Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Music N' Motion



We are proud of the enrichment programs we offer here at Holly Tree! One of these programs includes Music N' Motion with Ms. Linda. This is a time of learning, music, and FUN! 


Ms. Linda builds relationships with every child while incorporating a love for music and learning!





Ms. Linda ties in our theme of the week with what she teaches so that our children get the most out of every lesson :)



 What we are Learning:  


  • Phonics                                           

  • Spelling/Reading Readiness 

  • Sign Language

  • Spanish

  • Geography

  • History

  • Math

  • Group Cooperation Skills

  • Coordination Skills




Ms. Linda instills a love of music into our children by teaching with parachutes, balls, rhythm sticks, sight words, bean bags, puppets, drums, maracas and SO MUCH MORE! We are so glad to have this amazing enrichment program each week as we watch each child grow and blossom from the positive benefits.









Thank you Ms. Linda for being a part of our educational journey and adding some JAZZ to our Monday mornings! :)


Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Soccer Shots!

Soccer Shots is a national program teaching children ages 2-8 the beautiful game of soccer. One of their trademarks is the developmentally appropriate curriculum they use that emphasizes creative play, enjoyment of sport, and character building lessons. These coaches are energetic and enthusiastic individuals who love working with kids of all ages!




 

Our kids LOVE soccer shots! They have a chance to get their energy out while learning knowledgeable skills that will help them in sports, and in life. 





The coaches are incredible role models for these young people. During every practice the kids are taught character vocabulary and the importance of building ones character. Some examples of their weekly words include; integrity, honesty, and courageous.


Here are a few words from our soccer coaches: 

Soccer Shots has been running clinics specifically designed for 2-to-8 year olds for over 15 years. We have coached over 400,000 children since we began. Our curriculum has been specifically developed with this age group in mind. While our ultimate goal is to develop a love of soccer and fitness for your child, we are firm believers that each child is capable of learning something new each session while having a blast in the process.





We are so happy to have Soccer Shots partnered with Holly Tree as we work together to encourage and lead our children to success - in sports, and in life!






Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Mr. Bond the Science Guy!



Our children had a great experience learning science through fun, hands-on experience with Mr. Bond the Science Guy!













 

Mr. Bond included our students in all of his experiences! They felt like real chemists. The smoke from the gas mixtures had everyone's attention in the room- even the teachers were amazed :) 
















We even made flying bubbles (Mr. Bond made the teachers wear them on their heads)! :)






Thank you Mr. Bond for stirring up our little minds and getting us excited about SCIENCE! We can't wait for your next visit!!















Friday, August 28, 2015

Employee of the Month!

We appreciate and value ALL of our staff here at Holly Tree, but each month we want to recognize one employee that we see goes that extra mile.




 

This month we have chosen Ms. Sara as our employee of the month. Ms. Sara is a great role model for not only the children in her care, but our staff as well. She goes above and beyond to make sure every need is met and every child is learning. We are blessed to have her at Holly Tree. She is making a difference in the lives of her students and is an awesome addition to our team as we work together to create childhood! Thank you, Ms. Sara!

 
 
 
Ms. Sara is all smiles every morning she comes in. Her positive attitude is a great representation of what she brings into her classroom daily. She exhibits all of the qualities we seek from every teacher in our center! :)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ms. Sara encourages positive learning and celebration throughout every milestone and/or accomplishment each child achieves. She offers love and guidance as she leads her students towards success and growth.
 
 
 
 
 
 
We're so happy to have Ms. Sara as part of the Holly Tree family! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of your students. Your loving and caring ways are encouraging these children to learn and grow as they follow your lead! We appreciate all you do!!

 
 
 
THANK YOU!!
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

The Importance of Reading!


Here at Holly Tree we believe in the importance of preparing our little ones for their educational future- even our Infants. Research has proven many benefits come with starting the learning process early. One way we instill this into our infant rooms is by reading aloud to the children. Reading one-on-one to children is nurturing and helps develop the relationship between parent and child while also encouraging a positive connection between children and books. 















 Children who grow up in families that embrace and encourage reading during the early years are more likely to learn to read early on and enjoy reading. Reading aloud to young children is not only one of the best activities to stimulate language and cognitive skills, it also builds motivation, curiosity, and memory. 






 




To read about more of the positive benefits reading to your little one has on their development check out the following weblink.

http://www.growingyourbaby.com/2015/04/08/10-reasons-read-baby/











Friday, August 7, 2015

Back to School Tips!





It's that time again..... Back to School! There are many things to think about to ensure our children have a successful school year! Here are some helpful tips to consider that will prepare your child for the next journey of their education. 





1. Back-to-School Checkup: Just before school starts is the perfect time for your child to visit the Pediatrician for an annual checkup. In addition to an examination and immunizations, this visit will give your child a chance to talk with the physician about good health habits.


2. Sleep is an important factor in good health. It is recommended that children and teens get between 9 and 11 hours of sleep per night.


3. Remind kids to wash their hands at school, and send along some hand sanitizer for your child to use after touching communal tools, such as scissor. Also, encourage your child to cover their mouths when they cough so they don’t contribute to germ spreading.


4. Having the right backpack is important to your child’s health. Double check that the weight in your child’s backpack is evenly distributed, and make sure the straps are well padded.


5. Update emergency contact information at the school, as well as medications your child may take.


6. A healthy breakfast and lunch is very important for a healthy school year. Check the school lunch schedule, and plan to take lunch from home on those days that the school lunch option isn’t healthy enough or is something your child does not like.


7. Better your child’s health and immunity by eating a healthy diet and take vitamins, such as L’il Critters gummy vitamins.




For more helpful tips on how to make your child's transition as easy as possible check out this weblink!
 http://www.parenting.com/article/17-ways-to-ease-back-to-school




Monday, August 3, 2015

Staying Safe in the Heat!

Whew it has been SO HOT! We have been doing our best to keep cool here. Unfortunately in doing so, it has kept us from the outdoors several times this summer! But, we have created an enrichment room that has been a huge help to us during these disturbingly hot temperatures. This room is full of toys (hula hoops, balls, indoor games, etc.) which allows the children to get some of their energy out when it is too hot or cold to go outside! 




 A few of our 2 year olds enjoying the enrichment room! :)



The hula hoops have been a BIG hit this summer! We put on contests to see who can move their hips the longest! They have SO much fun getting exercise and learning new skills with their friends.







Aiden taking a little break from the fun! Who knew having so much fun could be so tiring?!







We want to make sure our families here are aware of any and all safety precautions to take during this extremely hot summer! Check out the following website to learn more about sun safety and how important it is to keep our kids safe while having fun outdoors. 


http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/sun_safety.html


"Most kids get much of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it's important for parents to teach them how to enjoy fun in the sun safely. Taking the right precautions can greatly reduce your child's chance of developing skin cancer".

Here are some helpful Sun myths and facts! Make sure to lather your babies up and stay safe!!