Brilliant Beginnings Preschool

December Bulletin Board: Christmas Tree

2011-12-11T21:35:00.002-07:00

We decided to make our Thankful Tree (from November) into our Christmas Tree.
It is pretty much the coolest tree around.

F is for Family [A Journal Page Idea]

2011-12-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

F is for Fun with Foam

2011-12-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

We are really good at making messes around here.
Messes mean that fun is being had, right?
Of course.

This (Shaving Cream) Foam was both messy and fun.
Even I couldn't help getting my hands in on the mess. After class, my husband asked me what was all over my camera....
Oh you know, just a little Foam.
:)

F is for Face Paint

2011-12-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

We did a little Face painting for the letter Ff.
Continue reading, but all judgement stops............... HERE.
I am not the best face painter, but I try.

I had some pretty awesome requests. Ballerinas, Cats, Super Heroes....

Spiders and Spider Webs

Houses with grass

Letters (P is for Phillip!)

And, Green IPods..... ?

I told you that I try:)

F is for Float

2011-12-04T20:21:00.001-07:00

Letter Pp Playtime Centers

2011-11-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

P is for Poppers!

2011-11-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the summer, I purchased some extra boxes of Pop-its and stashed them away for Letter Pp Week.
The kids thought I was amazing when I pulled them out of my cupboard.
"Poppers!" "Where did you get them?" "They go away from stores when fireworks are over!"

Yes, yes they do.

I may have told them that I am magic.

What?

Anyway.

We had a popping good time with them outside on the cement!

P is for Puzzle [Create your own]

2011-11-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

My preschoolers loved making their own puzzles for the Letter Pp!

I purchased these blank puzzles online at discount school supply. [I'm pretty sure my local teacher supply store carries them too.]

They colored pictures on them, and then took them apart and put them back together over and over [and over and over] again. It was a really fun activity for me to observe:) After they were finished, they each got an envelop to put their puzzle pieces in and take home.

P is for Pajama Picnic

2011-11-18T12:12:00.003-07:00

It was really simple, and loads of fun.
Come to preschool in your pajamas, bring a sack lunch.

I'll let the pictures do most of the talking from here!

We even had some visitors....
Would a picnic ever be successful without a few ants? :)
[I found the ants in the magician's section of my local party supply store. I couldn't help myself!]

P is for Popcorn Snack during Reading Time

2011-11-18T10:05:00.003-07:00

Our preschoolers enjoyed a popcorn snack for the Letter Pp from their mats on the carpet this week while we read some of our favorite Letter Pp books.

Favorites like. . .

P is for Penny Rubbings [A Journal Page Idea]

2011-11-18T09:26:00.003-07:00

Each of my preschoolers and I did some one-on-one math with our pennies, before using the pennies for their letter Pp journal page. Counting, grouping, adding and taking away, etc.

On the Calendar

2011-11-13T21:01:00.002-07:00

For the week beginning Monday, November 14th.
It's Pp Week. Popcorn, Pop-its, Pennies, Puzzles, Pajamas, Picnic!

YELLOW
Monday:
Please return your folders to the basket today!
Wednesday:
Pajama Picnic Day! Pack a lunch and wear your PJ's to school today!

BLUE
Tuesday:
Please return your folders to the basket today!
Thursday:
Pajama Picnic Day! Pack a lunch and wear your PJ's to school today!

L is for Llama Llama

2011-11-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

For the Letter Ll, we dedicated one whole morning to Llama Llama, one of our favorite (Preschool) Story Characters.
I adore Llama Llama so much that I wanted to make Llama's with my preschoolers!
This is what I decided on.
Llama L's
Aren't they cute?

You will need:
Crayons.
Scissors.
Glue.
Yarn.
The Llama L print out provided below.

Click on image to enlarge and print.

During Circle Time, read any of the following Llama Llama books written by Anna Dewdney to your preschoolers.
We read all 4, plus the newest Llama addition Llama Llama Home With Mama.

After we read about Llama Llama and his Mama, we did the following Language Activities; (*Language Activities found HERE.)
• Select vocabulary words from each of the books that might be unfamiliar to your students, such as hum, fret, whimper, drama,
fuss, pout, weeping, tizzy, patient, or snuggle. Write the words on the board and describe their meanings. Ask the children to try
using one of the new words in a sentence of their own or invite students to act them out.
• All of the Llama Llama books are written in rhyme. Explain to your students what rhyming words and poetry are. Give examples
of places where rhymes are used, such as songs (“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”) or other books. Ask them to identify which words
rhyme with which throughout the Llama Lama stories.

I is for Invent and Ice Cream [A Journal Page Idea]

2011-11-10T22:40:00.001-07:00

If you could Invent a new Ice Cream flavor, what would it be?
Oh the answers were Inspiring!
Blue Sky Clouds Ice Cream! Purple Princess Ice Cream! Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Ice Cream!
I could go on.

How about Grey Knight Batman Ice Cream?

Or, Perfect Smile Face Ice Cream?

The possibilities are endless!

We did this as our Letter Ii Entry for our Alphabet Journal.
Want to try it too? Feel free to use the template I drew below.

Click on image to enlarge and print.

Letter Person L Coloring Page

2011-11-10T21:06:00.002-07:00

Letter Person L Loves his Lemon Yellow Lollipops!

L is for Licorice Lollipop

2011-11-10T19:27:00.003-07:00

These Licorice Lollipops were a really fun treat for Letter Ll week.
I wanted to make a Lollipop that was simple, fast and immediately edible. So I picked up some Licorice, Laffy Taffy Sticks and Skittles. Obviously, these are not "pick up able" but they did the the job I was hoping that they would. Think edible art project.

While my preschoolers were eating their Lollipop (art), I read this to them:

November Bulletin Board: Our Thankful Tree

2011-11-07T21:51:00.004-07:00

Our Thankful Tree

Our theme for the month of November is "I am Thankful".
Fitting, right? :)

We've talked a lot about what it means to be thankful, what and who we are thankful for, and how we can show our gratitude.

For our Bulletin Board this month, each of my preschoolers told me something that they were thankful for. I Wrote those things down on some fall leaves and then put them on our Thankful Tree.
You can click on the image above to enlarge it and read the leaves.

I drew the fall leaf and then copied it onto colored paper.
You are welcome to use it if you'd like!

Click on the image to enlarge and print.

On the Calendar

2011-11-06T20:11:00.004-07:00

For the week beginning on Monday, November 7th.
It's Ll Week! Llama, Love, Light, Lion and Lollipop.

YELLOW
Monday:
Please return your folders to the basket today!
Book Orders Due.
Wednesday:

BLUE
Tuesday:
Please return your folders to the basket today!
Book Orders Due.
Thursday:

Field Trip: The Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-06T20:00:00.003-07:00

Remember that time we visited the pumpkin patch?
Ya, that was super fun.

I mean really, what a good looking group of preschoolers in the corn maze!

Group picture with our pumpkins!

Whose bright idea was it to say "Hold your pumpkins up so that I can see them!"?
Oh. That was me.
Sorry.

Sure you can't see our faces, but look at the awesome pumpkins we picked!

Center Time: C is for Carving and Clay

2011-11-06T19:56:00.002-07:00

On the Calendar

2011-10-30T21:44:00.002-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, October 31st.
Halloween Fun and the Letter Ii!

YELLOW
Monday:
Happy Halloween! Wear your costume to preschool today and come ready to par-tay!
PLEASE remember to return your folders to the basket. November Papers coming home today!
Wednesday:
Show and Tell
Tuition Due

BLUE
Tuesday:
Happy Halloween! Wear your costume to preschool today and come ready to par-tay!
Tuition Due
Thursday:
Show and Tell
Happy Birthday Brianna!

Center Time: C is for Crazy Cool Cutting. And, Colorful Mess?

2011-10-29T15:16:00.003-06:00

We broke our collection of crazy cool scissors for the letter Cc.
You know the kind, with the cool designs.
They are always a hit.

I mean really, what preschooler doesn't love to cut paper up into tiny pieces?
They don't even know that they are practicing an important preschool skill.

Brianna cut "Postage Stamps" for everyone.

While Jonas cut himself a "Green Cell Phone" and chatted away as he continued to cut and cut.

It was pretty cool time if you ask me.

*Scissors purchased HERE.

C is for Colorful [A Journal Page Idea]

2011-10-29T14:46:00.002-06:00

C is for Caterpillar

2011-10-29T14:37:00.003-06:00

You will need:
Jumbo Popsicle Sticks
Poms
Fuzzy Pipe Cleaners
Glue
Tape
Googly Eyes

READ:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
By Eric Carle

H is for Heart and Happiness [A Journal Page Idea]

2011-10-28T08:45:00.002-06:00

On the Calendar

2011-10-23T22:31:00.003-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, October 24th.
It's Cc week! Cookie, Colorful, Cutting, Caterpillars and more!

YELLOW
Monday:
PLEASE remember to return your yellow folders today. Thanks!
Happy Birthday Maggee!
Wednesday:

BLUE
Tuesday:
Please remember to return your blue folders today. Thanks!
Thursday:

BOTH CLASSES
Friday:
Field Trip Friday! We're taking a trip to the Pumpkin Patch today. Please watch your email for details.

H is for Horrible Hair [With Printable]

2011-10-23T11:34:00.000-06:00

Click on image below to enlarge and print!

On Miss Morgan's Bookshelf [Letter Hh]

2011-10-22T11:27:00.001-06:00

H is for Hand [The Sense of Touch Lesson Plan]

2011-10-22T11:02:00.003-06:00

Want to teach your preschoolers about the sense of touch?

You will need:
Sock or Small Bag
Small classroom or playground items. (Things the kids are familiar with.)
Book: Is it Rough? Is it Smooth? Is it Shiny?

You will do:
1. Discussion.
Ask: What do you think your hands are for? What kinds of things can you do with your hands?
Ask: What would you do if I put a blind fold on you or turned off the lights so that you couldn't see? How would you make your way around the classroom? You would put your hands out to touch and feel your way around!
Explain: Your fingers and hands are covered with skin. Your skin has tiny things called nerves. Nerves send "touch messages" to your brain. Those messages tell your brain if something is hard or soft, hot or cold.
2. Activity.
Put your small items into your bag or sock one at a time. Have your preschoolers put their hand into the bag and use their sense of touch to figure out what each item is.

B is for Bubble Art

2011-10-22T10:21:00.001-06:00

B is for Bubble!
This little science activity that we did for the letter Bb was AWESOME.
My preschoolers loved it.
I loved it.

Want to try it?
I googled some bubble paint recipes and they were all about the same. I did some testing and practice runs and none of the recipes really produced the results that I'd had in mind. So... I tweaked with the ingredients a bit and this is the recipe I found to work best.

Bubble Paint
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp liquid soap
4 tbsp tempera paint

I also found that when the paint had been sitting for a day it worked a little better than a fresh mixed batch. So, I made a batch the day before I planned to use it with my class. Then, as a class we mixed a batch, and I swapped them out. (Think Food Network Style.) Make sense?

You will also need:
Straws (Um... one per preschooler please:)
Cups
Paper

You [your preschooler] will do:
Fill your cup about 1/2 full with the bubble paint mixture.
Place it over your paper.
Put your straw in the cup and blow into it until the paint rises and spills over onto the paper.
Awesome right? I told you so.

*Tip - Have your preschooler practice blowing SOFTLY. If they blow too hard, paint will spray up out of the cup.

B is for Brown Bean Bears [w/ printable]

2011-10-16T19:37:00.002-06:00

Click on image below to enlarge and print.

B is for Building with Blocks

2011-10-16T19:34:00.002-06:00

A Rocket Ship.
Built by Mikey.

