Dental Visit

We had a dental hygienist visit scheduled for last week so we did a bit of playing with teeth before she arrived.
                
I found this toy (I think it is for PlayDoh) of a mouth with holes for teeth.  It came with a few dental tools too.
        
The children really enjoyed filling the holes and closing the mouth to make teeth.
   
Some of the children have already visited a dentist which was evident when watching them use the tools.
   

When the hygienist arrived there were lots of families waiting to chat with her.

She set up her equipment at a table right beside where we had our dental play situated.  She easily introduced herself to each child and had them feeling comfortable before asking them to move to her table.
    
She used a stuffed toy with big teeth and encouraged the children to look in it’s mouth and then brush their teeth.  Then she asked to do the same in the child’s mouth.  It was a smooth transition from the toy to the child.  Also letting the child hold something in their hand I believe offered them some security.
               
The hygienist spent part of her time with the parent.  Answering their questions, giving advice and helping them feel comfortable.  She worked a long morning and saw everyone that wanted a visit.
                    
She made quite the impact on at least one child.  That night a parent sent me the above photo explaining that her child was busy all afternoon checking the mouths of every doll and stuffed animal in their home. Maybe he has a future in dentistry.

Building Boats at the Creek

Today all our district’s StrongStart centres spent the morning outside. 
Our centre went to a creek to build boats.
           
We started by sharing a book showing a variety of boats. 
Giving them ideas and names for the many different kinds they could make.
               

We collected sticks and bark along the path but I also brought supplies from school.
      
                 
     
          
            
 
                               
 
               
         
                       
After spending more than hour building and launching the boats we headed to the beach for a picnic.
    
                     
We enjoyed another book about boats then explored the beach.
                  
                
We have many beautiful classrooms for us to play and learn right in our backyard.

Buddy Games

This week we went outside with our big buddies.  We have two playgrounds at our school so split the group in half and set up a game at each playground.
          
At the front playground we played “Find Me”.  The buddies had a small snapshot picture clue of part of the play structure. 
 
By looking at the snapshot they had to search the playground to find it.
 
          Then they could open their folder and see if they were right.

After they finished playing the game they could go and play on the equipment.

           
At the back playground we hid plastic ABC letters so the buddies had to find
them together.

They had to climb through, up and down the equipment to find all the letters.
       
                
Then take them over to the pavement where the alphabet was written.  Together they matched the letters.  Then ran back to find another one.

  
Together the children learned more about each other.  They took risks and showed each other what they are capable of doing.
        
                  
They showed interest by being there in the moment and being aware of each other.  They showed trust, like when the little buddy raised her hands to her big buddy to be picked up.
                    
               Most importantly – they enjoyed each others company.