The Crayola Experience

There is not educator around that hasn't heard of Crayola! We love the bright colors, the smell of the new box, and the beauty thats produced with their awesome products. Yesterday I took a mini field trip to the Crayola Experience at the mall near my house. Here's a sneak peek at what I found.

This area is called "Pick your pack". You can literally get a bucket, tin or box and fill it with your favorite colors for your writing center. 

                      Markers galore!













And crayons in every color!



                                                 

There was merchandise for purchase. 

And the products can be found in each stage of development. Here's the merchandise section for infants and toddlers. 

It was only after we were leaving that I discovered I actually hadn't experienced anything! I had only visit the gift shop that comes AFTER the Crayola Experience! I look forward to going back soon and giving you a tour of the actual Experience. 

But for now, happy creating! 

The Crayola Experience

https://www.facebook.com/CrayolaExperienceOrlando

Have a Digital Camera Field Trip in Preschool

Yesterday, I mentioned using your digital camera as an alternative to taking a field trip outside the classroom. Today, I had an opportunity to create a neighborhood field trip using my digital camera. I took the photos and I'm considering turning them into a book to put in our library. This would be the perfect addition to the unit on "Community" we do at the beginning of the school year. I've added some ideas and questions I might want to ask.

What is this sign? Can you see a number? What does it make you think of? 

Have you ever been to a 7-11? What was your reason for going? 

Have you been here before? Some friends go here when they are sick. 

Some friends go here when they need shots to keep them well. 

What can you tell me about your visit here? 

What do you think this place is for? Why? 

Do you remember passing one of these? What is it? 

What does the red and white striped pole remind you of? 

This is a place where people might sit and wait. 

What might they be waiting for? How do you know? 

What else could you do while you're waiting? 

I chose most of these familiar places because of the location of the center. Most of my students live near or in the area and would have been to or at least seen these places before. 

I look forward to hearing about your alternative to field trips. 

Your Friend, 

            

Preschool Alternatives to Field Trips

Its becoming more and more common that Child Care Centers are taking less field trips. For one, field trips require additional time, money and staffing. Second, field trips are a liability. One missing child, or a child left on the bus could be the end of a thriving center. Last, transportation is a big issue for small and large centers alike.

Don't let the fact that your facility cannot provide field trips stop you from finding field trip alternatives. Here's a few ideas to get the ball rolling.




Bring the field trip to you. 
I've had many field trips in my classroom over the years. People in your community are more than happy to stop by and share their passion with your class.
-The Zoo (ask what animals they may be able to bring)
-The Library
-The local supermarket
-The bakery (ask for a discount or coupons for your parents)
-The fire station (ask them to bring stickers and hats)
-The local police department (ask them to bring deputy stickers)
And many, many more!

Create the field trip in your classroom. 
Find props, recruit parents and friends to send items related to your field trip.
-If you're class is studying a specific culture: 
 Encourage your parents to bring in painting, pictures, mugs, or anything that represents that   
 particular unit of study.
-If you're studying a particular place:                                                                 
  What items can you find that are associated with the place? 
  For example, if you're studying the beach you might want to                                    
  bring in shells, a big umbrella, beach towels, swim suits, sunglasses, etc.

Take advantage of technology.
Make use of your dvd player, ipod, video camera, the internet, and digital camera.
-The dvd player
 The library has a great collection of dvd's about places, people and events especially for children.
-The Ipod
 Find music related materials of even stories about your field trip. 
-The Video Camera
  You go on the field trip and shoot video of the place you'd like to share. Enjoy it with your class. 
-The Internet
  There's a fantastic site called KidvisionVPK. The teacher Mrs. Peggy and her students go on 
  exciting field trips and invite you to come along. 
-The Digital Camera
  Take still photos of the place. Bring the photos to school and share them in circle time, 
  create a photo center or even use them to make a slide show. 


Keep in mind field trips are fun. They help children tie together the lessons you've been teaching. They provide valuable learning experiences and promote an expanded vocabulary.

Even if your school or childcare facility shy away from field trips. You can still provide some rewarding field trip alternatives right in your own classroom.