The Cooperative Playschool - Latest Updates

Getting to know you...

Kate — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:13:00 EST

We're off to a great start on our year... I can't believe 2 months have gone by already! I feel like I know most of this year's families already... but I'd still love to know more! If you haven't already done so, please take the time to send Dayna your Family Profile and a family picture. Write whatever you want... just your names, or fill out Dayna's rockin' questionairre... whatever moves you. These will be posted at the school, and the kids always love looking at each other's family pictures, and reading their family stories. In the spirit of inspiring you all, I'll share our family profile, written last year: <meta content="" name="Title" /> <meta content="" name="Keywords" /> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" /> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Generator" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Originator" /> <link href="file://localhost/Users/mky106/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" />  <style type="text/css">  </style>  Once upon a time, in a tiny village called Linden Hall, a Beautiful Lady named Kate and her Prince Charming, whose name is Tony,  welcomed their baby daughter to the world. They named her Aubrey Emily Sanfilippo, because they liked the name, and because the Lady’s best friend was named Emily, too. They were very happy together, with their dog Benny and their cats Bill and Purple. Aubrey was a good baby with blue eyes and long legs. She was very smart and funny, and she loved to make music. But still, they felt their family was not yet complete. So a small time later, they welcomed another tiny daughter to the family. They named her JoAnn Evans Sanfilippo, after the Lady’s Grandma and Daddy. JoAnn was a good baby too, and her round cheeks and full lips made them all fall in love with her right away. JoAnn loved to make art and to sing, and she was also smart and funny (smart and funny seemed to be a family trait). Finally, they knew their family was complete. One day, the whole family came to visit a magical place called the Cooperative Playschool, and they knew right away that it was the perfect place for them to find more families to play, learn, and grow with. And they all lived happily ever after.

Welcome, Ms. Mindy!

Kate — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:54:00 EST

I am terribly remiss in not posting this news sooner.... sorry! We are proud and pleased as punch to welcome Ms. Mindy to the Coop family as our new teacher of the "green team". We've only known her for a few weeks, but already she is family. Here's a letter from Ms. Mindy introducing herself: <meta content="" name="Title" /> <meta content="" name="Keywords" /> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" /> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Generator" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Originator" /> <link href="file://localhost/Users/mky106/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" />  <style type="text/css">  </style>  Dear Parents,<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Hello and welcome to the three year old class! I am so excited to begin this school year with the Cooperative Playschool! My name is Mindy Miller and I am looking forward to working with your child this year!<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> I have been working with children for the past six years. In 2003, I entered Penn State as a returning adult student to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. During this time, I began driving school bus while residing in Mifflin County.  The job fit perfect into my busy school schedule and still allowed me time to spend with my son. Two years later I relocated to State College. I graduated from Penn State in the spring of 2007 with a B.S. in Elementary and Kindergarten Education. <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> During my years in college I worked in the infant through preschool rooms at Nittany Christian School. After graduation I began substituting at Nittany Christian, as well as State College & Bellefonte Area School Districts.  I also spent a year employed as a long term substitute for the Central Intermediate Unit #10. I was a preschool developmental teacher working with children on the Autism spectrum. <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> I have two absolutely wonderful children. My son, Devin, is thirteen and began seventh grade last week. My daughter, Kinzley, just turned three in June!  We have a home in Park Forest and love living in State College. <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Please feel free to ask me any questions your may have.  I can be reached at 814-(redacted) or you can email me at <a href="mailto:mindyrenett@gmail.com">(redacted)</a>. I check my email every evening. Thank you for taking the time to read this.  I look forward to getting to know you and your child this year!<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>                                              Sincerely,<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>                                              Ms. Mindy<o:p></o:p>

