theme Lesson Plan for Preschoolers'>Thanksgiving Theme Lesson Plan for Preschoolers</a> <small>Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States on the 4th...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/feed-the-turkey-thanksgiving-preschool-activity' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Feed the Turkey: Thanksgiving Preschool Activity'>Feed the Turkey: Thanksgiving Preschool Activity</a> <small>Activities for young children in child care centers should include...</small></b></li></ul>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Preschoolers and young children in <strong><a href="../../providers/">child care centers</a></strong> can successfully learn to write the letter T as well as recognize objects beginning with the letter T through simple, fun activities. This activity ties in well with a Thanksgiving lesson plan.</p>
<p><strong>Learning Objectives</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The students will identify the letter T</li>
<li>The students make and recognize the T sound</li>
<li>The students will learn to trace and write upper and      lower case Ts</li>
<li>The students will identify objects that begin with the      letter T</li>
<li>The students will learn that T is for Thanksgiving</li>
<li>The students will participate in Thanksgiving dramatic      play</li>
<li>The students will participate in Hot Turkey</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Handwriting and Phonetics </strong></p>
<p>Create a letter T poster board which shows both the upper and lower case T. On this poster board, glue pictures of objects cut from magazines or draw objects that begin with the letter T. Display this poster board up for the duration of the Letter T unit. <span id="more-1079"></span></p>
<p>Introduce the children to the letter T, discuss the poster board, and talk about objects begin with the letter T. Demonstrate the T sound and also ask the children to make (repeat) the T sound. Ask students what things they can think of (objects, names, etc.) that begin with the letter T. Emphasize that T is for thanksgiving and discuss the meaning behind the Thanksgiving holiday.</p>
<p>Have children practice tracing the letter T in both upper and lower case, using a letter T worksheet. A good example of a letter T <a href="http://www.first-school.ws/t/alphabet/animal-dnealian/turkey_c.htm">worksheet</a> can be found on First-School’s website.  Provide pencils or crayon and blank sheets of lined or unlined paper. Then, let students practice making the letter T in both upper and lower case.</p>
<p><strong>Circle Time: Scavenger Hunt and Object Sorting</strong></p>
<p>Make a scavenger hunt list with pictures of items what begin with the letter T. Hide the items within the classroom, then go over the list with the children, explaining that all of the items that begin with the letter T. Let the children search for the items. The scavenger hunt is over when all of the items have been found.</p>
<p>Object sorting is great cognitive learning activity which will help children identify objects that begin with the letter T. For this cognitive learning activity, place toy or real objects which begin with the letter T in a cardboard box or other large container. Along with these items, place objects beginning with other letters of the alphabet. As each object is revealed, children will sort those objects that begin with the letter T from those that do not.</p>
<p>Examples of objects that begin with the letter T: Tiger, teabag, tractor, toothbrush, towel, twig, toast, tooth, tent, telephone, turtle, treasure chest, turkey, tomato, toothpaste, toad, t-shirt, and tuna.</p>
<p><strong>Thanksgiving Feast: Directed and Undirected Play</strong></p>
<p>In the pretend play area, set up a Thanksgiving scene. Stress that that T is for Thanksgiving, turkey, tomahawk, table, and thankful. Provide Pilgrim and Native American costumes. Also provide a table, paper or plastic plates, eating utensils, and plastic food. Discuss things to be thankful for. Prompt the children to talk about all of the delicious food they would eat at a Thanksgiving feast.</p>
<p><strong>T is for Turkey: Hot Turkey Game: </strong>This game is a version of the classic &#8220;Hot Potato&#8221; game. Have the kids sit in a circle and pass a mini plastic turkey around while the music is playing. Once the music stops, the person holding the turkey is eliminated from the game but gets a small prize.</p>
<p>These simple activities will greatly enhance language learning for children in your daycare center.  Have fun with the <strong><a href="../../jobs/">child care job</a></strong> of lesson planning. Be creative in seizing moments of opportunity to teach.</p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/teaching-the-alphabet-to-your-preschooler' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Teaching the Alphabet to Your Preschooler'>Teaching the Alphabet to Your Preschooler</a> <small>Teaching a preschooler or a kindergartener the alphabet can really...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-theme-lesson-plan-for-preschoolers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thanksgiving Theme Lesson Plan for Preschoolers'>Thanksgiving Theme Lesson Plan for Preschoolers</a> <small>Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States on the 4th...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/feed-the-turkey-thanksgiving-preschool-activity' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Feed the Turkey: Thanksgiving Preschool Activity'>Feed the Turkey: Thanksgiving Preschool Activity</a> <small>Activities for young children in child care centers should include...</small></b></li></ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-teaching-preschoolers-the-letter-t-alphabet-recognition-activities/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Thanksgiving Turkey Place Card Craft: Fine Motor Activity for Preschoolers</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-turkey-place-card-craft-fine-motor-activity-for-preschoolers</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-turkey-place-card-craft-fine-motor-activity-for-preschoolers#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>csnuggs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lesson plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thanksgiving activities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1071</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Creating a thanksgiving turkey place card is a fun fine motor activity which allows preschoolers to practice bilateral and visual motor coordination and hand strength.
