Shepherd of the Valley Preschool

Learning to be in a classroom with other people and play together is not something that comes easily to most kids.

They like to do what they want to do and it is a process to play cooperatively.

As a preschool that believes in the power of play, we want to give them as many opportunities to practice as we can. Each day has 1 1/2 hours of free play/large muscle play.

Over their time here, the students will start out in parallel play but transition to playing with others. It is a really cool transition to watch.

Today is National Strawberry Shortcake Day!

This feels like the best summer dessert. Almost feels healthy with all the fruit ;)

Learning to read coming in a lot of forms.

Listening to books is a GREAT way to learn to read. Students unknowingly learn how to read by listening to adults read the words but also by watching the pictures and listening to the word. It builds connections in the brain.

They look at books on their own. They may look at books they know from home and "reread" the story. Or they may look at a book and make up a story in their head. Either way, they are learning how a book works and laying the foundation for reading.

When they get older at preschool, they may start learning word groups. This will help them learn to sound things out and find tricks to help their brains make words out of the letters they see.

How do we build strong hands to be able to write and cut?

There are so many things that build fine motor skills in preschooler. Here are a few of their favorites:
- Doing rubbings on the easel. Builds different muscles in the arms and hand, teaches the importance of a strong grip.
- Applying stickers. Peeling the backs off stickers is a lot harder than you think. The students have to pick off a small section and pull at just the right strength. This is also a lesson in patience.
- Play dough. Manipulating the play dough will build the muscles in their arms and hands. And using tools to play helps with hand/eye control and learning how school tools can help you.

Sometimes you just have to go big or go home.

On this day, these boys wanted to test and see how tall they could build a tower.

Could they build it taller than they are? Could they go all the way to the ceiling? Could they use all the blocks?

This is one of the keys to preschool. Exploring and innovating. What can I do? How can I adapt what I have done to make it work better?

And the coolest thing is they just think they are playing not building pathways in their brains.

Today is D Day.

This is a hard day to celebrate because it was violent and sad. But it marked the beginning of the end of WWII.

We remember those who fell to keep of free.

In the 3s class, we do not do a lot with writing until the spring. Before we even put a writing utensil in their hands, we do a lot to build their fine motor skills.

When we do start writing, we spend a lot of time making sure that the grip is correct. We start letter formation but it mostly about the grip and getting comfortable.

When that is done without much thinking, the student can learn to write so much better.

During the last week of preschool, the 4s classes did a Field Day. They had a regular day but they spent the whole thing outside.

They had their group times with stories, calendar, weather, and songs.

Free Play time was a bit more structured. They went on a Nature Scavenger Hunt and played some structured games. They ran relays and passed a hula hoop down a row without letting go of hands.

They had a picnic snack and played on the playground.

The weather cooperated and it was such a fun day. I think we may repeat it.

Today is National Smile Day!!

Here are a couple of smiles that I had to share. I hope they make you smile too.

On our last day of preschool, we host a celebration for families to come and celebrate their children and the completion of a school year.

Each class has a chance to do an individual program in the chapel. These vary from class to class but they are always a special way to end the year.

Each class also gets time on the playground and having a snack.

We end our celebration in the sanctuary. The kids sings some songs. Families get to learn a little about the programs they can join in the summer at SOTV. A special thank you from Mrs. Nelson. And we end with a summer blessing from Pastor Corey.