On the Calendar

2011-10-16T13:24:00.002-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, October 17th.
It's Hh Week. Horrible Hair, Hats, Hearts and Happiness!
(We will also being doing a couple of Bb make-up activities from last week:)

YELLOW
Monday:
Don't forget to return your folders to the basket today!
Happy Birthday Phillip!
Parent/Teacher Meetings 12:15-2pm.
Wednesday:
Hat Day! Wear your favorite hat to school today.

BLUE
Tuesday:
Don't for to return your folders to the basket today!
Thursday:
Hat Day! Wear your favorite hat to school today.
Parent/Teacher Meetings 12:15-2pm

On the Calendar

2011-10-08T22:11:00.002-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, October 10th.
It's Bb Week! Bubbles, Bears, Boots and more!

YELLOW:
Monday:
Don't forget to return your folders to the basket today!
A Parent/Teacher Meeting [time] sign up sheet will be on the front table today.
Wednesday:
Boots Day! Wear 'em if you've got 'em. Rain Boots, Snow Boots, Cowboy Boots, etc.

BLUE:
Tuesday:
Don't forget to return your folders to the basket today!
A Parent/Teacher Meeting [time] sign up sheet will be on the front table today.
Thursday:
Boots Day! Wear 'em if you've got 'em. Rain Boots, Snow Boots, Cowboy Boots, etc.

S is for Sticky [Eyeballs]

2011-10-08T16:21:00.003-06:00

Found these Sticky Eyeballs at my local Super Target and thought to myself.... "Hmmm. What could we do with these in preschool?"

With Letter Ss Week coming up I thought, I know! Sticky starts with the letter Ss, and so does Seconds. We could guess how many seconds one of these sticky baby's would stick to the wall or ceiling!
Brilliant.
(You really shouldn't over think fun preschool things like these. Trust me.)
So, that's just what we did. We sat in a circle and took turns throwing a sticky eyeball at the ceiling, each time counting to see how long it would stick.
We also got the giggles. Bad.

One of my classes decided that we should take it one step further....
"I know Miss Morgan! I bet these would stick to the fence at recess!"
So......
No! We didn't throw them at the fence! I'm sure my neighbors would just love a bunch of sticky eyeballs stuck to their car or house.
So.....
We went outside and threw them at my garage door instead:)

It was such sticky fun I tell you.

S is for Sam I am.

2011-10-08T16:13:00.003-06:00

Note to Parents: The book Green Eggs and Ham went along with our reading lesson this week in class. If you have been looking over the reader sheets that come home at the end of each week, you'll see that "Sam" and "am" are words that have been added to our reading word list. "Am" is now also one of the site words we are memorizing! (10-6-2011)

S is for Super Capes!

2011-10-08T15:50:00.003-06:00

Oh man my friends, this has to be one of the BEST activities we do all year long.
It is so. much. fun.

For the capes you will need/do:
Basic white fabric. I wish I had a pattern for you. I just kind of free handed my cape outline with a pencil and traced it onto the fabric, then I cut them out and had a SUPER nice preschool mom serge the edges for me:) I did 24 capes and it took 11 yards of fabric.
Ribbon, for the ties at the neckline. Cut two 7 inch strands of ribbon per cape. Hot glue them at the neckline. You can also use velcro dots for the neckline. But, I've found that they don't work as well unless the are sewn on, and since I'm not much of seamstress (I know, what preschool teacher doesn't sew right?) so I op for the ribbon ties and hot glue.
The letter S cut out of Felt. Hot glue it in the center of the cape.
Fabric markers, for preschoolers to color the capes with!

See? Pretty easy, and so fun!

S is for Spider Math Game

2011-10-08T15:44:00.003-06:00

This game works best when used one on one or with a group of 2-3 preschoolers.

You will need:
Small plastic spiders.
A cup.

You will do:
Put a random number of spiders in to the cup and have your preschooler shake the cup and roll the spiders out like dice. Then have them count how many spiders there are. Use the cup to cover some of the spiders, and have them count again. Continue to add and subtract and re-roll.
This game really could be played many ways, use your imagination! You could have your preschooler count and then write the number down, find the correct number on a number chart, etc.

S is for Super Silly Socks!

2011-10-08T15:37:00.001-06:00

S is for Stamp and Sticker [A journal page idea]

2011-10-08T15:22:00.003-06:00

What preschooler doesn't simply love to stamp or stick stickers on things?
Seriously.

For our Letter S Journal Page, that's just what we did.
I filled a bin with stickers and self-stampers and let my preschoolers have at it.
Stamping and sticking until their little hearts were content.
(Actually, they loved it so much they could have done it all morning.)

October Bulletin Board

2011-10-08T14:44:00.000-06:00

Paper Bowl Jack O' lanterns can be found here.

Paper Bowl Jack O 'lanterns

2011-10-08T14:31:00.000-06:00

You will need:
A paper bowl.
Orange paint and a paint brush.
Black construction paper. [For the face pieces.]
Scissors. [To cut out the face pieces.]
No need for glue! The face pieces will stick right into the wet paint.

A is for [Finger Print] Ants. [A journal page idea]

2011-10-08T11:31:00.002-06:00

You will need:
A washable red ink pad.
Black pen or marker.
Hand wipes.

A is for [Tear Art] Apples

2011-10-08T11:26:00.004-06:00

Admittedly, not the best picture. Sorry.
But, you get the idea.

You will need:
A small paper plate.
A piece of red construction paper.
A small rectangle piece of brown construction paper.
Glue.

On the Calendar

2011-10-02T18:26:00.003-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, October 3rd.
It's Ss week! Stamps, Stickers, Super Heroes, Silly, Songs, Safety, Socks!

YELLOW
Monday:
Tuition Due
Happy Birthday Abby!
Wednesday:
Silly Socks Day! Wear your silliest socks to preschool today!
Happy Birthday Evan!
Book Orders Due

BLUE
Tuesday:
Tuition Due
Thursday:
Silly Socks Day! Wear your silliest socks to preschool today!

