Community Helpers Day 4

Firemen

Self Selected Activities (AM 9:00-9:45..PM 12:30-1:15)

*Cut and Color Table: FLAMES - Flames will be cut out of red, orange, and yellow paper. The children can glue them onto larger pieces of paper, overlap them, cut them into smaller flames, all while the teacher guides discussions about fires, safety, and how firefighters help us..

*Messy Table: BURNING BUILDINGS - There will be plastic play houses set up in the messy table today like a small town. People, cars, and fire engines will be added also. Three or four spray bottles will be at the table for the children to pretend like the town has caught on fire. The teacher will help guide this activity as I discuss equipment fire fighters wear, what number to call when there is an emergency, etc. The children will have a blast squirting the fires out with their spray bottles!

*Creative Art: BRUSH FIRES - The children will use their "brushes" to paint flames all over their papers using red, orange, and yellow paint. The teacher can show them how to use long strokes and short strokes, and how to use their brushes to "splat" fire onto their papers and swirl the fire around and around!

*Dramatic Play: DOCTORS OFFICE - the dramatic play area will be set up as a doctors office today with a sick bed, bandage wraps, bandaids, stethescope, rubber gloves, lab coats, masks, doctor tools, etc.

Snack (small groups come at different times to eat during Self-Selected Activities. Unless we are making our snack, then we will eat it during large group.)

* Snack: QUACKER OATMEAL COOKIES - We'll be making our snack during large group today as we talk about the letter "Qq" and the words that begin with that sound. Take a look at the recipe page for this yummy recipe!!

Large Group (AM 9:50-10:15...PM 1:20-1:45)

* Large Group: We'll start with the song can to get the kids all gathered round and interacting. We'll read the book, "I Want to be a Firefighter" as we discuss the importance of firefighters, how they help us, and all the things they do. We'll practice our letter Qq and go into making "Quaker Oatmeal Cookies". The children will enjoy measuring, stirring, smelling, and in the end, eating these delicious cookies!!

*Transition: Each child will tell me the number they dial in case of an emergency or fire (911), then will be excused to get ready to go outside!!

Outside Play (AM 10:15-10:25...PM 1:45-1:55)

Small Group (AM 10:30-11:00...PM 2:00-2:30)

* Small Group: Parent volunteers will be set up to come today to share their occupation and what they do. If we still have time we will read the story "Fire Safety" and discuss how to be safe in a fire. The teacher will explain how and why we do "STOP, DROP AND ROLL" and each child will get to practice it. We will practice, "STAY LOW AND GO" and we'll have our own little fire drill as a class. We will discuss the importance of having fire drills at home and other very important aspects of fire safety!

Community Helpers Day 3

Doctors

Self Selected Activities (AM 9:00-9:45..PM 12:30-1:15)

* Cut and Color Table: CARDIOLOGIST - Red hearts cut in half will be placed at the table today. The children will be able to mend the broken hearts by punching holes (teacher can assist), then sew them back together with yarn.

* Messy Table: SURGERY TABLE - Gak will be made out of elmers glue and liquid starch. Blunt needles and thread will be provided and the children can pretend like they are doctors who need to sew up a patient. Doctors masks and coats and rubber gloves will be added for effect.

* Creative Art: MEDICINE DROPPER ART - Coffee filters, food coloring and water, and medicine droppers will all be used today at the art table. Vibrant colors will be used for the children to drip colors from their medicine droppers onto the coffee filters. The colors will spread and mix into a rainbow.

* Dramatic Play: DOCTORS OFFICE - the dramatic play area will be set up as a doctors office today with a sick bed, bandage wraps, bandaids, stethescope, rubber gloves, lab coats, masks, doctor tools, etc.

Snack (small groups come at different times to eat during Self-Selected Activities. Unless we are making our snack, then we will eat it during large group.)

* Snack: ORANGES AND WATER - We'll eat oranges and water today for snack. Developing self help skills as we take turns serving ourselves. Large Group (AM 9:50-10:15...PM 1:20-1:45)

* Large Group: We'll start with the song can as usual, then read "Froggy Goes to the Doctor", discussing how they all have felt when they went to the doctor and how doctors help us and the community. We'll move into share n' teach as we all listen everyone brought to share. We'll learn the letter Qq, discussing the name, sound, and words that begin with it. The children will then learn the poem "Thump Pump Jump" (check it out on community helpers song page). We'll talk a little about blood and how the heart pumps the blood through our bodies.

