Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in cincinnati, OH

How Should Your Child's Preschool Spend $10,000?

by Amy Mumper

May 12, 2009

Recently, President Obama issued a challenge to each state, saying, "Develop a cutting-edge plan to raise the quality of your early learning programs. Show us how you'll work to ensure that children are better prepared for success by the time they enter kindergarten."

Well, now...  I just happen to work at a preschool and have two preschool aged children of my own!  Needless to say, this issue hits home a bit, both personally and professionally! 

When asked what they would do with $10,000 for their classrooms, preschool teachers I work with said these things:

• 1. Technology, technology... This is the 21^st century. Forget that kids can find their way around a computer better than most - they HAVE to. Or, at least they'll have to by the time they're in kindergarten! Kid friendly cameras with the immediate feedback of unlimited printing capabilities (imagine the books and literacy-support possibilities!) Having modern computers in the classroom with regular access for all kids, flat screens, Internet access (with proper safety precautions and teacher supervision, of course). Truly, these are the necessary elements of all schools. Especially preschools.
• 2. Enhancing the immediate environment - whether the $10,000 be spent on lighting for teaching purposes or aesthetic reasons; clean, new carpet; inspiring art as part of the environment (ie stained glass windows), or available for the children to see and touch (installed in the room itself); appropriate, modern furniture to accommodate all needs in the classroom (not hand-me-downs as is so common in the "school world"); adequate storage hidden from view; educational enhancements like a "fully loaded aquarium".
• 3. Inspiring materials kids can use - real musical instruments the kids can get their hands on - cymbals, drums, xylophones; full color hardback books to inspire imagination and spark the learning of reading as a natural process; manipulatives that teach - not just cute toys, but appropriate, varied materials - enough for the kids to not be able to get enough!
• 4. Bringing the outside world in - Inviting - and having enough money to pay for- performers of the fine arts and bringing other pieces of the world into the classroom environment.

I've taught for over 10 years.  This group of teachers is highly qualified to make their wish list (they've no doubt spent time mentally listing the things they'd like!)  I've long felt preschool is the only place the creativity is left and teaching this year has confirmed that.  You can truly follow students' interests and they are soo enthusiastic.  I'm a firm believer in early learning and early intervention programs.  They should be fully funded. 

But, for now, we can dream.  If you'd like to help your child's teacher, start with a thank you note.  That's the best end-of-the-year-gift there is.  And, it's free.

What would you like to see your child's preschool add to their program?

Favorite Preschooler Books?. By Author?

by Amy Mumper

April 27, 2009

Imagine this - me, finishing up my first year ever of teaching preschoolers.  It's been amazing!  When I left elementary school and standardized testing, I was convinced that preschool was the only place that allowed creativity.  Now I know I was right.  Everything they're learning is new and exciting.  They thoroughly enjoy each experience with anything and everything!  And, so it is with books!  When you're out searching for good books, the same authors keep coming up.  They have simple words, with very few words on a page and very engaging pictures about favorite topics.   Take a look at my list... I hope you agree - these authors can't be beat.  Please let me know your favorites!  I'm always looking for a new book!

1.  Jan Brett - particularly in winter, Jan Brett delivers big.  Her illustrations are amazing and thought provoking.  For instance, with the gingerbread baby, she provides clues to the next few pages, allowing your child to predict what's coming up - a great pre-reading skill.
2. Eric Carle - need I say more?  Every time I'm searching for books on a topic, here comes Mr. Carle. 
3. Mo Willems - start with Knuffle Bunny and then meet the pigeon!
4. Kevin Henkes -  Really related characters with pizzazz!  Try Old Bear
5. Laura Numeroff - "circle stories" that start and end in the same place are her trademark; they really inspire imagination!
6. Richard Scarry - a classic; check back on the 11^th of May for ideas based on the book What Do People Do All Day?
7. Bill martin Jr. - Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.  Enough said.
8. Audrey wood - a treasure trove of terrific books she's made with both her husband and her son!
9. Leo Leonni - Little Blue, Little Yellow, Swimmy and Fish is Fish
10. Lois Ehlert - You just can't get enough of the unique formats used by this author.
11. Karen Katz - I had to go with eleven, just to mention her, but it's worth it.  She does great books for the 2 ½ set (the age I teach), especially Where Is Baby's Belly Button?

Go google and enjoy!

What Does Kindergarten Readiness Really Mean?

by Amy Mumper

January 22, 2009

Four years ago, I began what I'll call an exhaustive search for the perfect preschool for my perfect little girl. I was looking for an academic preschool, because that's what I thought my daughter was ready for. (She was.) But, what I found along the way surprised me. The "academic" or cognitive piece of preschool is really a very developmental set of skills; meaning that kids  Read more...

"The History of Halloween" OR Should your kids Celebrate Halloween at School?

by Amy Mumper

October 15, 2008

Being a preschool and elementary school teacher often begs the question: Will there be a Halloween party at school? People are surprisingly on one side or the other of this issue. It always makes me wonder about the origins of Halloween and why people perceive it to be evil, or just plain fun. In doing some research, I learned a lot that helps clarify my position on Halloween parties at  Read more...