We are a mixed age group of 3-5 year olds. We have a daily schedule in our classroom, which includes projects (art, math, science, cooking, Weekly Reader), circle time, small and large group, free choice and outside time. Our teachers plan and implement projects to provide us with information, expand our knowledge, challenge our developmental skills and to learn and play together. We follow the creative curriculum based on DAP Practices. Our teachers incorporate the Madison Metropolitan School District Early Learning Initiative Early Learning Standards into our curriculum as well. Our parents are expected to call and let our teachers know if we will be absent for any reason. Our parents also provide a crib sheet and blanket (for our cots) and at least two sets of extra clothes, as well as all weather-appropriate outdoor gear, including hats, gloves, snow pants and boots for winter. Please feel free to call 277-9990 to schedule a tour of our classroom.

Schedule for the Panda Bear Room

7:00-8:00 Arrival time: Children have free choice as they greet their friends
8:00-8:30 Small Circle Time with Cat Room where we read books sing songs and greet each other
8:30-9:00 Breakfast Time
9:00-9:45 Work Time: Children are free to engage in all the areas of the room where children experience imitation, pretending, artwork and written language as well as form positive social and emotional skills
9:45-10:15 Clean-Up Time
10:15-10:45 Small Group: This is where we have an activity such as art, science or cooking as well as other appropriate plans that allows children to succeed at common goals.
10:45-11:15 Circle Time: We read books, sing songs, learn days of the week, months, numbers, sequence and social respect for others.
11:15-11:45 Outside or Large Motor Room Time
11:45-12:15 Lunch
12:15-3:00 Bathroom, quiet activities and nap time.
3:00-3:30 Wake Up, Bathroom, quiet activities
3:30-4:00 Snack Time
4:00-6:00 Outside or free choice until children are picked up.

Weekly Schedule

Mondays: Cooking Activity
Tuesdays: Games: 2nd and 4th Tuesday Learning Literacy Library
Wednesday: Weekly Reader
Thursday: Math or Science Activities
Friday: Spanish and Art

Biography's:

Name: Tina

1. Born/Raised: Middleton / Madison area

2. Family: Husband-Corey, Sons-Logan and Dylan, Daughter-Taylor

3. Hobbies: I enjoy shopping, taking long drives and spending time with my family.

4. Education: I have attended several MATC Early Childhood Education classes.

5. Experience: I worked at Animal Crackers with infants through 11 year olds as well as with school-agers at Afterschool Inc.

6. Years in the field: 8 years

7. Years at Animal Crackers: 3 years first time I was employed here. I was hired back on 5-3-04.

8. Why did you choose to teach in early childhood education? ? It is such a rewarding profession to know that you make a difference every day.

9. What do you appreciate about the age group you are working with?
I enjoy working with preschoolers because I love being able to experience the excitement of learning so much like writing their name, recognizing their letters and trying their shoes.

10. What is your favorite childhood memory? We went on a fun family vacation to California.

11. What is your favorite children’s book and why? “Cloudy with a chance of meatballs”, It is so fun to use your imagination about all the weather.

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Name:Melissa

1. Born/Raised: Madison, WI

2. Family: Mom- Tami, Stepdad- Nick, Dad-Steve, Sister-Ashley

3. Hobbies: I enjoy listening to music, spending time with friends and family, snowboarding and reading.

4. Education: I have three years of college completed at Edgewood for my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

5. Experience: I have several practicum hours in schools in Madison.

6. Years in the field: Two years in education classes and practicum experience.

7. Years at Animal Crackers: I was hired on 1-26-06

8. Why did you choose to teach in early childhood education? I love being around young children. They are very interesting, clever and fun. I also have a very high level of patience, which can be helpful when working with groups of children.

9. What do you appreciate about the age group you are working with? I am working with one year olds, and I enjoy how different every child is, and how they can make me laugh. I am also interested in how much they grow and change so quickly.

10. What is your favorite childhood memory? I enjoyed spending Saturdays with my grandma doing crafts and playing in the backyard among many other things.

11. What is your favorite children’s book and why? “The Giving Tree”, because I felt so horrible for the tree but was content by the end…t’s a great message.

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