Let me send a HUGE shout out to Anthony Gutierrez, father of Griffin, who filmed and edited a video for our website. He worked with three of our teachers to create a wonderful window into FUMP’s teaching philosophy. Check it out on our website: https://www.fumpaustin.org/about-us/ And thanks to Ms. Katrina, Ms. Erin and Ms. Stacy for their time on this project as well.
What fun was had with Ms. Ellen, who hosted a baking activity on Friday. This week, all of our classes will enjoy Music with Ms. Amanda on Wednesday, along with a visit from the Austin Nature and Science Center on Friday
Happy Birthday to Ms. Marla on November 14.
Street Closures Alert: Some streets may be closed on Monday for the Veteran’s Day parade, and also on Friday, as there is a television show being filmed on Colorado Street. Thanks for your understanding!
FUMP 40th Anniversary Celebration. This Sunday, FUMP will celebrate it’s 40th anniversary with a come-and-go event from 1-3pm. We invite you for cake and punch to celebrate this milestone for our school.
Reminder: FUMP will be closed from November 25-29 for Thanksgiving. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday.
Will you be shopping on Amazon over the holiday? Use our Amazon School Rewards link to start your shopping session, and FUMP will receive 3-8% back on your purchase. We know that the app is quite handy, but the extra step will help FUMP almost effortlessly!
https://www.amazon.com/?tag=firsunitmethp-20
Teacher Column: Ms. Adrian. The Value of Sensory Play.
Sensory play is an integral part of development. This is especially highlighted in the infant and toddler ages where that is their main way of gathering information from the world around them. It is no wonder that almost every object they find goes straight into their mouths! Providing them opportunities to explore through their senses is important. Sensory play, no matter where it occurs, not only lets children learn about their environment, it is also fun for them!
For example, playing with something as basic as mud. Our first reaction may not be so enthusiastic, it is definitely a messy experience. But when we look deeper at the idea, the benefits are astounding! It not only increases the awareness of their senses, it also help them connect with nature. Going through the process of even making our own mud shows the cause and effect, the before and after, seeing the change and giving them a deeper understanding. Bringing toys and tools into the fray to add to their experience with mud creates an opportunity to practice fine and gross motor skills.
Playing with mud encourages creativity. What can they do with the mud? Where can they take it? How can they carry it from Point A to B? This also promotes social activity with their peers, and is a wonderful way to expose them to more language. By talking about the texture of the mud, or helping facilitate an interaction between children, we are expanding their vocabulary through a fun medium. This also provides moments to heighten their problem solving skills. How can they work together to accomplish something during their mud play? Perhaps a bucket of mud is too heavy for one child to carry, so having another child join in and help is one of the many solutions to that problem.
So much happens when we delve into something as simple as mud and that is just one sensory activity! Providing these opportunities, whether it is in the classroom or not, is a rich experience that should be explored.