Branching Out Theme of the Week: Giving Thanks

As we prepare for one of the most celebrated family holidays this week, the classes will reflect on what we are all thankful for both at home and at school.  It is important to pay attention to all of the good in our lives and appreciate it!  Each class will make a thankful chain where children dictate something that are …

Branching Out Theme of the Week: Children Around the World

As the holiday season draws nearer, there is much to do that keeps all of us busy and focused on the goal of meeting all of our commitments.  Children can easily be overwhelmed by all of the holiday festivities.   At Generations, we will keep to a routine and provide a predictable space that is somewhat free from the whirlwind.  This …

Branching Out Theme of the Week: Forest Animals

We love learning about animals!  Throughout the year, we learn to differentiate between zoo animals, pets and forest animals.  When we talk about animals that live in the forest, we discuss what their house looks like and where they sleep.  Birds sleep in nests, squirrels build homes in holes in trees, deer make beds in tall grass where they can’t …

Branching Out Theme of the Week: My Family

Families come in all shapes and sizes!  Each of us have a family that is unique and very special!  This week we will talk about all of the people we call family and graph how many brothers, sisters and grandparents we all have.  We will sort family members tallest to smallest and put their names on a family tree.  Most …

Branching Out Theme of the Week: Harvest – Fall Foods

Fall brings us once a year foods to enjoy.  If you planted flowers and vegetables this year as some of our classrooms did, you may have enjoyed beans or tomatoes grown by your own hand.  Home grown foods are so very nutritious and tasty.  We should all experience the joy of growing and eating our own foods.  This fall, and …

Branching Out Theme of the Week: Ways We Communicate

Especially when interacting with young children, we quickly become aware of how children who haven’t developed language skills yet, can still tell us what they need.  We can tell from their facial expressions, body movements and sounds or cries when things are good or not so good.  When we know children well, we can predict what the sound or movement …

Branching Out Theme of the Week: My Five Senses

How do we experience the world around us?  We use our five senses!  Senses are a young child’s biggest source of information to learn and grow.  Children have to experience things very concretely and do so by seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and tasting!  This week will explore some brand new tastes, smells and sounds as well as looking for new …

Branching Out Theme of the Week: Fire Prevention & Safety

Each year, we dedicate a few weeks to learn about community helpers that are so invaluable in our neighborhoods.  This week, in conjunctions with celebrations around town, we recognize Fire Safety Week.  It’s never too soon to start talking about safety and how to protect yourself.  This week we will practice to get low under smoke and go, as well …

Branching Out Theme of the Week: Fall Fun

The leaves are changing colors!  It’s one of the first things we notice as the season flow from summer to fall.  What else do you notice?  The nights are cooler, and the sun is setting sooner at night.  We see fall flowers around and lots of fall vegetables.  Looks t the colors you see around you and talk about how …

Branching Out Theme of the Week: My Home & Neighborhood

When you travel by the same buildings and things every day, you almost forget to notice them.  This week we will talk about important things in our neighborhood that help us and each other.  There are fire companies, schools, churches and hospitals as well as stores, libraries and doctor’s offices.  When you walk, ride or drive around town, notice these …