When developing curriculum, daycare providers must include age-appropriate activities for young children that develop fine motor skills. This Thanksgiving Turkey Place card craft is an activity that will support a Thanksgiving [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/feed-the-turkey-thanksgiving-preschool-activity' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Feed the Turkey: Thanksgiving Preschool Activity'>Feed the Turkey: Thanksgiving Preschool Activity</a> <small>Activities for young children in child care centers should include...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-theme-lesson-plan-for-preschoolers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thanksgiving Theme Lesson Plan for Preschoolers'>Thanksgiving Theme Lesson Plan for Preschoolers</a> <small>Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States on the 4th...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-teaching-preschoolers-the-letter-t-alphabet-recognition-activities' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thanksgiving: Teaching Preschoolers the Letter T, Alphabet Recognition Activities'>Thanksgiving: Teaching Preschoolers the Letter T, Alphabet Recognition Activities</a> <small>Preschoolers and young children in child care centers can successfully...</small></b></li></ul>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Creating a thanksgiving turkey place card is a fun fine motor activity which allows preschoolers to practice bilateral and visual motor coordination and hand strength.</p>
<p>When developing curriculum, <strong><a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/providers/">daycare providers</a> </strong>must include age-appropriate activities for young children that develop fine motor skills. This Thanksgiving Turkey Place card craft is an activity that will support a Thanksgiving unit as well as promote visual motor coordination, bilateral coordination, and hand strength.</p>
<p>Fine motor skills are actions that involve the small movement of hands, wrists, feet, fingers, toes, tongue, and lips. In contrast with gross motor skills which involve larger muscles of the arms, legs and feet, fine motor skills focus on small muscle movements in coordination with the eye. Some important fine motor concepts and skills that preschool age children learn to master are bilateral coordination, visual motor coordination, grasp, hand use, manipulation skills, pincer grasp, wrist rotation, pre-writing grasp, hand strength, and tactile awareness.</p>
<p>Children learn fine motor skills through practice. Activities which involve writing, drawing, cutting, stringing, and buttoning are great examples of activities that promote the development of fine motor skills.</p>
<p>This Thanksgiving Turkey Place Card lesson plan includes the preparation instructions, procedure, and materials list for this activity. It also provides age-appropriate learning objectives and a sample of the simple supporting verbal cues necessary to encourage participation and support learning. <span id="more-1071"></span></p>
<p><strong>Thanksgiving Turkey Place Card Activity</strong></p>
<p>Per Child you will need:</p>
<ul>
<li>Styrofoam ball</li>
<li>Brown tempera paint</li>
<li>Feathers with stiff quills in various colors.</li>
<li>Wooden “spoon” (the type sold with ice cream)</li>
<li>Two plastic eyes</li>
<li>Red Cardstock</li>
<li>Office brad</li>
<li>Paint brush</li>
<li>Scissors for children</li>
<li>Glue</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thanksgiving Turkey Place Card Craft Procedures</strong></p>
<p>Cover a table with butcher paper. Place all materials on the table. Invite the children over to craft area. Explain to them that you are going to create a Thanksgiving turkey place card. Talk about all of the delicious things that are traditionally eaten during Thanksgiving. Help the children perform the following steps:</p>
<p>1. Paint turkey with brown tempera paint.  Allow to dry completely.</p>
<p>2. Glue eyes to top of spoon.</p>
<p>3. Cut out the turkey’s wattle from red cardstock (a heart shape is an easy way to create a waddle) and glue below eyes.</p>
<p>4. Poke spoon (which is the head)  into ball about one-third of the way</p>
<p>5. Poke feathers into styrofoam to create the turkey’s feathers.</p>
<p>6. Using the office brad, attach the Styrofoam ball to a piece of cardstock.</p>
<p>7.  Write a guest’s name on the cardstock.</p>
<p><strong>Fine Motor Learning Objectives</strong></p>
<p>Objective 1: To provide the opportunity to Increase bilateral coordination, hand strength, and visual-motor coordination by squeezing glue containers</p>
<p>Verbal Cue A: Let’s glue eyes onto the spoon.</p>
<p>Verbal Cue B: Can you squeeze a little glue on the back each eye?</p>
<p>Objective 2: To provide the opportunity for increased visual-motor coordination by using scissors to cut wavy lines</p>
<p>Verbal Cue A: Can you cut the waddle for the turkey?</p>
<p>Verbal Cue B: I like how you are cutting the heart shape out of the red paper.</p>
<p>Objective 3: To provide the opportunity for increased wrist rotation and prewriting grasp by using a paint brush to paint.</p>
<p>Verbal Cue A: Can you brush the brown paint on the Styrofoam ball?</p>
<p>Verbal Cue B: I like the way you are painting the ball.</p>
<p>Children in your <strong><a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/providers/">daycare center</a></strong> will have a fun time creating a cute and colorful turkey place card holder while enhancing their fine motor skills. This activity was adapted from The Freepreschoolcrafts.com website.</p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/feed-the-turkey-thanksgiving-preschool-activity' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Feed the Turkey: Thanksgiving Preschool Activity'>Feed the Turkey: Thanksgiving Preschool Activity</a> <small>Activities for young children in child care centers should include...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-theme-lesson-plan-for-preschoolers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thanksgiving Theme Lesson Plan for Preschoolers'>Thanksgiving Theme Lesson Plan for Preschoolers</a> <small>Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States on the 4th...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-teaching-preschoolers-the-letter-t-alphabet-recognition-activities' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thanksgiving: Teaching Preschoolers the Letter T, Alphabet Recognition Activities'>Thanksgiving: Teaching Preschoolers the Letter T, Alphabet Recognition Activities</a> <small>Preschoolers and young children in child care centers can successfully...</small></b></li></ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-turkey-place-card-craft-fine-motor-activity-for-preschoolers/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Fall or Autumn Preschool Leaf Mural: Creative Activity for Toddlers</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-or-autumn-preschool-leaf-mural-creative-activity-for-toddlers</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-or-autumn-preschool-leaf-mural-creative-activity-for-toddlers#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>csnuggs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autumn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creative arts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool curriculum]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1063</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Creative activities for the children in your child care center should foster creative development. Creative activities should promote expression, encourage spontaneity in material usage, and introduce children to textured materials.
