We have been getting into the Christmas spirit in the Preschool 1 room lately. We started off with the children exploring magnetic blocks, jingle bells, and pompoms together. They began by placing the magnetic blocks flat on the tray and attaching the jingle bells, observing how easily the bells “stuck.” When Geumhwa invited them to try attaching pompoms, the children noticed they would not stay on. This provided an opportunity for her to explain that magnets only pull on things made of metal. After experimenting on the flat surface, several children began building upward, creating 3D structures and testing where the bells would connect. They continually adjusted their structures to match the stories they were creating, adding pieces, moving parts around, and trying new ideas.
Their play demonstrated a growing understanding of cause and effect, material properties, and early engineering skills as they experimented, problem-solved, and expanded their ideas.
Next, we got started on our Christmas tree, working as a team to assemble the tree and hang the ornaments. Finley helped Christine put the very top of the tree in place, ensuring the pieces fit perfectly into the hole. Once the tree was assembled, Finley and Penny F noticed that some “pine needles” had fallen, so they used their hands to clean the floor and gather them into a pile. Then we got to work on the ornaments. Everyone practiced patience and taking turns as Christine called up each preschooler one by one to place an ornament on the tree. Some of the children wanted to place ornaments on the bottom of the tree, while others preferred the top.
The children enthusiastically shared stories about their Christmas trees at home and were able to make connections with one another as they discussed what they were looking forward to for Christmas. While decorating, Christine noticed that the ornament selection was sparse and many of the ornaments were older. She asked if the preschoolers would like to make some ornaments, and they became very animated, excitedly discussing the designs they wanted to create. Using glue and glitter, the children employed their fine motor skills and creativity to make the ornaments beautiful. Jackson’s ornament almost looked like a Christmas tree, while Asal loved to pile the glitter on hers and mix all the colors.
After decorating the Christmas tree with Christine, the preschoolers continued the festive fun with a Christmas craft activity. They were given pine tree branches, pompoms, and stars to create their own mini decorations. Some children chose to use only the pompoms, adding their own unique touch to their craft. While placing pompoms and stars onto their pine branches, the children practiced their fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination. The open-ended setup allowed them to get creative, and some even decorated using only pompoms—showing their ability to make their own choices and express their ideas. The different materials provided a fun sensory experience, from the feel of the pine needles to the soft, colorful pompoms.
Lastly, the preschoolers practiced gift-wrapping skills using loose parts, ribbon, and wrapping paper. Jayden was very excited and came up to Christine, asking, “Can I wrap some presents?” Addison measured the ribbon along the wrapping paper, while Asal used the ribbon to “capture” an Iron Man, holding it up as if it were flying. Emma wrapped some paper inside more paper, giggling as she showed off her creation.
Through all of these experiences, the preschoolers developed a sense of community and connection as they discussed their Christmas trees and shared their excitement for the holidays. They expressed creativity and problem-solving skills, using their fine motor skills to manipulate materials and decorate their ornaments. We hope that all the children carry these joyful memories and celebrations with them as we enter the holiday season.
