... where we learn, but mostly have FUN!

Crazy Fun kids - jumping on picnic day

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:16:00 +0000

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picnic day - Nov 09

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:14:00 +0000

This was our picnic day.

Everyone brought their own lunches.

They were super good about sharing their lunches.

Especially the healthy stuff.

Tessa W. loved her chips.

Ty was being coaxed into eating his sandwich.

LIv was a big help opening sandwich bags and juice boxes.

Hayden was the only one who ate all her sandwich (what a good girl)...

Hayden & Liv's hanging out.

Cece said it was getting hot.

Everyone else agreed so we moved backyard to the shade.

Olivia & Hayden eating treats.

Hayden shares her treats with Karsyn & Olivia.

Karsyn is starting to get sticky, but just wait - this is not the end.

Cece loved the cheese puffs.

yum, yum, yum!

Karsyn found Tessa P.'s chocolate granola bar.

So VERY and STICKY!!!

Messy, messy girl - we had so much fun.

Turkeyheads

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:47:00 +0000

Our Thanksgiving craft was making these cute Turkey headbands. I was surprised how much they liked wearing them.

Karsyn showing off her turkey.

Tessa P. couldn't get enough of the camera. She and Cece were hamming it up for me.

I am thankful for my great preschool students.

I am thankful for great parents who participate and care about their childrens education.

I am thankful for snack time and all the treats everyone brought to share.

I am thankful for a great helper who loves the kids as much as I do and always looks for an opportunity to have fun and engage the other in games.

I am thankful for great kids who learn and are growing up right before my eyes.

I love my preschool kids!!

more school pictures

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:58:00 +0000

I just wanted to let you know that Jenna posted additional pictures on her blog of my beautiful preschool students. They are amazing - and she is willing to book additional shots if you have other kids in need of school pictures.

Here is the link: http://blog.jamesonphotos.com/

Halloween preschool 10/29/09 at OneTrueMedia.com

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:11:00 +0000

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Halloween Party

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:16:00 +0000

Happy Halloween Party - it was a smash, we watched Halloween cartoons, popped popcorn, played, and broke open a special Halloween pinata that we made together as a class. Yeah for fun-no-real-point-to-this-holiday-except-to-load-us-up-with-free-CANDY!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Pumpkin Craft

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:12:00 +0000

Last week we made pumpkin bags - Alex focusing on painting hers just right.

Cece loves painting and is first one to volunteer when she sees the paints come out.

A little too energetically Cece paints down her arm.

Hayden chooses the biggest brush she can find.

Hayden loves painting...

but has to check out the paint first.

Ty usually has to be coaxed into working on our craft projects

but the pumpkin bags were right up his alley

He couldn't get enough of the painting this day.

Snack Time

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:03:00 +0000

Snack Time is one of our favorite times of the day.

We get to watch Mickey Mouse while snacking on yummy treats.

The absolute best part of snack time is the "sippy cup" game. My helper gets to hold the cups and says, "first one to touch their head" or "touch their nose" and pass out the cups that way. Noone minds being last - they get to give their best SMILE to win the very last cup.

Girl Time

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:52:00 +0000

I was going through my camera when I came across these pictures. These pictures are from when Olivia first joined our class.

I had a bottle of sparkles sitting out and they took to it naturally. Doing what girls do best.

Karsyn was first in line, but they all wanted to get in on "girl time" fun.

This last one is Hayden showing off her sparkles. I love these girls. THey are too fun.

Picture Day

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:02:00 +0000

Before October break we had an amazing photographer (Jameson Photos) come and take our class pictures. Here is what she saw through her lens. This class picture was taken in my back yard, yet it looks like we were in a studio... amazing.

Olivia is my right hand this year. She is not only fun and full of SASS but she is an immense help. I couldn't function without her.

Alex looks all lit up like a Christmas Angel. I love the amazing lighting and that the back drop is my neighbors fence that is falling down.

This looks like a magazine ad. Tessa W. is adorable. Sweet and always excited to learn.

I love that Hayden out right posed for this picture. She is so fun and I love it when she shouts back to me "Goodbye Miss Maren!" after class.