T is for Tool Belt

2011-09-28T21:34:00.003-06:00

You will need:
Brown Construction Paper, cut into 2 inch wide strips for the belt.
Tape.
Scissors.
Crayons.
The Tool Template Provided below.

Click on image to enlarge and print.

Our Tool Belt fun wouldn't be complete without some good music to go along with our craft.
Enjoy "Mouse in My Tool Box" by the Laurie Berkner Band via youtube.
Song is available on itunes. (Parents, it is #15 on your music CD!)

T is for Trace [A Journal Page Idea]

2011-09-28T21:32:00.000-06:00

T is for Tools [Children's Book]

2011-09-28T21:28:00.001-06:00

I purchased my copy HERE.

T is for Teeth

2011-09-28T21:16:00.003-06:00

We learned all about the importance of taking care of our Teeth during Letter Tt Week!

I contacted my dentist, and his assistants kindly put together a tooth care package for each of my preschoolers. Wow!
They also provided me with some dental tools to show to and discuss the purposes of, with our class.

Then we got to brushing some Teeth!

Yep! With paint:)

Want to try it too? Click on the image below to print.

We topped it off with a fun Teeth read.

On the Calendar

2011-09-25T15:43:00.003-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, September 26th.
It's Aa week! Ants, Apples and Alligators!

YELLOW
Monday: Don't forget to turn in your yellow folders today!
Wednesday: If you happened to complete your T the Tiger's Tooth Chart, bring it to Miss Morgan for a prize! October Papers coming home today. (Calendar, Newsletter, etc.)

BLUE:
Tuesday: Don't forget to turn in your blue folders today!
Thursday: If you happened to complete your T the Tiger's Tooth Chart, bring it to Miss Morgan for a prize! October Papers coming home today. (Calendar, Newsletter, etc.)

Preschool Picture Preview

2011-09-18T18:32:00.005-06:00

Hey! You thought maybe I'd never return to this blog spot? No way! I'm back, just check out all the new updates below for proof. The beginning of the school year is always crazy fun, I had to take a week to catch my breath before making an appearance here.

Anyway.

We had preschool pictures this last week, and I couldn't help but share.
My preschoolers are too darling.
Truly.

So, just for fun... I share them with you!

Pretty stinking cute if you ask me:)

On the Calendar

2011-09-18T18:25:00.000-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, September 19th.
It's Tt week! Toothbrushes and Teeth, Tools, Tracing and Tigers!

YELLOW
Monday: Don't forget to return your yellow folders to the basket in the classroom. Be ready to paint today!
Wednesday: School Picture CD's coming home today! Don't forget to check your preschoolers' folder. If you ordered but have not paid, your CD will be ready, please send payment.

BLUE:
Tuesday: Don't forget to return your blue folders to the basket in the classroom.
Be ready to paint today!
Thursday: School Picture CD's coming home today! Don't forget to check your preschoolers' folder. If you ordered but have not paid, your CD will be ready, please send payment.

M is for Me [A Journal Page Idea]

2011-09-18T18:07:00.002-06:00

M is for Mom, Mail, Mailbox and Mail Carrier!

2011-09-18T17:19:00.002-06:00

"I'm gonna wrap myself in paper!
I'm gonna stick myself with glue!
Put a stamp on top of my forehead,
I'm gonna mail myself to YOU!"

For the letter M, we wrote letters to our Moms!
Where would we be in this world without our Moms?
Each preschooler drew a picture for their Mom and signed their name. Then, I asked them tell me some of the things they love to do with their Mom, and I wrote them down on their letter.
It was so fun to see that each preschooler had different answers and reasons why they loved their Moms!

During Circle Time, we learned about the mail system and the important job of a Mail Carrier.
We learned about the need for addresses and stamps.
Then, we put our Mom Letters into envelops, addressed and stamped them, and then took them out to the mail box for the Mail Carrier to pick up and deliver to our wonderful Moms!

(Yes, it WAS super bright outside:)

M is for Monster Boogie

2011-09-18T17:12:00.002-06:00

This song truly never gets old.
Truly.
My preschoolers and I put on our best monster faces and get to boogie-ing for the letter M.
Take turns with your preschoolers, have them choose a different boogie action each time you sing it.
This video is fun of course,
but, The Monster Boogie is also available on itunes. Enjoy!

Monster Math Worksheet

2011-09-18T17:07:00.000-06:00

Click on the image to enlarge and print.

M is for Monster [Read]

2011-09-18T16:58:00.003-06:00

There was an old monster who swallowed a tick.
I don't know why he swallowed a tick
'cause it made him feel sick!

A different (and fun for Halloween coming up!) approach to the old tale There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. The illustrations are bright and attention grabbing while the text (also lyrics to a song you can listen to HERE) is catchy and fun. My preschoolers love it!

M is for [Shape] Monster!

2011-09-18T16:49:00.002-06:00

You Will Need:
Shapes cut out from various colors of construction paper. [I pre-cut ours. Part of the purpose behind this activity is for the preschoolers to practice their shapes. I pre-cut them to ensure that they are accurate.)
A full sheet of construction paper for your base.
Glue.
Googly Eyes.

On the Calendar

2011-09-10T14:40:00.002-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, September 12th.
It's Letter Mm Week! Monsters, Moms, Mailboxes, Mice and Music!

YELLOW
Monday:
Book Orders Due. Please please remember; If you are paying with a check, make your check out to Brilliant Beginnings Preschool. I submit all orders online by credit card. I do not mail checks in to Scholastic Books. Thanks!
Wednesday:
Preschool Picture Day! Please drop your child of at 9:15am sharp, dressed and ready to have their picture taken! Picture CD's can be purchased for $20. The CD will include your child's individual portraits, the class picture, and due to the request from several parents this year, a picture of your preschooler with Miss Morgan. In purchasing the picture CD, you also purchase the full rights to your photos, to copy, print, post and share as you please. Please let Miss Morgan know via email if you plan on purchasing a CD. The fee is due on picture day. Picture purchasing is absolutely optional.

