Little Sponges Childcare
Cape Horn/Mundy Area V3K 1K7 Coquitlam, BC, Canada

A New Year, a New You ;) May the year ahead be everyone's best yet! :) Here's to 2016!

The Duck Pond: All it took was an old hole (they had dug awhile back when they wanted to dig to Science World), a wheelbarrow of water and some dollar store ducks. One of our older children poured the water into the hole and very quickly the idea of a pond was ignited. The children all worked together as they fed the ducks. This sparked lots of discussion to why ducks cannot eat bread. As well as many other discussions involving families, and duck characteristics. After the ducks were well fed the children saw the challenge to jump over the pond. They took turns jumping and facing the challenge. Lots of teamwork and communication transpired from this simple 2" pond. It's amazing what children can do when only given the time to do it.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our wonderful families and children. This holiday is a great reminder for all we should be thankful for. Enjoy your family time this long weekend.

We have been talking a lot about Terry Fox these past weeks. Today the children worked on drawings of Terry Fox, "he's happy cause he's not sick anymore," "he running past Canada." They loved laminating their Terry Fox signs that we will use on Thursday to cheer on the students at the nearby Elementary School during their run. The children have decided to complete our own Terry Fox run in our backyard. Many of them have been practicing today, "as it will be hard work." Some of the children had never used a laminator before today and were simply amazed. Another boy immediately after pretended he was being laminated as he dragged himself under our wagon. I love how the children inspire and teach me to see things in new ways.

Love how these four children explored their own creativity while using the materials to create a rocket ship. There was no "right" way to use the materials and the children were free to create, rather then be told what it should look like and all have "matching" artwork.

How cool that our neighbours down the block are rebuilding their house. The kids are loving watching this process. I love embracing what's happening in our neighbourhood to inspire the children's direction with their curriculum.

You know it's been a good day at daycare when you get to build a giant slingshot!

I shared my experience eating at the Dark Table with the children. This prompted a blindfolded circle time that lead to blindfolded snack and outdoor time. The children were amazed how difficult it was to not have their sight. There was dropped food, spilled water, and children walking into walls, but all with huge amounts of discovery and learning. Some children gave up and others faced the challenge even trying to find their shoes blindfolded. "It must be really hard for blind people to get used to this." A 7 year old boy explained. "We are very lucky that we have sight." My hopes were successful by bringing awareness to the children. :)

We currently have a few 1/2 day spaces available for September, $30.00 per day includes a healthy snack. Hours: 9:00am - 2:00pm. We offer a child-centered Reggio inspired preschool type program. Accepting children 3+ years. Contact us for more information at [email protected]

One of the most important things to teach a child: Manners http://www.howdoesshe.com/manners-matter-10-manners-every-/

The choice is ours...let your children follow the trends or you can fight to save their childhood. If you don't show them that life is more then video games and iPods then who will? It's up to you to protect their childhood, the childhood you remember and cherished as a child. http://mashable.com/2015/07/11/nature-valley-technology/

"She's like a superhero, a stick bug superhero, she's not even scared." One girl whispers to another. ;)

The Blackberry Feast! Together we picked, washed and ate a whole lot of berries. The whole process was a wonderful collaborative effort. Lots of learning took place along the way, even one boy made a connection to those in need. "If I had no home, or food, I'd just come here everyday and get these free berries so I wouldn't be hungry anymore." Who knew so much could evolve from an afternoon of berry picking ;)

On a hot day there is nothing better then a sprinkler, a great friend and an umbrella. ;)

There is something about paint between your toes that every child and even adult should experience. It truly takes painting to a whole new level. ;)

http://www.boredpanda.com/happy-children-playing/

The children were excited to raise $5.05 from their first Lemonaid Sale! They shared their ideas of what to use the money for. In the end, they decided to start an Ice Cream Truck Fund, so when they hear an Ice Cream Truck they can all get an Ice cream. ;) Today they were eager to get out there again. So much learning from a simple Lemonaid stand! Math skills (counting the money), Social skills (greeting customers), Literacy (making the signage), Patience (it takes a long time to get customers!!) and most importantly Teamwork (as they all took on different roles to work together to make the stand a success!)

This is our Family Masterpiece that was created tonight at our Family BBQ. The children will get to decide where we hang it up next week. It was wonderful to see all the families and the children building connections and relationship while making great memories!

The children are getting ready for their upcoming Family BBQ! They have shared lots of ideas, and requests for their BBQ. Today they worked on a banner for as they wanted the BBQ decorated :) We all were covered in paint by the end of day. ;)

How amazing it was to release our butterflies. The children said their goodbyes and even named a few. It has been incredible as the butterflies continue to fly back into our yard. The children believe it is because "this was their home and they miss us." <3

Summertime is one of our favourite times! We spend most our our days outside playing in the sprinkler, or the children's favourite our mud pit. The children's newest idea...turning one of our big tires into a swimming pool. They have had great discussions, ideas, and plans to use plastic bags to cover the center and then tape and bags to surround the base, their attempt didn't succeed but I'm excited to see what they will want to try next :)

Our very first classroom butterfly!! The children have been waiting in anticipation for our cocoons to change into butterflies, so you can imagine how excited they were! I cant wait to release the butterflies with the children and watch them fly up into the sky. <3

The best way to learn is to fully immerse oneself, allowing all your senses and entire body to truly explore.

Get outside and make some childhood memories ;)

The children were very excited to see that the cherries are turning red! At lunch we picked and shared one cherry and those that wanted had a taste... of our very first cherry! <3

The children have been documenting the growth and development of our caterpillars. It is truly amazing the change in size and appearance over the last week. Today these children noticed they were now hanging from the top of container and have started to form a cocoon. So much learning and excitement from these special guests in our classroom!

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/7462336

Children are not meant to be kept inside. Instead let them fulfil their natural desire to be outdoors and explore the world.

http://happinessishereblog.com//stop-trying-to-make-every/

This is so fitting for today. Had a realization that although we usually spend at least 2 hours outside a day, we need more uninterrupted outdoor time. So have made the decision to spend 1/2 our day outside and 1/2 our days inside. So very excited to add to our outdoor classroom and see how the children respond. :)

Love this so much! A must read. <3 http://families.naeyc.org//child-development/five-essentia

I wonder what our children wish? Next week I'm going to find out. <3 http://abcnews.go.com//colorado-teacher-shares-hear/story