This is Cece, she's our English rose, and a wonderful addition to our class. She is full of energy and her favorite time is snack time. She is always motivated to get thing cleaned so she can watch Mickey Mouse while she snacks of yummy treats.

Karsyn is my book worm (or book-dictator depending on how you look at it). Karsyn loves to read and will spend all her free time sitting at a table reading a book.

I love that Jenna captured this little monkey's personality. He actually had a black eye and some bruising (rough tough little Ty) but you would have never known. He is so fun.

This little munchkin just lights up when I pull out my camera... she just shines for Jenna. She is so delicate - makes me smile, when I say "clean up" she is the first one to jump up and dig in.

Our Leaf Books

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:34:00 +0000

Today we got to go for a walk outside of the classroom.

We went to Miss Maren's front yard to collect leaves for our craft project today.

On the prowl for some good leaves.

Olivia kept track of the collection bag with all our leaves in it.

We dipped the leaves in fall colored tempera paint and put them on sheets of paper.

The colors eventually all mixed into one.

What? You mean I am going to get dirty painting? Most of the class had the same response and wanted to wash up after every dipped leaf.

Karsyn's not so sure about getting her fingers dirty.

Olivia doesn't mind so much.

The finished product.

popsicle cuties

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:21:00 +0000

These little cuties are what we use for the students job chart. They can see the popsicle replica of themselves and see what responsibility they are in charge of for that day.

part of the fun was deciding how best to make the popsicle look like the student. I think they turned out adorable.

This one was made by Olivia.

And this is our sweet Olivia, she is new to our classroom. She has graciously agreed to join our class as our TA (teacher's assistant) and she has proved to be invaluable. The girls love her and she helps me tremendously... yeah! We're so happy to have her here in our class.

popcorn popping - share bear bags

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:44:00 +0000

Alex was taking a break while the other girls got the drinks ready

These girls took cooking as very serious business - melting butter for the popcorn we made the old fashioned way (on the stove)

Tessa & Karsyn really getting into the cooking

I had forgot about these pictures that I took and the clips of the "popping" preschoolers. We were making popcorn for the share-bear bags and these girls just made me laugh.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

If you chance to meet a frown - Sept 22nd

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:51:00 +0000

Today we talked about emotions. We made a cute happy/sad face craft then learned the song "If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay. Quickly turn it upside down and smile that frown away. No one likes a frowny face, change it for a smile, make the world a better place by smiling all the while."

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Circle Time Songs

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:37:00 +0000

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

First Day of School

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:13:00 +0000

Yay! It's a new year of Miss Maren's preschool and we have a fresh new crop of students ready to learn and play! I love preschool because it's a fun time for sharing, singing, learning, and most importantly PLAYING!

This year is unofficially known as "the Year of the GIRL" (oh yeah, and Ty). This is the cutest crop of girly girls I've ever seen. If they have their way they will have Ty in dress ups in no time.

But Ty is a boys' boy... he won't go easy. This boy is all cars, trucks, trains, and outdoor play. He can't be bothered for a photo.

This is Tessa, she is our littlest pipsqueak.

Tessa showed up in the tinniest little high heeled slip-on's. It was so adorable watching her tottle around on those things.

This is Karsyn. Karsyn is a happy little thing. She was quick to play with everyone she came in contact with.

Karsyn was easy going and looks like she will quickly make friends with all of the monkeys in our class.

Ty wasn't too happy about the photo shoot. He couldn't see why he had to stand still long enough to snap a picture. Ty had to be coaxed into craft time, not too interested in getting his hand traced, but quickly began giggling when we got to it.

He did oblige me (none too happy about it) and the next moment he was happy and running about ready for the next activity.

This is Alex. Alex is a fun little independent girl. She reminds me a lot of her older sister Elle that I had for 2 years previous.

Alex loved craft time. She spent most of her time picking out her favorite princess stickers and would put them both on her placemat and everyone's that was close enough. She kept picking up stickers and saying, "This is for Alex" - it was so adorable.

Tessa is also a sibling of a former student, Seth. It is so funny to see their same facial expressions and mannerisms.

Tessa loved when we pulled out the baby dolls and was the most photogenic during the photo shoot.

