Hello there -
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas - its hard to believe that 2011 is right around the corner!
This week is a bit different for me because the kiddos are on vacation. So I'm busy preparing for the first week of Monarch Kids Preschool (starting Tuesday, January 4th!), giving parents their tax statements for 2010, cleaning, lesson planning... I'm hoping to jam-pack this week with lots of things so I can complete many items on my "to-do list" :)
One thing I forgot to mention a while back was that I had my yearly childcare inspection by a licensing specialist from the Division of Child Care. And Monarch Kids passed with flying colors! There was one violation but I was able to make a change to nullify it while the inspector was at the home. These inspections are yearly, exhaustive and unannounced. But I really appreciate them because they ensure that childcare providers are following all of the Division of Child Care rules and regulations. Ultimately, it ensures that the children in our care are safe and have many fun and engaging activities for their development. But I will say that I'm glad its over for the year. I look forward to my next inspection and hope to do as well next time!
Well, have a great afternoon everyone. Thanks for reading!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Monday, December 27, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
A Little Boy and His Wooden Spoon
Hey everyone -
I have to tell you all about one of my little guys in the child care and his love for this wooden spoon. Everyday when he is dropped off, one of the first things he goes to find is the spoon. And then he proceeds to carry it around most of the day, talking to it or about it with me. Its really the funniest thing. And then at the end of the day when his parents pick him up, he has to put the spoon away and he usually gets super upset about that. Poor guy - we're trying to help him understand that its okay and that he'll get to play with the spoon again the next day :)
On a much more serious note, please check out this link:
www.9news.com/rss/article.aspx?storyid=169935
It states that the Consumer Product Safety Commission is banning the manufacturing, selling and reselling of drop-side cribs. It is good information to read and be aware of for any drop-side crib owners out there. They will obviously be banning these from all in-home childcare facilities as well.
Have a great day everyone - thanks for reading!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
I have to tell you all about one of my little guys in the child care and his love for this wooden spoon. Everyday when he is dropped off, one of the first things he goes to find is the spoon. And then he proceeds to carry it around most of the day, talking to it or about it with me. Its really the funniest thing. And then at the end of the day when his parents pick him up, he has to put the spoon away and he usually gets super upset about that. Poor guy - we're trying to help him understand that its okay and that he'll get to play with the spoon again the next day :)
On a much more serious note, please check out this link:
www.9news.com/rss/article.aspx?storyid=169935
It states that the Consumer Product Safety Commission is banning the manufacturing, selling and reselling of drop-side cribs. It is good information to read and be aware of for any drop-side crib owners out there. They will obviously be banning these from all in-home childcare facilities as well.
Have a great day everyone - thanks for reading!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Monday, December 6, 2010
Lesson Planning
I've had so much fun lesson planning for the preschool. I subscribe to "The Mailbox" - which is a great magazine resource for teachers of young children. I get the preschool edition of the magazine. It is full of great games, activities, snack ideas, science lessons, crafts, time management ideas...I really look forward to receiving it in the mail every other month! I don't get into magazines too much, but this one I love!
Anyway, it is a great resource for me as I plan for upcoming lessons. I've started to plan for the month of January. The first week's theme will be evergreens and the letter of the week will be "P". We'll spend our nature and science time studying pine cones and pine needles. There are gobs of arts and crafts centered around pine cones and needles that I can't wait to incorporate. My husband will be leading the kids in art projects and we've found some really cool ones involving needle art! One thing I did struggle with was finding some good stories about pine trees. There are many books out there about Christmas trees, but I really have been looking for ones that just have a fun story about an evergreen in general. I found a couple and will continue looking for some more.
Well, time to get back to it. Thanks for reading, and as always, spread the word about Monarch Kids Preschool. Its a blast!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Anyway, it is a great resource for me as I plan for upcoming lessons. I've started to plan for the month of January. The first week's theme will be evergreens and the letter of the week will be "P". We'll spend our nature and science time studying pine cones and pine needles. There are gobs of arts and crafts centered around pine cones and needles that I can't wait to incorporate. My husband will be leading the kids in art projects and we've found some really cool ones involving needle art! One thing I did struggle with was finding some good stories about pine trees. There are many books out there about Christmas trees, but I really have been looking for ones that just have a fun story about an evergreen in general. I found a couple and will continue looking for some more.
