12.24.2014

The Day Before Christmas At LVCC


Twas the day before Christmas, when all through LVCC
lots of children were stirring, engaged in fun activity.

The paper stockings were creatively hung on the wall with care
in hopes that mom and dad could proudly see it there.

Young children then nestled all snug on their mats,
resting from a busy day of making festive elf hats.

Bellies full of healthy lunch, growing brains strong and apt!
Teachers finished lesson plans while the little tots napped.

When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,
everyone sprang from their mats to see what was the matter.

The school-age children had just arrived off the bus
excited to celebrate a very merry Christmas.

Preschoolers cut out decorations and painted with cheer
their 3D cardboard sleigh, counting out eight tiny reindeer.

Well-rested, the toddlers - so lively and quick -
danced joyfully to holiday tunes of St. Nick.

The infants, wide-eyed, watched the world in wonder;
exploring through senses, looking over and under.

The jingle of bells caused the children to pause,
until they saw who it was and gleefully cried out, "Santa Claus!"

After each had a turn on Santa's lap,
teacher said, "put on listening ears and your thinking cap."

Sitting in circle time, all smiles and no worry,
the children listened quietly to Santa read a story.

Soon parents arrived for their children at night.
LVCC staff wishes a merry Christmas to all, and to all much delight!

12.16.2014

Star of David Preschool Craft for Hanukkah


To celebrate the many diverse cultures that make up Lehigh Valley Children's Centers (LVCC), our teachers introduce crafts and activities for various holidays from around the world. Ms. Cassie's preschool class from LVCC at Monocacy Manor explored the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days beginning at sundown tonight. 

After a brief explanation about the Star of David, Ms. Cassie had her preschoolers create their own stars to decorate the classroom. To make this craft, the class used Popsicle sticks, glue, blue paint, a paint brush, and silver glitter. This activity practiced listening skills to follow directions. 

To encourage math skills, Ms. Cassie had each child count out six Popsicle sticks.

The children then used three of those Popsicle sticks to form a triangle (early geometry). Ms. Cassie used simple directions that the preschoolers could understand, "Make a triangle with the point facing your friend across the table. Next make a triangle with the point facing yourself."

The children glued the ends of the sticks to secure the triangle's shape. Practicing their fine motor skills, gluing the correct sticks together took concentration and some assistance. Center Director Cheryl O'Rourke (seen above), helped out.

 They then glued the two triangles together to create the star shape.

The preschoolers painted their stars.

Once the stars dried, glitter was applied. Additional craft materials may be applied to personalize your own Star of David. Dangling from the ceiling, the Star of David makes a beautiful Hanukkah decoration and an easy project for preschoolers.




12.08.2014

Holiday Celebration with the Kiwanis Club


The halls of LVCC at South Mountain rang with laughter and music on Friday as the center opened its doors to two of its sister centers in Allentown. The preschool and Pre-K Counts classes from LVCC on Walnut Street and LVCC's Judith Chase Early Learning Center took a field trip to South Mountain for the annual Kiwanis holiday party. 

Our good friends from the Kiwanis Club of Allentown hosted the celebration for over 120 three- and four-year-olds. They sang holiday carols and colored winter scenes. Magician Eddy Ray engaged the large group with a delightfully entertaining magic show. 

Each child had their picture taken with Santa Claus (contact your center director to see your child's photo). Along with members of Kiwanis, the William Allen High School Key Club played Santa's helpers while handing out gifts and serving lunch.

Thank you Kiwanis Club of Allentown for helping LVCC bring joy to children of the Lehigh Valley!