The PreschoolToolbox

Hi, I’m Darla - #ece, #education, Owner/Editor #preschooltoolbox, Grief #childloss author-Forever Namaste - #preschool resources for learning through play.

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

STE(A)M projects in ECE create opportunities to learn, play, create, test, and have FUN. Try the PEEPS parachute challenge this spring! How to is here; https://t.co/gARCDqRSwl

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

@DineshDSouza Despite political affiliations, it’s always best to not rescue our kids too soon. The struggle allows for resilience, and encourages a growth mindset.❤️

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

Be the one that makes a difference. #parenting #teachers #KindnessMatters #teaching #StudentSuccess

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

Fall STEM Challenge for #Preschoolers - #Engineering a Free Standing Fall Tree with simple supplies. Supplies and how-to are here! So fun to watch kids thinking and constructing. https://t.co/LpEJhPZTYQ

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

Do you get into a fashion “rut” when #teaching? Come enter a #giveaway for a chance to win one of 5 - 25.00 digital gift cards to TRY Savvi. Fall #fashion from #Savvi with Sara offers exceptional comfort and style for teachers. #classroom Enter here: https://t.co/93cfNMQs3S

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

@MedicoMAMC @EBRheum @abledoc Yes my sister has what is classified as polymyositis with JO-1 antibodies. Has been treated with infusions for years now at Barnes, St. Louis. She was just diagnosed with advanced endometrial cancer.

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

Always…watch for those that need another. Encourage children to ask, and others to respond kindly to include. Role play and model daily.

[TeacherGoals @teachergoals]

So true! 🧡

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

Yes - daily!

[Jonathan Alsheimer @mr_Alsheimer]

Teachers ❤️

[Melissa Taylor @ImaginationSoup]

16 Wonderful New Children’s Nonfiction Books, August 2023 https://t.co/ldlwJ7Fiiw @LauraResau @KatherinePryor @elliepeterson @DowPhumiruk @lauriewallmark #kidlit

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

MONDRIAN-INSPIRED STEAM PLAYDOUGH CHALLENGE FOR KIDS!

#STEAMEducation compels kids to use cross-disciplinary skills to gain new knowledge they can apply to their everyday world. Come explore how integrated learning can be EXCITING and FUN for kids through a STEAM Mondrian-Inspired Playdough Challenge in #Earlychildhoodeducation.

STEAM Skills Presented:

Science:  Students will explore #Mondrian Art through individual (and/or collaborative) use of skills in the scientific method:  observing, communicating, comparing, organizing, and relating.

Technology:  Kids will use digital photography, video clips, and/or iMovie for older students to document learning. We created an iMovie together with the photos our own preschoolers made of their color blocks.

Engineering:  Students will construct hands-on Mondrian-inspired color block art that exhibits early attempts at engineering.

Arts:  Kids will design and construct Mondrian-inspired art that reflects the student’s creative expression.

Math:  Students will explore geometric shapes, measurement, lines, primary colors, and patterns in creating Mondrian-inspired art.

Introductory Discussion with Kids:

Open discussion by showing the kids a picture of Piet Mondrian’s Composition C (no.iii) with Red, Yellow and Blue (photo above) and asking the following questions:
•Why do you think Piet Mondrian left white spaces in his artwork?
•What shapes did Mondrian use in the Composition C (no.iii)? What colors do you find in the painting?
•Do you like the painting?  Why or why not?  Remind students they do not have to like an artist’s work, but they must always show kindness and respect for different opinions, and the artist, in their responses.

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Set out the simple supplies on a tray or table as an invitation for the kids to create.  Show the kids a photo of the Mondrian color block painting again for inspiration, but allow the kids to formulate their own plan for design and construction.
•Playdough (Red, Yellow, Blue, and White)
•Square and Rectangle Shapes or Cookie Cutters
•Plastic knives (if not using cookie cutters)

CHALLENGE INQUIRY:

Kids are asked to plan colors and design a 4-6 color Mondrian-inspired block pattern using just playdough and the squares/rectangles. The kids will ask HOW to make the color block patterns.. Try to respond with open ended questions to allow for critical thinking and creative expression.

It is truly amazing to watch kids use inquiry, exploration, critical thinking, and predictions to formulate creative solutions to simple problems. Our kids all chose different color block patterns and numbers of squares/rectangles to complete the challenge.  Some used their hands to create rectangles or squares, some chose blocks or cookie cutters, and some used the plastic knives to carefully cut the playdough. Each color block construction was as unique as the child/small group that created it.

Color block patterns occur often in art, textiles (see:  the Mondrian-inspired dress by Yves Saint Laurent), and in their own communities.  When kids are exposed to the concept of color block art through simple STEAM learning, they gain the knowledge to begin formulating ideas about how their everyday world is connected to a larger universe.

Thanks for reading. We wish all #preschoolteachers, #earlychildhood caregivers, #childcareteachers, and parents of #preschoolers an enjoyable remainder of your summer, and great start #BacktoSchool2023!

[Wendy Young,LMSW,BCD @Kidlutions]

Help kids grow in #empathy. Here's a kit that gives you a great start! https://t.co/dM5f58AGHN

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

Explorations on a sticky table - it’s fun construction for #preschoolers. Use straw/sticks/red Legos, or construction paper (laminate to reuse). See the blog for ways to play this summer. #earlychildhood #earlychildhoodeducation #preschoolactivities #childcare #summerlearning

[Preschool Toolkit @prektoolkit]

Fun with letters of the alphabet!
https://t.co/BWJ8SSpQYM
#alphabet #earlylearning #earlychildhoodeducators

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

STEAM Explorations in Early Childhood: Tessellating Shapes! Come play and learn this summer. https://t.co/nKyApUED7x #STEMeducation #STEAMeducation #earlychildhoodeducators

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

@BlandiCLC Wealth of resources here. Thank you.

[Natural Beach Living @Naturalbeachliv]

You CAN teach #Spanish classes at your #homeschool co-op easily and affordably with Spanish for You! Designed in a co-op setting to perfectly fit your needs, low-prep, class lessons & student practice all laid out for you. Visit us to learn how easy it is

https://t.co/xnD77VG7Rm

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

#childcare #earlylearning #earlychildhoodeducation #childcareteacher #childcareprovider #summerlearning #teachersoftwitter

[The PreschoolToolbox @pschooltoolbox]

Vroom Vroom Garbage Truck: Large Vehicle Activities for Preschoolers -If your preschoolers love garbage trucks, come play and learn with us! https://t.co/ZN6UiGrig9