Well, time to get back to it. Thanks for reading, and as always, spread the word about Monarch Kids Preschool. Its a blast!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Parker Fieldhouse
Hey there -
Today the kids and I went to the Parker Fieldhouse for a quick field trip. They have an indoor play area that is especially designed for younger kids. It's a great place because this time of year the weather can keep you indoors. The fieldhouse is fantastic for burning off some energy - plus its free!
Monarch Kids will be closed Thanksgiving and the day after. Have a great holiday and enjoy time with your family and friends!
Take care -
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Today the kids and I went to the Parker Fieldhouse for a quick field trip. They have an indoor play area that is especially designed for younger kids. It's a great place because this time of year the weather can keep you indoors. The fieldhouse is fantastic for burning off some energy - plus its free!
Monarch Kids will be closed Thanksgiving and the day after. Have a great holiday and enjoy time with your family and friends!
Take care -
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Friday, November 19, 2010
Storytime!
Hello there -
The kids and I ventured out to the Parker Library today for storytime. It was packed today, which is a good sign that lots of people love reading and singing with their kids (plus its free!). Today's topic was "Things you Eat" - in preparation for Thanksgiving next week. We read some fun books and sang some fun songs. One fingerplay we did was about the 5 monkeys swinging in a tree teasing the alligator. My kids LOVE this one and just lit up when all the kids and adults started chanting it too! After storytime we walked around the children's literature area and checked out a couple of books for the next couple of weeks.
We had a great time this morning. Hope you all are having a great day - take care!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
The kids and I ventured out to the Parker Library today for storytime. It was packed today, which is a good sign that lots of people love reading and singing with their kids (plus its free!). Today's topic was "Things you Eat" - in preparation for Thanksgiving next week. We read some fun books and sang some fun songs. One fingerplay we did was about the 5 monkeys swinging in a tree teasing the alligator. My kids LOVE this one and just lit up when all the kids and adults started chanting it too! After storytime we walked around the children's literature area and checked out a couple of books for the next couple of weeks.
We had a great time this morning. Hope you all are having a great day - take care!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wildlife!
Hello there -
Today, the kids and I went for a short walk to burn off some energy and get some fresh air. We bundled up and headed out - and boy am I glad! We saw many prairie dogs and a coyote! The coyote was pretty far in the distance but the older kids caught a view of it. They are so well camouflaged but we were able to spot it. The prairie dogs were right outside of their holes barking at us and letting us know that we were not welcome to be right by their home. The kids asked several questions about the prairie dogs, which was a great lead into a discussion about them.
Another fun day at Monarch Kids!
Take care,
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Today, the kids and I went for a short walk to burn off some energy and get some fresh air. We bundled up and headed out - and boy am I glad! We saw many prairie dogs and a coyote! The coyote was pretty far in the distance but the older kids caught a view of it. They are so well camouflaged but we were able to spot it. The prairie dogs were right outside of their holes barking at us and letting us know that we were not welcome to be right by their home. The kids asked several questions about the prairie dogs, which was a great lead into a discussion about them.
Another fun day at Monarch Kids!
Take care,
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
New walker!
Hello there -
Thanks for reading and spreading the word about Monarch Kids Preschool. As always, I'd love to hear from parents about enrolling their child in preschool here - check out my website for all the exciting things that are offered!
Yesterday we went to the park and one of my little guys had a blast walking all around the big field. He's a new walker and you can see on his face that he's so proud of being able to walk! He even walked quite a distance, stopped, turned around and kept going - pretty impressive!
Not much else to share at this point. I hope you're all having a good day and enjoying another beautiful day here in Colorado!
Take care,
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Thanks for reading and spreading the word about Monarch Kids Preschool. As always, I'd love to hear from parents about enrolling their child in preschool here - check out my website for all the exciting things that are offered!
Yesterday we went to the park and one of my little guys had a blast walking all around the big field. He's a new walker and you can see on his face that he's so proud of being able to walk! He even walked quite a distance, stopped, turned around and kept going - pretty impressive!
Not much else to share at this point. I hope you're all having a good day and enjoying another beautiful day here in Colorado!
Take care,
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Monday, November 1, 2010
Random thoughts
Hey there people!