A leaf mural is a creative activity that supports creative development and teaches children in child day care centers about seasons. Begin by introducing the children [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/preschool-autumn-theme-lesson-plan' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Preschool Autumn Theme Lesson Plan'>Preschool Autumn Theme Lesson Plan</a> <small>Summer is officially over, but the fun doesn’t end when...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-pumpkin-sorting-activity-cognitive-development-lesson-plan-for-preschool' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool'>Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool</a> <small>Fall is in full swing! The leaves are changing colors...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/autumn-preschool-reading-and-resource-list' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Autumn Preschool Reading and Resource List'>Autumn Preschool Reading and Resource List</a> <small>Through storytelling and activities, celebrate and teach young children in...</small></b></li></ul>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Creative activities for the children in your <strong><a href="../../providers/">child care center</a></strong> should foster creative development. Creative activities should promote expression, encourage spontaneity in material usage, and introduce children to textured materials.</p>
<p>A leaf mural is a creative activity that supports creative development and teaches children in <strong><a href="../../providers/">child day care centers</a> </strong>about seasons. Begin by introducing the children to the concepts of autumn/fall. Read age appropriate board books and picture books that feature the season fall. Take the children on a nature walk. Discuss the signs and symbols of autumn. Let the children collect fall items like leaves, acorns and pine cones. Discuss the colors, textures, smells.  Bring them back to the class and sort all of the items. You may save these items for other fall crafts. <span id="more-1063"></span></p>
<p><strong>Fall Mural Materials</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Large and small <a href="http://kids.creativity-portal.com/d/projects/autumn/fall-leaf-cutout-templates2.shtml">leaf patterns</a> (several for each child)</li>
<li>Construction paper</li>
<li>A variety of tempura paint in fall colors (gold, brown, orange, and red)  in shallow dishes</li>
<li>Painting sponges</li>
<li>Coarse salt</li>
<li>Bulletin board letters which spell “It’s Autumn” Or “Welcome to Fall”</li>
<li>Bulletin board</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Activity Preparation</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> Cut out leaf patterns</li>
<li> Cover the craft table in butcher paper</li>
<li> Distribute leaf cutouts and stamps</li>
<li> Put paint in shallow dishes</li>
<li> Add salt to the paint and mix well</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Activity Procedures</strong><br />
Invite the children over to the craft table.  Let them know they will be creating a leaf mural. Demonstrate how to dip the sponges in the paint and sponge paint the leaves. Let the sponge paint their leaf cutouts. Arrange the leaves randomly on the bulletin board. Add the bulletin board title of your choice. <strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Autumn Leaf Mural Lesson Objectives</strong></p>
<p><em>Objective 1</em><br />
To provide the opportunity for expressive activities through by allowing children to create designs on leaves using a sponge.<br />
Verbal Cue A: Today we are going to color the leaves!<br />
Verbal Cue B: I have lots of colors for you to use the leaves to make a design.</p>
<p><em>Objective 2</em><br />
To encourage spontaneity in material usage by allowing the children to choose colors and to mix the colors they choose<br />
Verbal Cue A: Which colors would you like to use first?<br />
Verbal Cue B: I like the way you have chosen your colors!</p>
<p><em>Objective 3</em><br />
To introduce textured materials by adding coarse salt to the paint to be used by the children.<br />
Verbal Cue A: Would you like to add salt to the paint?<br />
Verbal Cue B: Let’s see what it looks and feels like after we add salt to the paint.</p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/preschool-autumn-theme-lesson-plan' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Preschool Autumn Theme Lesson Plan'>Preschool Autumn Theme Lesson Plan</a> <small>Summer is officially over, but the fun doesn’t end when...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-pumpkin-sorting-activity-cognitive-development-lesson-plan-for-preschool' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool'>Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool</a> <small>Fall is in full swing! The leaves are changing colors...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/autumn-preschool-reading-and-resource-list' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Autumn Preschool Reading and Resource List'>Autumn Preschool Reading and Resource List</a> <small>Through storytelling and activities, celebrate and teach young children in...</small></b></li></ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-or-autumn-preschool-leaf-mural-creative-activity-for-toddlers/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Preschool Autumn Theme Lesson Plan</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/preschool-autumn-theme-lesson-plan</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/preschool-autumn-theme-lesson-plan#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:00:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>csnuggs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lesson plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool curriculum]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=958</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Summer is officially over, but the fun doesn’t end when preschool begins. Your licensed daycare center can utilize this handy, creative and free lesson plan to teach preschool aged children about the season fall.