BLUE
Tuesday:
Book Orders Due. Please please remember; If you are paying with a check, make your check out to Brilliant Beginnings Preschool. I submit all orders online by credit card. I do not mail checks in to Scholastic Books. Thanks!
Thursday:
Preschool Picture Day! Please drop your child of at 9:15am sharp, dressed and ready to have their picture taken! Picture CD's can be purchased for $20. The CD will include your child's individual portraits, the class picture, and due to the request from several parents this year, a picture of your preschooler with Miss Morgan. In purchasing the picture CD, you also purchase the full rights to your photos, to copy, print, post and share as you please. Please let Miss Morgan know via email if you plan on purchasing a CD. The fee is due on picture day. Picture purchasing is absolutely optional.

On the Calendar

2011-09-04T18:07:00.003-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, September 5th.
Welcome to Preschool! This week we will be getting to know one another, and working on the beginning pages of our preschool journals!

Tuesday: Open House 4:30pm-7:30pm

Wednesday: Welcome Yellow Class! Don't forget to bring your back pack, and something for Show and Tell! Tuition Due.

Thursday: Welcome Blue Class! Don't forget to bring your backpack and something for Show and Tell! Tuition Due.

September Online Book Order Now Available

2011-09-04T18:03:00.002-06:00

Hi Parents + Friends of Brilliant Beginnings!

The September Scholastic Book Order is up and ready online.

You can view it and place an order by following the instructions below, if you wish.

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GQYHR

Dear Parent,

Now it's easier than ever to find the perfect books for your child -- shop our NEW online Book Clubs Web site. Choose from a much-wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card to pay.

Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online.*

It's so simple! Here's how it works:

SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Register" button in the "First Time Here?" section. Register for your own user name and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.
SELECT the books you'd like to order -- choose from thousands of titles -- many more than in our monthly flyers.
SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child's books will be delivered directly to my classroom.

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not see for yourself how convenient it is to order online?

Thank you,
mm

R is for Rocket Launcher

2011-07-25T21:10:00.003-06:00

Mr Ryan is a genius. (I'm totally married to a genius!)
I told him that I wished we could launch rockets for Outer Space week... I'll be honest, I wasn't even sure he was listening. (Geniuses don't always listen so well.)
Anyway.
I came home last Saturday afternoon from running errands and guess what?!
Mr Ryan had built our class a launcher!
Hip hip!

Let me tell you, it was nothing short of a blast. (A blast!)

Mr Ryan and I made paper rockets the night before launch day. (They are a little too advanced for preschool aged children.)
Some Rocket Launcher's run with a compressor, Mr Ryan made one that worked with a bike pump. It's very kid friendly. He even added a button switch so that the kids could take turns launching the rockets. (I told you he was a genius.)

The preschoolers enjoying their Ice Cream Rocket (Push) Pops while anticipating the first launch.

Want to make your own?
Email me for the plans and instructions at preschool.bb@gmail.com

A is for Alien

2011-07-22T10:21:00.002-06:00

I am in total love with how these Alien's turned out [for our Outer Space Week].
Aren't they awesome?

You will need:
Green Foam Sheets
Googly Eyes
Pipe Cleaners
Poms
Construction Paper
Glue
Scissors
Pencil

You [your preschooler] will do:
Drawn an oval on your green foam, for the Alien's body. Cut it out.
Glue the body onto your piece of construction paper.
Cut your pipe cleaners to desired size for arms and legs and insert them under the body [while the glue is still wet].
Glue on your googly eyes and add your poms!

Beach Day Dig

2011-07-12T15:53:00.003-06:00

If you can't take your preschoolers to the beach, then bring the beach to them!
Get a tub or container large enough for your preschoolers to get their hands into and dig. Fill it with sand and bury beach or ocean like items in the sand, give your preschoolers some hand shovels and send them on a beach fun treasure hunt!

Beach Ball Towel Toss Game

2011-07-12T15:51:00.002-06:00

Warning: This game produces lots of laughter and silliness.

Pair your preschoolers up and give them each a beach towel and a beach ball.
Have them work together to toss the beach ball into the air and then catch it on their towel.

Beach Ball Sugar Cookie

2011-07-12T12:04:00.002-06:00

You will need:
Sugar Cookies
White Frosting
Rainbow Skittles
Frosting Utensil (I use plastic spoons for my preschoolers)

Back to School Banana Splits

2011-07-11T16:20:00.004-06:00

Rumor has it, some of you are preparing to send your little ones back to school already!
Man, Summer always feels so short!

I thought I'd share one of the back to school traditions my husband and I do with our children.

Back to School Banana Splits!

Every year, just before school starts, we have a family get together. My kids each pick a new topping to add to the banana split ingredients "pile", and we hang out in the backyard and eat our treats. It's something that they look forward to every year, in preparation for a new school year!

This year, I decided that if they get to add an ingredient each year, then I need to start collecting banana boat dishes, right? Right!

Twinkie School Bus Snack

2011-07-11T15:29:00.002-06:00

Isn't this just about the cutest back to school treat you've ever seen?
It tasted good too:)

You will need: (per bus)
One Twinkie
1/8 cup Yellow Frosting
A Knife (For frosting the bus, cutting the window squares and for carving out the front of the bus)
4 Gummy Lifesavers
1 Piece of Black licorice

Ladybug Counting Game

2011-07-03T15:16:00.000-06:00

Use red and green felt to cut out ladybugs and leaves.

Number your leaves 1-whatever.

Draw spots on your ladybugs to correspond with your numbered leaves.

Cut them out and get out your felt board!

Explain to your preschoolers that the ladybugs are lost and they need to find their way back to their homes, the leaves. Have them count the spots on the ladybugs and match them to the numbers on the leaves.

L is for Ladybug Sugar Cookies

2011-07-03T15:14:00.000-06:00

L is for Ladybug Hat

2011-07-03T15:12:00.002-06:00

You will need:
Red and black construction paper.
Black pipe cleaners.
A circle hole punch (about 1 inch)
Staples
Glue

L is for Ladybug

2011-07-03T15:03:00.003-06:00

I bought a bag of 2000 ladybugs from a local garden store to separate into containers and send home with my preschoolers for Ladybug Week. It was awesome. We talked about how ladybugs help in the garden, and each child was given a small container of ladybugs to take home and let loose in their garden. They loved it!

Important to note: Placing Ladybugs in the cold (the fridge) causes them to go into a state of hibernation. It doesn't hurt them at all, but it makes it easier to transfer them from one container to another. Easier, not easy:) Once you take the ladybugs out of the fridge, you have about 2 minutes before they start to wake up. If you plan to transfer your ladybugs into small containers, like I did, BE FAST. Nothing like having a kitchen full of ladybugs to start your day! Lesson learned!

F is for Finger Painting on the Fence!

2011-06-14T20:43:00.002-06:00

4th of July Red White and Blue Star Jell-O Jigglers

2011-06-14T20:23:00.002-06:00

You will need:

2 Boxes of Blue Jell-O

2 Boxes of Red Jell-O

Whip Creme

Sprinklers

Brownie Size Dish

Star Cookie Cutter

You will do:

Make your blue Jell-O first, following the recipe on the box for Jell-O Jigglers. (The standard Jell-O instructions will not work for Jigglers.) I happen to know off the top of my head that the recipe calls for 2.5 cups of boiling water to 2 boxes of Jell-O powder mix:) Pour Jell-O into pan. Place the pan in the fridge and allow one hour for it to set. Once it has set, make your red Jell-O, following the same instructions. Pour the red Jell-O liquid directly on top of your blue Jell-O. Place your pan back in the fridge, allow another hour for the red Jell-O to set.

Once your Jell-O has set, you are ready to cut out your stars with your cookie cutter! Tip: dip the bottom of your pan into hot water before cutting and removing your Jigglers. It will loosen the Jell-O from the pan and make the process much more smooth:)

Top your Stars with Whip Creme, and then add your Sprinkles!

4th of July Firework Wand

2011-06-14T20:18:00.003-06:00

You will need:

A Wooden Dowel

Red Tape (Or paint if you choose!)

Red, White and Blue Star Garland

Scissors

You will do:

Cut several (as many as you desire) 5-6 inch strips of garland. Tape them around one end of your dowel. Cover the remainder of the dowel with your red tape!

Red, White and Blue Cupcakes

2011-06-14T20:11:00.002-06:00

A fun and festive treat to celebrate the 4th of July!

Red, White and Blue Cupcakes.

My kids think that these layered cupcakes are the cat's meow. They are so fascinating to youngsters.

You will need:

White Cake Batter (Scratch or Box)

Red and Blue Food Coloring

Cupcake Wrappers

Frosting

Sprinkles

3 Bowls

3 Spoons

A Cupcake Pan and an Oven:)

You will do:

Separate your cake batter into three bowls.

Leave one White. Color one Red. Color one Blue.

Fill your cupcake tins, a spoonful or red batter first, followed by a spoonful of white, then a spoonful of blue. Bake. Frost. Sprinkle. Enjoy!

On the Summer Schedule

2011-06-13T13:21:00.002-06:00

For the week of Tuesday, June 14th.

We'll be making a card for Dad for Father's Day, learning a song and doing some outdoor finger painting!

Pudding Pops!

2011-06-08T17:39:00.002-06:00

Our Summer Session is off to a great start!

This week we made Oreo Pudding Pops.

Want to make some too?

It's super easy.

Mix 4 individual serving cups of chocolate pudding with 1 cup of cool whip.

Chop 6 Oreo's and fold them into the pudding mixture. Fill popsicle molds, and freeze!

Tip: Using small paper cups for your popsicle molds works beautifully because you can just tear the cup off and toss it when the pops are ready to eat!

4th of July Windsock

2011-06-06T11:41:00.000-06:00

A bright and patriotic Windsock for the 4th of July!

You will need:
White Construction Paper or Card Stock (For the top of the windsock)
Stapler (To staple the ends of the top of your windsock to form a ring)
Red and Blue Crepe Paper (For the streamers)
Tape (To stick your streamers to the inside of the windsock and apply your ribbon hanger)
Ribbon (To hang your windsock)
Scissors (To cut streamers and stars)
Blue and Red Foam or Paper (For the Stars)
Glue ( To apply your stars)

Festive 4th of July Hat

2011-06-06T11:09:00.001-06:00

It's no secret that Provo holds some of the biggest 4th of July celebrations in the country. Yes, country. Don't believe me? Look it up! :) We dress our kids in red, white and blue. We do fireworks for a month. We have a freedom parade, a children's parade, art's festivals, freedom runs and baby contests. Oh, and Stadium of Fire, anyone? You name it, Utah county does it.
My favorite festivity? The children's parade. My kiddies love to dress up and decorate their bikes. This year, I wanted to come up with something bright and fun, that they could make and wear to the parade. This is what I came up with! Super easy. Super cheap. Super festive. Super awesome.

You will need:
Foam sheets in blue, red and silver or white. I was so stoked to find the sparkly red and silver at my local craft store.
Scissors
Glue
Stapler

You [your child or preschooler] will do:
Cut 2 horizontal strips of blue foam, 3 inches wide. staple ONE of their ends together. Then, cut a few vertical sections of red and silver/white foam. These sections are for the firework "Strips" that are coming out of the hat. Yes, they look like a bunch of individual strips of foam sticking out, but they are not:) Staple or glue (whichever you prefer) the sections of red and silver/white to what will be the inside of your blue strip hat. Measure your child's head, staple the blue strips together accordingly, trimming the end as necessary.
Okay, once you have the "hat" together, cut the top portion of the sections into strips. (Like you are fraying them.) Then, trim the tips of the strips to various lengths.
Wow, you follow? This is why I take pictures, so you can see the finished product and not just rely on my mess of instructions. Hah!
Next, draw or trace stars on your red foam and cut them out. Glue them on the front of the hat. And BAM! You have yourself a Festive 4th of July hat, to wear to whatever celebration you choose!

