Greetings!
Spring is here and weâre so excited to be able to spend time outside on our new playground! If youâve had a chance to experience the joys of our new playground, youâll know that it has an infant/toddler area, a preschool area, a bike path, a large grassy section, a rain garden, outdoor blocks, a large gardening area, a pavilion with tables and a âmessy zone.â There is a lot to do!
The playground was designed by Kara Roggencamp from Pashek+MTR (their team did an AMAZING job!!!) and the process involved input from our teachers at UCDC as well as information gathering from many other playgrounds for young children. It was intentionally designed to be âplay ready,â and natural as well as an environment that children of all abilities would be able to use. The idea of âplay readyâ means that children can enter the playground and be able to play without having to wait for teachers to get out materials or engage the children in an organized activity. The ânatural playgroundâ Includes many species of plants/trees native to our area. Being outdoors and in nature is important yet this is sometimes hard to find on an urban campus. Therefore, the architect worked hard to create a space that is safe, durable and functional, but also makes a child feel as if they are in nature (this will be especially true as our plants, bushes and trees get a little bigger and create more privacy from the parking lot). On a side note, we would have loved to have a playground of grass, but maintaining this with our soil type and activity level isnât feasible. Due to the environmental factors beyond our control, an under-drain system had to be installed to allow for constant use of the space, which is important to our philosophy at UCDC. Therefore, the option that was chosen allows for us to go on the playground nearly every day regardless of weather.
If you get time to really look at the playground, youâll notice that the architect created interest areas and details in every playground idea. For example, the bike path has animal prints of forest animals that one might find around here. The climbing rock in the preschool area has fossils for children to find and feel with their fingers. We were intentional with environmental planning as we included composting, a rain barrel and a large gardening area.
With all of these new things, come new rules and expectations. Weâre working hard to figure it all out as we see how the children use these spaces, but there are definite guidelines that we know we will follow.
- The kids will get messy! There is a mud kitchen, digging area, water pump (that creates a stream), and water tables. We want them to experience nature and explore all areas of the playground with all of their senses. That means they will get wet and muddy (possibly every day!). If you plan to go somewhere in the evening and expect to leave from UCDC, you might want to bring an extra outfit to change them into so they are ready for your outing.
- Their shoes will get muddy and/or wet every day. In order for us allow children to explore our playground and experience this, we are asking that each family of toddlers and preschoolers bring in a pair of shoes for the children to use on the playground. These can be purchased cheaply at Walmart (under $5), at Kohlâs/Target ($10-12) or found at Goodwill for under $5. When looking for shoes please consider:
- The best type of shoe for our playground is water shoes, Keens, or closed toed waterproof sandals. (If you are unsure what you are looking for, please ask your childâs teacher for examples)
- No Crocs â these get very slippery when wet, especially on the rocks and rubber surface of our playground.
- No flip flops â children sometimes trip over the front edge of these and it is unsafe for their toes to be exposed when playing and/or riding bikes on the playground.
- If you donât want to purchase shoes, feel free to bring in an old pair of tennis shoes to leave at UCDC for your child to use.
The playground is an exciting place and the kids so far LOVE it! When picking up your child, sometimes itâs hard for them to leave this fun place. But, please be considerate of those that need to use the parking lot to pick up their child. If you are parked in the lot, please pick your child up quickly so another family is able to use the parking lot to pick up their child. If you plan to stay a little longer or anticipate your child having a difficult time leaving the playground, please park on the street to eliminate a back up in our parking lot. Also, when you are on the playground with your child, please adhere to the rules that your children follow including the age appropriate use of spaces. If your child is an infant or toddler, they should not be in the preschool area of the playground. The preschoolers are big and active, which is unsafe for the smaller children. Likewise, the preschoolers shouldn't be in the infant/toddler area of the playground. This is important because the teachers are implementing these parameters when they are out there with the children and it will be confusing for them if the rules are different when their parents are present.
We are looking forward to a fun summer ahead on our new playground and we thank you for your help in making it safe and enjoyable for all!
|
|
Curriculum in the Classroom: Preschool One
|
|
|
|
Recently in Preschool One, many students conveyed their interest in all things outer space related. Some were interested in the planets in the solar system, while others enjoyed more activities geared towards astronauts and space shuttles. In any case, it was seen as a great opportunity to take full advantage of another learning experience and really get involved with any idea that sparked from this common interest. The idea began with space plates, napkins and table settings for the kids to enjoy lunch and snacks in the stars.