Autumn Art Activity: Handprint Wreath
For this activity you will need: 1 handprint pattern; 1 acorn pattern; brown, yellow, orange, red, and green [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-pumpkin-sorting-activity-cognitive-development-lesson-plan-for-preschool' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool'>Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool</a> <small>Fall is in full swing! The leaves are changing colors...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-or-autumn-preschool-leaf-mural-creative-activity-for-toddlers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Fall or Autumn Preschool Leaf Mural: Creative Activity for Toddlers'>Fall or Autumn Preschool Leaf Mural: Creative Activity for Toddlers</a> <small>Creative activities for the children in your child care center...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/autumn-preschool-reading-and-resource-list' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Autumn Preschool Reading and Resource List'>Autumn Preschool Reading and Resource List</a> <small>Through storytelling and activities, celebrate and teach young children in...</small></b></li></ul>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Summer is officially over, but the fun doesn’t end when preschool begins. Your <strong><a href="../../providers/">licensed daycare center</a></strong> can utilize this handy, creative and free lesson plan to teach preschool aged children about the season fall.</p>
<p><strong>Autumn Art Activity: Handprint Wreath</strong></p>
<p>For this activity you will need: 1 handprint pattern; 1 acorn pattern; brown, yellow, orange, red, and green craft foam, poster board, ribbon, and glue. Cut handprints and acorns from foam in assorted colors. Cut a wreath ring from the poster board. Glue the hands randomly around the ring. Glue acorns randomly amongst the foam hands. Then attach the ribbon for hanging. <span id="more-958"></span></p>
<p><strong>Autumn Cooking with Preschoolers</strong></p>
<p>What better way to learn about and celebrate autumn than with a cooking lesson that features pumpkins!  Roasting pumpkin seeds is a quick, easy, and fun activity for preschoolers.  If you can incorporate a trip to a pumpkin patch, do so.  Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut the top off of one large pumpkin and let the children remove the seeds with their hands. Rinse the seeds in a colander/strainer and sort the seeds from the pulp.  Lay the seeds on a paper towel and let the seeds dry completely. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray, sprinkle the seeds on the cookie sheet in one layer, and sprinkle the seeds with salt. Bake for 20-30 minutes and let cool. Pumpkin seeds are a great snack!</p>
<p><strong>Autumn Cognitive/Math Activity</strong></p>
<p>Autumn object sorting is a great way for <strong><a href="../../providers/">child care centers</a></strong> to teach children about classification and counting. First, collect 5-10 of each of the following objects: mini pumpkins, apples, leaves, construction paper scarecrows, leaves, and plastic corn on the cob.  Put all of the items into a large laundry bag. Have children take turns drawing an item from the bag and sorting them into groups. Next have the children count the number of objects in each group.</p>
<p><strong>Preschool Books about Autumn</strong></p>
<p><em>It’s Fall </em>by Linda Glasser [Millbrook Press, 2001]</p>
<p><em>Why do Leaves Change Colors</em> by Betsy Maestro and Loretta Krumpinski [Collins, 1994]</p>
<p><em>Leaf Baby: Baby Seasons Board Books</em> by Mary Briggid Barrett and Eve Chwast [Red Wagon Books, 1998]</p>
<p><em>Arthur Jumps into Fall</em> by Marc Brown [LB Kids, 2006]</p>
<p><em>I Know It’s Autumn</em> by Eileen Spinelli and Nancy Hayashi [HarperCollins, 2004]</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Fall Physical Activities</strong></p>
<p>Children love jumping in crunchy fall leaves. This activity enhances their gross motor skills by allowing them to practice rebounding activities and projectile management through a rebounding and raking activity. Collect a large assortment of fall leaves. This is a good time to take the children on a nature walk and discuss the features of autumn. Take all of the leaves you have collected and place them in a kid-sized plastic swimming pool.  Also scatter some leaves around the pool. Invite kids to jump in the leaves and practice raking the scattered leaves into piles.</p>
<p>A fall themed lesson plan for preschoolers should be creative, fun, and cover all areas of development. A large part of <strong><a href="../../jobs/">child care jobs</a></strong> is to expose ideas in a variety of ways, so that children are more apt to remember the concept.</p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-pumpkin-sorting-activity-cognitive-development-lesson-plan-for-preschool' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool'>Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool</a> <small>Fall is in full swing! The leaves are changing colors...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-or-autumn-preschool-leaf-mural-creative-activity-for-toddlers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Fall or Autumn Preschool Leaf Mural: Creative Activity for Toddlers'>Fall or Autumn Preschool Leaf Mural: Creative Activity for Toddlers</a> <small>Creative activities for the children in your child care center...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/autumn-preschool-reading-and-resource-list' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Autumn Preschool Reading and Resource List'>Autumn Preschool Reading and Resource List</a> <small>Through storytelling and activities, celebrate and teach young children in...</small></b></li></ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/preschool-autumn-theme-lesson-plan/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Fish Sorting Activity: Cognitive Lesson Plan for Toddlers</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fish-sorting-activity-cognitive-lesson-plan-for-toddlers</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fish-sorting-activity-cognitive-lesson-plan-for-toddlers#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>csnuggs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cognitive development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lesson plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toddler activity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=945</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Toddlers and children of preschool age love activities that include water, animals, and the opportunity to get messy. Fish sorting is a fun and activity that can be used in daycare centers and preschools to support cognitive development.
Cognitive development focuses on developing functions of the brain such as thinking, learning, awareness, judgment, and processing information. [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-pumpkin-sorting-activity-cognitive-development-lesson-plan-for-preschool' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool'>Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool</a> <small>Fall is in full swing! The leaves are changing colors...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-teaching-preschoolers-the-letter-t-alphabet-recognition-activities' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thanksgiving: Teaching Preschoolers the Letter T, Alphabet Recognition Activities'>Thanksgiving: Teaching Preschoolers the Letter T, Alphabet Recognition Activities</a> <small>Preschoolers and young children in child care centers can successfully...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/early-daycare-math-activities' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Early Daycare Math Activities'>Early Daycare Math Activities</a> <small>Always remember that learning Math is not complicated but instead...</small></b></li></ul>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Toddlers and children of preschool age love activities that include water, animals, and the opportunity to get messy. Fish sorting is a fun and activity that can be used in <strong><a href="../../providers/">daycare centers</a></strong> and preschools to support cognitive development.</p>
<p>Cognitive development focuses on developing functions of the brain such as thinking, learning, awareness, judgment, and processing information.  Cognitive development centers around how children learn and process information. It is the development of brain in functions such as language, thinking, mental imagery, reasoning, problem solving, and memory development.</p>
<p>Developmental psychologist Jean Piaget contends that children go through several stages of cognitive development.  From birth through the age of 2, children are in the Sensory-Motor Stage. In this stage, children learn through sensation and movement. From ages of 2-7, children are in the Pre-Operational Stage. <span id="more-945"></span>At this point they are learning to use symbols (language) to represent objects, and beginning to understand the concept of conservation. It is also the phase in which memory and imagination are developed. Learning activities for toddlers and children should correspond to the appropriate developmental.</p>