As Requested: The Full Job Description

Kate — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:27:00 EST

A reader asked casually "Why post just a link? Why not post the whole description?" As I could not think of a good answer, here it is in all its glory:   The Cooperative Playschool Job Description Requirements: The ideal candidate will have: 1.PA certificate in Early Childhood (N-3), or a PA Private Schools Certificate in Early Childhood (N-3), or be willing and qualified to obtain a PA Private Schools Certificate 2.Experience working in a preschool environment (3-5 year olds); preferably having knowledge of play based curriculum 3.Experience working with a co-teacher and/or parent volunteers 4.Experience supporting child directed play by acting as a guide and facilitator; providing the resources necessary for children to think, question, and discover; assisting the children in making connections across all types of learning; listening to the individuality of each child and encouraging corresponding activities 5.State Police, PA Child Abuse, and FBI Clearances, along with a current physical/TB test 6.Above all, a love for teaching, learning, children and fun. 7.Bilingual applicants are a plus, along with being comfortable working in a multicultural environment Working Hours and Environment: 1.This is a part-time position that runs from September 1-May 31st 2.Teacher hours are 8:30-12:30, M-F 3.Students are at school from 9-11:30 each day. Candidate will work cooperatively with the other certified teacher, as well as with the working parents each day. 4.Typical enrollment is 25 children per morning Compensation: 1.We offer a very competitive salary as well as funds for staff development Brief Description of our School: The Cooperative Playschool is a state licensed, non-profit preschool serving children 3-5 years old since 1949. It is “cooperative” in the sense that there is a board of directors made up of parents who help with the business side of the school; in addition there are 2-3 parents working with two certified and experienced teachers during each school day. We are a play-based school, where children learn through self-directed activities including plays and stories, theme-centered activities, art, making/preparing snack, dress-up and pretend, music, and outdoor play. For more about our school check us out at: cooperativeplayschool.com

A Morning With Bev Bos

Kate — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:38:00 EST

Teacher Wanted: Apply Now!

Kate — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:01:00 EST

Our Beloved Mrs. Lori has tendered her resignation from the Cooperative Playschool. We are sad to see her go, and wish her luck in her future endeavors. This departure has opened up a great opportunity for a new teacher for the "Green Team", the 3-4 year old classroom. Follow the link below to the job posting, and apply today!   <a href="http://pennstate.craigslist.org/edu/1286992563.html">http://pennstate.craigslist.org/edu/1286992563.html</a>

The New Board is hard at work...

Kate — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:49:00 EST

The 2009-10 Cooperative Playschool Board of Directors is hard at work, preparing the school for the new year. Shortly you will receive by post the 2009-10 Information Packet, containing valuable information about the upcoming year. Read it thoroughly, and save it for further reference. In the meantime, join us on Wednesdays 10 to Noon for a playdate! It's a great way to meet other families and kids before the school year starts. Also be on the lookout for upcoming news regarding painting the school and building our new storage shed for the kids. We are planning a work weekend in August. It will be a good opportunity for parents and kids to bond over purposeful work!

Coop T-shirts here! Get yer T-shirts here!

Kate — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:46:00 EST

We are proud to present our Cafe Press shop, available anytime, for all you Cooperative Playschool merchandise needs. This is a fundraiser for the school (we get $1+ for each item purchased), so of course we thank you very much for your support. Plus, you'll look great! Don't see what you want? Email kate at communications@cooperativeplayschool.com, and I'll see what I can do about adding an item/size/whatever. We'll link to this site permanently soon, but for now, visit us at <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/CooperativePlay">www.cafepress.com/CooperativePlay</a>

Summer Playdates Announced!

Kate — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:59:00 EST

Yearbook 2008-9

Kate — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:43:00 EST

Thanks to parents and students alike for submitting drawings for this year's (hopefully first annual?) yearbook project. The teachers loved their gifts! The images from the yearbook have been uploaded to the parents' photo site. Feel free to print your own, or email your child's image to grandparents, cousins, etc.

Thanks for Recycling!

Kate — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:39:00 EST

Rugrats Resale was a resounding success for the Co-op, and it was fun, too! Thanks to all who donated, both Co-op folks and community members, and to the sale volunteers. To those who helped with all that tagging: we were a small but dedicated crew, and we really appreciate your help. A special thanks to Balfurd's for donating hangers for all those clothes! This was so easy and fun that we have decided to do it again! The Fall sale is the second week of August. Keep a look out for dates as they are announced, and keep on saving your stuff! Want to get it out of your house NOW? Call Kate at 814-883-3174 and I'll store it for you.

Working Parent FAQ

Kate — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST

<a href="http://www.cooperativeplayschool.com/pages/blog/101/working-parent-faq"><img src="http://www.cooperativeplayschool.com/content_images/6/maryworks.JPG" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; border:1px solid #663091;" /></a> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"> <link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:\Users\Kate\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_filelist.xml" /> <link rel="Preview" href="file:///C:\Users\Kate\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_preview.wmf" /> <link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:\Users\Kate\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_themedata.thmx" /> <link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:\Users\Kate\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_colorschememapping.xml" /><style type="text/css">  </style> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> <h1>What the heck should I do for an Activity? <o:p></o:p></h1> By Kate Sanfilippo<o:p></o:p> “Please remember when you are a working parent that the teachers need you to post your activity or snack 2 weeks in advance of the work day.” We’ve been hearing this at least once a week, and maybe we, as parents, need some help in this area. With that in mind, I offer the following FAQ: Q: Where do I sign up for an activity or snack?<o:p></o:p> A: Right on the sign-up calendar, on the line below your name. A very brief description will do, i.e. “play outside” or “make kites” or “clay table”. Or, in the case of snacks, “muffins” or “berries”. Q: Then I just show up that day?<o:p></o:p> A: Not quite. We ask that a week or so before your working day, you briefly get with the lead teacher for your work week and check in. The teachers try to get with you, too, but if both sides try, you’ll be sure to connect. Remind the teacher of your plans. The teachers will often plan other activities around parent ideas, and this is a great way to get the whole team on the same page. For example, once I did a craft where the kids colored their favorite kinds of ice cream, and made up new flavors. Mrs. Lori set up an ice cream stand that same day, so the kids “sold” the ice cream they had colored back and forth all morning. Another mom had planned to put on a puppet show, so the teachers made a big deal of the kids going to the show, and needing tickets, etc. Q: Help! How do I decide on an Activity?<o:p></o:p> A: Remember, this is a play-based and child-driven environment. Your activity doesn’t need to be anything fancy, and will hopefully be something you enjoy. I’ve included a list of ideas for springtime here to help jog your imagination. Or ask the teachers for an idea—they’re full of them! Or ask another parent, or go into the supply closet and pray for inspiration, or check out the idea shelf in the hallway… As for me, I try to remember the stuff I liked as a kid. Playing doctor with the dolls, playing restaurant, dress-up, painting, running races, dancing… one of my most successful working days was when it was cold out and I brought in a CD of kids music, and we just danced around. And remember: the weather and the kids could make you ignore your planned activity anyway! That’s the way the Co-op bounces…. Have more questions about being a working parent? Please reply to this post, and we'll be happy to answer them! <o:p> </o:p>

Dear Co-opalooza Sponsors,

Kate — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:45:00 EST

Dear Co-opalooza Sponsors, We are grateful for your support of our recent and successful family variety show at the State Theatre.  If you could not attend, please take a moment to imagine the joy and laughter emanating from the children in the audience.   As you know, your business was recognized in appreciation on promotional materials before, during and after the show.  It is our hope that the community acknowledges your presence with new or more visits to your business.  Meanwhile, we would like to share with you what we have accomplished with your help. Thanks to each of you, despite a challenging economic period and an established competing fundraiser, we are delighted to have raised roughly $2700 for our scholarship fund among cash donations, tickets & raffle sales.  We also wish to thank businesses for the post-Co-opalooza fundaisers that send profits from Cooperative Playschool-related purchases to our scholarship fund.  We also greatly enjoyed the wonderful food and flowers donated for our After Party, and the special goods and services donated for our raffles, give-aways and Co-opalooza publicity. It was thrilling to celebrate 60 years of play-based pre-school education with the State Theatre, our sponsors, our Co-op families, and the State College and surrounding communities.  Until next time! Our best wishes to you for a prosperous year.

The Power of Play

Kate — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:55:00 EST

Seeds for Sale!

Kate — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST

<a href="http://www.cooperativeplayschool.com/pages/blog/93/seeds-for-sale"><img src="http://www.cooperativeplayschool.com/content_images/6/2678598844_409ee06eb2_o.jpg" style="float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; border:1px solid #663091;" /></a> Believe it or not, spring is just around the corner, and it's time to start planning for this year's garden! Whether you grow foods or flowers, the purposeful work of gardening reminds our children of the gifts the Earth gives us, and teaches them responsibility and appreciation for nature. The flyer, available <a href="http://www.cooperativeplayschool.com/content_images/file/fedco order form.pdf">here</a>, allows you to order from Fedco's most popular varieties. Feel free to print out and distribute as many as you want to friends, family, neighbors, etc. Our friends at Fedco Seeds (a coop!) will contribute 50% of profits to our school. Thank you all so much. Remember: COOPALOOZA is Feb. 21. Buy your tickets TODAY!

RESCHEDULED

Kate — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:47:00 EST

Just in case you missed it in the Calendar: The Preschool Fair is rescheduled for Friday Jan 30, 6-8 pm at the Friends School The Spring Open House is rescheduled for Saturday Jan 31, 10am to Noon, at the Coop. And a reminder: Tuition Discount for the 2009-2010 school year is only available if you register by Feb 15!

Reunion Potluck

Kate — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:26:00 EST

Thanks to the 60 or so Co-op families and teachers, both past and present, who joined us for a festive kickoff to our Anniversary year. I saw lots of familiar faces, and met some new ones that I have heard about. Thanks to all who came by for the festivities. And thanks for the wonderful food! My, we are good cooks, aren't we? Are you alum? Did you or your children attend our school in the past 60 years? We want to hear from you! I am trying to compile contact information from as many past parents and students as possible. If you have information for our database, please share it!  Please contact the school through this website, or contact me, your humble webadministrator, at communications@cooperativeplayschool.com. Or mail it to the school. Or call. Whatever is easiest for you...

FAIR AND OPEN HOUSE CANCELLATION

Kate — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:23:00 EST

Sorry folks, but the Mothers and More Preschool Fair has been cancelled due to the snowstorm. Therefore, we have decided to also postpone our open house. Please contact us through this site, or call 238-3922 to schedule a visit to our school. Stay tuned for the announcement of a rescheduled open house. Have a great snow day... go sledding, make a snowman, or curl up by the fire with some cocoa.

Subway and Dominos join our fundraising efforts!

Kate — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:50:00 EST

Hi friends, Do you ever buy food from the State College Subway or Dominos shops?  Our kids' preschool, The Cooperative Playschool, offers discount cards for Subway and Dominos.  It's a good time of year for the Co-op to start this program, since it saves everyone money while sending a portion of the profits to our school.  These cards make great gifts for coworkers, or to show appreciation to friends, stylists, teachers, etc. Please consider paying LESS for your own food or gifts while helping out our kids' preschool.  Easily order your Co-op Discount Cards from the link below. <a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pSLIoYdjSx64wXjgVLvqLEg">http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pSLIoYdjSx64wXjgVLvqLEg</a> Peace & Happy Holidays, Deb

2009-2010 Enrollment and Tuition

Kate — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:44:00 EST

Register Now For Next Year! Believe it or not, January 1st began registration for the Cooperative Playschool for the 2009-2010 school year.

SCRIP Fundraising program

Kate — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:32:00 EST

Hi Co-op Families, We all want to help the Co-op meet (or exceed!) its expenses, right?  But we really don't want to buy more stuff beyond what we purchase already for our families.  That's why the Co-op has joined the SCRIP program. Essentially, the Co-op families are eligible to buy "scrip" gift cards and use them like cash for everyday expenses.  There's a huge selection of vendors (grocers, restaurants, retailers, gas stations, etc.).  Here's how it works.  We purchase the cards at face value ($5, $25, $100, etc.), but the Co-op only pays a discounted amount.  Thus, the Co-op earns a profit for each card purchased of anywhere between 2%-15%.  This profit can REALLY add up if people use these cards for their regular purchases in place of (or as a nice supplement to) your own credit cards, checks, or cash. Families pay for the cards by check or electronically ("PrestoPay").  Initially, I've scheduled two ordering deadlines per month:  the 1st and 3rd Fridays.  Order anytime online at shopwithscrip.com (Enrollment Code: A71F7C3819945), but please keep these two ordering deadlines in mind.  All deliveries are shipped in bulk to the Co-op. For people who can't or don't like to order on-line, I can order for you by "proxy."  Please let me know if that's your preference. Meanwhile, I've attached some quick reference documents and will post some at the Co-op.  Call me (238-2351) or email me with any questions or problems you encounter. Thanks for taking the time to consider using SCRIP to help the Co-op meet expenses and more.  This effort is all about perpetuating the wonderful Co-op experience for our families and those who come after us. Peace and Happy New Year! Deb Huckans (238-2351) Fundraising Co-Chair Links: <a href="http://www.shopwithscrip.com/getstarted/index.aspx">getting started with SCRIP</a> <a href="https://www.shopwithscrip.com/Flash/SWSPrestoPay-Overview/SWSPrestoPay-Overview.htm">PrestoPay Information</a> A NOTE FROM KATE: To use this service, you just create an account with SCRIP (use whatever email and password you choose), then use the enrollment code above to link your purchases to our school account. To Pay, you just create an additional account with PrestoPay. Feel free to contact Deb or leave a comment here if you need help getting started. -K

Our New Website!!

Kate — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:21:00 EST

Many, many, many thanks to Bien at Concepcion Design for designing our new website. What a wonderful way to kick off our 60th Anniversary year! Bien designed and built the new site for us, and DONATED all his time to the school. For you other corporations and businesses out there: We are a non-profit organization: Donations are gratefully accepted and receipts lovingly provided. Happy New Year, and Happy Diamond Anniversary!

