Each winter, the FunShine team gathers to plan the new curriculum year. At that time, we discuss customer feedback, our themes, purchasing art materials and books, and of course, any curriculum redesigns. We are regularly immersed in planning, writing, designing, and editing. When we’re busy, it’s hard to find time to discuss what we love about our work. In addition to the many new features you’ll see in our curricula this year, we wanted to share a few of our favorite components with you. Read below to learn more about why we love what we do and what makes our work exciting!
crafts
Teacher-Directed vs. Child-Directed Art
by Katie Brazerol
Teacher-directed vs. child-directed art has long been a hot topic in early childhood. Teachers and providers usually understand the importance of keeping art projects age-appropriate and child-focused, but many parents pressure them to offer crafts that are cute, theme-related, and showcase-worthy. Some teachers avoid all mass-produced crafts while others struggle with freestyle art because some children do not stay engaged long without specific instruction.
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Halloween Guide
Tips for celebrating Halloween, plus alternate ideas for Fall celebrations!
by Judy Mullican
Believe it or not, it’s time for Halloween again! Some programs include Halloween and others don’t. How do you decide?
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A Creativity Excursion
by Kelley Jilek
Arts and crafts help children experience and master a wide range of skills such as small motor control, eye-hand coordination, and concepts about color, size, shape, form, and texture. Art projects also help with language skills, sensory perception, independence, confidence, social skills, problem solving, and self-expression.
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Father’s Day Fun
by Judy Mullican
Happy Father’s Day! Let’s give a cheer for all the fantastic fathers who make a difference in children’s lives! Research has shown time after time that children benefit from having loving fathers who are involved in their lives.
Here are some different ways to celebrate Father’s Day or honor fathers at any time.
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Mother’s Day
by Judy Mullican
Happy Mother’s Day! If you are a mother, this may be a time you reflect on what it means to be a mother. Every mother is different! Some mothers love to cook gourmet meals for their children, and others prefer to pick up take-out on the way home from work so they will have more time for togetherness. Some mothers love to sing and play instruments, and others are more likely to turn on the radio and dance with their children. Some mothers enjoy gardening, and others prefer their produce from the store. There are as many different styles of mothering as there are mothers. As mothers, it’s important for us to respect and support each other, even if we have different styles. The important thing is that we all love our children dearly.