<p>To help foster cognitive development, implement this fish sorting lesson plan. Make use of the age-appropriate learning objectives and some of the supporting verbal cues necessary to encourage participation and support learning.</p>
<p><strong>List of materials:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Plastic fish in various sizes</li>
<li>One large plastic container or bucket or sensory table</li>
<li>Water, sand, seashells, and green Easter grass</li>
<li>Two plastic containers for sorting</li>
<li>Small fishnets</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Preparation:</strong></p>
<p>In a large container or sensory table, add water, sand, seashells, and green Easter grass to create a body of water. Place large and small plastic fish in the water. Place fishnets nearby so that the children can scoop out the fish with them. Place two containers nearby for sorting.</p>
<p><strong>Procedure:</strong></p>
<p>Invite the children over to the large container or sensory table. Explain to them that they will be collecting (fishing for) fish. Encourage the children to collect big and small fish with the net. Once they are caught, encourage the children to sort the fish into two containers; one for big fish and one for small fish.</p>
<p><strong>Objective 1: </strong>To develop an understanding of classification by encourage children to sort fish by size</p>
<ul>
<li>Verbal Cue A: Can you sort the fish into big and small?</li>
<li>Verbal Cue B: Let’s put the big fish in one container      and the small fish in another one.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Objective 2: </strong>To teach about relationships using the terms small, big, and bigger</p>
<ul>
<li>Verbal cue A: Let’s collect all of the small fish and      place them in this container.</li>
<li>Verbal Cue B: Which fish is bigger?</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Objective 3: </strong>To introduce the number concept of 1-10</p>
<ul>
<li>Verbal Cue A: Let’s count the number of small fish.</li>
<li>Verbal Cue B: Let’s count the number of large fish.</li>
</ul>
<p>Kids will have great fun in your <strong><a href="../../providers/">childcare center</a></strong> while learning important cognitive skills: sorting and classification.</p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fall-pumpkin-sorting-activity-cognitive-development-lesson-plan-for-preschool' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool'>Halloween Fall Pumpkin Sorting Activity: Cognitive Development Lesson Plan for Preschool</a> <small>Fall is in full swing! The leaves are changing colors...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/thanksgiving-teaching-preschoolers-the-letter-t-alphabet-recognition-activities' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thanksgiving: Teaching Preschoolers the Letter T, Alphabet Recognition Activities'>Thanksgiving: Teaching Preschoolers the Letter T, Alphabet Recognition Activities</a> <small>Preschoolers and young children in child care centers can successfully...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/early-daycare-math-activities' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Early Daycare Math Activities'>Early Daycare Math Activities</a> <small>Always remember that learning Math is not complicated but instead...</small></b></li></ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fish-sorting-activity-cognitive-lesson-plan-for-toddlers/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Container Gardening with Young Children</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/container-gardening-with-young-children</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/container-gardening-with-young-children#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:00:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>csnuggs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green dayare]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=922</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Children are naturally curious about nature and their environment. Daycare centers should take advantage of this by planning environmentally friendly activities. You will find that young children in your child day care center love playing in the dirt, planting seeds, watching the seeds they have planted grow, and then harvesting and tasting or displaying what [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fun-activities-for-your-children' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Fun Activities for Your Children'>Fun Activities for Your Children</a> <small>Making crayon rubbings Making crayon rubbings can be a fun...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fish-sorting-activity-cognitive-lesson-plan-for-toddlers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Fish Sorting Activity: Cognitive Lesson Plan for Toddlers'>Fish Sorting Activity: Cognitive Lesson Plan for Toddlers</a> <small>Toddlers and children of preschool age love activities that include...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/gift-ideas-for-young-children-on-mothers-day' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Gift Ideas for Young Children on Mother&#8217;s Day'>Gift Ideas for Young Children on Mother&#8217;s Day</a> <small>What better time to encourage the creativity and imagination of...</small></b></li></ul>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Children are naturally curious about nature and their environment. <strong><a href="../../providers/">Daycare centers</a></strong> should take advantage of this by planning environmentally friendly activities. You will find that young children in your <strong><a href="../../providers/">child day care center</a> </strong>love playing in the dirt, planting seeds, watching the seeds they have planted grow, and then harvesting and tasting or displaying what they have planted. Container gardening is a simple way to introduce children to nature and gardening.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Container gardens can be created in just about any container that can hold soil and as long as the container has holes for proper drainage (about one half inch). <span> </span>Great containers for kid’s gardens include: <span id="more-922"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Milk cartons and plastic jugs</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Egg cartons</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Old shoes</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Baskets</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Styrofoam or plastic cups</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Cardboard boxes</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Coffee cans</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Buckets</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">This is also a great way to teach recycling, reducing and reusing to young children, as you reuse containers that would otherwise be thrown out and sent to clutter landfills.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><strong><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">How to Plant a Simple Container Garden</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Explain to young children that you can grow plants from seeds. Give details that in order to for seeds to grow into plants they need soil, water, and plenty of sunlight. </span></p>
<ol type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Select an array of containers from the above list.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Find a sunny location for containers that is also in      close proximity to access to water.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Fill the container with moist organic potting mix.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Let the children take turns placing seeds on top of the      mix and pushing larger seeds into the moist soil.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Water the seeds and cover the container with plastic      wrap.</span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Over time, let the children in your care take turns watering the plants and monitoring their progress on a daily or weekly basis. You could even create a plant journal to document maintenance and plant growth. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><strong><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Easiest Garden Plants for Children</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">The easiest plants for children to grow are:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Flowers: Marigolds, snapdragons, sunflowers,</span></li>
<li><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Herbs: Basil, thyme, oregano</span></li>
<li><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Vegetables: Beets, turnips, lettuce, beans</span></li>
