Zen Playdough. . .

Zen Playdough. . .

Begin with plain playdough.  No color, no scent.  Just plain old simple playdough. I set out little bowls of old grains and spices.  Flax seeds, chia seeds, basil leaf, a flower tea. . . . All set out with a zen like peacefulness.  Sniff.  Pick.  Mix. I added a mortar...
Procedures: Learning to Use Glue

Procedures: Learning to Use Glue

Teaching young children how to use glue can be as simple as a song and strong visual instructions.   Just click on the image to download a copy of this song.  My co-teacher, Patty, has a wonderful additional line I have never heard – “It is strong!”...
Dramatic Play: It’s Brain Smart!

Dramatic Play: It’s Brain Smart!

Dramatic Play is not only a source of wonder and magic — it is good for cognitive development!  Pretend play requires the ability to transform objects and actions symbolically; for example, pretending to be mommy or a doctor; pretending a bowl of nuts and leaves...
Reggio Inspired: Ramps & Texture

Reggio Inspired: Ramps & Texture

Guest Teacher:  Kati Nash Reggio Inspired Blog Series For months friends had been exploring ramps and their relationship to the objects that travel down them. After exploring with different objects in our classroom from wooden spools to water, friends began making...