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Genelys Early Learning Center

Curriculum in Action Inside our classroom

Every month each program has its own theme, weekly topics, and a hands-on activity for every day. Choose a program to see this month day by day.

Toddlers · 15 months to 2.9 years

Tasty Adventures

Exploring Food Through Fun and Play

Welcome!

Welcome to a month full of tasty discoveries!

This August, our toddlers go on Tasty Adventures as we explore the wonderful world of food.

Through fun and engaging activities, they learn about different types of foods, where they come from, and how they help our bodies grow strong and stay healthy.

We sort, taste, match, cook, and create while building important skills in language, fine motor, gross motor, art, and math.

Get ready for hands-on learning, happy hearts, and full bellies!

This Month: Tasty Adventures

ThemeTasty Adventures: exploring food through fun and play
Age GroupToddlers (15 months to 2.9 years)
Essential QuestionWhat foods help our bodies grow and stay healthy?
Activities IncludeFood sorting and matching, taste testing, sensory play, cooking experiences, storytelling, songs and movement, art projects, dramatic play, counting, and more.
Weekly Themes
  • Week 1Fruits & Vegetables
  • Week 2Dairy and Grains
  • Week 3Protein
  • Week 4Vacation Week

Skills We Build

Language

We use words to name foods, describe tastes, and express our ideas.

Fine Motor

We build small muscles through activities like picking up, pinching, drawing, and cutting.

Gross Motor

We move our bodies through dancing, games, obstacle courses, and active play.

Art

We explore creativity through painting, gluing, coloring, and crafts.

Math

We learn numbers, count foods, compare amounts, and explore shapes.

Cognitive

We sort, match, and solve small problems as we explore each food.

Social-Emotional

We share, take turns, and try new things together.

Healthy Habits

We learn how food helps our bodies grow strong and healthy.

Learning Goals

  • Try new and healthy foods
  • Develop independence at mealtime
  • Build vocabulary about food and nutrition
  • Improve fine and gross motor skills
  • Practice sorting, counting, and comparing
  • Express creativity through art and play
  • Build confidence and positive social skills

A Day in the Classroom

Every day follows the same rhythm: circle time, a fine motor activity, gross motor play, an art project, language and vocabulary, a story, and a cooking experience with that day's food.

Week 1

Vegetables & Fruits

Weekly FocusWe explore colorful fruits and vegetables using our five senses. We learn that healthy foods help our bodies grow strong and healthy.

Monday 03

Apple Day

  • Circle TimeExplore a real apple. Smell it, count the seeds. Apples help us grow healthy!
  • Fine MotorApple Seed TransferUse tweezers to move black beans (seeds) into the apple.
  • Gross MotorApple Picking GamePick apples around the classroom and bring them to the basket.
  • ArtFork Painted ApplePaint an apple using a plastic fork.
  • LanguageVocabulary: apple, red, round, seed, sweet. Sentence: “I see a red apple.”
  • StoryThe Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
  • Cooking ExperienceHelp wash apples before snack.
Tuesday 04

Carrot Day

  • Circle TimeObserve a carrot. What color is it? Is it long? Can rabbits eat carrots?
  • Fine MotorTear & Glue CarrotTear orange tissue paper and glue it on the carrot.
  • Gross MotorCarrot Hop RelayHop like a bunny to the carrot, pick it up, and hop back!
  • ArtCarrot Stamp PaintingPaint with the top of a carrot.
  • LanguageVocabulary: carrot, orange, long, crunchy, rabbit. Sentence: “I like carrots.”
  • StoryRah, Rah, Radishes! by April Pulley Sayre
  • Cooking ExperienceTaste raw carrot sticks. How does it taste?
Wednesday 05

Broccoli Day

  • Circle TimeLook at broccoli. Look at the tiny “trees”. Green foods are healthy!
  • Fine MotorBroccoli Pom-Pom ArtUse green pom-poms to decorate the broccoli.
  • Gross MotorVegetable HuntFind green vegetables hidden around the classroom.
  • ArtBroccoli PrintingStamp broccoli using real broccoli and paint.
  • LanguageVocabulary: broccoli, green, tree, healthy, eat. Sentence: “Broccoli is green.”
  • StoryEating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert (vegetable pages)
  • Cooking ExperienceHelp break broccoli into small pieces for snack.
Thursday 06

Banana Day

  • Circle TimePeel a banana together. Talk about inside and outside. Count banana slices.
  • Fine MotorBanana Play-Doh CuttingRoll and cut yellow Play-Doh bananas using a plastic knife.
  • Gross MotorBanana BalanceWalk balancing a banana beanbag on your head.
  • ArtBanana Fingerprint ArtDecorate bananas using your fingerprints.
  • LanguageVocabulary: banana, yellow, peel, soft, long. Sentence: “I eat bananas.”
  • StoryBanana! by Ed Vere
  • Cooking ExperienceMake a banana fruit cup (banana and berries).
Friday 07

Strawberry Day

  • Circle TimeLook at strawberries. Smell them, feel them. Talk about seeds.
  • Fine MotorStrawberry Seed DottingPlace tiny black stickers as strawberry seeds.
  • Gross MotorBerry Basket RelayCollect strawberries and place them in the basket.
  • ArtBubble Wrap StrawberryPaint strawberries using bubble wrap.
  • LanguageVocabulary: strawberry, red, seeds, sweet, small. Sentence: “I like strawberries.”
  • StoryThe Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear
  • Cooking ExperienceMake mini strawberry fruit cups.
Week 2

Dairy & Grains

Weekly FocusWe explore dairy and grains foods. We learn how they give us energy and help us grow strong!

Monday 10

Milk Day

  • Circle TimeLook at milk. What color is it? Where does milk come from?
  • Fine MotorPouring MilkPour “milk” (water) from a small pitcher to a cup.
  • Gross MotorMilk DeliveryCarry a “milk” container to the cow (box) and back.
  • ArtMilk Carton StampStamp with a small milk carton dipped in paint.
  • LanguageVocabulary: milk, white, glass, cow, drink. Sentence: “I drink milk.”
  • StoryMilk Goes to School by Terry Border
  • Cooking ExperienceHelp pour milk into a cup for snack.
Tuesday 11

Cheese Day

  • Circle TimeLook at cheese. What color is it? Is it soft or hard?
  • Fine MotorCheese GratingGrate soft cheese using a child-safe grater.
  • Gross MotorPizza Restaurant GameGo to the pizza and place the cheese shape in the matching spot!
  • ArtCheese CollageGlue yellow paper pieces to make cheese.
  • LanguageVocabulary: cheese, yellow, soft, hard, tasty. Sentence: “I like cheese.”
  • StoryLittle Mouse’s Big Breakfast by Lucy Cousins
  • Cooking ExperienceMake mini pizza with extra cheese!
Wednesday 12

Yogurt Day

  • Circle TimeLook at yogurt. What does it smell like? Is it smooth?
  • Fine MotorYogurt StirringStir yogurt with a spoon in a small bowl.
  • Gross MotorYogurt Balance WalkWalk while balancing a spoon with a pom-pom.
  • ArtYogurt PaintingPaint with yogurt and food coloring.
  • LanguageVocabulary: yogurt, smooth, cold, spoon, fruit. Sentence: “Yogurt is smooth.”
  • StoryI Am Yogurt by Jean Marzollo
  • Cooking ExperienceAdd fruit to yogurt and mix together.
Thursday 13

Bread Day

  • Circle TimeLook at bread. What shape is it? Is it soft or toasted?
  • Fine MotorTearing BreadTear small pieces of bread with fingers.
  • Gross MotorBread JumpJump from one bread slice (cutout) to another.
  • ArtBread PrintingStamp bread shapes with paint.
  • LanguageVocabulary: bread, soft, loaf, slice, warm. Sentence: “Bread is soft.”
  • StoryThe Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone
  • Cooking ExperienceMake mini bread sandwiches.
Friday 14

Pasta Day

  • Circle TimeLook at pasta. What shapes do you see? How is it cooked?
  • Fine MotorPasta ThreadingThread cooked pasta (shapes) on pipecleaners.
  • Gross MotorPasta Toss ChallengeToss pasta (soft pieces) into a pot from a distance!
  • ArtPasta Necklace ArtPaint pasta and make a colorful necklace.
  • LanguageVocabulary: pasta, noodles, shapes, long, yummy. Sentence: “I like pasta.”
  • StoryPasta, Pasta, Lotsa Pasta! by Rita Golden Gelman
  • Cooking ExperienceMake fresh pasta from dough and cook together!

Family ConnectionInvite your child to help at home: pour milk, sprinkle cheese, spread something on bread, or stir yogurt together. Talk about how these foods give us energy. Healthy eating today helps our bodies grow strong for tomorrow.

Week 3

Proteins

Weekly FocusWe explore protein foods. We learn how they help build strong muscles, keep us full, and give us energy to play!

