ECFE Schedule is ready to go!

The 2016-2017 ECFE schedule is done! It will be mailed out tomorrow (July 28). If you don't get one, let me know and I will make sure that we get one out to you! Here is a sneak peak at the registration forms! The first session will be:
Tuesday - Natural Explorations
Friday 1 - Come Sing With Me
Friday 2 - Color Your World

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at hplasek@pp.k12.mn.us

Background noise and toddler learning

NPR put out an article explaining the effects of a lot of background noise on a toddlers ability to learn. It is very interesting! Click here to read the article! 

BUBBLES!

Who doesn't like blowing bubbles?! It is such a simple pleasure! What's better than blowing one bubble? Blowing TONS of bubbles!!  Follow this link to learn how to make bubble snakes!!!

All you need is a sock, a water bottle, and some soap and water and you have the makings for a GREAT summer day!!

Back in her younger days our dog LOVED to chase the bubbles! Here she is going for the high ones! :)

What is it?

I love to take my microscope that attaches to my ipad when we go exploring! Can you guess what these pictures are? 

HINT: These are all things that I am willing to touch! They are not dangerous and they are all found in nature...probably in your own backyard!  If you want to know the answers, email me! :)

Summer is here! Time to Explore!

One of the best things about summer is going out to explore! There are so many things to discover right in your own backyard!  Make a nature scavenger hunt! Have your child find different items that are a specific color, size or shape! Talk about the objects that they found.  Are they natural items? Are they man-made items? Do they help nature or hurt nature? Use the items you found to create some nature art!  You can glue them to a piece of paper or cardboard or use them to make impressions in playdough! We keep a basket on our porch to put the natural treasures that we find on walks or just playing in the yard! We already have a fun collection of items! Give it a try!

Summer Safety: Please go with your child when they are exploring. This is something you can do together! Enjoy the weather and your child!

New and Exciting Changes are ahead for Adventure Preschool!

Adventure Preschool has been awarded a 4 star rating by the Parent Aware Program! This is the highest star rating that they give! Because of this, there was money available for us to apply for to help enhance our 3's programming! After much discussion, we proposed a slightly longer school week. Right now, we are offering 3 days/week for 3 hours.  Currently it would be offered Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday and you could choose one of 2 classes; either the morning (8-11am) or the afteroon (12-3pm).  

Transportation would remain the same as it is now. Students may ride the school bus to school in the morning or can be dropped off by parent or other adult. Midday (either after morning session or before the afternoon session) parents can opt to use the Otter bus for a fee or transport their child personally. Those attending the pm session, can have their child ride the school bus home or parents/guardians can choose to pick up.

Why do we want three days? We have found that if a child can come even 3 consecutive days a week, they are able to retain and practice their skills more proficiently. There are less gaps in their learning time. 

A scholarship is available to all qualifying families. These are all income based. You will be receiving an application from the school early next week. You do not have to qualify for a scholarship to enroll in Adventure Preschool. 

If you have any questions regarding this change, feel free to email me at hplasek@pp.k12.mn.us

If you have already registered for Adventure Preschool for the 2016-2017 school year, all you will need to do is indicate if you would like morning or afternoon. Slots fill very fast so the sooner you register the more likely it is that you will get your first choice. 

Last Day of Preschool (T/Th group)

We started out our day with some Popsicle painting! Frozen paint makes a fun and new way to paint!

Then we visited all of the fish and turtles and birds (and eggs) in the courtyard! 

Boy am I going to miss this group of kiddos!! That are so amazing and smart and funny and kind!  

We had a robin make her next really low in the courtyard. The kiddos LOVED seeing the nest and the eggs! They were so quiet!

We had to say goodbye to the eggs, birds, fish and turtles! So much to do on the last day of school!

We did a color mixing experiment with melting popsicles.  We were so busy that we forgot to take pictures!

Then we got to EAT some popsicles! 

Then PLAY, PLAY, PLAY! They had so much fun! I LOVE all of those smiles!!

MONKEY!

This has been an amazing year! I love them all and wish them all the best!