Physical Science:
Include science materials such as magnets, magnifying glasses, balance sclaes, pulleys, and mirrors to encourage exploration.

Use open-ended questions to further investigations, I wonder, I see, etc.

Describe physcial changes you see taking place when you do an experiment.

Include old small appliances or broke toys.

Life Science
Add living things such as plants and pets to the classroom.

Plant seeds with children.

Observe and discuss life cycles of animals

Help children learn about health and their bodies every day.

Earth and the Environment:
Talk about the seasons

Discuss the weather

Make the entrance and environment attractive, neat, and inviting.
Provide a space for mail/message boxes for each family.
Incorporate artifacts taht represent your families cultures into your displays.
Provide places for family memebers to hang their coats and store belongings.
Keep a bulletin board with up to date information on upcoming events.
Place a suggestion box in a prominent place.
Mount an attractive display of photographs of the children in your class and their families.
Have small and large furniture in the classroom.
Have a sign in sheet for families to sign their children in each day.
Display all types of books.
Offer resources that parents can read and check out.
Post signs in the classroom showing what children are learning in each area.

I was a member of Facebook for many years.  I decided to quit using facebook in August 2012.  I wasn't a part of any social media for many months.  Recently I've decided to start a Twitter.  I have talked to some colleagues about twitter and people say it isn't a "professional" way to communicate.  I beg to differ.  I think it can be professional if you keep it on a professional basis only.  I have started a "professional twitter" where I follow ONLY earlychildhood and education topics and or organizations.  I believe a twitter could really reach out to parents, as this is another form of communication.  On my twitter lately, I have posted recipes for sensory ideas and asked teachers questions.  I am hoping to have parents and teachers follow me, so that I can provide ideas for them.  Take a look at my "professional twitter" and see what you think.  How do you think your school would feel about this, if you were to share your "professional twitter" account with families?  You could provide resources for them, that they can have in an instant.

Follow me @tishashipley
It will say Child Development

2 cups flour
2 cups water
1 cup table salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or baby oil)
and food coloring or scents such as oil of pepermint or vanilla if desired.
Mix all ingredients and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly till mixture forms into large ball. Remove from pot, let stand till cool enough to handle, and then knead for several minutes.
If you know me at all, I believe cooking, and, making things with your child/student's is very important.  Why buy play dough, if you can make it and the children can play with something they have made themselves?

Play is such an important part of a child's growth and development.  It is very important that as an early childhood professional you totally undestand Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Play is a child's work.  In your classroom you need to have learning areas, stations, centers etc set up for children to "practice".  You are teaching children all day long.  Give them time to practice on their own through differentiating!  My most recent article on play is on the homepage of this website!  Take a look!

If you aren't on spring break now, you either have been, or will be soon.  What are your plans?  What do you think your students will be doing?  Don't forget that not all children will go to the beach or to Disney World!  What can you think of for your students to do while they are off for an entire week?  Think about making each child a bag to take home.  You could name it Spring Break--fun time!  You can put books, puzzles, paint, playdough, stencils, or just whatever you think they would like.  Think about different things you have been working on!  :)  Give the parents community resources they can