* Transition: We will talk about breaking bones and scars (the children love doing this and sharing where or how they have hurt themselves). Miss Chelsea has some x-rays from when she broke a bone, she will share it and show the kids what our bones or x-rays look like.

Outside Play (AM 10:15-10:25...PM 1:45-1:55)

Small Group (AM 10:30-11:00...PM 2:00-2:30)

* Small Group: Parent volunteers will be set up to come today to share their occupation and what they do. If we still have time we will read the story "I Want to Be a Doctor" and discuss what it takes to be a doctor. Then, we will use a stethoscope to listen to each others heart beats and our own and the teachers. We will then run in place for a minute and listen to our heart beats again so we can hear the difference.

Community Helpers Day 2

Post Office

Self Selected Activities (AM 9:00-9:45..PM 12:30-1:15)

* Cut and Color Table: MAIL CARRIER BAGS - Using brown paper grocery bags with the top couple of inches cut off and stapled to the bag to create the strap. The students can decorate these and write letters to family and friends to deliver themselves.

* Messy Table: SOAPY WATER - Water and lots of liquid dish soap will be added to the messy table today. Wire wisks, and non-electric hand beaters will be added to keep the soap bubbly in the water. Squirters and different containers will also be added to measure and enjoy. The teacher will have an electric beater on hand to help the bubbles stay put (teacher will be the only one to use the electrice beater).

* Creative Art: FINGER PAINTING - The students will use their fingers to paint with chocolate pudding today. Their taste buds, creativity and small motor skills will be developed as they take part in this activity.

* Dramatic Play: CONSTRUCTION SITE/TOOL BENCH - The dramatic play area will be set up to resemble a construction site and tools. The children can act out being builders, fixers, constructors, or whatever their mind brings them to. They will enhance their imaginations and social skills as they work and play together.

Snack (small groups come at different times to eat during Self-Selected Activities. Unless we are making our snack, then we will eat it during large group.) * Snack: PANCAKES - We'll make pancakes during large group for snack today. We'll discuss other words that start with Pp as we make and eat the pancakes and talk about and measure the indgredients in them.

Large Group (AM 9:50-10:15...PM 1:20-1:45)

* Large Group: We'll start with the song can as usual, then read "The Jolly Postman" discussing why postman are important and how they help our community. We'll practice the letter Pp and make our pancakes for snack.

* Transition: The teacher will give each child an envelope with their name on it and a special note inside telling each child something positive about themselves.

Outside Play (AM 10:15-10:25...PM 1:45-1:55)

Small Group (AM 10:30-11:00...PM 2:00-2:30)

* Small Group: We'll start small group by reading "The Post Office Book". Then we'll each write a letter or draw a picture and the teacher will write the letter for them to someone else in class. They will get to special deliver it to their special friend after they are done.

Community Helpers Day 1

Stop Police!! Self Selected Activities (AM 9:00-9:45..PM 12:30-1:15)

* Cut and Color Table: SAFETY CREATIONS - Different paper, and materials will be set out for the kids to glue, tape, staple, etc. The teacher will assist the kids in writing stories, and drawing pictures about ways to stay safe and stories of what happened to them when they weren't safe. Depending on the kids development, the children can either ask the teacher how to spell words and write it themselves, or the teacher can write while the children dictate the story.

* Messy Table: SOAPY WATER - Water and lots of liquid dish soap will be added to the messy table today. Wire wisks, and non-electric hand beaters will be added to keep the soap bubbly in the water. Squirters and different containers will also be added to measure and enjoy. The teacher will have an electric beater on hand to help the bubbles stay put (teacher will be the only one to use the electrice beater).

* Creative Art: POLICE CAR PAINTING - Toy police cars, different colors of paint, large newsprint, and a play telephone will be set out at the art table. When each new child comes to the table to paint, the teacher will pretend to call 911. The children can pretend to be policemen and race their toy police cars through the paint and all around their papers while making siren noises. They can race the different colors, which will mix together and criss-cross to form beautiful designs.

* Dramatic Play: CONSTRUCTION SITE/TOOL BENCH - The dramatic play area will be set up to resemble a construction site and tools. The children can act out being builders, fixers, constructors, or whatever their mind brings them to. They will enhance their imaginations and social skills as they work and play together.

Snack (small groups come at different times to eat during Self-Selected Activities. Unless we are making our snack, then we will eat it during large group.)