I hope you all had a great weekend. There isn't a ton to report but the kids and I have certainly enjoyed the nice fall weather lately. It could change at any moment so we're taking advantage of it while we can. We're planning on taking a trip to Colorado Springs sometime this week and visiting the Garden of the Gods. Its a beautiful park and its free! We'll go for a nice walk there and then maybe stop for lunch somewhere and head back home.
Please keep spreading the news about Monarch Kids Preschool - I'd love to talk with anyone that is interested in enrolling their child.
Take care and thanks for reading -
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
I hope you all had a great weekend. There isn't a ton to report but the kids and I have certainly enjoyed the nice fall weather lately. It could change at any moment so we're taking advantage of it while we can. We're planning on taking a trip to Colorado Springs sometime this week and visiting the Garden of the Gods. Its a beautiful park and its free! We'll go for a nice walk there and then maybe stop for lunch somewhere and head back home.
Please keep spreading the news about Monarch Kids Preschool - I'd love to talk with anyone that is interested in enrolling their child.
Take care and thanks for reading -
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Friday, October 22, 2010
A Fun Week
Well, we've had a super fun week here at Monarch Kids. We went on a field trip on Wednesday to Anderson Farms in Erie, CO - super fun!!!! It was a gorgeous day and the kids had a blast. We joined up with some other providers and their kids and spent most of the day there. My little girl absolutely loved the dirt in the pumpkin patch - yuck! We also got to go on a wagon ride out to the patch, hay maze, corn maze, barrel rides, feeding buffalo, and we saw a 3-week old goat. Super cute! The kids were absolutely beat by the end of the day but it was worth it.
Yesterday, one of the other kids in my child care had his first birthday! A big day for him for sure. And he's started to say the word "kitty" when he sees our cat. Or if I ask him where the kitty is, he really looks around and tries to find her. He usually looks outside because that's often where she is. I just love this stage of their lives when they're really starting to discover and explore their surroundings. He loves to walk (falls quite a bit but he's getting there!), play with all the tupperware in the kitchen, tackle the pillows... So much fun!
Today after naps we're planning on packing our lunch and having a play date with some other kids at the park. We've got to take advantage of this beautiful weather while we can.
Take care everyone and thanks for reading!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Yesterday, one of the other kids in my child care had his first birthday! A big day for him for sure. And he's started to say the word "kitty" when he sees our cat. Or if I ask him where the kitty is, he really looks around and tries to find her. He usually looks outside because that's often where she is. I just love this stage of their lives when they're really starting to discover and explore their surroundings. He loves to walk (falls quite a bit but he's getting there!), play with all the tupperware in the kitchen, tackle the pillows... So much fun!
Today after naps we're planning on packing our lunch and having a play date with some other kids at the park. We've got to take advantage of this beautiful weather while we can.
Take care everyone and thanks for reading!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Field Trips!
Hey everyone -
Well, we've had an exciting week here at Monarch Kids! Unfortunately, this past Tuesday, we couldn't make our trip to Anderson Farms due to cold, dreary rain. So we're hoping to reschedule that for next week some time. I'm so excited to take the kids there - I know they'll have a blast! So instead, we spent that day doing some fun arts and crafts and spending time with another provider and her kids indoors. One of the crafts was a "Pirate's Cove". The kids simply colored a pirate ship and then we displayed them on a bookshelf in the house and labeled the area "Pirate's Cove" - it was super cute. Then right before lunch we made pumpkins. We simply shredded orange construction paper and glued it onto a pumpkin-shaped cutout. Then we glued on some green leaves and a brown stem. Super easy for the little guys and the kids had fun shredding and gluing!
Yesterday was a free day at the Denver Zoo and boy, was it nuts! It was jammed pack with kids, strollers, buggies, people...literally a zoo at the zoo! I guess everyone jumped at the idea of a free day at such a cool place. It took us forever to find a parking spot and needless to say, we didn't get through too much of the zoo because it was so full. But regardless, it was free and the kids had a blast - and it was an absolutely gorgeous day here in the mile-high city!
Today after morning naps, we packed up our lunches and headed to O'Brien Park in Parker. We ate our lunch, went swinging and then played in the big field next to the basketball court. Another gorgeous day and fun was had by all!
So anyway, we're capitalizing on our good weather, because as you know here in Colorado, there literally could be a blizzard tomorrow. That's just how fast the weather can change.
Hope you all are having a good week - take care and thanks for reading!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Childcare Provider
Well, we've had an exciting week here at Monarch Kids! Unfortunately, this past Tuesday, we couldn't make our trip to Anderson Farms due to cold, dreary rain. So we're hoping to reschedule that for next week some time. I'm so excited to take the kids there - I know they'll have a blast! So instead, we spent that day doing some fun arts and crafts and spending time with another provider and her kids indoors. One of the crafts was a "Pirate's Cove". The kids simply colored a pirate ship and then we displayed them on a bookshelf in the house and labeled the area "Pirate's Cove" - it was super cute. Then right before lunch we made pumpkins. We simply shredded orange construction paper and glued it onto a pumpkin-shaped cutout. Then we glued on some green leaves and a brown stem. Super easy for the little guys and the kids had fun shredding and gluing!
Yesterday was a free day at the Denver Zoo and boy, was it nuts! It was jammed pack with kids, strollers, buggies, people...literally a zoo at the zoo! I guess everyone jumped at the idea of a free day at such a cool place. It took us forever to find a parking spot and needless to say, we didn't get through too much of the zoo because it was so full. But regardless, it was free and the kids had a blast - and it was an absolutely gorgeous day here in the mile-high city!
Today after morning naps, we packed up our lunches and headed to O'Brien Park in Parker. We ate our lunch, went swinging and then played in the big field next to the basketball court. Another gorgeous day and fun was had by all!
So anyway, we're capitalizing on our good weather, because as you know here in Colorado, there literally could be a blizzard tomorrow. That's just how fast the weather can change.
Hope you all are having a good week - take care and thanks for reading!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Childcare Provider
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Swing!
Today, the babies and I went to the park and had a blast! Neither one of them had ever been on a swing before so I strapped them into the baby swings and pushed lightly. They both instantly laughed as soon as they got going - really adorable! Then I took turns touring them around the park riding the mini horse and turtle (teeter totter) and going down the slides (with me holding them of course!). Then we left the park and finished our walk around the neighborhood. They had so much fun.
We have a couple of really fun field trips lined up for next week. The first one will be to Anderson Farms in Erie, CO - I've blogged about them before - its an amazing field trip with so many activities for the kids. Pumpkin patch, corn mazes (one huge one and then a small one for kids to run around in), farm animals, barrel rides, playground equipment... I love this place! The second field trip is to the Denver Zoo - its a free day next Wednesday. I recommend that if you live in the area and the weather is nice, pack up your kids and head to the zoo next week. You can't beat getting in for free!
Thanks for reading - keep spreading the news about the preschool. I'd love to set up appointments with anyone that is interested!
Take care,
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
We have a couple of really fun field trips lined up for next week. The first one will be to Anderson Farms in Erie, CO - I've blogged about them before - its an amazing field trip with so many activities for the kids. Pumpkin patch, corn mazes (one huge one and then a small one for kids to run around in), farm animals, barrel rides, playground equipment... I love this place! The second field trip is to the Denver Zoo - its a free day next Wednesday. I recommend that if you live in the area and the weather is nice, pack up your kids and head to the zoo next week. You can't beat getting in for free!
Thanks for reading - keep spreading the news about the preschool. I'd love to set up appointments with anyone that is interested!
Take care,
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Fun Field Trip!
Hey everyone -
The kids and I went on a great field trip this past Friday - the Children's Museum in Denver. I know that I posted a blurb about this museum a while back and wasn't all that impressed, especially for the price, but this time was different. The last time I went, the kids were an older elementary age and this time I had 2 babies with me. This time, we spent the vast majority of our time in the infant/toddler room and it was amazing! The babies absolutely loved it. When you first walk in there is an entire section just for immobile babies, stock full of plush pillows, colorful mobiles and lots of puppets. Moving on from there is the crawlers sections - this has a tunnel, "hill" (ramp with lots of different floor textures) and laughing tree stumps (they're motion-activated). One of the babies especially loved the tree stumps - it was super cute! Then there are tons of mirrors and large stars that make music when you touch them. There were a couple of other rooms in this area but we mostly stayed in the first 3 parts. All of this to say that it was so much fun!
In the rest of the museum, they also had a traveling bubble exhibit that all of the kids loved. Plus the standard grocery market, construction zone, nature room and train station.
I still don't care for the fact that the museum charges adults but if you have a child under the age of 15 months, it is well worth the $8!
I definitely want to go back - needless to say the babies were worn out!
