It’s hard to believe it’s already October! The School Age 1 children at RisingOaks Early Learning | St. Patrick, have been adjusting to new routines, getting to know their teachers, and making new friends.  These changes can be a big transition as children learn to feel safe and comfortable in a new environment.  We are proud of how well they have adapted, explored their surroundings, and discovered new things each day.  As children adjust, they may experience big emotions.  This is a natural part of their development.  With patience, comfort, and support, we help them recognize and express their feelings in positive ways.  To support their learning and exploration, we have divided the children into two groups for indoor and outdoor play.  These experiences allow them to explore, learn through play, develop skills, and build a sense of belonging at their ow pace.

Our children have shown a strong interest in hands-on activities.  They enjoy water painting, stuffed animals, sensory balls, building blocks, arts and crafts, toy cars and obstacle courses.  We use their interests to plan meaningful experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and development. 

Recently, the children explored water painting on the shower curtain.  They also enjoyed helping to clean it with spray.  The children explored cause and effect, practiced their fine motor skills, and developed coordination through sensory play. 

In celebration of Thanksgiving, the children created festive wreaths and turkey puppets.  They explored different materials, including colorful leaves, glue, and googly eyes.  It was lovely to see them helping one another open glue containers and sharing materials with their peers. 

These activities encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor development.  They also provided opportunities to practice kindness, sharing, and cooperation.  Through play, the children are learning to build positive relationships and work together as a community.     

We will continue to follow the children’s interests and provide engaging, hands-on activities.  These experiences will encourage exploration, independence, creativity, and social-emotional development.