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!

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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.

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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!

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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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Experimenting with Elephant Toothpaste

Science can be foamy fun! Just ask LVCC at Nazareth Area Intermediate School. While experimenting (under adult supervision) with concentrated hydrogen peroxide, dish detergent and dry yeast, the kids discovered "Elephant Toothpaste." 

Food coloring was added to give the "toothpaste" a cool color. The yeast caused the chemical reaction, acting as a catalyst, to release the extra oxygen gas. And finally, the soap created all the foam.

Fourth and fifth graders, Olivia and Abbi, demonstrate the process.

 

Kiwanians Bring Holiday Cheer with Annual Party

The preschool and Pre-K Counts classes from LVCC at Walnut Street had a jolly good time at our annual holiday party. Our gracious hosts, the Kiwanis Club of Allentown, held the festivities in the banquet hall of the Allentown BrewWorks. "Melody" Mike Maiatico, an accomplished pianist, led the group in a holiday sing-along with his electronic keyboard. The children sang and danced while playing tamborines.  As soon as we started singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town, guess who appeared? Santa Claus! Each child had the opportunity to sit next to Santa, told him what was wanted for Christmas, and had photos taken. The Allentown Central Catholic Key Club officers played Santa's helpers by singing and handing out gifts. Following the fun, we had a delicious lunch to fill our tummies.

Thank you Kiwanians for making our spirits bright!

View Photos of the Holiday Party

 

 

A Lesson in Feeding Those Less Fortunate

The Nazareth Area Food Bank will receive a substantial amount of food to distribute for the holidays thanks to the children enrolled at LVCC at Shafer School and LVCC at Nazareth Area Intermediate School.

The students began collecting canned and boxed items on October 22nd. The goal was to collect 100 items between both locations by December 21st. The children exceeded their goal a whole month earlier than anticipated with a total of 130 food items.

One young boy brought in 16 boxes of cereal. When asked what prompted him to bring in so much food, he answered, "I told my dad we needed 16 more boxes of food to reach our goal. He said he would should get 30." What a great dad and what a thoughtful child!

The teachers and students kept track of the food collected with a progress chart. As the children brought in items, they filled in lines adding up the numbers on the chart.

"We didn't want to make this a contest," commented Ms. Candy, LVCC teacher. "We wanted the kids to give from the heart."

As a thank you for reaching the goal without any reward expectations, the LVCC teachers will throw a surprise pizza party for the Nazareth children in December.

Hurricane Sandy Relief Drive

While many of us were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, there were many families throughout New York and New Jersey that lost their homes through water and structural damage. In November, LVCC at South Mountain held a drive for families in need. Over 50 LVCC families and staff contributed clothing, hygiene items, non-perishable food, toys, and pet items. On Friday, the older toddlers and kindergartners from LVCC at South Mountain helped staff fill the van for delivery to the Iron Pigs Coca-Cola stadium. From there, the Iron Pigs staff distributed the donated items to families in Lakewood, NJ.

To all the families and staff involved in this relief effort, thank you for all your help!



Fall Fest Fun at Campus Center

Although the weather outside was frightful, the annual Fall Fest at LVCC's Campus Center drew a large crowd.  Children of all ages enjoyed having their faces painted and creating at the arts 'n crafts table. Families attempted to "guess the teacher" by matching baby pictures with LVCC's teachers. Practicing motor development skills, children played bean bags, participated in the ring toss, and fished from the "duck pond."

Many families went home with an armful of giveaways and prizes. Cops 'n Kids provided books for children and adults in every family. Lehigh University Police Department handed out whistles, pens, toy badges, and information about the police academy. Lucky winners of the basket raffle took home prizes for a movie night, a spa basket, early childhood books, games, and infant toiletries.

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Inclement Weather Update November 2nd

As of Friday, November 2nd at 5:00 p.m., the following LVCC centers have power and will be open on Monday, November 5th:  ELC, South Mountain, Stones Crossing, Truman School, Union Boulevard, Walnut Street, and Western Salisbury. Please check for updates on the remaining locations on WFMZ Channel 69.