As time went on, more activities came about. When it came to sensory ideas, we went in multiple directions. First, the sensory table transformed into a solar system wonderland, which included the use of black and neon colored gravel, various star shapes and miniature planets. We also included a few pictures of various planets so the children were able to see real life photos of the miniature planets they were enjoying so much. This then progressed into âSpace Doughâ which the kids created with assistance from teachers. They added black coloring as well as glitter, to really make the dough look like the sky in outer space. Once the creation portion was finished, adding astronauts and space shuttles into the idea was an absolute must. The sensory exploration continued with other concepts including moon sand, and the use of model magic with rockets to create their very own planets. Adding to the theme, we explored other less sensory-related activities. One idea that we used was a chain link counting activity, where children were encouraged to create a link to mimic the idea of an oxygen tank that attached to the astronauts and their respective shuttles. Some other activities included; moon and crater painting, planet creation with foam paint, alien and rocket play, among many others. The children were very interested in the concept, and every activity that came with it!
|
|
Preschool Wisdoms
What's your favorite thing to do in Preschool Two?
- I like playing in the rock pit. - Simon
- Legos and running - Nadya
- Baking in the classroom - Tia
- I like the activies at the writing center. - Ethan
- I like drawing and painting at the easel. - Lexie
- I like the green eggs and ham science experiment with Mary. Outside I like running. -CeCe
- Baking muffins - Sophia
- Perler beads and baking - Jordan
- Playing dress up with jewelry in housekeeping - Perrin
- I just like writing on the white boards. - Warren
- I liked playing in building center and I like playing on the new monkey bars. - Oskar
- I like running. Running on the playground and in the gym. - Jaxon
- I like making jewelry and climbing on the rock with Lexie and using Magnetiles. - Evelyn
- Baking - Jamie
|
|
We want to welcome our newest addition to the UCDC family, Sarah Niedermeyer. Sarah is a full time substitute teacher in our program who will work in all classrooms as she is needed. She has begun her training in the Preschool One classroom but will soon be seen all over the building! Please take some time to read a little about her and make sure you take a minute to introduce yourself when you get to meet her.
"My name is Sarah Niedermeyer. Wanting to be a teacher has been a passion of mine. I have a strong value in believing in every child. I care about children and want them to achieve their goals, even if it is the smallest thing. I have a Bachelors Degree in History from the University of Pittsburgh that specialized in American History, with a second concentration in Psychology. I also have a Bachelors Degree from Point Park University in Secondary Education in Social Studies. My concentration was in American History, but I also learned about Russia, China and Africa. I was a competitive gymnast for eight years and after I graduated from high school I started coaching gymnastics. One thing I have found was that all kids are different and they all learn differently. I also have been played football for the Pittsburgh Passion for five years, until a concussion ended my running back career. I now help the team in any way I can, whether it be coaching or running errands for the team."
We're excited to have Sarah a part of our UCDC family. Welcome!
|
UCDCâs garden areas are bursting with plants! The Woolly Pockets (the blue containers located on the brick wall) are home to our Butterfly Garden. Hopefully during the summer we will see butterflies visiting the plants to lay their eggs, using them as camouflage and finding food. All age groups participated in planting these and you'll soon see petunias, chives, parsley, cosmos, marigolds and zinnia blooming.
We also have three raised beds that were planted by the toddler and preschool classrooms. We have one perennial bed that contains strawberry plants and blueberry bushes. The children stop to check their progress each day. In the next two beds, the toddlers and preschoolers planted lettuce, carrots, beans, tomatoes and cucumbers.
Part of the gardening lessons include caring for our growing garden. Each morning, the older preschoolers (with guidance from their teacher) pull weeds and check out the growth of the new plants. We all work together to make sure the garden is watered daily.
Our new playground and garden areas have given the children a wonderful place to explore nature, stimulate their imagination and expand their knowledge. We are looking forward to continuing to watch the garden grow!
|
The plant sale was a HUGE success thanks to all of you! We sold 188 flats of flowers, 94 hanging baskets (which are always so beautiful) and 250 potted plants/flowers. Our total profit was a record at $2,173!
This money will be used to purchase new books for our library, engage in new opportunities with the Carnegie Library and Museum and purchase some new technology resources for classrooms and children.
|
|
Thanks so much to everyone who helped to make Teacher Appreciation Day a success! The teachers were in awe when they walked into our lobby to witness a complete flower bombing of love from you and your children. They were also happy to receive so many flowers from your little ones.
The day also included a treat from the Kona Ice Truck for all staff which was a huge hit as well as a Target gift card (who doesn't love Target???). We truly appreciate our teachers - they are amazing!
|
|
UCDC utilizes a child centered, extended family approach that is fostered by supporting the developmental needs of all children. We foster children's self esteem, creative abilities, sense of belonging and success by implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on NAEYC and Keystone STARS standards, through a play-based approach to learning. We support families and partner with them to provide an environment that welcomes their collaboration and supports both cultural and family preferences.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
