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Seasons Change,
and So Can Your Curriculum
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The weather's been on our minds a lot during the last few weeks. Let's embrace it through learning!
If you are seeking to use a child-directed curriculum, the changing seasons can be a good place to start. Nature is a common source of interest for children, and it is available outside the doors and windows of every child care center.
In the fall, many classes explore the colder weather or harvest time. Often, pumpkins make an appearance!
- A trip to the pumpkin patch lets children get fresh air and explore how pumpkins grow on a farm.
- In the classroom, children can thump their thick outer shell, feel the slimy inside, and taste the baked seeds for a full sensory experience.
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One aspect of learning about fall and pumpkins that many classes overlook: DECAY! Watching your classroom pumpkin grow mold and rot can lead children to ask what is happening. As a teacher, you can explore the benefits of decomposing in the life cycle and the difference between living and nonliving.
Sure, it may look gross, but children usually love that!
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Time lapse video of pumpkins decomposing |
On a more serious note, Hurricane Florence reminded us that weather can be dangerous. The recovery process for our state is still ongoing. Here are some links that may help:
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Learning through Fall Play |
Fall is in the air, and the sun is shining. This is such a great time to be outdoors, exploring nature and breathing in the air!
Research tells us that our children benefit in multiple ways from time outdoors, time that is unstructured, to explore, dream, imagine, wonder, and to be awed by nature. Outdoor play provides opportunities to release stress, learn about the environment, and use those large muscles with running, jumping, hopping, and skipping.
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What will you do today?
- Fly a kite
- Paint rocks for a rock garden
- Rake leaves and jump into them, talking about the colors, shapes, and sounds
- Play ball
- Make mud pies
- Go puddle jumping in rain boots
- Look for insects and talk about where they go in the rain
- Collect treasures from outside, such as pine cones, leaves, sticks, acorns, or rocks, and sort them, count them, or make a collage
- Decorate pumpkins
- Have a scavenger hunt
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Wake Connections is a one-stop coordinated intake and referral system for families in Wake County. One click gets you connected to Parents as Teachers and other Wake Connections programs. |
Recruiting for High School Class of 2032! |
Did your child turn 4 by August 31, 2018?
Apply for Pre-K now! WCSS hosts events at our office every Thursday from 2 - 4pm to walk you through the application process. One application allows your child to be considered for NC Pre-K and Head Start, which are both FREE and prepare children for Kindergarten in a high quality classroom setting.
Click here to print the application and for more information.
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Featured Book: Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
Written & Illustrated by: Kenard Pak
Highlights: In a simple, evocative conversation with nature, a young girl witnesses how the season changes from summer to autumn.
Best for: Pre-K, ages 3-5
Wake County Public Library Programming: Join us on October 24 from 6 - 8pm at the East Regional Library in Knightdale for the 14th annual Moonlight Walk and Family Festival! This year's theme is "A Walk Around the World." Visit the Wake County Public Libraries website for more details.
Literacy Tip: Take a walk in your neighborhood or local park. See if you notice any of the changes happening in your own world that occur in the book.
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Want FREE books for your child under 5? Join the Imagination Library today! |
Each month we celebrate the child care facilities that have recently obtained or retained a five star rating!
Congratulations to:
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Do you need a cute and easy idea for snacks this season? Turn your clementines/ tangerines/oranges into pumpkins! Use a sharpie and your imagination to make snacktime a little more fun. |
Supervision of Young Children
October 15, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Telephone Seminar - Call-In Number
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Change is Hard, but It Doesn't Have to Hurt
October 15, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Heather Park CDC, School Age Building
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Activity Plans & Overview of NC Foundations
October 22, 6:30 - 9pm
Wake County Smart Start, Room 204
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ITS SIDS
October 22, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Heather Park CDC
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Introduction to NC Foundations
October 27, 9am - 3pm
Wake County Smart Start, Room 204
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Food Allergies & Sanitation
October 29, 6:30 - 8:30pm
CCSA Durham
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Staying on Track: Routines & Schedules
October 29, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Rainbow Child Care Center of East Cary
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The Art & Science of Technical Assistance
November 2 & November 27, 8am - 5pm
CCSA Durham
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Language Development & Communication with Infants & Toddlers
November 6, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Bambino's Play School
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Project Enlightenment's 2018-19 schedule for teacher and parent workshops is now available! |
Outline a tree on your floor or sidewalk, then place apples (real or pretend) on the branches. Let your child race to pick all the fruit, and challenge them to stay on the lines!
P.S. Love apples? You can share your apple love across the state on October 10 during NC Crunch!
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Did you know WCSS is a nonprofit and relies on support from members of our community like you? Visit our website today to see how you can make a difference for each child, in every community in Wake County. |
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