On the Summer Schedule

2011-06-05T20:36:00.002-06:00

For the week of Tuesday, June 7th.
Welcome to Summer at Brilliant Beginnings! Let's get to know one another, shall we?

How about we make some chocolate pudding pops this week? Play some getting to know you games? How about some paint and some play dough? But, not together of course! Oh, and don't forget to bring something from home that you love, or that represents YOU, for Show and Tell!

Can't wait to see you!

Father's Day Toolbox Card

2011-05-31T15:29:00.005-06:00

You will need:

A full sheet of red construction paper

Small squares of black, blue and yellow construction paper

Scissors

Crayons

Glue Stick

Marker

Tape

Tool Template below

You [your preschooler] will do:

[Obviously, I made the example above. Encourage your student or child to do most of the work!]

Follow and construct your card to match the picture above. Simple right?

Color each tool and cut it out.

Ask your preschooler or child to tell you 3 things that they love to do with their Dad. I like to eat pizza and watch movies with my dad, etc. Write one thing down on the back of each tool and place the tools inside the toolbox/card. Close and seal with a small piece of clear tape.

Dad is going to love it!

Click on image to enlarge and print.

Father's Day Tie Snack

2011-05-31T15:25:00.002-06:00

A crackers, cheese and dried blueberry polka dot tie snack for Dad.

Cute huh?! I think so. And, tasty.

You will need:

Triscuit Triangle Crackers

Cheese

Dried blueberries. Or raisins, or craisins... or anything small, round and edible:)

Preschool Graduation 2011

2011-05-26T21:25:00.003-06:00

Another great year at Brilliant Beginnings Preschool came to an end last week.
And believe me, we celebrated like we always do. Well!

The end of every school year leaves me with the mixiest of mixed emotions. Bursting pride and happiness for my students, disbelief at how quickly time passes, gratitude, relief from fatigue, and this crazy sort of postpartum depression/separation anxiety ish feeling. You know, I get to spend time with some of the coolest kids on the planet for a whole nine months, 'tis a leedle hard to say goodbye.

I must say one final thank you to the parents of 2011 (if you are still tuned in!).
Thank you. Thank you times 701, for such a great year. Thank you for your support. Your volunteering. Your treats. Your donations and thoughtful gifts. Your feedback and praise. Your arranging and aiding. And most of all, your children. Just like it is hard to say goodbye to them, it is hard to say goodbye to you! I am so dang lucky to have the opportunity to get to know such good people, to teach your children, and to call you friend. You pre much rock. Thank you.

Now, on to the festivities.
The majority of the emails I receive from fellow teachers who follow this blog ask the same question, "What's the trick to a good preschool graduation program?"
My answer: Put a lot of detail into a short and simple program.
There you have it. :)

Note: All of these photos are courtesy of the parents of 2011. Thanks for sending them in!

Preschool Journals and Prize Buckets.

Art Displays.

Refreshments are a must. Duh;)

On stage, waiting for their props, ready to sing!

Our traditional wish making balloon release. We had well over 100 balloons. It was insanely awesome.

The end.

*Miss Morgan is taking a brief "Summer Break" and will be back in a couple of weeks with crazy cool activities to share from our Summer Program. Don't forget about us!

Carnival Day

2011-05-17T15:27:00.000-06:00

Just when you thought I may never have time to post on this blog ever again,
I bring you a mega post. Pictures and a recap of our Carnival Day! I can't believe you doubted me:)

Our Carnival Day was awesome.
Sure, the rain forced us to head to the nearest church building and set up camp in the gym, making for terrible pictures. But still, oh so much fun!

Enter to win a Summer Supply of Squeeze Its! Very cool.
The preschoolers had to write their name on a slip of paper and put it in a jar. One lucky winner to be called at the end of the carnival.

Fishing

Bow and Arrow Game.
Knock down the cups and win a prize!

Cake Walk.

Bean Bag Toss.

Face Painting.

Penny Toss.

We also had a balloon lady, a sack race, some pizza and some Popsicles.
It was a pretty fantastic day!

And, these are the ladies that made it happen!
Thank you gals, I think you are pretty great.

Oh, and let us not forget the winner of the Squeeze Its drawing.
He. was. so excited.

Z is for Zig-Zag Track

2011-05-16T22:40:00.001-06:00

Yep, this was as awesome as it looks.

On the Calendar

2011-05-09T10:31:00.002-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, May 9th.

It's time to celebrate!

Tuesday:

Make-up interviews and final projects.

Wednesday:

CARNIVAL DAY! Both classes will meet in the classroom from 11am-1:30pm for a quick program practice, some lunch, and then on to the carnival! It looks like it may rain. If so, we'll take things to a nearby church building. I'll be sure to keep you informed:)

Y is for Yellow Sunshine Mothers Day Card

2011-04-27T21:10:00.003-06:00

You will need:
White Card Stock 5.5 x 11 in
Black and Yellow Markers
Glue
Yarn
Scissors

You will do:
Draw an outline of a sun on the front of the card.
Inside the card, write "You are my sunshine! love,"

Your Preschooler will do:
Cut little pieces of yellow yarn and glue them into the sun outline.
Write "Mom" below the sun, and sign your name after "love," on the inside.
Give to Mom!

An Egg Hunt

2011-04-21T20:16:00.002-06:00

Happy Easter!

On the Calendar

2011-04-17T19:31:00.002-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, April 18th.
Xx Week and Easter Fun!

