The month of November was full of lots of activities and experiences that had the toddlers working together and enjoying one another’s company, and further building on those very important friendships and connections. One activity in particular that they enjoyed was helping to make applesauce muffins for our parent social. Sitting together the educators first introduced the ingredients that they would be using. This hands-on activity had the Tod squad helping to measure, pour, scoop and combine all the ingredients together. There were so many ingredients that we had to use lots of elbow grease to mix them all up. “So many eggs” exclaimed Isla as she and her friends helped to count all the way up to eight. “What’s that?” asked Quinn when the educator began passing around the secret ingredient for our yummy muffins. “We enjoy this yummy snack in the mornings” hinted the educators. “These fruits grow on trees. Sometimes they are red, or green even yellow too. What does it smell like?” asked the educators. Encouraging the toddlers to use their sense of smell. “Apples” said Quinn smiling. “That’s right Quinn. Today we will be baking applesauce muffins. Does that sound like a yummy and healthy snack to make?” “yes!” answered the toddlers excitedly. Then practicing their turn taking skills, as they each contributed at mixing the batter together. We then had the opportunity to taste and share these muffins at our Morning Muffin social. Not only were the toddlers eating one of their favourite snacks, that they had made themselves, but they also had the opportunity to share them with their favourite people as well their mommy’s and daddy’s. Families were invited to join us for a Muffin drop off where they could sit and chat with their child, the educators and get to know our other families. During this visit parents also had the opportunity to look through their children’s portfolio, take a walk about throughout the classroom, reading documentation which highlights the learning that is taking place. This visit offered the parents a moment to pause, in what can be a very busy morning routine and enjoy some time with their little one. The toddlers truly loved having their parents visit and to be part of the Tod squad.
