Marvelous Monday

Welcome to another awesome
Week here in the infant (what is feeling more and more like a Pre-tot ) classroom!
I am ecstatic to be teaching back in the classroom and based on the babies energies this morning I am sure it is mutural! Our mornig started off with drop offs out on the deck as a few parents hung out ad chatted! Babies then decided they wanted to explore the Primary Classroom and so we kept the door open for those babies who wanted to crawl super fast around the big table. Walter, Genevieve, and Jackson crawled on the big carpet rug and watched parents and kiddos walk by on their way to the backyard! They were so interested in this space and were so comfortable checking it out! We all gathered back on the deck and brought out the green tunnel! Babies instantly went to check it out. Genevieve was the first to crawl straight through and after a few games of peek-a-boo Jackson, Walter, and Gage followed through! Leina from the Primary class asked to spend some time with babies and so she was a delight to have hang out with us. All the babies respond so well to Leina as she is such the nuturer. We had a smooth transition back inside for a wind down/bottle feeding. The babies enjoyed a few books while they laid back and drank milk. We worked on our milk sign before handing out the bottles and followed up with a Thank you sign. The group are all so aware of the signing that teachers repeat and have started practicing on their own! It is so exciting. 

After nap we had a nice cuddle relax session as babies read books with their friends. Allowing the babies to wake up at their pace definitely help set a calm and content tone for the rest of the day. Today's circle time was full of rocking, smiling, clapping, and other body movements. Friends were extra excited when I brought the purple owl puppet. We all went around giving owl kisses and high fives! 

Right after circle time we proceed our way back out to the deck for some fun in the sun! We were all chilled from the cold cozy nap that  the outside warmth was calling our name! This actually worked out so well because we were able to get lunches prepared and had lunch served 2 kiddos at a time while other friends played outside! 
We then came in for some indoor exploration. Over the weekend I changed out a good number of classroom materials/toys and so sprouts had their hands full! Sandy and I were able to sit back and observe a full hour of content exploration! It was awesome as each baby got into their groove. There was large interest in the wooden maracas and red bell. There was a basket of trucks and cars that the babies all enjoyed pushing and crawling after. 
The other highlight of free play was exploring our new red chairs. Theses chairs are low to the ground and are super easy for babies to get in and out of. We placed the chairs around the room and babies got nice and acquainted! 

What a fun day we had! 2nd nap was smooth sailing followed by a 3rd outside session! Thank you cooler days as the babies just loved the extra outside time!

Till next time,
Toni T.