Tuesday:
Xx Day

Wednesday:
East Fun and End of Year Program Prep.
We will be having an Easter Egg hunt this day please send a bag or Easter bucket with your preschooler.

*We are still recycling. If your child would like to contribute, simply send them with some newspaper, aluminum cans OR plastic garbage items. Keep items small and common. We are learning the concept of recycling on a limited space and with realistic household items level:) THANK YOU!

Mother's Day Pop-up Heart Card

2011-04-17T18:45:00.004-06:00

You will need:
White Card Stock
Colored Construction Paper
Black Marker
Scissors
Glue

You [and your preschooler] will do:
Have your preschooler cut out a rectangle out of card stock for the "My heart" part on the front of the card. Use the black marker to draw a large heart and a small heart on construction paper and have your preschooler cut them out and glue them together.
Cut a piece of card stock into a 5 x 8 inch piece and fold in in half, making the card. Have your preschooler do as much of the writing as they can.
For the pop up portion: Cut a 1 x 4 (ish) strip of white card stock and fold it into a rectangle. Glue the loose ends of the strip to the inside of the card. Phew, you follow? It's not as hard as it sounds:)

Below: My 7 year old daughter's version.
She did this all by herself, just from looking at the one above that my preschooler and I made.
I don't tell you this so that you can think she is awesome [but she is], but so that you can age gauge it:)

Mother's Day Pieces Card

2011-04-17T16:03:00.004-06:00

You will need:
White Card Stock
Colored Construction Paper
Black Marker
Glue
Scissors
Yarn

You [and your preschooler] will do:
Cut a piece of card stock down to 5 x 11 inches then fold it into a Zig Zag.
Have your preschooler cut a rectangle out of construction paper and rip a bunch of construction paper into pieces. Using your black marker write on the card as is shown in the picture, with a heart on the last square of the card. Write "I love you" onto the rectangle and have your preschooler glue it on. Your preschooler will then glue the pieces of construction paper on to the front of the card, and in the center of the heart. Fold up and tie yarn around it to keep it closed. Then... give to MOM!
*If your preschooler can write on their own, have them do all the writing:)

2011-04-09T10:39:00.000-06:00

Wheels: Bring a childs size bike to class. Turn it upside down and use it to demonstrate how the pedals make the Wheels go around. Let your preschoolers take turns pedaling the bike with their hands, inspecting the gears, testing the breaks, etc. Think up and talk about different wheel types. Car Wheels, Bike Wheels, Spin Wheels, Ferris Wheels, Wagon Wheels, Steering Wheels, etc.

Read the Book "What do Wheels do all day?" by April Jones Prince

W is for Wheel, Color Wheel.

2011-04-08T15:01:00.000-06:00

Color Wheel Template
Click on image to enlarge and print

W is for Watercolor [A journal page idea]

2011-04-08T13:33:00.000-06:00

This week our preschoolers learned that there is a certain kind of paint, that only works with water. Watercolors:)

So, for our journals this week, we used watercolors. An art staple that kids never tire of.

W is for Wheels on the Bus [With Recycled Wheels]

2011-04-07T23:38:00.006-06:00

W is for Wheels, recycled/reused ones.
It was Ww week, this week and for the month of April our theme is Healthy Earth.
We talked about the positive effects of recycling and reusing. In a preschool nutshell, recycle means find another use for something you would otherwise put in the trash. (We also covered the types of materials that are made from recycled plastics, papers, etc.)
We painted milk (gatorade, juice box, medicine) caps black to use as Wheels for our buses.

Once the caps were dry, we hot glued brads into the center of them and poked the brads through the paper where the wheels go.
See?! Now our Wheels on our buses really do go round and round!

School Bus with Words
Click on image to enlarge and print template.

School Bus Plain
Click on image to enlarge and print

GO HERE for a great version of the song "The Wheels on the Bus" to go along with this activity.

Mother's Day Puffy Paint Flower Picture

2011-04-05T21:12:00.002-06:00

I have received a request (or three:) for some Mother's Day Craft Ideas.
When I think of Mothers, I can't help but think of flowers.
So, I drew up a little Flower in some Grass, and my daughter and I made some puffy paint.
Puffy paint is the easiest kind of jaw dropping concoction. No really, every time I make puffy paint with a preschooler who hasn't seen or used it before, they are amazed. Providing me with the very kind of excited reaction that drove me to teaching. Anyway, did I mention it is easy? You mix equal parts of shaving cream and Elmer's Glue. (However, in my personal experience I have found that slightly more shaving cream than glue is better.) You can add food coloring if you want your puffy paint to have color.

Viola!
Print the provided template, make your preschoolers some paint, and watch them paint up [with excitement I tell you] a pretty puffy [awesome] picture for Mom.

Click on image to enlarge and print template.

Mother's Day Flower Fridge Magnet

2011-04-05T21:07:00.000-06:00

A fridge magnet for Mom!
Use the provided template, print it on card stock.
Have your preschooler color and cutout a flower.
You'll need a photograph of your preschooler for this project. I print out wallet sized photos of my classes individual school pictures:) Cut the photo into a circle, and have your preschooler paste it in the center of the flower.

Place a square of magnetic tape on the back of the flower cut, and you have yourself a magnet.

If you don't know what magnet tape is, it looks like this [below].

Click on image to enlarge and print template.

On the Calendar

2011-04-03T21:14:00.002-06:00

For the week beginning Monday, April 4th.
It's Ww Week! Water, Wheels, Weather, Windmill.

Tuesday:
Spring Pictures
Tuition Due

Wednesday:
Book Orders Due
Show and Tell [Ww Items Please]

Letter Person V [Printable Coloring Page]

2011-04-03T01:02:00.003-06:00

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that I dig the The Letter People.
Some of their videos are available on youtube.
This week, my preschoolers got the biggest kick out of Mr V, in his Velvet Violet Vest when we watched the THIS.