We Are America

 This week here at AOHV we have been getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July. We started the week off with our favorite Kona Ice. The kids were so excited to see the "ice cream' truck. Then we had special red, white, and blue snacks on Tuesday. Wednesday we made special flags for July 4th and had a parade on Thursday. Then we ended our week with our famous water day. 

Fun Facts about July 4th(courtesy of the Library of Congress)

1. The observation of the Fourth -the first fourth of July celebration was in Philadelphia in 1777th of July  was only commonplace after the war of 1812

2. The Fourth of July was declared a federal holiday on June 28,1870

All About the Arts!

 Last week was All About the Arts. The teachers and children had so much fun creating a unique piece of art for our art show. They explored arts in many different ways throughout the week. Monday they drew what they heard while listening to music, Tuesday they listen to different types of music, Wednesday  Sound and Rhythm visited our school, and to finish the week off  everyone finished their canvas for the art show. 

Art has so may benefits for children that go beyond just coloring and painting.  We should all look at life with the eyes of a child.

Some of the benefits of processed art are:

Improve fine motor skills

Develop creativity

Engage in play

Practice Literacy skills

Develop decision making skills

Improve confidence

                                                                                             Infant 1

                                                                                         Infant 2

                                                                                          Infant 3

                                                                                        Toddler 1

                                                                                      Toddler 2

                                                                                              Toddler 3

                                                                                          Preschool 1

                                                                                     Preschool 2

                                                                                         Preschool4

                                                                                            PreK1

                                                                                            PreK2

Donuts 🍩 🍩 🍩 With Dads

We had a blast celebrating our dads and dad firgues here at AOHV  this past Friday. We would like to wish all our dads and dad firgues a Happy Father's Day!

Soaking Up the Sun!!

 Here at the Academy of Harpeth Village we love water day. The children get so excited for this special day every week.  Water teaches children some valuable skills. 

1.Motor Skills-it gives children an opportunity to develop fine and gross motor skills across all age groups. Some examples are: pouring, scrubbing, squirting, stirring, and squeezing  

2.Problem-Solving Skills- The exploration of new substances and objects gives children the opportunity to make new discoveries. Observing is another important part of problem-solving such as sink or float.

3.Language Development- Water play has endless opportunities for language development because they use their imaginations and it starts conversations. It is a great teachable moment for open-end conversations'. Using intentional questions helps children to extend their thinking.

4.Social-Emotional-Growth-This skill can help invigorate and calm young children. It's great to help children unwind (relax) and sensory benefits. 

5.Science and Mathematics-Children can measure, compare, observe count more or less, observe motions and notice changes.