* Snack: GRAHAM CRACKERS AND WATER - We will keep snack simple today with graham crackers and water, bringing small groups at different times during large group. Self help skills and taking turns will be enhanced as they poor their own water, get their napkins and snack and wait patiently for each student to get done.

Large Group (AM 9:50-10:15...PM 1:20-1:45) * Large Group: We will start large group by singing from the song can, bringing all the children together and settling down. We'll take turns doing Share n' Teach, enhancing speaking and group skills. We'll introduce the letter Pp, discussing the name, sound, and words that start with Pp. The children will practice writing their Pp's with guidance from the teacher. We'lll discuss all the different types of community helpers, what they are, and how they help us. Police man - keeps us safe; firefighter - puts out fires and keeps us safe; nurse - keeps us healthy; doctor - keeps us healthy and helps us get better when hurt or sick; farmer - grows food and animals for food and clothing; teacher - helps us learn; post man - delivers our mail; etc. We'll discuss a little about how we can always call 911 or go to a policeman if we are in danger or lost or hurt. * Transition: Practice dialing 911 - using an unhooked real telephone, the children will cojme up one at a time and practice dialing 911. They will dial and then practice telling the police their full name. The teacher will remind them taht 911 is not for playing games and they should never dial the number if there is not an emergency.

Outside Play (AM 10:15-10:25...PM 1:45-1:55)

Small Group (AM 10:30-11:00...PM 2:00-2:30)

* Small Group: The teacher will read the book "Never Talk to Strangers". We will discuss the importance of not talking to people we don't know, but it's ok to talk to someone if our parents say it is alright or if they know them. We will talk a little more about the different Community Helpers around us and then we will make a police mans hat and badge. The children will color it and cut it out (teacher can assist with those who need it), then the teacher will help put it on them. Police man starts with 'P', so it's a perfect day to be doing this activity! Here's the link for the policeman hat and badge..... http://www.first-school.ws/t/policesetbw.htm

Community Helper Songs

Thump Pump Jump!

I hear my heart beat. Thump thump thump

(hand hits chest with each thump)

The blood is rushing. Pump pump pump

(pump arms like when making a muscle)

My body's healthy. Jump jump jump.

(jump up and down in place)

I hear my heart beat. Thump thump thump

(hand hits chest with each thump)

I Have Two Hands

I have two hands that help help help.

I have two hands that help help help.

I have two hands that help help help.

Helping all day long.

I help my mommy wash the dishes.

I help my mommy was the dishes.

I help my mommy wash the dishes.

I help her all day long.

Other verses:

I help daddy wash the car...

I help grandma make some cookies....

helping all day long.

Friendship and Valentines Day 4

Self Selected Activites (AM 9:00-9:45..PM 12:30-1:15) * Cut and Color Table: HEART SHAPES - The children will continue practicing their cutting skills with hearts today. The teacher will have various sizes or hearts pre-cut and she will continue to encourage the children to also cut them. The students can decorate the hearts with stickers, markers, crayons and also glue them together from biggest to smallest, etc.

* Messy Table: RED SHAVING CREAM - We will continue with the red shaving cream today. Children really love the feel of this and love to get messy with something they don't usually do. Again, the teacher will guide the children in writing or drawing messages to each other in the shaving cream. They will also just have fun smooshing, squishing, and spreading the shaving cream around!!

* Creative Art: EASEL PAINTING - Red, white, and pink paint will be at the easel today for the children to explore with!

* Dramatic Play: MAILBOXES - There will be an individual mailbox for each student with their name on it. The teacher will encourage students to make valentines for each other, write letters, draw pictures, etc. and place them in each others boxes. There will be paper, markers, envelopes, stencils, stickers, etc available for them to make letters right in the dramatic play area. It's so much fun to get things from others.

Snack (small groups come at different times to eat during Self-Selected Activities. Unless we are making our snack, then we will eat it during large group.)

* Snack: VALENTINE SUGAR COOKIES - We will be saving our snack time for when our parents come today!! We will get to decorate our own sugar cookies with frosting and fun toppings and eat them with our loved ones!!

