The Ups and Downs of Climbing in Preschool

In almost every preschool the monkey bars are a big hit. There is something so free-ing about climbing to the top and looking down on spectators. It's magical to monkey from one side all the way to the other side.

A few years ago, a students in the preschool where I worked at fell off the monkey bars and knocked out her front tooth. The teachers on the playground were beside themselves with worry. Thankfully, the parents were completely understanding, since she was the "tom boy" of the family. After she was all cleaned up and the space where her tooth had been finally stopped bleeding she was back on the  monkey bar again. Understandably, her teacher shrieked with fear and ordered her "down from there".  It was a long time after that before any kids were allowed to climb those monkey bars. Here are some "ups" and "downs" to consider when using or installing monkey bars that will make them and keep them a big hit.

The Downs

• If children aren't properly supervised there is always an increased chance of injury
• Callused hands; from holding the equipment so tightly 
• Bruises; from bumping the equipment
• Injuries to the mouth
• Falling
• Sprains
• Broken bones

The Ups

• Climbing is Fun
• Exercise
• It's a work-out they probably wouldn't get a home
• Builds confidence
• Can be solitary, parallel, associative or cooperative play
• Provide opportunities to come up with new ways to use the same equipment

Here are some tips to keep you from going bananas

• Always check the equipment for safety before you allow children to play on it
• Always ensure there is enough ground covering under the play equipment
• Always discuss your expectations on the play equipment
• Stand close by and be ready to lend a hand
• Encouragement from you improves their confidence and lessens the chance of injury
• Limit the amount of children on the monkey bars at one time
• Remind and model taking turns

Unfortunately, there's a chance there will still be accidents. You can do everything right and there's still bound to be some bumps and bruises along the way. The most important thing is you're informed, prepared and ready to take action. 

Here's to the "up" and "downs" of climbing in Preschool, 

A Preschool Hideaway: My Own Space

In your classroom there should always be a place for children to "escape". Some teachers refer to this as the "quite area" or "cozy corner". In our class there is a little corner between our cots and library that the students have designated on their own as their "hideaway". Yes, we have a designated "quiet area" but this is something quite different. This is a place to be secretive, to drag toys, to hide dolls, to talk to yourself, or to create with a friend. In the beginning, I used to discourage their quaint little space since it was by the back door (which we never use) and if they ducked down, it was hard for me to monitor their activities. However, each day one, two, sometimes three students would squeeze in the space and they seemed to be having the best time ever! Obviously, they really loved the space and I really love them so I strategically position myself near the space so I can monitor them and the whole class and we're as a happy as a school family can be.

If there's not enough space in your classroom for a hideaway, You can always create one. Here's a few ideas to get you started. 

Place two chairs far enough apart that a sheet will fit over them both. Fold the sheet back enough that you can still see inside. 

This little hideaway I created outside, using small chairs. 

I used clothes pins to secure the sheet. 

This big one I created inside using adult sized folding chairs. 

The clothes pins are secured under the backs of the chairs. 

And, this cute little structure was abandoned outside a church on the curb. I was more than happy to take it off their hands. It's made from PVC pipe. I keep it at my house, but I will occasionally bring to school to use as a hideaway. 

Happy Hideaway!

Preschool "Sports" week

Last week we had "sports" week. I requested my parents bring in any sports memorabilia, hats, jerseys, and/or favorite team posters. We ended up having tons of stuff to explore. Each day I would pull out of our bag and ask the class about the ball, or item and how they thought that sport was played. Then, I would do my best to demonstrate the sport and how to use the equipment. We got an opportunity on Thursday to take all of our items outside and attempt to try out everything. What a riot! There were golf clubs, basketballs, footballs, tennis balls, frisbees and soccer balls all over the play yard. Boy, were we tired. The next day we all brought our bikes, trikes, and big wheels with our protective gear for "bike day". I am still surprised when there are students who can't peddle. I spent quite a bit of our outside time coaching the peddling technique. What a great way to work those gross motor skills and an even better way to end the week.

