Stepping Up with Pre-Kindergarten

LVCC at Walnut Street's Pre-K Counts class is going places.
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Pre-kindergartners, Pre-K Counts class and teachers from
LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center
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The past two weeks marked the final days of the school year. Completing LVCC's pre-kindergarten and Pre-K Counts programs, six centers celebrated with "stepping up" ceremonies for the students and their parents.

"Whether we call it stepping up, graduation, or end of the year party, the main goal is to celebrate children and their accomplishments," explains Joselin Blanco, LVCC's Campus Center director. "It offers the children the opportunity to show their parents what they have learned throughout the school year."

Moving from preschool to kindergarten becomes a milestone in a child's life. Preschool builds the foundation for education, instilling a love for learning that a child can take with them throughout life. Celebrating this milestone helps children realize the importance of their accomplishments.

If asked what some of the most memorable LVCC experiences have been this year, preschoolers may say field trips to the Lehigh Valley Zoo or the Crayola Factory. Ask LVCC preschool and Pre-K Counts teachers the same question. They'll answer, "watching their students blossom from the beginning of the year until now."

LVCC on Union Boulevard Pre-K Counts class and teachers
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Congratulations Class of 2013! 

We are proud of you! 

Rockin' out with LVCC's Campus Center Pre-K Counts ceremony
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Aloha from LVCC's Fowler Center on Main Street
pre-kindergartners, Pre-K Counts class and teachers.
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LVCC at South Mountain pre-kindergartners,
 Pre-K Counts class and teachers
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Healthy Snacking with Allentown's Fruits & Veggies Mobile

Preschoolers and school-age students attending LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center got their first taste of summer. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowksi and the Allentown Health Bureau invited the children to the 2013 opening of the city's fruit and vegetable truck.

Fruits & Veggies on the Move is designed to promote access to and interest in fruits and vegetables among children. LVCC was the first stop on the city's list of destinations throughout the summer.

Among the favorite fruits served, cherries and mangoes!

View Photo Album of the Event

Wells Fargo Supports LVCC Summer Enrichment Programs

Thanks to the generosity of the Wells Fargo Foundation, LVCC school-age students will have a fun summer of exploration. With this contribution, educators from Allentown Art Museum and Lehigh Valley Zoo will bring art and zoological discovery to the classroom. Students enrolled in LVCC's summer program will also take field trips to the museum and zoo. 

Wells Fargo store managers Armando Ordonez and Patty Scheirer stopped by LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center for a photo op and a tour of the center.

Telling Time

Tick tock, tick tock. That's the sound of the working clocks built by the Pre-K Counts class at LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center.

Time is a difficult concept for young children to understand. It's not something that can be seen or felt. By building a clock piece-by-piece, children have a tangible object representing time to explore.

In the class lesson, the children learned the names and uses for the hands on a clock. They identified which numbers made up a clock face. Time reading and counting make a great introduction to math skills.

The pre-kindergartners made imaginative use of telling time. They colored unique clock faces. They also discovered the basic mechanics of how a clock keeps ticking.

What time is it?

Freemasons Offer CHIP Safety Program

Freemasons Pete, George and Matt pose with
LVCC at Stones Crossing preschoolers. 

Keeping your children safe is always a top priority at Lehigh Valley Children's Centers. As parents and teachers, we do our best to teach the children in our care the skills needed to avoid danger. The unfortunate reality is that children see strangers every day - in stores, in schools, in their neighborhoods, sometimes in their own homes. In the event a child goes missing, every second counts. To assist our families in times of crisis, representatives from the Freemasons Manoquesy Lodge #413 visited LVCC at Stones Crossing to offer the Child Identification Program (CHIP) to our families.

Ms. Erin and Ms. Virginia collect fingerprints for CHIP.

CHIP provides parents and guardians the means to quickly get vital information to emergency responders. Each CHIP packet includes a CD video recording and digital still photograph of each child, along with the child's fingerprints and DNA. All of the identifying items generated during CHIP were given to the children’s families.

The Freemasons donated the materials necessary to make the event a success.  As a result, we were able to give families something money could never buy, peace of mind.

Read more about the Masonic CHIP Program...

Week of the Young Child Legislative Visits

Senator Pat Browne made a special visit to LVCC at Walnut Street's Pre-K Counts class. They discussed how to keep the earth clean as part of a "Helping Hands" project for Earth Day. Recycling, picking up litter, and cleaning up the park were some of the answers chosen by the preschoolers.

Sen. Pat Browne Visit to Walnut Street

Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Schlossberg of the 132nd Legislative District participated in arts and crafts with the toddler class at LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center in Allentown. The early learning activity kept both toddlers and Rep. Schlossberg highly engaged.

Rep. Mike Schlossberg Visit to ELC

Pennsylvania State Representative Daniel McNeill of District 133 participated in “ABC Bingo,” an early learning activity to foster letter recognition, with the Pre-K Counts class at LVCC's Campus Center. 

As Rep. McNeill called the letters, the children placed their bingo chips, hoping to win.

