Inclusive Early Childhood Education

ECE-3 May Newsletter

April 27th, 2018

 

We are in the final countdown of the year, and what a fantastic year it has been! Over the past month we have explored with lots of open-ended building and art materials during our Tinker Town Unit. The children have created many inventions using recycled junk, including a magical playground, a dream house, magical “keys” that can open any door in the world, and an airplane that has rocket power. It has been fun to watch their brains expand and open up to new possibilities through collaboration and open-ended materials. Over the past week we have challenged the children to work together while building, in order to make even greater structures and inventions. They are starting to embody teamwork, which makes us teachers very excited.

 

We will finish out the year with a spring and garden unit in which children will have the opportunity to explore our outdoor space with a scientific eye, plant seeds and watch them grow. We will investigate child-driven questions about nature by using the scientific method.

 

Classroom Reminders:

-There is a lot going on over the next five weeks.  Please remember to send your child to school with a water bottle- labeled with first and last name. 

-As the weather heats-up, please make sure to apply sunscreen to your child before coming to school. 

-Feel free to send a sunhat and sunglass to school with your child to wear during outside time. 

 

School News:

o   Join our families, Mr. J (our PE teacher), and Denver Parks and Rec staff for our Family Fishing Day on Saturday, May 12! We provide the poles, bait, and know-how – you supply the fun! We’ll be at Wash Park’s Lily Pond (northeast corner of the park).

 

o   Save the date for our other May events! More details are coming soon - Read the News From the Nest every Friday for all the details! 

 

-Talent Show on Friday, May 18

-First-ever school carnival on Saturday, May 19

-Spring BOGO book fair from May 21 to May 25

-Field Day on Friday, May 25

-No School: Memorial Day Monday, May 28 

-Last day of school on Thursday, May 31

 

As we head into summer here are some great educational activities to do with your children while we are away from school. 

 

1. Read, read, read, read, read. Reading is the best activity you can do with your child this summer. Reading aloud (and encouraging children to look at books independently) promotes language, literacy, cognitive social-emotional and math development. Reading also allows for quality time between you and your child, and will support them in developing concentration and increased attention. 

2. If you aren’t already, join the Denver Public Library. They have free events all summer long!

3. Visit the zoo to see the baby orangutan. There are a lot of opportunities for language between you and your child while visiting the zoo. You can connect this experience to books about animals, the environment, and conservation.

4. The Denver Botanic Gardens- They have an incredible children’s area on the roof of the parking lot which has fun water features that your child can play in, perfect for a hot day.

5. Littleton Historical- This is a living-history-farm representing the1860’s and 1890’s. They have farm animals, actors dressed in period costumes, and fun activities for kids. 6028 south Gallup Street.

6. Downtown Aquarium- visit the many ocean animals and maybe even catch a glimpse of the magical mermaids.