Monday 17

Egg Day

  • Circle TimeLook at eggs. What color are they? How do eggs feel? Can you see the yolk?
  • Fine MotorUsing tweezers (tongs), pick up pom-poms and put them inside plastic eggs.
  • Gross MotorEgg RollRoll an egg (ball) to a friend and back.
  • ArtEgg PrintPress half of a boiled egg (cool) dipped in paint onto paper.
  • LanguageVocabulary: egg, white, yolk, shell, hard, soft. Sentence: “I see a yellow yolk.”
  • StoryGreen Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Cooking ExperienceMake meringue (suspiro) with egg white and enjoy your sweet treat!
Tuesday 18

Chicken Day

  • Circle TimeLook at chicken. What color is it? How does it feel? Is it bumpy or smooth?
  • Fine MotorUse chopsticks to pick up small pieces of cooked chicken and “eat” them one by one.
  • Gross MotorChicken Coop RunRun like a chicken to the coop and lay an egg (ball) in the nest.
  • ArtChicken HandprintMake a chicken using your handprint.
  • LanguageVocabulary: chicken, white meat, bone, soft, juicy. Sentence: “Chicken is soft and yummy.”
  • StoryLittle Red Hen by Paul Galdone
  • Cooking ExperienceMake mini chicken wraps with lettuce and a soft tortilla!
Wednesday 19

Beans Day

  • Circle TimeLook at beans. What color are they? Are they big or small? Can you count them?
  • Fine MotorPick up beans one by one with fingers and put them in a cup.
  • Gross MotorBean Bag TossToss bean bags into the basket.
  • ArtBean MosaicGlue beans on the picture to make a pattern.
  • LanguageVocabulary: beans, small, round, brown, healthy. Sentence: “Beans give me energy.”
  • StoryBeans, Beans, The Magical Fruit by Sue Hendra
  • Cooking ExperienceMake bean dip (spread) and eat with crackers!
Thursday 20

Fish Day

  • Circle TimeLook at fish. What color is it? What does fish feel like? Can it swim?
  • Fine MotorSqueeze a sponge fish and drop it into the water.
  • Gross MotorFish SwimSwim like a fish through the ocean tunnel.
  • ArtFish PaintingPaint a fish using sponges and brushes.
  • LanguageVocabulary: fish, scales, swim, fins, blue. Sentence: “Fish can swim.”
  • StorySwimmy by Leo Lionni
  • Cooking ExperienceEnjoy goldfish crackers!
Friday 21

Meat Day

  • Circle TimeLook at meat. What color is it? What shape is it? Is it hard or soft?
  • Fine MotorUse a fork to pick up small pieces of soft meat and transfer them to a plate.
  • Gross MotorStrong Like MeCarry “meat” (soft blocks) to build strong muscles!
  • ArtMeat Skewer CraftCreate a skewer with paper meat and veggies.
  • LanguageVocabulary: meat, strong, red, juicy, protein. Sentence: “Meat helps me get strong.”
  • StoryThe Little Red Hen (Makes a Meal) by Philemon Sturges
  • Cooking ExperienceMake mini meatballs with ground meat and herbs!

Family ConnectionTalk about your favorite protein foods at home. Cook together and let your child help in the kitchen. Strong bodies start with healthy foods. Healthy eating today helps our bodies grow strong for tomorrow.

Week 4: Vacation Week!

The classroom stays open and the theme takes a break. Here are our tips to stay safe in the heat.

Dress lightWear light, breathable clothing in light colors.
Drink water oftenStay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Use sunscreenApply sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days.
Wear a hat & sunglassesProtect your head and eyes from direct sunlight.
Avoid strong sunStay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Have fun, stay cool, and make amazing memories!

Preschool · 2.9 to 5 years

Little Scientists Lab

Exploring Science Through Play

Welcome

Dear Families,

Welcome to a new month of discovery, curiosity, and fun at Genelys Early Learning Center!

Throughout August, our little learners explore the world around them through exciting hands-on experiments, observation, art, math, language, and active play.

Our goal is to nurture curious minds, build confidence, and encourage a lifelong love for learning.

Thank you for being such an important part of your child's learning journey!

