Rachel Atherton, author and Assistant Director at AOFC

 AOFC is so honored to have our very own children's book author, Rachel Atherton, our Assistant Director as part of our school. Rachel has written three of her own children's books; Ostriches Can't Fly, Hip Hip Hooray, A Hippo Parade and finally Mamma Meerkat which were all inspired by her time as both Program Coordinator and the Enrichment teacher for the Academy and the interactions that she had with the kids. What was a dream soon became a reality with her books being published and available to the public just a few weeks ago and, as her school family, we couldn't be more proud of her. To learn more about Rachel and her books, please visit her website, rabookclub.com , and, as she likes to say, Welcome to the club! 

The very first book Rachel wrote! 

A hundred and one hippos in a parade

The last of the series and one all moms can relate too

With her website on display

All three amazing books! 

Reading Ostriches Can't fly

Showing off the amazing illustrations! 

The kids were at rapt attention listening to Ms Rachel read! 

He got a bookmark!

Her second book! 

Another bookmark for answering a question about the story!! 

We love Ms Rachel and are so very proud of her! 

Grandparent's Day

 Last Friday we celebrated one of our favorite days, Grandparents Day! Grandparents are a huge part of our school and we love seeing them pick up, drop off  or even come for a visit. We especially love seeing the faces of all the kids when they look at their grandparents as well as the faces of the sweet Mimi's and Pop's as the pick up their sweet grandchildren for the first time or the hundredth time! AOFC is lucky to have such and awesome group of grandparents that our kids love and learn from each day.  Celebrating them with a pancake breakfast and a sweet gift was just a small token of appreciation for all the love, treats, wisdom, hugs, kisses, high fives and play time that they give each and every day! 

We love our Grandparents! 

Yes!! 

 So sweet! 

He loves his grandparents! 

Grandmother of boys ! 

Sweet girl and her grandparents! 

Cheese! 

Hooray for Grandparent's Day! 

Play

 What is play?! The actual definition is to engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.  Why do we play?! For fun, for enjoyment, to learn,  to be silly and to use our imaginations. Play is one of the most important aspects of preschool as it teaches our kids conflict resolution, it helps with socialization but mostly it allows the kids to be free to play, pretend and enjoy all of the things around them. I asked several kids, What are you playing? and I got several amazing answers like, " I am a Pirate", "We are pretending that she is a kitty and I am chasing her"., " I am putting my babies to sleep" and finally " I don't know what I am playing I just like it"!  The importance of play in classrooms is evident by smiling kids that learn and grow with us each day! Hooray for play! 

This is my house! 

Pretending to take an order at McDonalds!

Playing music!

Peek a boo with friends! 

She is a kitty and I am chasing her! 

I am a Pirate! 

Putting my babies to sleep! 

Awesome me

 This week we started our Frogstreet curriculum in all of our classes and one of themes the kids are learning about is called Awesome Me.  We love having friends that are tall, short, curly haired, and everything you can think of because those traits are what make us Awesome and also what make AOFC a special place to be.  Celebrating differences and even things that are alike is what it is all about and teaching the kids that no matter what you enjoy doing or what you look like doesn't make you different when it comes to playing and learning at school.   Our kids love being Awesome and being themselves and that is what makes AOFC the place to be! 

I am Awesome with my curly hair and glasses!

They are Awesome in Preschool 2!

She is Awesome with her dark eyes and dark hair! 

Preschool 1 is Awesome with all their different faces! 

He is Awesome with curly red hair! 

Toddler 3 is representing Awesome as well!