Our PreSchool Blog

We explored nonstandard units of measurement during small groups.  During our measurement experiment we made predictions about how many “marshmallows” (large and small) long we thought each item would be.  We tested our predictions and found the actual length of each item, then recorded it our math log.

We made our very own batch of snow play dough today in small groups.  We measured and mixed the ingredients found on the recipe to create a wonderful bowl full of fun.  Our special ingredient was of course…glitter to make it sparkle like freshly fallen snow.

Today the Toddlers had a blast digging in the sandbox outside! Sand play promotes physical development. Large muscle skills develop as children dig, pour, and scoop sand. Eye-hand coordination and small muscle control improve as children manipulate sand play tools such as shovels and buckets. Sand play also promotes social skills such as sharing and working together. Exploring in the sandbox is considered open ended play which allows the child to use their imagination and play in any direction that they might like. Watch as the children build on these developmental skills!

To kick off our cooking week, we read If you give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff and made chocolate chip cookies! The children told us all about how they help make cookies at home and were very excited to make some at school! The boys and girls helped pour in the ingredients and stir it all together. The cookies turned out great!

We hit the kitchen again today and tried our hand at a healthy snack.  We made our own Carrot Muffins and they were delicious!

There are lots of unique dishes that come from Brazil, but none as tasty as biscoitos de maiz.  These cornmeal cookies are popular in Brazil, and easy to make.  The children enjoyed making this yummy Brazilian representation!

Biscoitos de Maiz (cornmeal cookies)

2 cups cornmeal

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2tsp salt

1 ½ sticks unsalted butter

¼ tsp vanilla extract

1. Place the cornflour, salt and sugar in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
2. Add the egg and vanilla and blend thoroughly then add the butter and mix well.
3. Set aside for 15 minutes to rest.
4. Preheat oven to 375.  Line 2-3 cookie sheets with parchment paper
5. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the lined baking sheets, spreading well apart. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

During our study of measurement, we compared the weights of different classroom items using our balance and recorded our findings.  Which weighs more and which weighs less?