Large Group (AM 9:50-10:15...PM 1:20-1:45) * Large Group: We will start with the song can, and continue to sing the Valentine and friendship songs we've learned. We'll read a story about love, and discuss how we know our families love us or our friends - what ways do they show us? We'll practice the letter Oo that we learned and continue discussing words that start with 'O'. We will talk about our moms or dads coming and what we will be doing - set up preschool room so it will be ready for parents! *Transition: Practice "I Love You" in sign language. Outside Play (AM 10:15-10:25...PM 1:45-1:55) Small Group (AM 10:30-11:00...PM 2:00-2:30)

* Small Group: PARENTS COME FOR OUR SMALL GROUP TODAY!! We will start small group by playing "Valentine March" as we're waiting for all the parents to show up. Large hearts with numbers or ABC's will be placed on the floor. As the music plays the children and their mom or dad or both will march from heart to heart. When the music stops, so do the people. Each child then tells the number or letter he is standing on. Candy hearts will be passed out for each child that gets it right (parents can help :). We will then go into decorating our Valentine cookies together with our moms or dads and brothers or sisters and of course eating them together!! To end the day we will get to make a valentine craft together. Your child will get to choose to make his own with his own creativity or choose from some of the examples that Miss Chelsea will have available. This should be a lot of fun and a great time to spend one-on-time with your preschooler and let them know you love them on Valentines day!

Friendship and Valentines Day 3

Self Selected Activities (AM 9:00-9:45..PM 12:30-1:15) * Cut and Color Table: ORIGINAL VALENTINE'S DAY CARDS - The children will be able to cut hearts out of construction paper (teacher will teach them or their will be pre-traced hearts for them to cut around). They can decorate them with lace scraps, yarn, and glitter to make their very own Valentine's Day Cards for whomever they want. Pre-cut hearts will also be available for who have not yet mastered the skill of cutting.

* Messy Table: RED SHAVING CREAM - shaving cream will be placed in the messy table today with red food coloring mixed in it. The teacher will guide the children in writing or drawing messages to each other in the shaving cream. They will also just have fun smooshing, squishing, and spreading this stuff around!!

* Creative Art: VALENTINE'S DAY BOXES - The kids will get to decorate their valentines day boxes today!! There will be all sorts of material, lace, shapes, hearts, cotton balls, buttons, candy hearts, etc to choose from!! We will use these boxes on Thursday when we pass out our valentine's cards we have made for each other.

* Dramatic Play: MAILBOXES - There will be an individual mail box for each student with their name on it. The teacher will encourage students to make valentine's for each other, write letters, draw pictures etc and place them in each others boxes. There will paper, markers, envelopes, stencils, stickers, etc available for them to make letters right in the dramatic play area. It's so much fun to get things from others!!

Snack (small groups come at different times to eat during Self-Selected Activities. Unless we are making our snack, then we will eat it during large group.) * Snack: HEART-SHAPED LOVE SANDWICHES - We will be making love sandwiches today out of bread, strawberry jelly, and heart shaped cookie cutters. Kids love sandwiches when they are in different shapes - we LOVE preschool!! Large Group (AM 9:50-10:15...PM 1:20-1:45)

* Large Group: We will start with the song can. And we will learn our Cupid song today. We'll move into Share n' Teach which develops speaking skills, and being in a group. We'll read the story "The Night Before Valentine's Day" and discuss all of the fun things that happen around or on Valentine's day. What are some things we do for others, how do we show them we love them, etc. We'll learn the letter Oo today, practice the sound, the name and writing it. Last, we will get to make and eat our yummy snack (check out the recipe page for "Heart-Shaped Love Sandwiches).

* Transition: We will learn how to say "I Love You" in sign language. Outside Play (AM 10:15-10:25...PM 1:45-1:55) Small Group (AM 10:30-11:00...PM 2:00-2:30)

* Small Group: We will start small group by reading a Valentine's story or Love story. Discussing feelings, who we love, friends, etc. We will start our activity by sorting feelings. Pictures of happy and sad people will be cut out of magazines. On the outside of two boxes, there will be a happy face and a sad face. We take turns sorting the pictures into the correct boxes and discussing why the people might be happy or sad. Then we will play "Broken Hearts". I will have heart shapes cut out of red and pink and paper or tagboard. A numeral will be on one side and that number of heart stickers on the other side. The hearts will be cut in half like a puzzle, the children will have to match the puzzle pieces by counting.

Friendship and Valentines - Day 2

Self Selected Activities (AM 9:00-9:45..PM 12:30-1:15) * Cut and Color Table: FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE ART - Paper will be provided with "To: _____" printed in the upper left corner and "From:_____" printed on the bottom. The teacher will assist the children in printing their names on the bottom and the name of the person on the top. Using paper scraps, tissue paper squares, fabric scraps, and glue, each child will construct a picture for a friend. When they are finished, each child can pass the paper to the friend it was made for.