Hayden was still in her mommy's tummy when Brooklyn attended Miss Maren's preschool. Hayden is sweet and was first to sit down to begin making the placemats.

One of my favorite things about the first day of school is the photo shoot. These pictures are used to put on their placemats that they will use the rest of the year. I love that they rarely smile but are more full of silly faces, still getting used to the crazy lady behind the camera. Let's hear it for a great new year. I hope you enjoy this blog and watching these great kids learn and grow as much as I do.

Open House

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:37:00 +0000

A new year of preschool starts before you know it! Our open house was a big success - a great opportunity to meet Miss Maren and see our fun classroom, not to mention frost cookies shaped like letters in our names (and who doesn't love cookies!!)

Miss Maren baking up a store of alphabet cookies.

This is Tessa loading on the sprinkles... yummy.

Tessa pauses to smile for the camera.

We have two Tessa's this year that makes things extra special. Tessa is a unique name and we are lucky enough to have double that this year.

Tessa eating her yummy "art project".

Alex is so intent on frosting her cookies so that she can't be bothered.

This is one little girl serious about sugar.

Karsyn loves pink and chose matching frosting for her cookies.

Hayden frosting away (not sure how much frosting actually made it onto the cookies).

Hayden has 6 letters in her name (lucky girl) - I cut out a few extra shapes for kids with only a few letters in their name.

This is one of my favorite activities and a great way to start off the new year.

Ty tasting his just desserts.

water day - we love getting wet!

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:56:00 +0000

Today was Miss Maren's annual end-of-school water play day.... so much fun - so little days of school left - Alahna soaking in the sun.

Austin & Seth racing to the top of the slide.

Alahna explaining the mysteries of the universe to Jack... or something just as deep.

I'm seeing a lot of ribs here... (don't they feed him?) Actually I have seen that boy pack away food. He can eat more then any two kids - just the benefits of having a high metabolism. I wouldn't know what that's like.

Jack was a little timid at first, but soon the timidity left and he returned to his regularly crazy boy self.

James (not so gently) persuading Cade to go down the slide.

Seth always ready for more.

James & Seth ready for the next big slide or jump off... they quickly found the scariest things to do on a moderately safe & (and not very imaginable) slide... boys will be boys, right?

Alhana & Jack singing the "water day" impromptu song.

Austin would barely hold still long enough for me to snap this one. He was 90 miles an hour fun, fun, fun.

I don't know if his skin is extra slippy, but he went down the fastest on his tummy & would slide always into the edge where the only boys could only try to go as fast.

Alahna having fun in the little pool of water at the bottom. Once we tired out from slipping and sliding we went inside. had a popcicle and played our favorite game "musical chairs"... James & Jack proved to be the big winners today (although everyone gets a little treat to avoid heavy competition - I do have a class of 4 boys, after all.)

Happy Valentines Day 2009

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:51:00 +0000

Happy Valentines Day Everyone - this was our craft today, a giant envalope to hold all of our goodies!

Our activity today was making cookies. Cade & Alahna were pretty serious about making these Valentine's cookies just right. They were both super helpful!

Alahna & Cade enjoying their just desserts.

I asked who wanted to help with the cookies - these three were a little reluctant, but when I said they could have a taste - they suddenly were more motivated.

Seth, Jack & Austin really just wanted to lick the spoon when they were done.

Listen to how easy & yummy these cookies are

Cake Mix Cookies

1 box (any flavor - we used Vanilla) cake mix

2 eggs

1/2 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla (but we used almost 1 tablespoon for these)

2 Tbs. oil

1/2 bag of whatever (chocolate chips, m&m's etc)

We used less then a half a bag & added 6 drops of red food coloring. Baked at 350' for 10 minutes & they were so good & easy!

Austin, Jack, Seth, Cade, James, Alahna - show off their cute folders.

Our letter this week is "V" and the shape of the week is the "heart" - how appropriate for such a fun holiday.

my favorite part of today was getting a big hug from each of my monkeys. Thank you all for your participation and making this such a fun holiday!