<li><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Strawberries</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">These seeds are great for young children because they have a short growing season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><strong><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Theme Gardens for Young Children</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Incorporate fun themes into your garden activities:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Fourth of July garden: Plant flowers in red, white and blue set to bloom just in time for Independence Day. Add small American flags to the containers to there you have a colorful whimsical, Fourth of July garden.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Pizza garden: Plant tumbler tomatoes, sweet basil, green peppers, and oregano. In conjunction with a cooking activity, use vegetables from the garden to make pizza sauce and toppings for a pizza.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Butterfly garden: A butterfly garden contains butterfly friendly plants. These are flowers that attract beautiful butterflies. Some good flowers for a butterfly garden are impatiens, asters, rosemary nasturtiums, <span style="&quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">purple coneflowers, bergamots and horsemints. In addition add parsley to the butterfly garden which attracts caterpillars. Your local nursery or garden supply store will sell a mix of butterfly garden seeds.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Herb garden: Introduce young children to the scent and taste of herbs.<span> </span>Some good herbs to start with are mint, rosemary, sage parsley and basil.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="normal;"><span style="&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">As you plant container gardens with small children in <strong><a href="../../providers/">childcare centers</a></strong>, be sure to discuss with them what the plants will smell like, taste like, and look like (colors, size, etc.), and describe their uses.</span></p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fun-activities-for-your-children' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Fun Activities for Your Children'>Fun Activities for Your Children</a> <small>Making crayon rubbings Making crayon rubbings can be a fun...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fish-sorting-activity-cognitive-lesson-plan-for-toddlers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Fish Sorting Activity: Cognitive Lesson Plan for Toddlers'>Fish Sorting Activity: Cognitive Lesson Plan for Toddlers</a> <small>Toddlers and children of preschool age love activities that include...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/gift-ideas-for-young-children-on-mothers-day' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Gift Ideas for Young Children on Mother&#8217;s Day'>Gift Ideas for Young Children on Mother&#8217;s Day</a> <small>What better time to encourage the creativity and imagination of...</small></b></li></ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/container-gardening-with-young-children/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Preschool Activities for Saint Nicholas Day Celebration</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/preschool-activities-for-saint-nicholas-day-celebration</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/preschool-activities-for-saint-nicholas-day-celebration#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:18:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mary</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celebration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nicholas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[saint]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=818</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every 6th day of December, we celebrate St. Nicholas Day. Saint Nicholas was once a priest who later on became a bishop. He had always loved children and the poor. Saint Nicholas Day is a great opportunity to teach the child about Santa Claus’ origin. Surely, with these preschool activities, children will enjoy the celebration [...]


No related posts.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Every 6th day of December, we celebrate St. Nicholas Day. Saint Nicholas was once a priest who later on became a bishop. He had always loved children and the poor. Saint Nicholas Day is a great opportunity to teach the child about Santa Claus’ origin. Surely, with these preschool activities, children will enjoy the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day.<br />
<span id="more-818"></span><br />
St. Nicholas’ Story<br />
Read stories about St. Nicholas to the children. Saint Nicholas lives around 300 years following Jesus in the town of Myra. He grew to be a priest there. He had always loved children. One time, he knew about some poor family in Myra who has not enough money for clothing or food. One night, he left money inside a bag on the family’s doorstep. Twice did he come back there and on his third return, the family’s father saw him leave money inside a bag.</p>
<p>Later on, Saint Nicholas became Myra’s Bishop. He continued caring for the children and the poor. Because of the great acts he did, he was canonized as a saint. He later on became known as Santa Claus. After telling the Story, the children can be visited by Saint Nicholas during their sleeping time. Near their sleeping mats, you can leave them chocolate coins. And when they get up, they will see the “money” that Saint Nicholas gave them.</p>
<p>Children’s Letters for Santa Claus<br />
It has been part of the tradition every Christmas for children to write letters for Santa Claus. There are a lot of ways for the children to do this. One way is for every child to tell you his wish list while you jot it down for them. The children can also decorate their letters’ pages with drawings about Christmas. Then ask them to sign the list with their names after. Using a big box of cardboard, create a mailbox where children can mail the letters.</p>
<p>Another way is for you to distribute toy advertisements and catalogues to children. Let the children find the toy they want the most then cut out those pictures. Glue the pictures on a picture and have the children decorate the letters. Then ask them to sign the letters with their names. Place the letters inside envelopes then put them in a mail box where children can mail the letters.</p>
<p>What Is Saint Nicholas Bringing?<br />
With this game, the children can have fun pretending like he or she is Saint Nicholas. All you need are a sack and a whole lot of different toys around the room. For the sack, you can sew one using a velvet material that is red. Or if you don’t want to make your own sack, you can just use any bag.</p>
<p>At the center of the room, lay down different toys. For how many minutes, let the children look at the toys then remove them after. Pick a child who will play Saint Nicholas. Ask the other children to have their eyes closed while Saint Nicholas picks a toy. Put the toy inside the bag after. Then, ask the kids to guess what toy is inside the bag as Saint Nicholas gives them clues about it. A variation of this game is to let the kids touch the bag and guess what’s inside it. The kid who correctly guesses what the toy is will be the next Saint Nicholas.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com">How to start a daycare business</a></p>


<p>No related posts.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/preschool-activities-for-saint-nicholas-day-celebration/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Parent Involvement At Day Care</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/parent-involvement-at-day-care</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/parent-involvement-at-day-care#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:28:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mary</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[involvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parent]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=803</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Daycare centre providers should involve the parents and consider their points and suggestions. You as the caregiver can tell the parents your observation about the kid when he or she is at the center and how the child interacts with others. The parents can give you information that would lighten or make the caring of [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/involving-the-parents-in-daycare-activities' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Involving The Parents In Daycare Activities'>Involving The Parents In Daycare Activities</a> <small>Day care providers must take advantage of every available opportunity...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/parents-day-at-the-daycare' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Parents Day At The Daycare'>Parents Day At The Daycare</a> <small>As a daycare provider, one should take advantage of every...</small></b></li></ul>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Daycare centre providers should involve the parents and consider their points and suggestions. You as the caregiver can tell the parents your observation about the kid when he or she is at the center and how the child interacts with others. The parents can give you information that would lighten or make the caring of the child lighter. Make sure that you always have regular conversations with the parents of the children under your care. Take note of the reminders that these parents give you since they are important even to the slightest and most simple details.<br />
