VOLCANOES!

A volcano is a land-form (usually a mountain) where molten rock erupts through the surface of the planet.

How are volcanoes formed?
Volcanoes are formed when magma from within the Earth's upper mantle works its way to the surface. At the surface, it erupts to form lava flows and ash deposits. Over time as the volcano continues to erupt, it will get bigger and bigger.
Why do volcanoes erupt?
The Earth's crust is made up of huge slabs called plates, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates sometimes move. The friction causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions near the edges of the plates. The theory that explains this process is called plate tectonics.

Our friends had loads of fun exploring volcanoes during Pre-Scholar Enrichment class offered exclusively at our schools. 

erupting a volcano

Could Spring be Approaching???

 Our littles were finally able to enjoy the sunshine today! We are on the brink of Daylight Savings  and warmer weather. One day soon we'll reap the benefits of both!

Two of the top benefits of outdoor play include sunshine and exercise. Our bodies need sun. We need sun exposure to make vitamin D, a vitamin that plays a crucial role in many body processes, from bone development to our immune system. Sun exposure also plays a role our immune system in other ways, as well as in healthy sleep — and in our mood. Our bodies work best when they get some sunshine every day. Additionally, children should be active for an hour every day, and getting outside to play is one way to be sure that happens. They can certainly exercise indoors, but sending them outdoors — especially with something like a ball or a bike — encourages active play, which is really the best exercise for children.

Fine Motor Practice!

Fine motor skills are those that involve a refined use of the small muscles which control the hand, fingers and thumb. With the development of these skills, children are able to complete important tasks such as writing, feeding oneself, buttoning and zippering. These abilities gradually develop through experience and exposure to a variety of toys, materials and even foods. Our friends in Infant 4 took at stab at it by picking up little pieces of paper and placing them on sticky paper! SO MUCH FUN!

The Do-Nothing Machine!

"The story begins--no blueprints or plans--a rhyming account of a child's two hands. It's a story about John, the inventor of things, who made a machine from wood, nails, and strings. Hae marked his machine with letters galore. He couldn't write words since he was just four. With all kinds of tools, John spent long hours, reworking, remaking, and adding tall towers. When friends asked John, "what does it do?" "Nothing," he'd say, "I'm not even through."The Do-Nothing Machine John named it one day, after months of adding and taking away. The fun was in the building, not getting through. It was not important what it could do. So gather together the best you can find. Make a Do-Nothing Machine from ideas in your mind."--Sharon MacDonald, author of The Do-Nothing Machine

Sometimes it is not about the finished product. It is the joy of doing, imagining, and creating! The Do-Nothing Machine story encourages creative engineering and helps children learn new vocabulary and processes when constructing a project. With no set direction, there is no pressure to complete a specific design—it is just simple fun and learning!

Ms. Kassidy's Do-Nothing Machine

Bubble Making

Blowing and watching bubbles are great fun for children of all ages and may not seem like anything more, but actually this entertaining activity has many important roles in cognitive, language, and physical development for children! Here are some ways we use bubbles to enhance learning in different developmental areas.

• Bubbles help aid in physical development.
• They are a great gateway to science discussions. 
• Bubbles help with early literacy.
• They are a great sensory tool. 

making our own bubbles in the sunshine

blowing hard for bubbles

bubble blowing!

Plant a Tree, Save a Life

We all know trees are good for us– but why. An average size tree produces enough oxygen in one year to keep a family of four breathing. Three trees planted in the right place around buildings can cut air-conditioning costs up to 50 percent. By planting 20 million trees, the Earth and its people will be provided with 260 million more tons of oxygen. Those same 20 million trees will remove 10 million tons of CO2.

Plant a tree, save a life!

planting pretend trees

getting his trees just right

SNOW DAY 2020!

What do you do when it snows in Franklin, TN? Take a look at these cuties and find out!

bring the snow INSIDE!

SNOW DAY!

snow sensory!

painting a snowy day picture!

finger painting a snow day scene!

bucket of snow sensory bin!

snowball made of REAL snow!

not too sure about the snow!

 

 

 

making a snowball with REAL snow!

Tricycles and Wagons

 Transportation is about moving people or things from one place to another. People can move by their own body movements (walking, running, swimming) by animals (being pulled or riding) or by machines (cars, tricycles, buses, airplanes, trains, and boats.) Over the next few weeks, our toddler  friends will explore different types of transportation. This week, it's wagons and tricycles!

Enjoying the Sunshine!

Our friends are absolutely loving the sunshine today! So much fun outdoors!