Rep. Daniel McNeill Visit to Campus Center

Pennsylvania State Representative Steve Samuelson of District 135 called “ABC Bingo,” for LVCC on Union Boulevard's Pre-K Counts class. The class then read a story to him. The children were very excited to show Rep. Samuelson how much they learned throughout the year.

Rep. Steve Samuelson Visit to Union Blvd.

DaVinci Science Center Gives Exploding Lesson

For six weeks, DaVinci Science Center brought exciting science experiments to LVCC's after-school program at Muhlenberg Elementary School. The children, ages 5-12, experienced hands-on learning every Thursday.

Active volcanoes erupt due to gas pressure. Using common household ingredients, the children explored how a volcano can have slow streams of lava or violent bursts of debris. By placing a mini-volcano canister filled with alka-seltzer into water, the children witnessed the quiet flow of lava (red dye) leak from the volcano. Different materials were then used to create a bigger effect. Mixing baking soda and vinegar created an acid base reaction. The result was foaming white lava quickly exploding from the volcano's cone.

A variety of engaging experiments were introduced. The students made bagpipes out of PVC piping, a plastic glove and tape. They discovered the kinds of prey eaten by predatory birds by dissecting an owl pellet. With translucent tubes and layered play dough of multiple colors, the children learned how to take samples of the earth's crust.

Most importantly, the children learned that science can be fun outside of the classroom!

View More Photos of DaVinci Science Center

Supporting Our Troops

To give children a sense of community and being part of a larger world, LVCC includes programs in our curriculum that focus on civic responsibility. LVCC's Campus Center school-age students recently participated in an activity to understand being a good citizen in the United States by positively influencing the soldiers that protect and serve us.

The class wrote inspirational letters to the soldiers based overseas. Each letter included imaginative drawings and a personalized message from a student. The children shared encouraging words of gratitude and pride for their country. As part of a care-package mission, the letters, along with snacks and other goodies, were sent to the troops.

Being far from their families, many soldiers naturally become homesick. The children hope their gifts will bolster morale.

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Children's Art Show

A talented student enrolled in LVCC at South Mountain's
school-age program displays his free-style drawing of a truck.

Children of all ages find art to be an engaging activity. It allows them to experiment with self-expression. It promotes creativity and an openness to new ideas. LVCC at South Mountain recently held a children's art show for the center's families to discover the natural talents of their children. The exhibits included various forms of artwork created by the school-age students.

3-D Art 
By using a variety of simple household items and school supplies, the students learned three-dimensional representations could be made from any material. The mixed media included candy, CD's, beads, paper, paint, glue, buttons and construction paper. The molding and intricate placing of materials practiced development of the children's hand-eye coordination (fine motor skills).

Mosaic
Who knew puzzle pieces, yarn, metal shelving, tiles, paint, glue, buttons and construction paper could result in such beautiful works of art? The process of creating the mosaic involved problem solving (and lots of counting). By analyzing and experimenting with different ideas, imaginative art resulted.

Free-Style Art
The teachers encouraged the students to express themselves through free-style art. Using different techniques (drawing, dabbing, coloring, gluing), abstract and realistic pieces were created. The individualism and personal interests emerged from each work of art.

View Photos of LVCC at South Mountain's Art Show

A Day of Caring with Lehigh University

LVCC's Campus Center received a new storage shed thanks to the hard work of Lehigh University volunteers. Our new friends spent half a day constructing the shed. The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley partnered LVCC with Lehigh University for the Day of Caring project.

Although the day was bitterly cold, the volunteers geared up and toiled through the weather. With a few more hours of work, the shed will soon be completed.

We greatly appreciate the hard work of our engaged volunteers and the generosity of our community partners.

Keeping Teeth White and Bright

Dr. Ryan Scally, Pediatric Dentist, made a special guest appearance in LVCC at Stones Crossing's preschool class. He brought along a friend to help teach children - a kangaroo puppet named Roo. By brushing Roo's teeth with a huge toothbrush, Dr. Scally showed the class how to properly brush teeth.

The preschoolers learned to brush two times a day. Dr. Scally suggested, "an adult, like mom or dad, should help while brushing to get all the teeth clean." He also taught that fruits, vegetables and meats make teeth strong, while candy is bad for teeth.

The children remained highly engaged answering questions and participating in a flossing demonstration. While two girls stood side-by-side, representing two teeth, a boy used a cord to floss between the girls. Dr. Scally explained, "flossing helps get the yuckies out of teeth."

Afterward, Dr. Scally read a story about Eloise, a tooth fairy in training.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF THE DENTAL LESSON

Preschoolers Experience Special Repertory Dance Theatre Ballet Performance

The Pre-K Counts class from LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center and both preschool and Pre-K Counts classes from LVCC on Walnut Street experienced a composition of music and beauty with a live, enchanting performance of "Sleeping Beauty." As honored guests of the Repertory Dance Theatre, the four-and-five-year-old children visited Allentown's Scottish Rite Cathedral to watch the classical Tchaikovsky ballet.

Adapted for youngsters, the ballet told the story of the beautiful Princess Aurora, cursed by an evil witch. After sleeping for 100 years, true love's kiss woke the princess from the spell. The prince and princess then married, living happily ever after. 

