By Elizabeth Janvrin

Director, EAVP

September began with a close look at the story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. We experimented with a coconut shell and water to see if the shell would sink or float. Some of us added other materials from the classroom to the shells to see what would happen with those as well.

Another activity that allowed us to refine our pincer grip was to make ABC Kabobs with apples, bananas, and cantaloupe. Letters were all around as we wrote them on sand trays, cut them from paper, and used magnet letters.

We practiced rolling a die, counting the dots and identifying the numbers as we raced up our own coconut trees. We used masks to transform our faces into a variety of emotions; our favorites were happy and sad. Some of our conversations revolved around what is special about us, from the color of our hair and eyes to a particular skill that we each have.

In September, we welcomed some new teachers to our program. Ms. Lois Magenau will be joining us most afternoons. She lives in Andover and is part of some community organizations. Lois has taught in elementary school in the past and is looking forward to beginning a new adventure with preschoolers.

For the next few months, we are welcoming some students from Colby Sawyer College: Ms. Molly Paone, Ms. Casey Shanahan, and Ms. Rainah Goguen. They will be observing and assisting in the classroom as they continue their education in becoming teachers. We are very excited to welcome all four of them into our program at EAVP!

In the middle of September, some of our friends took a trip to Petco in Concord. While there, we explored the variety of pets such as guinea pigs, turtles, snakes, ferrets, and fish. We chose some fish to bring back to our classroom, along with features to add to the tank such as rocks, marbles, and a tunnel area. We are thinking up and voting on names for our new fish.

Trips will continue this month to the East Andover Fire Department during Fire Safety Week and Highland Lake Apple Farm for some apple picking!

 Come join us at Jake’s Market in Andover for our second annual Pumpkin and Bake Sale on Saturday, October 6, from 8 AM to 4 PM and Sunday, October 7, from 9 AM to 1 PM. We look forward to seeing you all there!