Fun Friday!

Happy Children, Happy Teachers, Happy Friday!!!

Here at Holly Tree we know that 

smiling is good for you--no matter your age!

We agree with KidsHealth.org; 

the benefits of smiling and developing a 

sense of humor with children are gifts

that can last a lifetime!!!

 http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/child_humor.html

We hope these pictures of some of our very own 

sensational smilers will get you off to a good start :)

For more information about Holly Tree 

(and why we're so smiley!) click below:

www.hollytreechildcare.com

Blessings :)

What's Cooking at Holly Tree

"Cooking is not only a fun, engaging activity for children,
but one that has been used for years as an important
teaching and development tool for all ages."

This quote from GrowingMinds.org couldn't be better said!
Did you know that cooking with preschoolers promotes
Social, Physical, Cognitive, and Literacy skills?
Well our fabulous teachers do and that's just what
they did with one of our preschool classes! For more details about the value
of cooking with young children check out the complete article from Growing Minds.org.

http://growing-minds.org/documents/cooking-with-children-in-licensed-child-care.pdf

And enjoy seeing our preschoolers in action--now we're cooking!

Stop by and meet our fabulous teachers and see
what Holly Tree is all about!!!

For more information check out:

www.hollytreechildcare.com

Blessings!

Mud play!!

  Mud Play!!!

Though we had to move our annual "Mud Day" 

inside last week due to weather, 

it didn't mean less fun or less 

discovery for the kids!!! 

They measured, poured, patted, and played 

just as if they were exploring outside. 

Moving Mud Day inside also made us realize

that we CAN bring nature to us when we must.

A great time was had by all!!!

On the flip side of "dirt", we want to show off

our "decor"! Together, our fabulous teachers and students

never fail to create spectacular examples of current themes and interests.

Enjoy!! (And come by to see for yourself all that they do!)

For more information about our program click:

www.hollytreechidcare.com

And check out this fabulous article 

by the National Association for the Education of Young Children

about preschool classroom "communities", 

because that's what Holly Tree is all about; it's what's great about us!

Not only are we are preschool where you'll get great care for your child, 

we're also a community of families with shared goals, values, beliefs, and interests.

http://families.naeyc.org/accredited-article/good-preschool-your-child

Many Blessings!

Pre-K Prom

A spectacular night...

Fabulous friends, families, food, and fun. 

Fantastic!!! 

Pre-K Prom; truly a special event! 

Children and parents (and teachers!) had a ball!

Special moments...

Music and dancing!

And lots of love!

Enjoy the pictures (more to come later!), 

and for more information about

our fabulous Pre-K program based on

 Faith, Family, and Fun click:

www.hollytreechildcare.com

The Dirt on Dirt!

Remember back to the good old warm summer 

days when you lugged those extra

 pots, pans, and spoons outside, turned on the 

outdoor hose, and made mud pies with your friends?!?

Remember the ishy, squishy, slippy, slidy joy of 

making messes while having some old-fashioned good, clean fun?

Well we sure remember, and with our 

3rd Annual Mud Play Day coming up, we wondered...

exactly what is so great about playing in the mud?

Why is mud play so interesting and still so much fun 

after generations and generations of mud-playing magical moments?

We know why, that's why we offer our kids a chance to do it!

The following articles will give some insight into "Mud Play", 

why it's beneficial, and why it's loved by kids (of all ages!) : 

http://www.nwf.org/pdf/be%20out%20there/dirt_report_2012.pdf

http://www.natureplaywa.org.au/benefits

 Our fabulous Holly Tree teachers are gearing up for this year's

Mud Play Day; check back to see all the fun!!!

For more information on other great Holly Tree news and information click below:

www.hollytreechildcare.com

Teacher Appreciation

One Hundred Years From Now Excerpt from “Within My Power” by Forest Witcraft
“One Hundred Years from now It will not matter what kind of car I drove, What kind of house I lived in, how much money was in my bank account nor what my clothes looked like. But the world may be a better place because I was important in the life of a child. ”

Thank you Holly Tree teachers for believing in the important things and the little things, 

and for living those values everyday.

You are appreciated!

Come meet our fabulous Holly Tree teachers and find out about 

our family friendly, child centered preschool program. Find out more

at: www.hollytreechildcare.com

Self-Esteem and Character

Here at Holly Tree, we understand that early childhood development doesn't just include "reading, writing, and arithmetic". While these skills are important, some of the most important skills children develop are social and emotional ones, particularly when it comes to building confidence and independence. While there are many ways to promote these types of development, one of the simplest is just letting children help, and is clarified well in the quote below:

"Yes, the chores would go faster if I just did them myself, but I believe that with some intention and mindfulness on my part, I can achieve a healthy balance between the speed tasks are accomplished and the valuable teaching moments that including the children provides." (Kara Fleck)

http://simplekids.net/practical-life-skills/

We agree, and know it's the little things that matter, 

especially when you're little!

For more information about Holly Tree Christian Preschool, and what we do to help children develop in all areas, please click the link below:

www.hollytreechildcare.com

Blessings!