Uncategorized Archives - A Children’s Carousel

3 Things to Prepare for When Transitioning to the Toddler Classroom

Posted on July 26, 2019August 4, 2020 by A Children's Carousel

3 Things to Prepare for When Transitioning to the Toddler Classroom

Adapted from The Family Room

So, the day arrived when our son was finally ready to start transitioning to the toddler classroom from the infant classroom. At first, this was exciting news, as it was a big step for him developmentally. The teachers in his classroom carefully helped us plan the move, taking into consideration his physical development and what was safest for him. Then the transition visits began… and new emotions hit me like never. Here are the three biggest changes that threw me for a loop in the beginning.

The Nerves…

I did not expect to be so nervous about moving classes. The preschools allowed for transition visits. It was very important and comforting for me when my son was transitioning to the toddler classroom. I loved that these visits allowed him to be in the new classroom on certain days for an hour or two before he was there full-time. What I did not expect, was that these transition visits would hit me so hard. I wanted to make sure that when he was sad, I could help him. It was super helpful was the reassurance from his teachers. They told me that all of these emotions were normal. They gave me thorough updates throughout the day. The teachers also gave me the best advice leading up to the big transition day.

Lunch and Outdoor Play Prep

Suddenly, our nighttime prep for the next day changed dramatically! We went from packing just extra clothes, bottles, diapers, and snacks to a totally new routine. Outdoor play meant shopping for appropriate clothes. For lunch time we now needed a lunchbox with ice packs. There was something about a one-year-old with a lunchbox that made me feel like we were sending him off to college.

Goodbye Daytime Crib!

Nap time in the toddler classroom meant mats and not cribs and I was nervous that my son wouldn’t be able to nap. It was a huge relief to know that nap time went well and that he apparently he didn’t need a crib any longer during the day. My fears of a fatigued one-year-old were totally unnecessary, as he adapted very well.

I’m so happy that my son made a good transition. He was happy and so was I.

Click here to watch a great video on successful and healthy preschool transitioning

Want to read the original article? Click here

Cooking and Baking – Life Educational Skills

Posted on March 20, 2017August 4, 2020 by [email protected]

Cooking and Baking used to Teach Life and Educational Skills

S’mores Pudding Parfaits are the perfect easy dessert made with new JELLO-O SIMPLY GOOD Pudding Mix. This recipe is worth a try as it is delicious and so fun to make with your students, kids or grand-kids. Fabulous looking S’mores can be eaten after your Easter Egg Hunt in school or at home! A great in school and in home project for preschool and older students and children. Pictures should be taken of the students measuring, taking turns and having fun creating this dessert.

This yummy dessert allows teachers to use differentiated instruction to teach their students life educational skills. Students will learn important life skills like taking turns and following directions. Students will also learn educational skills like addition, subtraction and measurements that can become a MATH lesson. A fabulous opportunity to teach life educational skills while making learning exciting!

Regardless of a child’s learning process, children love being involved in the cooking process!

After students cook and eat their s’mores; a differentiated math lesson based on the cooking process can be taught

the same day or it can be saved for the next day.

Teachers can use the pictures taken of the children using life educational skills, the recipe card and the video below. A math lesson will be as easy as pie!

Parents, grandparents and caregivers can create S’mores Pudding Parfaits as an after-school project with their children. Family members are forming lifelong bonds and at the same time learning life educational skills. This recipe and others are a perfect holiday (think Easter!) and/or birthday party treat!

Parents, grandparents, care givers, teachers please see the recipe card and video link below for easy step by step instructions for your children and students! Enjoy watching this rewarding feeling of “sweetness” on your children’s and student’s faces!

To read original article and watch instructional video click here:

S’mores Pudding Parfaits – Adapted from Trish-Mom on Timeout

Quality Parent Preschooler Time!

Posted on March 17, 2017August 4, 2020 by [email protected]

Baby Bird Nest

Adapted from Margaret VanEchaute; Designs by Jodi Mensing Harris and parent.com

Preschooler love to spend time with Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa. But it’s hard now-a-days to find the time in your busy day to spend with your preschooler or

toddler. Age appropriate art project can be a fun way to enjoy time with your preschooler. Your preschooler will have a blast as he or she spends time with Mom or Dad making an arts and crafts project! Here is a cute and easy art project for parents to spend “preschooler quality time”.

Bring the outdoors inside – or do this project outside if it’s a beautiful day! Create this sweet and cozy new home for adorable pom-pom birds. Your child will always remember this time spend with Mom or Dad. Watch the video below with your preschooler; it’s fun to watch together as parent and preschooler see the Baby Bird Nest being created.

What You’ll Need:

Paper plate
Shredded brown paper (use a recycled brown paper bag)
Orange piece of colored paper (or any color your preschooler wants to use)
Three blue pom poms (use the color your preschool likes)
Three Popsicle sticks
Googly eyes
Brown paint (small amount is needed)
Paintbrush
Scissors
Glue

Make It:

Cut a paper plate in half and staple the rims together (leaving the top of the nest open).
Paint the plate and let it dry.
Then glue shredded brown paper onto the front to add texture.
Create the birds by gluing three pom-poms to the ends of Popsicle sticks, one pom pom for each stick.
Add googly eyes and colored paper beaks for a little personality.
Have your kids slide the ends of the Popsicle sticks between the plates (for extra security, glue the sticks to the plates)
Your child can allow their sweet baby birds to rest inside their new nest or pop up when they get hungry!

To watch the Baby Bird Nest Craft How-To Video with your child; please click here: