West Richmond Preschool

As we explored the ocean and sea life last month, we noticed that the children were getting interested in ships and boats and what sinks and floats. To further explore that interest, we had a fieldtrip to the Britannia Shipyard. The class before the field trip, the children were able to make their own boats. They used corks, toothpicks, rubber bands and foam paper. A bucket of water was also provided so they could test out their boats.       On the day of the fieldtrip, the first area that we visited was the shipyard. The children were able to get on a fishing boat. We also saw the area where boats got fixed and the tools used for repairs.     Then we went to a house where a fisherman and his family lived. It was called the Murakami house. We got to see the different appliances they used before. Some of them we don’t use anymore and some that have been improved throughout the years.     The last activity for the field...

It was a beautiful morning with blue skies and sunshine. We went for a walk through the Richmond Nature Park with our guest Teacher Keefer, who is an avid nature enthusiast. So off we went on our adventure...   We first stopped to view the birds. We noticed that there were some adults with very fancy cameras, standing around the bird station. Teacher Keefer advised us that the better our ninja skills, the better we will be able to see the birds. So, we did our best ninja movements and tiptoed very quietly. We were in luck. The hummingbirds gave us an amazing view as they were having their breakfast. Then, we saw some other birds, including a beautiful chickadee.   Afterwards, we followed a trail and observed the environment around the park, including   plants native to Richmond. Teacher Keefer showed us oak trees and told us a story about the “Smallest Acorn”.     We also played games, found a secret tunnel, observed moss, and tal...

In advance of Wee Walk day on May 16 th (a move for health event), our Preschool 4's Class took the opportunity to walk the Hugh Boyd Trail. This walk is # 8 of 23 easy walks around Richmond. All walks can be found in the Richmond Walking Guide Book. Being that the children were so engaged with all they could see, feel and hear... we happily only managed the first half of the walk on this morning. We're off! “The grass is growing and I can see small grass so small. It's just starting to grow.” Charlie      Oops, someone forgot a shoe on the benches!   “Whose shoe is it?” Roan “He'll be sad right Alara?” Iris “ Maybe we should take it.” Tiffany The children noticed something happening across the turf, so we walked over to check it out. A young boy explained to us that he and the other boys were auditioning for a commercial.   “Can I be in the movie?” Yasmin asks her teacher “There's a man up there so high.” Ariyen (as...

It has finally begun to feel like Spring.   The weather has started to cooperate and we have been enjoying our time outdoors.   Our class has been very active these days with many projects and activities tying into Spring.   We have been gardening in our garden boxes out on the patio with the guidance from our parent helper, Tina.   She is Chloe and Olivia’s mother.   The children were fully engaged planting our mini vegetable garden.   Tina provided the children with very hands on information which involved getting our hands right into the dirt.   They each got to plant seeds right into the soil and now they are all sprouting.   It’s a great way for children to learn as they are part of the process and visually can see what is happening. As they were planting, a lady bug appeared and added even more excitement to the day.   The children were very curious about the unexpected visitor. Another learning moment came upon us spontane...

The sun gods were watching over us on Wednesday April 18 th as we ventured out of our classroom to embark on our Wee Walk.   To make our walk more interesting we decided to do a little scavenger hunt along the way.   Our mission was to find a blue car, a tree with pink or red flowers or leaves, a grey squirrel, a baby stroller and some pine cones.   We were successful in finding all of the items except for the grey squirrel.   We did however spot a black squirrel so I’m going to call it a win!   The children were all so excited to explore a different environment and participate in the scavenger hunt.   However, I believe that the highlight of the walk was stumbling over this tree with a face on it.   Some children were so perplexed as to how the tree had a face and others just giggled and thought that it was the neatest thing.   Everyone was such troopers that we finished before expected, so to burn off the rest of our energy we dec...