The Cooperative Preschool

Bumble bees happily buzzing around the lush garden all the little gardeners helped plant and tend last year! Pumpkins, peas, carrots, tomatoes, so much delicious and beautiful food just waiting for the children to arrive in a couple of weeks.

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Fort building time!

Music is welcome anytime at preschool!

Springtime at preschool!

Kitty box neighborhood

Creating a box city!

“I made a rainbow. And now I need to add the things that make a rainbow- the sun and the rain! And I made some flowers grow.”

Just 24 hours until A Starry Night Cocktail party to benefit The Cooperative Preschool! Take a look at these items available on the silent auction (link in the comments).

Thank you so much to Steve and Van for chairing the auction, and thanks to all the members of the committee who have worked so hard to make that auction a success!!

We had some special guests at the preschool today! Three firefighters from engine 5 came to talk with the children. They reminded us what to do if our clothes catch on fire- stop, drop, and roll; what firefighter looks like with all their gear on, and let us climb in the truck! Thanks Boise Fire Department

Interacting with plants!
Growing them, cutting them, making art and potions.

Process art with preschoolers:
Strengthening hand muscles by spreading the shaving cream and squeezing the coloring bottles.
Experimenting with a different texture.
Color mixing.
Listening to the sounds made by the shaving cream coming out of the can and when you swirl the cream on the tray.
Enjoying a morning outside at preschool!

E and J worked together as a team to take out every block from the big block bin. They had many high fives and joyful shouts of “team work yeah!” along the way. Together we observed that as the heavy blocks are thrown out of
the bin, we will need to look around to make sure other people and their feet aren’t in danger of getting hit with theblocks. The two friends then worked together to build a wall structure. E had it as high as his head before it
toppled over with a crash, noting, “that’s what blocks do”. Good thing these strong and smart builders know they canalways make something new or build their structure back up again.

Thank you so much to our auction committees pastand present- these blocks were a wonderful addition to our outside play space two years ago with funds raised at theauction! The work you do for that event directly impacts the amazing space we have here for the children.

The joy of having your parent at school!

Now enrolling for the 23-24 school year!

Literacy embedded in play:
L noticed the letter strip in the shed and sat down to sing the Alphabet song following along with the letters. E heard him singing and was drawn into the activity also. They sang a few more rounds of the song together with E pointing to each letter accurately along the strip as they sang.

A visit from the new farm chicks:
This is the best day of my life!
This is my dream come true!
Rock a by chicken on the tree top!

Less than 2 weeks until The Cooperative Preschool's auction!! This adult event will have a live auction, silent auction, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and a wine toss!!

Tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-starry-night-cocktail-party-tickets-606904115547

Enjoying parfaits and pajamas at the last class before Spring Break! Many children enjoyed decorating the table with candles and placemats for the shared snack experience.

Experimenting with scratch art.

Trying out a new art material, sharing ideas with friends and parents.

Lego sorting and Lego building! Math embedded in the day!

Using a new art material: colored glue! Strengthening hands while making art.

We can make letters with this glue!

S: whoopsie daisies-it’s on my arm
R: mine is so rainbow-y

Readers making connections to the text
I've seen a bat before.
My Grandpa and Nona have monster plants.
I used to have a real life parakeet.

Outdoor play on Snow days:
Driving on ice
Painting the snow
Shoveling
Playing catch

Running laps around the big loop! High fives, lots of sun, and getting warmed up in the chilly wind!

How would you share 1 marshmallow into 2 cups of hot cocoa?

Ideas from the students:
They could take it apart.
They could split it.
They could slice it
They could cut it into quarters.
They could rip it.

Continuing painting with squeegees!
A little bit of paint goes a long way!
Using common tools in a new way.
Building hand strength by squeezing the paint out of the tubes.

Snow on March 1st!!
Watch this-heeyah!
I'm going to be this far away and still hit it.
I'm good at this.

Squeegee art with acrylics
"Look at these pretty colors!"

The sensory bin:

Did you know the sensory bin has multiple benefits in our classroom? Not only is it fun to play in (have you tried it?), but it can help children improve their fine motor skills, increase socialization with their peers, and can calm some children down as they play with the materials.

Big block fun today!

First, a bridge was built, complete with stepping stones. When one block was moved out for a different project, the children worked together to find a replacement so there was not a gap in the bridge.

Then, a new structure was built close to the bridge. Large and small blocks, along with foam pieces and carpet squares, made up the structure. Tape and clothespins were used to add some smaller details.

Since we are enjoying an extra day at home this weekend, here's a look at some of the learning and playing we did last week!

Color mixing with liquid watercolors. An extension from the watercolor painting that the children did last week.

So much fun in the snow! Playing outside is such an important part of the day at preschool!

Circle time in our parent toddler class! Such a lovely time to enjoy a story and snuggle with your grown up!

Tomorrow! Help support our little school!!

Even princesses play in the sand at preschool!

Meet our teachers- Stacy!

Stacy has been a parent, board member, teacher, assistant director and is now the director at The Cooperative Preschool. Her son and daughter both attended The Cooperative Preschool, so she has been with the school since 2015! Stacy has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Arizona and a Master of Arts in Education, Reading from Boise State University and she taught in the elementary classroom for 11 years. Stacy loves to read, exercise, play board games, and spend time with her husband and children.

Another morning filled with play and learning at The Cooperative Preschool! Stacking rocks, drawing family pictures, and making art in salad spinners, all in a day's work!

Running laps in the sun! Layers are the key to fun outdoor play all year!

Before a group story the teachers always encourage everyone to find a comfortable spot for your body to relax- so you can enjoy the book. Friends get cozy with each other.