WINTER 2015
TREETOPS CHILDREN’S CENTER
NEWSLETTER
TREETOPS RESORT
3962 WILKINSON ROAD
GAYLORD, MICHIGAN
989-731-8459
Preschool Curriculum
Teacher directed
activities allow
teachers to focus
on specific skills
and children are
given the
opportunity for
group
experiences. At
Treetops we have
two or three
circle times daily.
by Sheila E. Molenkamp
Parents often wonder, just what is
curriculum for a preschooler?
Simply put, curriculum as it relates to
preschool is the academic content of a
child's day. But anyone who has taught
or has had a child attend preschool
knows that curriculum is a necessary,
complex concept that includes many
activities and learning experiences.
Preschool curriculum encompasses
everything that a child learns in the
preschool classroom, including but not
limited to:
• Daily activities -- circle time, song time,
active play time, story time, craft time,
etc.
• Transitions between activities
• Any everyday activity and routine that
the children participate in and know to
expect
Indicators of effective curriculum:
• Children are active and engaged
• Goals are clear and shared by all
• Curriculum is evidence-based
• Valued content is learned through
investigation, play, and focused,
intentional teaching
• Curriculum builds on prior learning and
experience
• Curriculum is comprehensive
• Professional standards validate the
curriculum’s subject-matter content
• The curriculum is likely to benefit
children
STAFF TRAINING
The following staff recently received
certification in Infant, Child and Adult
CPR as well as first aid. Caroline, Jami
and Tiffinie received the training on
December 20, 2014.
Children’s Activities
Coyote Room
by Kara Rogers
Sensory play, which stimulates all five
senses, is an important part of a
child’s development. The Coyote
children, experience sensory play
daily through using play dough, water,
rice, gak, goop, snow and more. Their
current favorite is Flubber. The recipe
follows.
1. Mix 2 cups water and 1 1/2 cups
Elmers glue in a big bowl.
2. Add a squirt of food coloring and
stir.
3. In a separate bowl mix 2 cups
water and 4 tablespoons borax.
4. After completely dissolved, pour
the borax mixture slowly into the
glue mixture, mixing as you pour.
As you mix, it will become flubber.
Note: you may not need to use all
of the borax mixture.
5. Store in an air tight container or zip
lock bag. When it begins to flick
apart or get hard, it is time to make
a new batch. Play with it, explore it
and stretch it.
6. Vinegar takes it out of clothes,
carpet or fabric. Mayo gets it out of
hair.
OTSEGO KIDS OUTDOORS
Saturday, February 21 will be the fifth
annual Winter Outdoor Fun day
sponsored by Kids Outdoor Otsego.
From 10 am - 1pm children birth to
eight (siblings welcome also) will have
the opportunity to sled, snowshoe,
make snow art, hike and more. The
event is free and takes place at
Otsego Enviromental Learning Site/
Nature Cabin behind Gaylord Middle
School. For more information call Sam
at 231-238-9394 ext. 216.
opportunity
Sharing, comparing and language skills are
enhanced through play.
Free choice play allows children the
opportunity to make choices and socialize
with other children.
Sensory play is a favorite at the Children’s
Center.