“Hands on” learning

The students in Mrs. Sadler’s class at Anderson have been practicing writing their names and identifying shapes, but instead of using paper and pencil they used shaving cream. The students spelled their names and drew shapes in the shaving cream. This activity covered many areas. It provided tactual stimulation for students with these issues, fine control using their hands and fingers, and this activity also stimulated their sense of smell.

Mrs. Sadler asked if the shaving cream reminded them of any one they knew, Daddy and Grandpa were some of their responses. She shared they were also being good helpers because they were cleaning their tables for us. The activity was a lot of fun for the students.
 

Playing doctor provides learning

One morning the students in Mrs. Krista Parker’s Pre-K class at Anderson came in and found the housekeeping center transformed into a doctor's office!

This six weeks students are taking care of one another and their special patients, Mia and Sam. Along with doctor dress-up and listening to heartbeats, students are also recognizing names, measuring, and recording weights, heights, and temperatures while filling out patient charts and prescriptions.

They are glad to report that even though they have treated sore throats, tummy aches, and ear infections, no one has cried while getting a shot.
 

Walking Works for Tennessee

Jessie Carlton’s students are taking advantage of the new walking track at Anderson while learning about being healthy

Anderson Early Childhood Center students and faculty are learning that “walking works,” as they are participating in the program that was developed for schools.

BlueCross WalkingWorks for Schools was created to teach children the benefits of proper exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle and to curb the growing trend of childhood obesity. Participants are asked to walk at least five minutes each school day for a period of 12 weeks each semester. If you walk 10 minutes per day than you qualify for the “Extra Mile School” Honor Roll and receive a banner to display at your school. The school’s name is also added to the “Honor Roll” on their website located at www.walkingworksforschoolstn.com

Each child will receive a “WalkingWorks” wristband to wear during the program. Certificates are available to download for each child who completes the program.

New guitars enhance music room at Anderson

Boys and girls at Anderson have something new to play in Music Class this year! Miss Ginger Cunningham has added a guitar center to her music activities. Students can choose from two acoustic or five electronic guitars, just the right size for the kindergarten and preschool children. They first learn the proper way to put on the strap and play the guitar, and then they “rock out” at center time.

The children are also learning character skills, such as sharing and being considerate. While they wait their turn for a guitar, they can choose from many other fun and exciting centers in the music room, such as the Singing Stage, Lullaby Lane, Drumming Drive, Instrument Interstate, Science Street, and Piano Parkway, just to name a few. Students love creating their own music and sharing it with their friends.

Even Center Time Rules can be fun – boys and girls enjoy rapping to the beat as they say the rules before Center Time activities begin. Ms. Ginger stays busy teaching them how to properly use and take care of all the instruments as they play. She also enjoys listening to their musical improvisations!
 

Anderson students begin school

Anderson Early Childhood Center is open for business this year with about 452 students under the direction of Principal Mary Colling. There are 10 preschool classrooms and 14 kindergarten classrooms. Anderson’s open house will be held on August 28. These little students are enjoying the school’s new playground equipment this year.