*Messy Table: RED WATER - The messy table will be filled with red water today, to symbolize love and friendship. Floaty letters, containers, scoops, squeegies, etc, will be placed in the messy table also. What a great place to interact with friends and share!

* Creative Art: GLITTER HEARTS - Glitter glue and large hearts will be available at the art table. The children can use their creativity to make the patterns and shapes they would like on their heart with glitter glue. Kids love glitter glue!!

* Dramatic Play: PUPPET THEATER - A puppet show will be set up in the dramatic play area with various types of puppets. The children can share puppets and act out friendships using the puppets in various situations.

Snack (small groups come at different times to eat during Self-Selected Activities. Unless we are making our snack, then we will eat it during large group.)

* Snack: NACHOS - since we are learning the letter Nn today, what a better snack then 'N'achos!! We will all dip tortilla chips into melted cheese for our delicious snack! A great experience for children to try new foods and also to help prepare it. We will also discuss other words that start with the 'N' sound.

Large Group (AM 9:50-10:15...PM 1:20-1:45) * Large Group: We will start by singing songs from the song can. We will practice our newly learned friendship songs - check them out on the "Song Page". We'll then read the story "The Rainbow Fish", enhancing listening skills and predictions. Discussions will take place about how to be a good friend and how the fish made good choices to be a good friend. We will then review our letter of the week - Nn. We will prepare our Nachos snack and talk about the ingredients that go in them, and last but not least, we will eat our yummy snack!

* Transition: Learn our friend poem - "I like my friends, So when we are at play, I try to be very kind, and nice in every way."

Outside Play (AM 10:15-10:25...PM 1:45-1:55) Small Group (AM 10:30-11:00...PM 2:00-2:30) * Small Group: We'll start small group by reading a friendship story - "Where are you Going? To See My Friend" by Eric Carle. This will give the children a chance to relax and also participate as I ask questions throughout the story. We will then start decorating our Valentine boxes or other containers. We will start by painting the boxes with their favorite color/s, and if there is time the teacher will do the hot gluing as the children choose the decorations they would like on their boxes. The hot gluing might be saved until Tuesday the 12th if we run out of time.

Friendship and Valentines - Day 1

Self-Selected Activities(AM 9:00-9:45..PM 12:30-1:15) * Cut and Color Table: FRIENDSHIP CHAIN - I will provide strips of paper for the children to print their names on, the teacher will assist those who need it. When all the names are written (probably some a few times), the children can connect them to make a chain. The chain will symbolize that everyone in the class is a friend. The teacher will guide discussions about friendship and how to be a good friend. *Messy Table: SILLY PUTTY - Mix equal parts of white glue and liquid starch. The messy table is an area where two to four children can make new friends and share. Silly putty is something that is fun to play with together. Sensory sensations will be developed as the children stretch and play with the putty and make new friendships.

* Creative Art: HEART PRINTS - White paper and heart shaped cookie cutters will placed at this table today. The children can dip the cookie cutters into red and pink paint and make heart patterns. They can try and think of a new friend to give it to or someone that is an old friend or in the family.

* Dramatic Play: PUPPET SHOW - A puppet show will be set up in the dramatic play area with various types of puppets. The children can share puppets and act out friendships using the puppets in various situations.

Snack (small groups come at different times to eat during self-selected activities, unless we are making our snack. Then we will eat it during Large Group.)

* Snack: GRAHAM CRACKERS AND MILK - Today we will be having graham crackers and milk. The students will gain self-help skills as they pour their own milk, get their own napkin, and get their own cracker.

Large Group (AM 9:50-10:15..PM 1:20-1:45)

* Large Group: We will start by singing songs from the song can. We will also learn a few new friendship songs this week - check them out on the "Song Page". Share n' Teach is today, giving the children a chance to speak in front of others and also give them a sense of being apart of a group. We'll then read the story "My Friend Rabbit." Discussions will take place about how to be a good friend. We will then learn our letter of the week - Nn. We'll all get to practice writing it and learn it through songs and sign language. Large group will end by singin our new songs again.

* Transition: SONG - We'll sing "Do you Know This Friend of Mine" to get ready to go outside.

Do you know this friend of mine, this friend of mine, this friend of mine. Do you know this friend of mine? His name is _________.

