Melody Lane Preschool

2/05/2013

Jello Playdough

Here is a preschool favorite recipe from our arts specialist! This is a great recipe because it is quick and easy! It also works better for kids because it has less salt and doesn't leave hands crusty like most homemade playdoughs! Plus, it smells great! Enjoy!

1 cup white flour
1 cup warm water
1 3 oz package of Jello (any flavor)
2 tbs oil
2 tbs salt
2 tbs cream of tartar or lemon juice

Mix all ingredients and cook over low heat for 5 min or until dough forms into a ball. Let cool an knead in more flour if necessary. You may also add more food coloring if you want. Store in an air tight container

Backpacks protect our treasures!

Please help your child remember to bring a backpack to protect and transport the many things we work on daily.

1/28/2013

MEET OLIVIA BLAIR, our new Arts Specialist!

Olivia Ballam Blair has recently joined our Melody Lane Preschool family as Arts Specialist. She received her Elementary Education degree, with a Music Emphasis, from Utah State University in December 2012. She studied extensively the power of music and the influence it can have on young minds, and is passionate about nurturing creativity in young children.

Olivia also has extensive teaching experience, with children from preschool age through college. She has been a faculty member at Melody Lane and has also run Melody Lane Kids creative summer camps for children ages 3-10. She is currently a drama teacher at the Utah Festival Conservatory.

We are also thrilled that she will be joining us as a full time afternoon preschool teacher March 1 in place of Ashley Anderson, who will be having a baby!

Olivia has a broad background in theatre and music, performing since the age of 3. You may have seen her onstage with Pickleville Playhouse, Unicorn Theatre, and Utah Festival Opera Company, where this summer she will play in her 31st UFOC production, this time as Hodel in "Fiddler on the Roof".

More than dramatic play...

This week the children will have many opportunities to engage in dramatic play designed to strengthen various skills that will help them throughout their life. Each child will be given an opportunity to portray characters in different fairy tales,an excellent and 'safe' way to express emotions, gain confidence, find courage to speak in front of peers or a group, and develop important memory and pre-reading skills!