A Cup Half-Full Fundraiser

Bien — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:46:00 EST

2008-09 Happy Autumn Co-op families! Welcome to our fifth annual Cup Half-Full Festival & Fundraiser. Last year we had such fun painting, helping our school and opening our doors with an Autumn festival, that we are excited to offer this fundraiser again.<a href="http://www.cooperativeplayschool.com/pages/blog/59/a-cup-half-full-fundraiser-">More after the jump</a>

Help the Coop raise money using Amazon

Bien — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:15:00 EST

By using one of the links below to begin your purchase at Amazon you can help the Coop earn between 4% and 15% of your purchase through the Amazon Associates Program. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE THE BOOKS LINKED TO! You DO need to begin your session from one of the links below and complete your purchase within 24 hours and in a single visit. A portion of your entire purchase when started from one of these links will be credited to the Coop. For more information contact Tony at toekneesan at gmail dot com. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?%5Fencoding=UTF8&site-redirect=&node=4&tag=thecoopeplays-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Children's books</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?%5Fencoding=UTF8&site-redirect=&node=1000&tag=thecoopeplays-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Bestsellers</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?%5Fencoding=UTF8&site-redirect=&node=165796011&tag=thecoopeplays-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Baby Products</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Educational&tag=thecoopeplays-20&index=toys-and-games&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Toys and Games</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Waldorf-Education-Teaching-Inside%2Fdp%2F0876592469%2F&tag=thecoopeplays-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Waldorf Education</a>

Shirts and Stuff Fundraiser

Bien — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:19:00 EST

Welcome Co-op families to our friendly and fun clothing fundraiser. Many of us have felt that little thrill of strolling around town in our Co-op clothes. We're glad to support our beloved school and spread community awareness by purchasing quality clothing at tax-free, wholesale prices - all items printed with the famous Co-op logo. Each sale has something for everyone, and there are always new items for returning families. We have shirts, sweatshirts, coordinated outfits, caps, bags and umbrellas. Get ready for the beauty of fall with our fleece hats and jackets, as well as packable nylon jackets for your outdoor adventures. BONUS Co-op Calendar As part of this fundraiser, we're offering a 2009 Co-op Calendar for you (and your relatives!). Memorable moments are already being captured of our kids with our helper parents and wonderful teachers. The playful learning activities at the Co-op provide ample photo opportunities for us to savor this fleeting time. Calendars must be ordered now, but will be published and distributed toward the end of this year - just in time for holiday gifts! HOW TO ORDER Place the attached order form and check payable to The Cooperative Playschool in the fund raising envelope on the Co-op's main bulletin board. A school copy of the catalogue hangs in the Co-op hallway next to some clothing samples. Contact Deb Huckans with any questions. Download the ginormous Catalog PDF. <a href="/content_images/file/orderformfall08.pdf">Order Form Fall 08</a> We are grateful for your support!

Art's Fest 2008

Bien — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:09:00 EST

Dear Cooperative Playschool Families, and Alumni Families, Are you in town for the Arts Festival this summer? We need YOUR help! <a target="_blank" href="http://web.mac.com/gregfeinberg/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html">(Click here to link to the web page)</a> What: Cooperative Playschool Children's Day Face Painting Booth When: July 9, 2007 10:00-3:00 (See below for time slots, or look at current available time slots online here) Where: Old Main Lawn Please volunteer for an hour or two at our table. Bring the kids and enjoy the festival! No artistic talent needed. Any questions? Call or email Ona Feinberg 353-8290, <a href="mailto:ofeinberg@verizon.net">ofeinberg@verizon.net</a> Thanks! Greg and Ona Feinberg Publicity/Communication Chair 2007-2008 We need a line leader and 3 face painters each hour from 10:00 - 3:00. We also need volunteers to help with set up at 9:15, and clean up from 3:00 - 3:45. 9:00 - 10:00 Set up 10:00 - 11:00 Line Leader(1) /Face Painting (3) 11:00 - 12:00 Line Leader(1) /Face Painting (3) 12:00 - 1:00 Line Leader(1) /Face Painting (3) 1:00 - 2:00 Line Leader(1) /Face Painting (3) 2:00 - 3:00 Line Leader(1) /Face Painting (3) 3:00 - 3:45 Clean up