<span id="more-803"></span><br />
In order to help you deal with the children’s parents, you can assess your staff and let them attend trainings so they can be guided in communicating with the parents professionally and efficiently. You can also involve the parents in a creative way like letting them speak about their area of expertise, having them as volunteers for the day or having parent/s-of-the-day who will be attending the activities.</p>
<p>It also helps if you have a complaints procedure in your daycare. This will allow the parents to ecpress their grievance or disappointments. As the provider, you should not be intimidated by the complaints of the parents. You should take these complains as constructive criticisms that will help you improve your services. The complaints procedure allows the staff to deal with certain concerns and when these concerns are not resolved, the management would take over. Always thank the parent and guardians in voicing out their opinions and complains. Having a suggestion box where parents can comment would also be helpful.</p>
<p>Involving the parents in your daycare will definitely be one of your resources too. If these parents are satisfied with the way that you handle their children and the way you apply the services you offer, they would definitely want to repay you. So always make sure that you have a child-friendly and enjoyable daycare since this will keep the parents at peace and relaxed.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com">How to start a daycare center</a></p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/involving-the-parents-in-daycare-activities' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Involving The Parents In Daycare Activities'>Involving The Parents In Daycare Activities</a> <small>Day care providers must take advantage of every available opportunity...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/parents-day-at-the-daycare' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Parents Day At The Daycare'>Parents Day At The Daycare</a> <small>As a daycare provider, one should take advantage of every...</small></b></li></ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/parent-involvement-at-day-care/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Nap Time in Daycare</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/nap-time-in-daycare</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/nap-time-in-daycare#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:27:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mary</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[time]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=801</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Children need to have their nap time for them to rest and develop. As a daycare owner, you can schedule a nap time for the children in your care. The nap time can start at 12 noon everyday. Since the children get exhausted from the activities that you do in the morning like playing and [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/daycare-center-safety-in-the-playground' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Daycare Center &#8211; Safety In The Playground'>Daycare Center &#8211; Safety In The Playground</a> <small>Allowing your child to play outdoors is something which you...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/ensuring-proper-care-from-day-care-centers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Ensuring Proper Care From Day Care Centers'>Ensuring Proper Care From Day Care Centers</a> <small>Raising a child can really be one of the most...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/how-to-encourage-children-to-sleep-while-in-the-daycare-center-2' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How to Encourage Children to Sleep While in the Daycare Center'>How to Encourage Children to Sleep While in the Daycare Center</a> <small>Encouraging children to sleep during naptime and while in your...</small></b></li></ul>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Children need to have their nap time for them to rest and develop. As a daycare owner, you can schedule a nap time for the children in your care. The nap time can start at 12 noon everyday. Since the children get exhausted from the activities that you do in the morning like playing and the like, they need enough rest to gain more energy.<br />
<span id="more-801"></span><br />
Babies sleep in cots during nap time while the older kids sleep on their sleeping bag or mat. If other children don’t want to rest and sleep, you can prevent them from disturbing the other children while letting them read a book or draw. Nap time is also an appropriate time for the caregivers to have their rest. Just make sure that they still keep an eye for the children while they rest.</p>
<p>It would be quite hard for a child to follow the schedule that you made for naptime so you have to help or supervise them. You can use a blanket, a pillow or a cuddly stuffed toy to put him to sleep. You can also rub his back and speak softly and leave him for approximately five minutes. Return to the child and rub his back again until he settles to sleep. Normally, it would take a child two weeks to get used to this routine. It would also help if you put up movable dividers where the children sleep in between to minimize disturbance. Check the kids every after a few minutes to make sure that they are soundly asleep.</p>
<p>Naptime is also a peaceful and quiet time for the provider and it would be a nice time to eat your lunch and rest. In addition, you can also attend to your other tasks which you cannot do while the kids are around.</p>
<p>Benefits of Having a Playground in your Daycare Center</p>
<p>One of the best ways to keep the children under your care entertained is by letting them play in the playground. Most, if not all, children brighten up when they see a colourful slide or a shiny swing. Playgrounds not only lighten your load in planning an activity for the children but they also keep the atmosphere fun-filled and enjoyable. In addition to these, having a playground will only cost you a one time expense on the purchase except for maintenance which is only seldom. </p>
<p>Aside from the benefits stated above, there are also other advantages in having a playground. First is that playing promotes and develops the child’s physical fitness. The slides, swings, jungle gyms and tire swings involve aerobic exercise and help the children build their muscles. Playing keeps the children healthy and prevent them from having obesity problems. Letting the child play in the playground is far better than letting him play all alone because the calories are being burned when they play with other children. This will lessen their susceptibility to diabetes II and obesity while having a lot of fun at play!</p>
<p>The children also develop their social skills when they play. They get to share the different play equipments and interact with other children. It also allows the children to learn how to collaborate with other children and combine the toys that they have with each other. The interactions help them realize their role in a community at an early age.</p>
<p>New friendships can also be brought by playgrounds. Since all the children join together to play, they are able to experience how to interact with other people and be comfortable in staying in large groups. This will help them build friendship and expand their social circle. They are also able to decrease their shyness when they are exposed to a lot of people. And lastly, the hyperactive children can have a means to be tired and lighten up the care providers and parents.</p>