The children's eyes widened in amazement and wonder as the dancers entered the stage in their bright-colored costumes. The art of dance introduced the preschoolers to a different form of creativity and music. 

After completion of the performance, the children expressed themselves through movement, imitating the ballet. The Repertory Dance Theatre performers then made a special appearance, inviting LVCC on stage for a photo opportunity and a chance to dance with the ballerinas (female ballet dancers) and ballerinos (male ballet dancers). 

Thank you Repertory Dance Theatre for a wonderful day!

View more photos of meeting Sleeping Beauty...

Guinea Pigs Wed on Valentine's Day

The creative school-age children attending LVCC's after-school program at Nazareth Area Intermediate discovered how to plan a wedding... for a pair of guinea pigs. The idea originated when one of the students announced that she received a second guinea pig as a family pet. The class unanimously decided to hold a special ceremony for the pets on the day of love.

Every minute detail was planned out by the children. The set design of the "walkway" for the purring couple was beautifully decorated to match the bridesmaids' hand-made "floral arrangements" in color, pattern, and style. The children collaborated in writing the script for the service, as well as creating the ceremony invitations and program. One of the students officiated. Original costumes for a groom's tux and a bride's veil were designed. The musical score for the celebration included a special selection performed by a talented LVCC student.

The children experienced an all-inclusive educational curriculum through the wedding planning. While preparing the guest list and taking measurements for the costume and set design, they practiced their math skills. Public speaking, role-playing, writing, art, music, and even social studies were other topics explored.

Allentown Health Bureau Teaches Healthy Habits Through Yoga

The preschool and Pre-K Counts classes from LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center learned the importance of health through yoga. An intern through Allentown Bureau of Health's Nutrition and Physical Activity Program led the nutrition-based instruction.

This community education program was designed to generate excitement among youth about fitness and eating healthier foods. Using large pictures of  fruits and vegetables as focus points, the children discussed from where food comes, such as on a farm or from a tree.

The interactive sessions then engaged the children in poses as bunnies and cows. Visualizing being rooted into the ground while in Tree Pose, yoga allowed the preschoolers to expand their imaginations. They discovered different ways of relaxation by breathing. Yoga stimulated their physical, mental and emotional abilities.

View More Photos of the Yoga Instruction

Building Core Skills Through Gymnastics

To foster physical and emotional development, school-age children attending LVCC at Muhlenberg received gymnastics instruction. For four weeks, the Parkettes brought their nationally-known gymnastics routine to the after-school program.

The students experienced the importance of physical fitness, including strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. They gained physical benefits and confidence while tumbling and jumping. As the children became more familiar with the flips and cartwheels, their self-esteem grew. The trampoline was the most popular activity.

View Photo Album of Parkettes Gymnasium

The Importance of Reading

Reading is one of the most important skills a young child can learn. To foster interest in books, LVCC teachers conduct a daily reading circle. The subject matter may vary, but two things remain the same - the illustrations are colorful and the subjects expand a child's knowledge of the world.

LVCC at St. Luke's dedicated this week to the importance of reading with many reading-inspired activities. Bethlehem Library's child librarian visited with engaging, interactive tales. Staff invited the families to join their children for story time. The center held a week-long Scholastic Book Fair. Hundreds of affordable and educational books were available for families to purchase. Selling over $600 in books, the fundraiser was a success!

View more photos of LVCC at St. Luke's

Pre-K Counts Culinary Journey into Nutrition

What do strawberries, blueberries, bananas, yogurt and wheat tortilla shells have in common? A deliciously healthy power snack for both children and adults, of course! Pre-K Counts from LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center made the fresh fruit wraps during their cooking class with Randy Levan, LVCC's Central Food Service Manager.

After donning their new cook's hats, the children practiced fine motor skills by spreading yogurt and/or cream cheese and sprinkling an assortment of fruit onto the tortilla. While tasting their yummy creation, the children answered questions about the fruit's colors. When asked why we want to eat healthy foods, many children responded, "To keep from getting sick."

View More Photos of the Pre-K Counts cooking class at ELC

Constructing a Social Network with K'NEX

Using simple K'NEX components and unlimited imagination, the school-age children from LVCC at South Mountain built innovative large-scale models as a team. Working together encouraged social interaction and collaborative problem-solving. Developing spatial thinking skills, the group structured problems, found answers, and expressed solutions to complete their project.

All this engaging activity occurred before school. Just think how much they will accomplish in the future!

Robotics Rule!

During the holiday break, LVCC at Truman School discovered the fun of making and commanding robots. Mr. Hans from Computer Explorers led the instruction. Using LEGO® kits and lap-top computers, the children worked hands-on in small teams to build simple machines. The technology-focused project introduced engineering and programming to children, ages 5-12.

Holiday Lunch with Allen Teens

To celebrate the holidays, LVCC at William Allen High School invited parents in the teen parent program to join their children for lunch today. Having the child care program inside the high school made it convenient for parents to visit during school breaks.

After a healthy meal, some of the infants and toddlers layed down for a long winter's nap. Others kept busy learning through play with all the colorful, interactive toys.

Happy holidays from everyone at Lehigh Valley Children's Centers!

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