Jan 2009 - recap

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:46:00 +0000

Austin loves crafts & usually takes a longer time focusing in his project

Seth during "free time"

Braden REALLY loves painting

F... f... f... fish

One of my favorite crafts is "following the Directions" day. We not only get to make cookies, but if we follow the directions and listen carefully to Miss Maren, the cookies ACTUALLY TASTE GOOD.

"Miss Maren, this looks like poop." (serious as can be)

"It kind of does, Cade." (trying not to drop the camera as I laugh out loud)

MLK day craft "Love One Another" - where have we heard that before?

painting for MLK day

B... b... b... bumblebee

B... b... b... Butterfly

Landon, Braden & Alahna working on the butterfly craft.

Christmas Pictures

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:39:00 +0000

"Okay this time try to keep your eyes open."

"What a great smile."

"This is the last one, please don't make a face Austin."

"What a handsome boy."

"That was easy."

Merry Christmas from Miss Maren

I am thankful for... (Nov 2008)

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:38:00 +0000

I'm thankful for good helpers!

I'm thankful for good manners!

I'm thankful for youthful enthusiasm!

I'm thankful for snack time!

I'm thankful for crafts!

But most of all I'm thankful for my great preschoolers!! They rock!

it happens every year

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:38:00 +0000

"Hey Jack, Where are your shoes?"

"I don't know... on the roof"
"How did they get on the roof?"
"I threw them up there from the trampoline, and Cade's shoes too."
"ooohhh. wonderful."

Boys will be boys and I know I'm in for it when I have 4 of them and just one of me - at least they haven't flooded my backyard... yet.

Pajama Party - Happy Birthday Party (Nov 26th 2008)

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:37:00 +0000

Every year for my birthday I get to throw myself a pajama party (the benefits of running a preschool) - this is one of my favorite days of the year (well, next to pirate day) - it's low key & the only requirement is to have fun. Plus I don't have to get dressed. This year was especially cool, because my niece & nephews were here from out of state and were huge helpers.

Avery & Alahna mixing the batter for the cupcakes.

Ethan is leading all the kids in craft projects. We made magnets & eye masks.

Austin is either helping to make the cream cheese frosting or just taste testing the frosting (either way it's all good).

Everyone got their own cup of frosting in order to really tap into that "inner cupcake decorator". Actually, I just wanted everyone to be able to lick, touch, and double dip to their hearts content without anyone else getting sad because "so and so ate all the frosting, etc." - you get the idea. Also they got to personally choose & mix their own custom color of frosting.

James & Olivia are decorating their cupcakes. I thought it best to do this outside (or I knew I'd be sweeping up sprinkles for months to come)... also my beagle will think it's her birthday too with sprinkles raining down on her like manna from heaven.

Jack went with green frosting & some crazy cool sprinkles.

Seth is another big fan of the green stuff. His frosting looks nice and thick (just how I like it).

Austin went for green (pretty popular as far as frosting color goes) but broke out the blue sugary sprinkles.

Alahna also goes green, but rue to her girly nature embraces the pink sprinkles.

Let's hear it for Miss Maren getting older!! Wa-hoo!

cooking class (Nov 2008)

maren_buchanan@yahoo.com (Maren) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:22:00 +0000

Today we made "Candy Popcorn" aka Carmel Corn. This is a super easy, fun task that any 3 or 4 year old can do... just ask them. Actually, this is one exercise that they can learn quite a bit about. First of all, I'm a germ freak so there is a lot of hand washing & talking about spreading germs and keeping things (ourselves & our bodies) healthy. Second we also learn a lot about safety in the kitchen. I have a gas stove and I don't think ignorance=safety. I think the more kids know about gas, electricity, the better off they are. Then of course we are learning how to make a fun treat which is the best lesson of all.

I have everyone who wants to participate to bring in a chair to stand on, so they are the appropriate height to reach the counter and less likely to get hurt.. Seth is mixing the melting butter.

I'm not exactly sure what these three where doing except looking cute.

It's Jack's turn to help out. He is mixing while we add the brown sugar.

Alahna must have had the sugar or maybe the Karo syrup still on her fingers (yummy!)

Another great thing we learn in the kitchen is the importance of following directions & taking turns. We will be making cookies and a few other items over the semester in the kitchen.