Director's Message

Andrea Powell - School House Director

At School House Christian Preschool we strive to emulate the Reggio Emilia approach to learning as closely as possible.  One way that we do that is through emergent curricula and long-term, interdisciplinary projects.  I love these projects!  Our latest project, the Rose Flower Garden Restaurant, culminates this week.  Over the last few weeks, the children demonstrated a strong interest in restaurants during dramatic play.  Based on this interest the teachers began planning a full-scale project with the children.  First we decided that we wanted to make a restaurant.  We talked about what kind of food we would serve, who we would invite, where we would have the restaurant and what supplies we would need. “Don’t forget crayons for the little kids!” we were told.  We read great books such as; Stone Pizza (Mitchell), Mean Soup (Everitt) and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Barrett).  Menu items were chosen and each child made a menu.  Parents and other family members were invited.  Many names for the restaurant were suggested and the children voted on the name “Rose Flower Garden”.  (The 2nd choice was “Kitty Litter Restaurant” – that was a close call!) We learned lots of songs about food including, "Cookie Bakers of the Night" and "On Top of Spaghetti".  The children began cooking our menu items; Meatballs, Mean Soup and Brownies.  It took several days to get everything ready, but we did it!  On the morning of February 22nd we will set the tables and put the meatballs and soup on the stove. As family members arrive, the children will seat their guests and give them a menu. We will even give everyone a little School House cash to spend!  The children will take orders, give the orders to the cooks and serve our patrons. When our guests are finished with their meals, they will receive a bill and will be checked out at the register.  Naturally, this will involve a little math!  On February 24th we will do again for a second group of visitors!

In this way we learn.  We learn to read, write, add, subtract and measure.  We learn to plan and execute a major project while compromising with others.  We sing and dance.  We do all this and connect with our community while doing so.  Because we are truly interested in our work, because we get to apply the skills we gain, we never forget what we learn.

Here's to meaningful learning experiences!  Cheers!

Andrea

 

Simple Ways to Go Green

An ABITIBI paper recycling bin has been placed in our preschool/church parking lot.  The church will receive funds from ABITIBI for every pound of paper collected.  This is a great way to help the environment and Christ Lower Saucon!

Visit www.reuseit.com and go green at lunch time with reusable sandwich and snack bags!