He's always right!

So, I have not posted since school started...which I hate! My husband told me that I wouldn't have time to keep up with a blog and guess who was right...he was...uurgh! Well, here I am. I don't have a lot to say tonight except that I can't wait to get started back!!! I went to a kindergarten conference in Columbia this week and have been motivated to keep an awesome blog. Now to get the computer fixed...and my car....and my phone...should I go on? Enough of that! I'll leave you with a couple pictures from Dr. Seuss week this past week in 4K. I always LOVE Dr. Seuss' birthday.

We read the story One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish and patterned colored goldfish crackers. YUMMY!

Green Eggs and Ham! These were yummy, too!

Paint

I chose to title my blog Playdough and Paint for an obvious reason and a not so obvious reason. In the preschool classroom we are always using these crafty materials in a variety of ways. The kids love them! It is no different for my toddler at home. Some days she wakes up asking to play with playdough or paint. Children are naturally creative. They love to get their hands on art supplies and create. They may not realize that they are creating but what looks like scribbles to me and you is actually a unique masterpiece. So, when does this creativity end? I believe it ends once we stop encouraging them to create and stop showing our excitement for what they have created. When life is busy and the artwork is messy I have to remind myself to stop and encourage and praise. I hope you will do the same. When your child brings home their first masterpiece be sure to make a big deal about it. Hang it on the refrigerator, show family and friends, and talk about it. When the next masterpiece comes home do the same again. Let's not be the reason that our children stop being creative. Better yet~ let's get out the paint and create something ourselves!

School Supplies

The Sunday paper will be in the hands of many in just a few hours. I look forward to the sale ads and coupons each Sunday. I have seen great deals on school supplies already. When looking at the deals you may want to keep in mind a few things. Many teachers will include grocery type items on their lists, too. Look for deals on paper towels, kleenex, sanitizer, and hand soap. I do not ask my parents to send in the typical school supplies but they are needed at home for extra practice, homework, and just plain fun. Our program uses the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum. When introducing young children to handwriting materials keep in mind that the thickness of the the crayon or pencil isn't as important as the length. The smaller the better! If they have a long pencil they will grasp it with the entire hand. If it is shorter they will learn to use their fingers. This past school year we used pencils that were cut in half (thanks to my assistant's husband). You can also find small golf pencils. Last bit of advice....let your child use scissors (with supervision of course)! Your child's teacher will appreciate it!

If you enjoy shopping as much as I do then you are already eager to grab up those bargains. If you have a little one beginning school for the first time take them shopping with you. Let them choose a few special school tools to help encourage their excitement about their new adventure.

Welcome

Welcome to Playdough and Paint! I hope to spend some time before school starts back in August setting up this blog and getting used to the blogging world. Check back soon for posts from the new school year and posts of the adventuresome life that I share with my sweet toddler.