Hello Infant families,
It is hard to believe that the semester is almost over. We have seen so much growth and development from the infants this semester. Almost all of the children are sleeping on cots, almost all of the children are walking, children have begun crawling, we’re hearing more words, like I said, so much has happened this month from the children!
As the semester draws near to ending, we want to wish our four practicum students Ashlyn, Destiny, Jasmin, and Tiara the best of luck in their future endeavors! We have enjoyed our time with them in the classroom, each being lead teachers for three weeks. They have worked hard to intentionally plan activities for the children, have documented the growth and development of the children, and have formed some great relationships with the children. We are excited for them as they each graduate and can’t wait to see what is in store for them!
Spring Has Sprung
The children have been noticing a lot of animals outside, whether we’re on the playground, or they’re looking out the windows facing the parking lot. A class favorite have been the geese, or the ‘geee!’ as the children have been saying. We’ve been seeing geese (and one baby goose!), rabbits, birds, ducks, and squirrels that create much excitement to the children. It has become a routine to look out the window to check for these animals. Pictures of things we see outside have been added to our windowsill so the children can make connections, look for those things (animals, vehicles, etc.), and work on their language as we begin to label what they are seeing outside.
Sensory Play
The infants have been loving various forms of sensory play this month! We have been playing in the sandbox outside, have brought sand into the classroom in a media table, water in the media table, painting–they love it! Through sensory play, children learn so much. Not only do they get to explore their senses, they are learning spatial awareness, science is incorporated through textures and movement and various different mediums, it works on their fine motor skills (small hand muscles), helps their cognitive abilities in problem solving, so many benefits! For children to learn about the materials they are playing with, they need the experience to engage with everything in their environment using their senses. When children are limited to what they can do in their play, they aren’t learning and benefitting as much. We like to say, ‘mess is best!’
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/importance-sand-and-water-play
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/toddlers-guide-sensory-activities-home
https://www.parents.com/why-sensory-play-is-important-8417237
Week of the Young Child
NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child is meant to celebrate children and their families. Through the week, we had various activities we did with the children. Introducing new musical instruments for Music Monday, baking banana muffins for Tasty Tuesday, dancing in the hallway with Toddler 1, painting personalized tote bags for Artsy Thursday, and singing songs and enjoying guest readers to our classroom for Family Friday. Special thank you to Nora’s mom, Kate, for coming and reading a few books that Nora enjoys at home.
Reminders
- The last day of the semester is Friday, May 10th.
- Please bring in new family pictures!
- Beginning in May we will be applying sunscreen on children while we go outside. You can choose to provide your own sunscreen for your child, or you can choose to have your child use the center provided sunscreen. Please let us know which you would prefer for your child!
Thank you for a great semester!
Krysten, Eisa, and Ecila