Outside Play (AM 10:15-10:25...PM 1:45-1:55)

Small Group (AM 10:30-11:00..PM 2:00-2:30)

*Small Group: We'll start small group by reading the story, "The Grouchy Ladybug", who likes a grouchy friend? I'll have the students share a story about a time they shared or someone shared with them. How did it make you feel? Next we are going to listen to the children's voices that I taped throughout the day. How do they sound - nice, angry, polite? How do they want to sound from now on? Then we'll try and guess which classmate is talking throughout the tape.

Friendship and Valentine Songs

Do You Know this Friend of Mine tune of "The Muffin Man"

Do you know this friend of mine,

This friend of mine,

This friend of mine?

Do you know this friend of mine?

His name is ____________

Yes we know this friend of yours,

This friend of yours,

This friend of yours,

Yes, we know this friend of yours,

His name is _______________.

The More We Are Together

Tune of "Have you ever seen a Lassie?"

The more we are together, together, together,

The more we are together, the happier we'll be.

For your friends are my friends, and my friends are your friends.

The more we are together, the happier we'll be.

Two Little Cupids

Tune of "Two Little Blackbirds

Two little cupids sitting on a heart,

(Hold hands behind back)

One named _____. One named _____.

(bring out one pointer for each name)

Fly away _______. Fly away _____.

(Place one pointer behind back for each name)

Come back _______. Come Back ________.

(Bring out pointers one at a time again)

Two little cupids sitting on a heart.

(Hold up two fingers)

One named ______. One named _______.

(wiggle each pointer separately)

(for each ______insert a child's name)

Skinna-marink-a-dink-a-doo

Skinna-marink-a-dink-a-dink, skinna-marink-a-doo

I love you

skinna-marink-a-dink-a-dink, skinna-marink-a-doo

Yes, I do!

I love you in the morning, and in the afternoon

I love you in the evening beneath the silvery moon.

Skinna-marink-a-dink-a-dink, skinna-marink-a-doo

I LOVE YOU!

Happy Valentines Day!

Hello Families,

I thought I would put in some reminders so you all don't forget some happenings. I will also be sending home the reminders, so don't worry!!

*First of all, Thursday is Valentines Day, we will be passing out Valentines Cards to each other. I encourage that you only have your child sign his/her name, please don't write who they are to - this gets to be too difficult for the teacher. There are 10 students in the morning class and 11 students in the afternoon class.

*Also on Thursday February 14th, we will be having a Parent/child Valentine celebration the last 30 minutes of class. For the morning class 10:30-11:00 and the afternoon class 2:00-2:30. I encourage at least one parent to try and make it on this day. I also don't mind if younger siblings come, they usually enjoy it too!! We will be making a treat together, playing some games, and making a fun Valentine craft. I hope to see you there!

*On Thursday, February 21st, book orders are due. So if you are ordering any this time around, please have them into me on this day or before. I will send home a reminder note on Tuesday......HAPPY READING!!

*I hope you are all utilizing this website, I'm trying to stay on top of myself, I'll get there one day (maybe!). As always, feel free to call me, email me, or however you want to get a hold of me at anytime for questions, concerns, or anything. Thanks so much for being such great parents!! I couldn't do this preschool thing without you!!

A LITTLE NOTE FROM MISS CHELSEA.........

"Keeping Superheroes in Check"

Television and movie themes feature many superheroes who are irresistable to children. In these stories there is a stark distinction between good and evil characters, and it seems that they always resort to fighting to settle problems.

Parents have to decide how to respond to this kind of programming. As you sort through your feelings, you should realize that children probably will invent good and evil characters, even without the influence of the Ninja Turtles or the Power Rangers. Remember, long before television, children played cops and robbers, Robin Hood and the sheriff, and the like.

The impact of superheroes depends a lot on how much time children spend watching television and videos. Viewing one half-hour program a week may have little effect on a child, but three hours is another matter. If you watch programs with your child and talk about the characters and their actions, you can help keep superhero tactics in perspective.

You also may find it helpful to read about peaceful real-life heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., Helen Keller, and Johnny Appleseed. Talk about their courage and determination and how they overcame obstacles without resorting to violence.

When children play superheroes, keep an eye on their play to make sure aggression does not get out of hand. Whatever your family decides about superhero play, you should communicate with your child how you feel about violence and how to stand up for your beliefs.

With careful adult guidance and lots of discussion, children can understand the difference between superhero fantasy battles against the bad guys and how we ordinary human beings deal with the evils we encounter in the real world.

Just so you as parents are aware, Miss Chelsea does not allow gun play or other weapon play in preschool. This helps me keep the classroom safe and allows the children to get more fully involved in the available activities.