Apples-galore.  I hope you all are enjoying your September and some of the preschool apple-themed ideas incorporated into the September curriculum.  Bring the children out into nature or bring the nature to them while the weather is still decent!  Going apple picking is a Fall favorite around my parts.  And this year, we will be picking our first apples ever from our very own apple tree!  And what to do with all the collected apples besides just eating them?  Check out the September curriculum for some great ideas!  And in line with the apple sandwich Cooking Friday option featured, here is another variation of the peanut butter apple sandwich that can also include granola or chocolate chips (carob chips too),Yummers!

GOOD-BYES and HELLOS!

Good Byes.  At our Preschool in August it is a time for good-byes to those moving on to Kindergarten.  Always such a heartbreaker!  Some of my families have been in my care for several years!   

I like to make a sentimental gift for the children to take home on their last day.  I prepare a photocollage for children enrolled for a short time, and a photo book for children enrolled for several years.  Just sorting through all the pictures reminds me of everything that we shared together and all the fun times.  It is a "pick me up" and a great reminder of why I am a teacher!  Even though there are sometimes unpleasantries, they are greatly outweighed by everything else.

IDEAS FOR GRADUATING CHILDREN:
*Photo magnet
*Photo cube
*Photo book
*Photo collage
*Book signed with a nice note from the teacher
*Notebook signed with a nice note from the teacher
*Business cards (for the parents to feel free to give referrals in the future)

Hellos.  The start of the new school year is a time of lots and lots of Hellos!  Meeting new children and families and introductions of already enrolled students with their newly enrolled classmates can be reinvigorating for your class and your morale.  I also like to shake things up a bit in the classroom, change around some furniture, trade some toys, and add a new bulletin board display.  I like a little change in environment and it shows your families that you are prepared and ready for the new school year. 

IDEAS FOR WELCOMING RETURNING AND NEW CHILDREN:
*  Business card magnet (1 for parents' home and maybe even extra for their workplace)
*  Host an Open House for a meet and greet including all parents.  Consider milk and donuts or hot chocolate/coffee station at drop off, or fancy cheese/crackers/fresh fruit with sparking juice at pick-up time.  

DRAMATIC PLAY: 
Different ideas, materials, set-up, and activities provide new and engaging activities for children, improve morale for providers, show parents that your program is not stagnant. Consider changing the dramatic play area for the summer.  Remove the kitchen and tool bench and add one or more of the following: 

Beauty salon: Twirly office chair, Hairstyle picture book, barrettes, headbands, hats, spray bottles for that gel look on boy’s faux hawks,  combs, brushes, mirrors. 

Shoe store:  Shoe boxes, children write numbers on shoe boxes, foot measuring tape, print out shoe sizer template from internet and laminate for extended use.  Chairs to sit on.  Parents can donate old children’s shoes and even adult shoes for fun.  Shoe workers need to match up shoes in the same box.  Play cash register and play money. 

Pizza Store:  Donated pizza boxes in different sizes from pizza store, coupons for pizza, pictures with labels of types of pizzas, play cash register and play money. 

Bakery:  Cookies sheets, muffin pans, muffin liners in many colors, whisks, rolling pins, pictures of bakery items, playdough to make the items, price sheets, play cash register and play money. 

Children’s Hospital or Stuffed Animal Hospital:  Crutches, napping cot, bandages, notepads for symptoms, toy stethoscopes, scrubs donated or bought from costume shop, name tags for doctors and nurses.  

Costume shop or Dress up Closet (armoire at garage sale).