3 Fun Winter Crafts to Try at Home

Already gearing up for the winter? Here at Miss Sue’s, we’re providing our students with fun winter-based activities and lessons, such as arts and crafts! If you’re looking for some exciting arts and crafts activities to do with your child this weekend, then here are some great, motor skill-building crafts to do:

Craft 1: Snowflake Painting

When thinking about the wintertime, what’s the first thing that comes to mind besides snow? Snowflakes! To start, get a few sheets of white construction paper and tape them together to make a large canvas. Next, take some clear tape and makes some snowflakes (out of the tape) across the paper in a random pattern. After that, give your child some non-toxic, washable blue paint — and let them paint the entire surface. Once your little artist has finished covering the paper in blue paint, let it dry for a few hours. Finally, once the paint has dried, let them pull the tape off to bring the snowflakes to life!

Craft 2: Puffy Names

Looking to give your child the ultimate winter wonderland experience? Let them spell out their name using mini-marshmallows! Easy as 1-2-3, purchase a bag of mini-marshmallows from your local grocery store! Before the craft begins, let your child know that they cannot eat the marshmallows they use — and that you’ll set some off to the side for them to enjoy later. Once that rule is established, give your child non-toxic glue, blue construction paper (with their name already written to follow as a guide), and a bowl of “crafting” marshmallows. After you have provided them with the materials, it’s time to let them spell out their name! Once their masterpiece dries, it will certainly make a great focal point amongst your holiday decorations!

Craft 3: Soft Snowman

Although snow may not be present, it’s never to early to build a snowman with your child! To start, pick up a bag of cotton balls from your dollar store, in addition to some construction paper and non-toxic glue. Once you acquire the required materials, it’s then time to let your child build that snowman! If you’d like, you can certainly draw a snowman outline on the construction paper before you present it to your child as a guide! No matter how many cotton balls they use, their snowman will surely look like a work of art!

At Miss Sue’s Nursery School, our prime educational goal is the development of the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically and educationally. A multi-sensory, holistic approach to learning is provided through play, art, music and physical activities. To learn more about the school and give your child the best pre-k experience, give us a call at 516-938-0894.

The Importance Of Playtime

Let’s face it: every child loves playtime! Whether it’s using building blocks or playing with dolls, there is no greater way for your child to have fun and express their imagination! Here at Miss Sue’s, we know how great playtime is and we always emphasize its importance. Besides having fun, playtime will help your child develop the following skills:

Builds Language Skills

One of the biggest benefits of playtime is that it builds your child’s language skills! From interacting with other children, to narrating a scene when playing with their toys, it’s truly the best practice for developing communication skills. In addition to these forms of spoken communication formed from playtime, your child will also grow comfortable voicing what they like and dislike when it comes to choosing a toy or activity. This not only builds their confidence, but it also helps them develop their own voice!

Builds Social Skills

When your child participates in playtime with their classmates at Miss Sue’s, they’re also building their social skills. As we all know, teamwork is the most important element to instill within students at an early age, and here at Miss Sue’s, that’s an easy skill to accomplish. For example, if your child is playing a game of tag or go fish, your child will have to communicate with their classmates to not only play each game as a team, but to also have fun in the process!

Builds Motor Skills

In addition to language and social skills, playtime also builds motor skills! That’s right: when your child is playing with their favorite toy, it will develop these essential skills over time. Here at Miss Sue’s, we realize how important motor skills are and how big of a role they play in everyday life. When your child is participating in playtime, they are building an incredible set of pertinent skills for a lifetime!

At Miss Sue’s Nursery School, our prime educational goal is the development of the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically and educationally. A multi-sensory, holistic approach to learning is provided through play, art, music and physical activities. To learn more about the school and give your child the best pre-k experience, give us a call at 516-938-0894.

4 Thanksgiving Books to Read With Your Child

Thanksgiving is almost here and what better way to celebrate than with a good book! From marvelous picture books to festive story books — the possibilities are endless for the perfect holiday story time read with your little one! If you’re not sure which book to read first, here are a few great choices:

Book 1: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M. Schulz

Based on the beloved television classic, this book is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with your little one! In the traditional Peanuts style, Charlie Brown is planning another festive gathering with his friends and beloved dog: Snoopy. When Brown prepares Thanksgiving dinner, his friend Peppermint Patty isn’t too thrilled with the meal. Just like the televised cartoon, this book will teach the true importance of Thanksgiving, while providing some laughs!

Book 2: Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade by Melissa Sweet

Known as a Thanksgiving staple to homes across America, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is quite the site to see! If your child is enamored by this fun, festive parade, then this book will be the perfect fit! Author/artist Melissa Sweet penned this incredible book that tells the story of Tony Sarg: the man who created the larger than life puppet balloons in the parade. From the colorful illustrations to the facts provided, this picture book will give your child a new perspective on the famed parade — and will make watching it on television (or in person) even more exciting!

Book 3: Arthur’s Thanksgiving by Marc Brown

Arthur the aardvark is at is again! Based on the beloved animated children’s series, this Thanksgiving story tells the tale of Arthur being chosen to direct his annual school play, but with a Thanksgiving twist. When rehearsals for the show begin, Arthur’s classmates are happy  — but they’re not thrilled with their roles. Crunched for time before the show’s opening, Arthur has no choice but to become the turkey in his production. This heartwarming tale will explain the true meaning of Thanksgiving, and will instantly become a family favorite!

Book 4: Dora’s Thanksgiving by Sarah Wilson

Everyone’s favorite explorer is on the quest for the best Thanksgiving ever! Dora the Explorer and her pal Boots are getting ready to celebrate one of their favorite holidays with Dora’s entire family. From an incredible dinner to tasty treats, it’s truly a Thanksgiving to remember! Follow along on Dora’s holiday journey and discover what Dora is truly thankful for! Your child will love this book and it will definitely become a staple in their personal library!

At Miss Sue’s Nursery School, our prime educational goal is the development of the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically and educationally. A multi-sensory, holistic approach to learning is provided through play, art, music and physical activities. To learn more about the school and give your child the best pre-k experience, give us a call at 516-938-0894.