We made it through our first week of summer camp! Some of the schools around us didn't get out until this Friday so we had a small class all week. Which was a blessing because our room is being remodeled and it is taking a little longer than expected to be completed. We had to use a much smaller room and boy were we cramped! I can't wait to see our new classroom! It is supposed to be very cool, but I don't want to give any details until we see the finished product.
This week we popped activities from our "Bucket List Balloons." The kids LOVED popping the balloons! We made the mistake of not blowing them up enough so instead of popping right away, they just stretched out when the kids sat on them. There was lots of bouncing, stomping, and giggling...we eventually had to use a pencil to pop them, but it was still so much fun! I hope to add some pictures soon!
On Tuesday we made crayon resist art. We drew on paper with light colored or white crayons. Then used watercolors to paint over our designs.
On Wednesday we made paper airplanes and then went outside to fly them.
On Thursday we made shaving cream paint murals. So messy, but so much fun!
Friday was PreK graduation. Some of the kids that graduated this year were in one of the first classes I taught when I started working at this daycare. They have grown into some amazingly smart, hilariously funny boys and girls. Mrs. Jennifer, their PreK teacher tried to make graduation as fun, uplifting, and personal as possible. She let the graduates pick the color of their cap & gown. She put together collages of each child's photos and artwork to display in the sanctuary. It was so sweet. I cried through the whole thing...I know, I'm a sap...especially when everyone gave Mrs. Jennifer a standing ovation! She is such an incredible teacher and deserved every minute of it. When this graduating class left, she did an assessment to make sure they were ready for Kindergarten. She used criteria from a Kindergarten report card her child had brought home. Nearly every child met or exceeded expectations! We are so blessed that my nephew Daxton is in her class this year.
After graduation everyone went to the bowling alley to celebrate. There were only 2 kids left in the summer camp class that didn't graduate/have parents taking them to the bowling alley, so we decided to plan a little field trip. Krystal and I had never taken children off campus before, so it was a bit nerve racking! But I think the kids had a lot of fun. Krys and I quickly decided that we would need to rethink some of our other planned field trips!
Next week will be so much fun! We are starting some of our theme weeks. Next week in "Minute to Win It" week. I have gathered materials for several kid-friendly Minute to Win It games, and charged up the camera. I am sure this is going to make some hilarious videos for our class website.
Now I am off to prepare for a BBQ tomorrow. My dear husband is smoking some boston butts. We are grilling hot dogs, and have lots of yummy sides. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend. Please take time out of your fun-filled activities to remember those military heroes that gave their life for their country. God bless our troops!