A Morning at the Cooperative Playschool

Bien — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:50:00 EST

It's 9:00 a.m. and the three quiet rooms come alive as small voices fill the air and children become engaged in a variety of activities. On the blue rug, three children gather and work cooperatively putting a large floor puzzle together. At a table, a small group of children are working with plastic letters, spelling real words and creating make-believe words. Children are also busy stringing beads, investigating how magnets work and assembling puzzles at the manipulative table. The activity room is bustling with activity as it is transformed into a post office. Here the children explore with a variety of writing materials including paper, pencils, pens, envelopes and rubberstamps. In the green rug room, a tall block building is under construction. The dress up corner is host to active firefighters creating maps of their community and extinguishing pretend fires. In other areas of the school, children are actively engaged with painting, cutting, gluing, drawing, dancing, and creating. This is just a glimpse of what goes on at the Co-op on a typical day. The children are playing and having fun, but they are also learning. It is through creative play that children learn about themselves, their peers and their world. The Co-op offers meaningful, age-appropriate experiences that encourage children to learn through play. Perhaps it is easy to see how hopping, jumping, or dancing help build large motor coordination just as it is evident that stringing beads, cutting, drawing, or putting a puzzle together help children to develop small muscle dexterity and eye-hand coordination. However, this is just a small sample of the benefits of play. Children playing in the post office are free to explore and discover different stages of writing. Some children are writing their names, names of family members, messages like, "I love you" or their street addresses. Other children are making straight lines and squiggles. Don't discount these marks as just scribbling. Just as babbling is a foundation for speaking, scribbling is a foundation for writing. Writing is a natural and gradual process. Whether it is random or controlled scribbling or writing mock letters and words, this is evidence of emergent literacy in young children. Children playing in the dress up corner, the dollhouse or make-believe scenarios can create situations that they can deal with and control. Children may work out their fears or anxieties through make-believe. Materials at the manipulative table, legos, or large wooden blocks provide children with many learning opportunities. These activities promote social growth, sharing, exploration of sizes, shapes, distances, proportions and weight, concepts such as "smaller than" or "bigger than", counting, one-to-one correspondence, classification, sorting and matching. The variety of activities offered at the Co-op give children a feeling of satisfaction and joy. These positive feelings allow children to gain confidence in their skills and abilities, resulting in a strong self-concept. Playing also encourages children to think and create divergently. Play encourages many positive outcomes, so let's encourage play. Play is the work of children! (Written by Julie Maxwell, former Cooperative Playschool teacher)

Writing at the Cooperative Playschool

Bien — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:28:00 EST

<img hspace="5" height="194" width="258" align="right" alt="" src="/content_images/fck_images/phil1(1).jpg" />At the Cooperative Playschool children have the freedom to explore and discover through creative play a sense of what their world is all about. Activities and play areas are structured in ways that allow for social interaction, creative expression, and thoughtful investigations. One particular area of development that is enriched through play and teacher guidance is the children's emerging skill with writing. Children become writers mostly through discovery. Learning to write is a gradual developmental process, much like learning to talk, during which children discover and then revise different strategies for producing print. Research shows that when creative play areas are rich with print and when real-life props are provided for the children to use, children's awareness and use of print is enhanced. At the Co-op, play areas and various activities throughout the year provide opportunities for children to make discoveries about writing. The post office is supplied with paper and envelopes, rubber stamps and ink pads, pens, pencils, markers, mail slots, and a mail carrier's bag. If you are working at the Co-op on a day when the post office is open, notice the variety of activities that go on there. Children talk about what or to whom they are writing. They stamp, staple, fold, seal, and deliver important messages.<a href="http://www.cooperativeplayschool.com/pages/blog/67/writing-at-the-cooperative-playschool">More after the jump</a>

What Parents say about the Cooperative Playschool

Bien — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:19:00 EST

"The Cooperative Playschool is a celebration of children's development and growth." "Children and parents alike grow in the self-confidence and trust as they interact with each other and the skillful, caring teachers." "I gained a better understanding of my child as I watched him relate to other adults and to his peers." "We loved the sense of involvement we got from the Cooperative Playschool." "I look forward to the days I help out at the Co-op - it's my chance to be a kid again." "The wisdom I gained from the teachers enhanced my own parenting skills and improved our family relationships." "The Co-op provided us with a network for developing friendships with families who share similar interests and values." "With my husband and myself invovled, my child enjoyed a more natural and secure first school experience." "We met some of our best friends at the Co-op." "I appreciated the non-competitive, creative learning that seemed to occur spontaneously with little effort, as I learned to listen and trust the wisdom of the children." "And it's fun!" - Co-op Children