Preschoolers and Hula-Hoops

You probably can tell I love being outside. Yes, sometimes our Florida heat is unbearable, still we venture out each day to see what wonderful experiences await us. One day while shopping for my own little girls, I picked up some hula-hoops for my class. I wasn't sure if four-year olds could master the complex timing and rhythm it takes to hula-hoop. Regardless, I thought it'd be fun. I've watched my own 7-year old go at it for the longest time on her hips, on her arm, down on her knees and back up again. I purchased the hoops with the thought that if they didn't master it my kid would have enough hoops to last her until middle school.

On Friday, each child came in and asked about the hoops and everyone couldn't wait to go outside to get their turn. They each took turns trying. I demonstrated the technique then coached as they tried. Eventually, some ran away to more familiar territory, the slide, the swings and the balls. But, there were a few that stuck around and was determined to keep that hoop on their hips. I called for the class to line up and still they were trying. No one ever quite got the hoop to stay up, although a few were very close.

I decided not to give the hoops to my daughter because with just a few determined faces It's worth it for them to try and try again. Here's an A for Effort!

Preschool Camping

"A camping we will go, a camping we will go. Hi ho the cherry-o, a camping we will go". Last week our theme was camping. On Friday, we strapped on our backpacks and paraded around the center on a nature hike. We found an orange tree, beautiful leaves for rubbings, pine cones, twigs, and logs for our indoor campfire. Since it was so hot outside it didn't take long for them get tired and long for the comfort of our classroom and a cool drink.

  

 








Once we settled in, we discussed the dangers of being outside, the sun, bug bites, scrapes, etc. I passed out plastic baggies, gloves, band-aids and alcohol pads for the kids to create their own first aid kit. While they worked at getting the items in the bag and securing it closed (great fine motor skill activity). I printed labels to place on their bags. I taped each label on with clear box tape.

 
















After lunch, we sat around our campfire to sing songs and listen to a spooky story. We ended the afternoon with smores of course!



Happy Trails,

Preschool Fourth of July Fence Weaving

Yesterday we took some streamers outside to do some fence weaving. I explained and demonstrated the technique. While they worked, I could hear one of my students saying, "in and out", "in and out".



I watched as my little guy diligently tried to figure out what he was doing wrong. After many attempts he looked back said, "Why wont it stay?" Even after I explained it to him again, he still couldn't get the hang of it. He was excited to see streamer still on the fence today for him to work at it again.



Here's my version on the flag.



Happy Weaving,

Ready, Set, Swing

A few weeks ago I was overjoyed when one of my students began to swing on his own. Honestly, I’m not the “pushing” teacher. I’d much rather play tag than to stand behind a swing and push for an hour. I’m also convinced they’ll never want to learn if I’m there pushing anyway. That goes for bike riding as well (but that’s for another post on another day).

While swinging along side my star pupil I was reminded of how his determination for swinging began. For the next few weeks I noticed a distinct pattern in which children go from tummy swinging to full on pumping on their own. Here are my fabulous finds. See if you’ve noticed this similar pattern.

Step 1: First, the child will attempt to sit in the swing. If they can sit in the swing they
quickly notice there is not motion besides sitting and either leaves or moves to
step 2.

Step 2: The child lies their tummy on the swing and attempts to swing back and forth.


Step 3: After there is little motion with tummy swinging; the child learn to run just enough
cause a constant motion and with legs bent upward will have an enjoyable
swinging experience for some time.



Step 4: Once the child has mastered tummy swinging or their legs are too long to
accommodate tummy swinging the child will move on to again getting into the
swing. They will again look for someone to push for them.


Step 5: The child in step 5 understands there is a concept to swinging and will wildly
swing his/her legs back and forward realizing this does create some kind of
motion, but still barely moving enough to be satisfied.

Step 6: This step usually takes some prompting from an adult. I usually say the words,
“legs forward”, and “back”. “Go forward” Now “go back”. This is quite funny since
they tend to get confused as to when the legs should be going forward and
backward.

Step 7: This child understands their own body movement is creating the swinging
motion. He/She has the mechanics down and is moving in a constant motion.

Step 8: The Professional Swinging Student has mastered all the above steps and is now
legs forward leaning back, and legs bent with his/her back arch to make the
swing go higher.

Note: This is not the rule for smaller preschoolers. I will bend my non-pushing rule for toddlers but by
four I only give small pushes for those attempting to swing on their own. And in
this case I’m constantly repeating...”forward and back” with lots of cheers and
praise.

Now go out and swing today!