Thanks for reading - hope you all have had a good weekend!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
The kids and I went on a great field trip this past Friday - the Children's Museum in Denver. I know that I posted a blurb about this museum a while back and wasn't all that impressed, especially for the price, but this time was different. The last time I went, the kids were an older elementary age and this time I had 2 babies with me. This time, we spent the vast majority of our time in the infant/toddler room and it was amazing! The babies absolutely loved it. When you first walk in there is an entire section just for immobile babies, stock full of plush pillows, colorful mobiles and lots of puppets. Moving on from there is the crawlers sections - this has a tunnel, "hill" (ramp with lots of different floor textures) and laughing tree stumps (they're motion-activated). One of the babies especially loved the tree stumps - it was super cute! Then there are tons of mirrors and large stars that make music when you touch them. There were a couple of other rooms in this area but we mostly stayed in the first 3 parts. All of this to say that it was so much fun!
In the rest of the museum, they also had a traveling bubble exhibit that all of the kids loved. Plus the standard grocery market, construction zone, nature room and train station.
I still don't care for the fact that the museum charges adults but if you have a child under the age of 15 months, it is well worth the $8!
I definitely want to go back - needless to say the babies were worn out!
Thanks for reading - hope you all have had a good weekend!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Monday, September 13, 2010
Hello!
Hey everyone -
Keep spreading the word about Monarch Kids Preschool. I'm currently open for business and would love to speak with anyone about enrolling their children. My business email is still not working (kendall@monarchkids.org) so if you need to reach me, please call 303-524-2003.
The kids and are are enjoying a fun day today of toys, beautiful weather, hide-n-seek and yummy food.
Hope you guys are having a good day!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Keep spreading the word about Monarch Kids Preschool. I'm currently open for business and would love to speak with anyone about enrolling their children. My business email is still not working (kendall@monarchkids.org) so if you need to reach me, please call 303-524-2003.
The kids and are are enjoying a fun day today of toys, beautiful weather, hide-n-seek and yummy food.
Hope you guys are having a good day!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Experiencing Technical Difficulties
Hey there -
I sincerely apologize if you've tried to reach me through email - my email address, kendall@monarchkids.org is currently having technical problems. I've contacted I.T. for assistance and am hoping that it will be operational here very soon. In the meantime, you are always welcome to call me at 303-524-2003.
Sorry for any inconvenience that may have caused you - and I just realized this week, that my account may have been like this for quite some time. So sorry!!!
Thanks for reading and have a great afternoon!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
I sincerely apologize if you've tried to reach me through email - my email address, kendall@monarchkids.org is currently having technical problems. I've contacted I.T. for assistance and am hoping that it will be operational here very soon. In the meantime, you are always welcome to call me at 303-524-2003.
Sorry for any inconvenience that may have caused you - and I just realized this week, that my account may have been like this for quite some time. So sorry!!!
Thanks for reading and have a great afternoon!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Museum Day!
Hey everyone -
Yesterday the babies and I joined up with a nanny and her 3 boys and spent the afternoon at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. It was one of their "free days" that they have every once in a while - which is a real treat because its an amazing museum!
We spent most of our time in the Discovery Zone - this has gobs of activities for the kids like music, digging for dinosaur bones, crazy mirrors, puppets, huge blocks, old piano, wind tunnel... The babies especially liked the music area - they had lots of musical instruments for them to play with like tambourines, maracas, cymbals, an African drum and more. One of the babies especially liked the disco ball on the ceiling - she was mesmerized by the lights and how it moved. They also liked the puppets and the large blocks. All in all, it was a fun adventure for them. I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for any upcoming free days so that we can go again!
Hope you all are doing well. Thanks for reading - and remember to spread the word about my new in-home preschool opening up in 2 weeks!
Thanks,
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher :)
Yesterday the babies and I joined up with a nanny and her 3 boys and spent the afternoon at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. It was one of their "free days" that they have every once in a while - which is a real treat because its an amazing museum!
We spent most of our time in the Discovery Zone - this has gobs of activities for the kids like music, digging for dinosaur bones, crazy mirrors, puppets, huge blocks, old piano, wind tunnel... The babies especially liked the music area - they had lots of musical instruments for them to play with like tambourines, maracas, cymbals, an African drum and more. One of the babies especially liked the disco ball on the ceiling - she was mesmerized by the lights and how it moved. They also liked the puppets and the large blocks. All in all, it was a fun adventure for them. I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for any upcoming free days so that we can go again!
Hope you all are doing well. Thanks for reading - and remember to spread the word about my new in-home preschool opening up in 2 weeks!
Thanks,
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher :)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Keep talking!
Hey everyone -
Keep spreading the word about Monarch Kids Preschool. Word-of-mouth is so helpful!
Today I spent some time working on some lesson plans for our "All About Me" week. How fun! I found some great craft ideas, songs, games, puppet shows... I can't wait to do these activities with the kids.
When I was out on a walk today I went through the alphabet thinking of a nature or science-related item for each letter. For example, I'm thinking that around the time of Fall Festivals (or Halloween as some call it), we'll do "Icky Stickies" for the letter "I" (slugs, snails, goo, slime...). Or another routed we could go is "Creepy Crawlies" for the letter "C". I had so much fun thinking of different ideas. There really are so many options. For the letter "F" I'd love to do something for feathers, with birds being the broader topic. So we would focus on finches and flickers - which we have a lot of in our backyard. I have some great bird crafts and activities from all my days working at nature centers that I know the kids will love.
Anyway, I don't know if you can tell, but I'm very excited to start the preschool! The art wall is coming together at the house - and I'm finishing up some of our daily activities like the weather chart.
Thanks for reading - I'll be sure to keep you posted on other news. Have a great day!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Keep spreading the word about Monarch Kids Preschool. Word-of-mouth is so helpful!
Today I spent some time working on some lesson plans for our "All About Me" week. How fun! I found some great craft ideas, songs, games, puppet shows... I can't wait to do these activities with the kids.
When I was out on a walk today I went through the alphabet thinking of a nature or science-related item for each letter. For example, I'm thinking that around the time of Fall Festivals (or Halloween as some call it), we'll do "Icky Stickies" for the letter "I" (slugs, snails, goo, slime...). Or another routed we could go is "Creepy Crawlies" for the letter "C". I had so much fun thinking of different ideas. There really are so many options. For the letter "F" I'd love to do something for feathers, with birds being the broader topic. So we would focus on finches and flickers - which we have a lot of in our backyard. I have some great bird crafts and activities from all my days working at nature centers that I know the kids will love.
Anyway, I don't know if you can tell, but I'm very excited to start the preschool! The art wall is coming together at the house - and I'm finishing up some of our daily activities like the weather chart.
Thanks for reading - I'll be sure to keep you posted on other news. Have a great day!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Spread the word!
Hello everyone -
I'm so excited to announce the opening of Monarch Kids Preschool! Thanks for following the website. My husband worked very hard to remodel it and update it to reflect the changes to the business. Doesn't it look great?! I've been getting out in the community trying to drum up business. If you know anyone that has preschool-aged children in the area, please let them know about Monarch Kids! I'd love to talk with them and see if their child would like to attend.
I've had so much fun lesson planning and finding really engaging and interactive activities for the kids. I have found so many great websites that have helped me with the planning part. Today I'm going to make a weather and season chart for the kids and I to use to track the weather each day. Yesterday I finished making the "back-to-school" bulletin board - its a giant sun with the saying above it: "Our future's so bright, we've got to wear shades!". I'll take a picture of the kids with sunglasses on the first day, print them out, and post them on the big sun.
Anyway, spread the word - I appreciate the help!
Thanks for reading,
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
I'm so excited to announce the opening of Monarch Kids Preschool! Thanks for following the website. My husband worked very hard to remodel it and update it to reflect the changes to the business. Doesn't it look great?! I've been getting out in the community trying to drum up business. If you know anyone that has preschool-aged children in the area, please let them know about Monarch Kids! I'd love to talk with them and see if their child would like to attend.
I've had so much fun lesson planning and finding really engaging and interactive activities for the kids. I have found so many great websites that have helped me with the planning part. Today I'm going to make a weather and season chart for the kids and I to use to track the weather each day. Yesterday I finished making the "back-to-school" bulletin board - its a giant sun with the saying above it: "Our future's so bright, we've got to wear shades!". I'll take a picture of the kids with sunglasses on the first day, print them out, and post them on the big sun.
Anyway, spread the word - I appreciate the help!
Thanks for reading,
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher
Monday, July 26, 2010
A New Season
Hi everyone -
I wanted to let you all know about some exciting changes happening here at Monarch Kids! Starting in September, Monarch Kids will become a preschool for children ages 2 1/2 - 5 years old. I'm so excited about this transition and have been working hard to get everything ready in time! My website is currently being remodeled to reflect these changes. So keep an eye out for that.
There are many things that set my preschool apart:
1. In-home setting which provides more of a close-knit interaction and relationship between the teacher and the child.
2. Full nature program - my background is in nature education so I plan on incorporating nature and science activities with the kids each week. Gardening, nature hikes, insect explorations and much more!
3. Full art program - my husband is an artist with a variety of work experience (primary school art teacher (K-6th grade), art camps, graphic designer, moviemaker...) - he will be leading the kids in an art activity each week - then their art work will be displayed on my art wall for a month before being sent home with the kids (this will certainly make the home a vibrant place!)
4. Mid-morning snack and lunch - Monarch Kids is part of a Kids Nutrition Program so you can bet that kids will be given healthy snacks and meals. Plus, the hassle of feeding your child lunch will be gone - we'll take care of that for you!
5. Longer preschool hours - 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - this means that your child has more interaction, play and learning time - and moms and dads actually have time to get some things done before having to come pick up their child!
Here are the weekly themes planned for the months of September and October:
WELCOME WEEK
ALL ABOUT ME
LEAVES & TREES
APPLES
FALL
PUMPKINS
SPIDERS & BATS
Keep checking the website for all the updates and changes. I'm really looking forward to this new season!
As always, thanks for reading and staying up-to-date with the happenings at Monarch Kids!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher :)
I wanted to let you all know about some exciting changes happening here at Monarch Kids! Starting in September, Monarch Kids will become a preschool for children ages 2 1/2 - 5 years old. I'm so excited about this transition and have been working hard to get everything ready in time! My website is currently being remodeled to reflect these changes. So keep an eye out for that.
There are many things that set my preschool apart:
1. In-home setting which provides more of a close-knit interaction and relationship between the teacher and the child.
2. Full nature program - my background is in nature education so I plan on incorporating nature and science activities with the kids each week. Gardening, nature hikes, insect explorations and much more!
3. Full art program - my husband is an artist with a variety of work experience (primary school art teacher (K-6th grade), art camps, graphic designer, moviemaker...) - he will be leading the kids in an art activity each week - then their art work will be displayed on my art wall for a month before being sent home with the kids (this will certainly make the home a vibrant place!)
4. Mid-morning snack and lunch - Monarch Kids is part of a Kids Nutrition Program so you can bet that kids will be given healthy snacks and meals. Plus, the hassle of feeding your child lunch will be gone - we'll take care of that for you!
5. Longer preschool hours - 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - this means that your child has more interaction, play and learning time - and moms and dads actually have time to get some things done before having to come pick up their child!
Here are the weekly themes planned for the months of September and October:
WELCOME WEEK
ALL ABOUT ME
LEAVES & TREES
APPLES
FALL
PUMPKINS
SPIDERS & BATS
Keep checking the website for all the updates and changes. I'm really looking forward to this new season!
As always, thanks for reading and staying up-to-date with the happenings at Monarch Kids!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Preschool Teacher :)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Exciting Changes
Well, its been an exciting couple of days here at Monarch Kids. The babies are growing up for sure! It's amazing how fast they change! New teeth, new foods, rolling over, grabbing feet, laughing... So much to keep up with, but man is it fun!
Next week a couple of my older kids will be here since they're off for summer vacation. We'll start off their break with a bang by playing miniature golf and going to the Littleton Historical Museum. I think I've blogged about this place before - it is an outdoor living history museum with animals, blacksmiths, old one-room school houses, barns, and much more. And its free! Its a beautiful place to take the kids for a walk and see some amazing things from our history. So we're looking forward to that for sure.
I've wanted to get outside more and go for walks and to the park, but it has been so incredibly windy lately! So hopefully it will let up here soon. And this weekend I'll be going to the store to purchase some flowers, plants and herbs for the kids and I to plant next week. What fun!
Thanks for reading - I'll write more later on this week!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Childcare Provider
Next week a couple of my older kids will be here since they're off for summer vacation. We'll start off their break with a bang by playing miniature golf and going to the Littleton Historical Museum. I think I've blogged about this place before - it is an outdoor living history museum with animals, blacksmiths, old one-room school houses, barns, and much more. And its free! Its a beautiful place to take the kids for a walk and see some amazing things from our history. So we're looking forward to that for sure.
I've wanted to get outside more and go for walks and to the park, but it has been so incredibly windy lately! So hopefully it will let up here soon. And this weekend I'll be going to the store to purchase some flowers, plants and herbs for the kids and I to plant next week. What fun!
Thanks for reading - I'll write more later on this week!
Kendall Stark
Monarch Kids Childcare Provider
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Prepping for a Garden
Hello there friends!
Today I worked in the backyard and started preparing a spot for a garden. I love gardening so much and its also such a great activity to do with kids. I found this article that talked about different ideas for planting a garden with kids. It mentioned a "pizza garden", where you plant tomatoes, peppers, onions, basil...basically anything you would want to put on a pizza. Another idea they had was to plant a "rainbow garden". This would obviously have many different colored flowers and you could arrange them as a rainbow. How fun! I think we'll start with the pizza garden idea so that we can not only have fun planting the food, but also enjoy eating it! The area I'm using is a small plot of land which is great - I certainly don't want to bite off more than I can chew!
Well, thanks for reading. I'll keep you posted on the garden and other fun happenings at Monarch Kids!
Kendall
Monarch Kids Childcare Provider
Today I worked in the backyard and started preparing a spot for a garden. I love gardening so much and its also such a great activity to do with kids. I found this article that talked about different ideas for planting a garden with kids. It mentioned a "pizza garden", where you plant tomatoes, peppers, onions, basil...basically anything you would want to put on a pizza. Another idea they had was to plant a "rainbow garden". This would obviously have many different colored flowers and you could arrange them as a rainbow. How fun! I think we'll start with the pizza garden idea so that we can not only have fun planting the food, but also enjoy eating it! The area I'm using is a small plot of land which is great - I certainly don't want to bite off more than I can chew!
Well, thanks for reading. I'll keep you posted on the garden and other fun happenings at Monarch Kids!
Kendall
Monarch Kids Childcare Provider
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Long Time, No Write
Hello everyone -
It has been way too long since I've written in this blog - I'm so sorry about that!
One big reason why I haven't blogged is that my husband and I had a baby girl at the beginning of the year! We love being parents - it has blessed our lives tremendously. So I took some time off to spend with her before starting the child care back up again.
For a couple of months now, we've been back in full swing. I have another infant that comes everyday - he's 2 months older than my daughter. It's been a blast seeing them interact each day. For a while she didn't notice him at all, but now she really is starting to. Sometimes I'll lay them both down on a blanket and they just stare at each other and talk to each other. He's starting to roll over so he usually tries to roll to her and touch her. I'm teaching him about being gentle:)
What else can I share? I'm so thankful its getting warmer outside. Now we can start to go to parks and long walks in the afternoon. I also bought new outdoor play equipment for the older kiddos and they've been having fun with that stuff. I have a ring toss game that we like to play frequently. One of my older girls is becoming quite the accomplished hula-hooper! She can even go from around her head to around her waist to around her knees. Wow!
Well, thanks for reading and I'll be sure to blog more frequently now. I hope you all have a great Tuesday!
Kendall
Monarch Kids Childcare Provider
It has been way too long since I've written in this blog - I'm so sorry about that!
One big reason why I haven't blogged is that my husband and I had a baby girl at the beginning of the year! We love being parents - it has blessed our lives tremendously. So I took some time off to spend with her before starting the child care back up again.
For a couple of months now, we've been back in full swing. I have another infant that comes everyday - he's 2 months older than my daughter. It's been a blast seeing them interact each day. For a while she didn't notice him at all, but now she really is starting to. Sometimes I'll lay them both down on a blanket and they just stare at each other and talk to each other. He's starting to roll over so he usually tries to roll to her and touch her. I'm teaching him about being gentle:)
What else can I share? I'm so thankful its getting warmer outside. Now we can start to go to parks and long walks in the afternoon. I also bought new outdoor play equipment for the older kiddos and they've been having fun with that stuff. I have a ring toss game that we like to play frequently. One of my older girls is becoming quite the accomplished hula-hooper! She can even go from around her head to around her waist to around her knees. Wow!
Well, thanks for reading and I'll be sure to blog more frequently now. I hope you all have a great Tuesday!
Kendall
Monarch Kids Childcare Provider
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