Preschool One classroom

 This week the Preschool 1 classroom has been hard at work trying to master several skills that involve hand eye coordination as well as problem solving at their learning tables each day.  Learning to use scissors is an area where many children struggle as it reqires dexterity to hold the paper to be cut and then the hand eye coordination to actually use the scissors correctly . One of the tables was scissor skill practice while the other one had play dough which helped them stregthen their hands as well as allowing them to use special scissors to cut the play dough.  Finally, using bean bags to help with coordination was a fun way to learn in between each table rotation.  We can't wait to see these newly aquired skills put to use both in the classroom and at home. 

Working on holding the scissors correctly! 

Doing a great job holding the paper and using the scissors! 

Doing her best! 

Using her hands to knead the play dough.

Working on making a square with her play dough!

We Love our Teachers

This week at AOFC we are showering our educators with lots of love as they are the backbone of our school and it would look very different here without all their creativity, love, patience, and personalities filling our classrooms.  From love notes to dinner and treats in between, we did our best to make sure that each one knew how much we love and appreciate them.   Everyday, our educators make sure that each child they encounter feels loved, heard, and appreciated  both in and outside of the classroom.  We are thankful for our Educators and all the amazing things they bring to our AOFC family! 

Love and treats! 

Sweet notes from her Toddlers! 

Notes from her Preschool class! 

Yummy! 

Pre K students wrote their own notes! 

Love notes! 

Photo Booth ! 

Frozen Chocolate Snowball Social

 Even though the snow has melted, we are keeping it cool at AOFC with our Frozen Chocolate Snowball social!  Delicous chocolate milk with all the special toppings along with a powdered doughnut ( Snowball) treat.  We are saying farwell to January with this fun family event and we can't wait to see all the familes enjoying Frozen Chocolate with Snowball treats with their little ones.  

Yummy Snowballs!

Cheese!

Snow deco!

Got the snowball!

Frozen Chocolate is delicious!

January activities

 Happy New Year from AOFC! We have been welcoming in January with so many amazing winter activities like exploding snowmen, indoor ice skating, winter sensory buckets, a penguin craft as well as a melted snowman craft, making snow floam and even a de-constructed snowman snack just to name a few!  January has just begun and we have already had so much fun and we can' t wait to see what the rest of the month will bring! 

Hard at work making penguins!

More gluing for the penguins!

Enamored by the exploding snowman experiment! 

It's a melted snowman! 

Snow floam! 

Snow floam is so strechy and cool! 

Indoor ice skating with paper plates! Snow fun! 

Winter sensory bin! 

Santa Vist's AOFC

 We had a very special visit from Santa who took time out from his busy schedule at the North Pole to come and spend time with all our AOFC families.  Santa was in for a treat as there was cookie decorating,  Gingerbread cookies to eat and lots of milk to drink not just for Santa but for all the families who came to enjoy and celebrate the Christmas season.  Before he left Santa wished us a good night and Merry Christmas as there was a lot of work to still be done before Christmas morning!  What a special time with our families and definitely a visit we look forward to every year!  We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Loved the icing more than the cookie! 

Pretty girl!

Ready to talk to Santa!

Best Buddies!

The cutest! 

Told Santa they were Best friends! 

Serious discussion about her list! 

Cheese if you love cookies! 

Family Engagement:Gingerbread House Contest

 We had our first ever Family Gingerbread house contest and there were some awesome creations that made their way to the judging table!  There were small chocolate houses, a Gingerbread train ,  a house with snowmen just to name a few but all were different and each one special which made the judging by our teachers incredibly difficult.  To go along with the Gingerbread theme our PS 1 class did undercover Gingerbread men by disgusing them in lots of awesome ways like a flamingo, a gumball machine, Elsa, a kitty and even a dinosaur! We love celebrating the holidays with our AOFC families and look forward to welcoming in a creative a fun New Year!

This little dude worked really hard on his house! 

She was the winner! 

The coolest Gingerbread Train

Small Gingerbread Houses

So neat! 

Iron Gingerman

Flamigo Gingerbread! 

Gumball Machine!

A pink Kitty is the cutest! 

Dressing for the Weather

 Cold weather is finally upon us here at AOFC and our kids love to be outside but it is important to remember how to properly dress to be comfortable and safe in the ever changing winter weather.  Layers are an important part of dressing for cold weather as they keep you warm and can be added to or taken off as the temperature changes. A heavy jacket might be appropriate when the temps are colder whereas a light jacket or long sleeves would work for more mild temperatures.  Wearing a hat and gloves keep the warmth in and keep frostbite away as well as making outside playtime a lot more enjoyable.  Staying hydrated helps you stay safe in all those layers making sure that you don't become overheated and dehydrated both before and after playing outside. At AOFC outdoor time is a crucial part of day for both the kids and teachers so dressing for the weather makes playing outdside in the winter safe and enjoyable.

Sweet girl bundled up against the cold! 

She has on only a light jacket due to the nicer winter temperature! 

No need to zip today! 

He has on long sleeves and a jacket! 

Ready for any weather!