<p>Playgrounds also serve as excess energy outlets for children. Jumping, running, swinging, sliding and playing allows the children to use their store energy in a good way. After recess, they will be able to respond, cooperate be more patient and calm all throughout the day.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com">How to start a daycare center</a></p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/daycare-center-safety-in-the-playground' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Daycare Center &#8211; Safety In The Playground'>Daycare Center &#8211; Safety In The Playground</a> <small>Allowing your child to play outdoors is something which you...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/ensuring-proper-care-from-day-care-centers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Ensuring Proper Care From Day Care Centers'>Ensuring Proper Care From Day Care Centers</a> <small>Raising a child can really be one of the most...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/how-to-encourage-children-to-sleep-while-in-the-daycare-center-2' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How to Encourage Children to Sleep While in the Daycare Center'>How to Encourage Children to Sleep While in the Daycare Center</a> <small>Encouraging children to sleep during naptime and while in your...</small></b></li></ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/nap-time-in-daycare/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Importance Of Play And Learning</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/the-importance-of-play-and-learning</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/the-importance-of-play-and-learning#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:51:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mary</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[importance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[play]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=772</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The importance of play
There are things that children learn by reading books. But a lot of the things that these children learn are from play. There are a number of reasons why this is so. But the most basic part of it is the child’s desire. But for a child to learn, learning must incorporate [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/available-free-daycare-activities' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Available Free Daycare Activities'>Available Free Daycare Activities</a> <small>If you are teaching a daycare and you want to...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/learning-how-to-read-and-count' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Learning How To Read And Count'>Learning How To Read And Count</a> <small>Children are often eager to learn a lot of things....</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/nap-time-in-daycare' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Nap Time in Daycare'>Nap Time in Daycare</a> <small>Children need to have their nap time for them to...</small></b></li></ul>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The importance of play<br />
There are things that children learn by reading books. But a lot of the things that these children learn are from play. There are a number of reasons why this is so. But the most basic part of it is the child’s desire. But for a child to learn, learning must incorporate the element of fun. Therefore the idea here in teaching children in a daycare setting is t o lessen the element of work and give more emphasis on the element of fun. Make sure that they learn while having a good time as this is what children prefer to do. For a parent, it is better for you to teach your child to learn while playing because playing will help then keep interested in what you are teaching them. There are subjects in a daycare like math and science that is taught in a classroom like setting, but it is still essential to put a little fun in it.<br />
<span id="more-772"></span><br />
Social interaction<br />
There are a lot of ways in which children learn, and more often than not these ways integrate the some sort of physical activity and social interaction with the teacher and other children. Study even show that babies learn in a similar fashion. The main thing is that parents must also introduce in the teaching process activities in which the children can use their sense of taste, touch sight and smell. When it comes to babies, they often like it when the teacher play games like peek-a-boo. These games are good for them as they can also practice their senses. Other games that make them interact with the teacher are also good for them as these games make them interact too, especially when the one they are p-laying with is a family member.</p>
<p>When these children grow, their need to learn still needs to be jumpstarted. Just remember, in running a daycare, always bring in the element of fun to make them do the activities. You must also instil or integrate how they could build up their imaginative ways. You can do this allowing them to pick out a costume and let them wear it during their stay in the daycare. Then encourage these children to act out the costume they are wearing. An example of this would be a costume of an angel. This becomes role playing in its pure form. The child wearing the angel costume will now act like an angel the way he or she knows. As the child will learn from this that an angel is a bearer of God’s message, the effect is that the child might even be curious and may want to find out what is the word of God. This is the kind of game in which the child will learn a lot from.</p>
<p>But even the way children play has developed in some ways. In kindergarten and preparatory schools, story reading with pictures were the best ways to teach a child. This style of teaching also develops interaction between them and other children and with other people too. An example of this is to let them imagine that they are in a kiddie movie. Narrate to them what the movie is all about. Then later, make them act out the characters in the movie in their own style. A lot of basic things like speaking can be learned from this type of learning.</p>
<p>Important skills for the children<br />
There are a lot of the important manners in which a child should learn that you can teach in a daycare. There are also activities that will help children learn with the use of games. These are drawing, craft projects, dancing, playing with blocks. </p>
<p>When you use drawing, it is best that you use a variety of mediums like paint and pencil because this will allow the children to learn about shapes, letters and numbers. Craft projects allow the children to discover their talents and play with colour, shapes, texture and dimension. With dance, the children can explore the physical aspect of their bodies and teaches the children to keep fit. Playing with plastic or wooden or plastic blocks allow the children to be more creative using their imagination to build blocks using balance, structure, dimension.</p>
<p>Aside from these, there are other skills that these children can learn from these. An example of this is that you can teach the children how to focus eyeing their attention on a particular letter. It is not advisable to make elaborations but you can put some dramatics in it.</p>
<p>One thing that you must look for is for the kids to have fun for a long time. The thing is those children from age nine onward actually are in need to learn to reason to people and think for themselves. Another thing that children within this age group need to develop are their social skills. Activities in which these children can achieve this is by forming teams in doing projects for science or building blocks and putting together puzzles. You can also ask them to do computer projects and computer games. When these children do these computer games, this will help them develop hand and eye coordination.</p>
<p>You as a parent is will play a major role in how fast the child will learn. When these children learn how to imagine, create structure, play and pretend are all instrumental in the learning development of the child. The most basic skills children develop aside from their math skills and the ABC’s  are the skills that they will need to learn and use for them to successfully interact with other children and for them to explore, reason out and to plan out. These are the basic things that they will need to carry on with their lives. </p>
<p>The imaginative jungle<br />
You can ask the children to make a safari jungle in the daycare. This will provide so much fun for the children and the parents. Listed below are some tips on how to make a jungle in the daycare. These ideas are also good as long as the children want to. The ideas are play jingle themes, put animal stuff toys on the shelf, read jingle stories, define to the children the word jungle.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com">How to start a daycare center</a></p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/available-free-daycare-activities' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Available Free Daycare Activities'>Available Free Daycare Activities</a> <small>If you are teaching a daycare and you want to...</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/learning-how-to-read-and-count' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Learning How To Read And Count'>Learning How To Read And Count</a> <small>Children are often eager to learn a lot of things....</small></b></li><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/nap-time-in-daycare' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Nap Time in Daycare'>Nap Time in Daycare</a> <small>Children need to have their nap time for them to...</small></b></li></ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/the-importance-of-play-and-learning/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
