I know this is a bit late for Easter (sorry Mary) but I was recently struck by how a simple Easter type activity could be tweaked and used at any time for hours of fun. Take the trusty Easter egg hunt, replace the eggs with some other craft activity e.g. have the kids make various insects like ladybugs etc during arts and crafts. Et voila, you have the treasure for the Insect Treasure hunt. Naturally, the theme could be anything you wish, the options are endless.
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One of the most daunting tasks facing any new (or seasoned) day care provider is that of providing new, fresh, educational yet fun activities for the kids. How can we provide stimulating, new and safe opportunities for exploratory, educational play? Amazingly, providing said activities need'nt cost the earth and utilising simple, everyday household items mixed in with a large portion of imagination will suffice.
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Puppets can mean many things to preschool children. Puppet play can lead to increased self expression and creativity. It can instill a love of dramatics, encourage speech from otherwise reluctant orators and greatly improve communication between teachers and children. Home made puppets are best especially when children can assist in their creation. Generally, puppets fall into four different categories.
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After school activities are the rage of the day but the importance of an appropriate daycare curriculum to structure these activities shouldn't be underestimated. With about $500 million invested in these programs and more than 10 million children attending them in America alone, the popularity of these activities cannot be overlooked. Everyone understands the need to develop new skills, gain more knowledge and keep the children safe when parents are working.
The most important factor in the success of any program is the relationship between the children participating in the program and the adult members who work with these children. Often, children may confide in an adult member who is not a teacher. This kind of emotional interaction is a must when children are struggling to make sense of the whirlpool of emotions that assail them.
Direct contact with professionals can be an inspiring experience. Children are very much impressed by the knowledge and experience of these adults. Young people gain a lot of knowledge and experience when they deal with experienced adults and older youth who serve as teachers or mentors in these programs. These mentors are different from the teachers in the school and children are more likely to draw inspiration from them.
After school activities that are managed professionally by people who are successful in their own fields of expertise will produce children who are more enthusiastic and successful. Meaningful interaction with adults is a learning experience in itself.
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I'm for all things eco-friendly, self sustaining, green, organic and non wasteful. I try to incorporate all of the above into my daily toil..er..life and that includes the day care. I figure I have a great opportunity to get awareness of a less selfish more sustainable way of life across to the kids in my day care.
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The safety and well being of the kids at our day care is our primary responsibility as providers. We are not however merely babysitters, nor referees at some chaotic miniature wrestling event (though often times it feels that way) but facilitators, entrusted with the important task of nurturing and developing the whole child. Encouraging creativity and imagination is a vital aspect of this facilitation role. Opening the door to various creative outlets will ensure that children will lead a richer more complete life. Here are some pointers on opening those doors.
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All too often I have had parents query how much 'proper' learning goes on at day care as opposed to 'just play'. Many of us modern folk are very caught up in measuring achievement and planning towards future stages in life. While all learning in a preschool environment is important children need to learn to enjoy learning, to acquire an enquiring, openminded approach which will remain with them throughout the challenges of life. Most importantly, they need to experience and enjoy the wonderful stage that is childhood.
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The first day at day care is looming and it is a scary and challenging prospect for mom and provider alike. But, never fear, I have compiled the First Day Survival Guide for all concerned – this is a much more indepth guide that my previous 'settling in' article and is unique in that it is aimed at both parents and child care professionals.
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