The Preschool Teaching Team

This Month: Little Scientists Lab

ThemeLittle Scientists Lab: exploring science through play
Age GroupPreschool (2.9 to 5 years)
Essential QuestionHow do scientists explore and discover the world around them?
Weekly Themes
  • Week 1Living Things (Biology)
  • Week 2Earth & Weather (Earth Science)
  • Week 3Simple Science (Physics & Chemistry)
  • Week 4Vacation Week

Benefits for Your Child

  • Encourages curiosity and scientific thinking
  • Develops observation and problem-solving skills
  • Strengthens language and communication
  • Builds confidence through hands-on learning
  • Supports creativity and teamwork
  • Promotes independence and critical thinking

Learning Domains

Language & Literacy
Mathematics
Science
Art
Social-Emotional Development
Gross Motor Skills

Every experiment begins with curiosity. Together, we will explore, discover, and grow!

Week 1

Living Things (Biology)

Weekly FocusWe are little scientists! This week we explore living things and discover what they need to grow and survive.

Letter of the WeekL Number of the Week1 Book of the WeekThe Tiny Seed

This week we willObserve, ask questions, and explore how plants and animals grow and change. We will learn that living things have unique needs to survive and thrive!

Monday 03

Does a Seed Need Water?

  • Circle TimeIntroduce living and non-living things using real objects and pictures. Discuss what living things need to survive.
  • LanguageIntroduce Letter L. Practice uppercase and lowercase L using words like Leaf, Ladybug, Lion.
  • MathIntroduce Number 1 by counting one leaf, one flower, and one ladybug.
  • Science ExperimentPlant two bean seeds in clear cups. Water only one seed. Children make predictions about which seed will grow and observe the changes throughout the week.
  • ArtDecorate and label each seed cup. Draw a prediction of what will happen.
  • Social-EmotionalDiscuss how caring for living things helps them grow.
  • Gross MotorMove like different animals (lion, ladybug, rabbit, bird).
  • StoryThe Tiny Seed
Tuesday 04

What's Inside an Egg?

  • Circle TimeTalk about baby animals and what they need to grow. Observe both seeds and compare any changes.
  • LanguageReview Letter L with picture cards.
  • MathFind groups of 1 around the classroom.
  • Science ExperimentCompare a raw egg and a hard-boiled egg. Observe the shell, white, and yolk while discussing animals that hatch from eggs.
  • ArtCreate a baby animal paper craft.
  • Social-EmotionalTalk about how families care for babies.
  • Gross MotorAnimal Parent & Baby Movement Game.
  • StoryDoes a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too?
Wednesday 05

Animal Milk Investigation

  • Circle TimeReview the seed experiment and record observations.
  • LanguageTrace Letter L using sand, shaving cream, or playdough.
  • MathMatch the numeral 1 with one object.
  • Science ExperimentCompare milk, water, and juice. Discuss which drink baby mammals need to grow and why.
  • ArtDecorate a “Healthy Animals” collage.
  • Social-EmotionalDiscuss how healthy food helps us grow strong.
  • Gross MotorStretch and grow like a baby animal becoming an adult.
  • StoryI Grow!
Thursday 06

Nature Investigation

  • Circle TimeTalk about insects, leaves, flowers, and trees. Observe the seeds again and discuss any changes.
  • LanguageLetter L review game.
  • MathCount one ladybug, one butterfly, and one bee in pictures.
  • Science ExperimentExplore leaves, flowers, bark, rocks, and insects using magnifying glasses. Compare colors, shapes, and textures.
  • ArtCreate a nature collage with collected materials.
  • Social-EmotionalPractice respecting nature and living things.
  • Gross MotorNature Scavenger Hunt.
  • StoryThe Very Hungry Caterpillar
Friday 07

Living or Non-Living Sorting Challenge

  • Circle TimeReview everything learned about living things. Observe the seeds one last time and compare the watered and unwatered cups.
  • LanguageReview Letter L through a classroom game.
  • MathReview Number 1 by counting objects from the week.
  • Science ExperimentClassify objects into “Living” and “Non-Living” groups and explain the choices.
  • ArtDraw your favorite living thing from the week.
  • Social-EmotionalShare one new thing learned about living things.
  • Gross MotorAnimal Obstacle Course.
  • StoryThe Tiny Seed
Week 2

Earth & Weather (Physics)

Weekly FocusWe are little scientists! This week we explore the Earth, the weather, and how the elements around us are always in motion.

Letter of the WeekR Number of the Week2 Book of the WeekLittle Cloud

This week we willObserve, ask questions, and explore the Earth and our weather. We will discover how wind, rain, clouds, and sunshine are always changing around us!

Monday 10

Cloud in a Jar

  • Circle TimeIntroduce different types of weather.
  • LanguageIntroduce Letter R. Practice identifying uppercase and lowercase R and words like Rain and Rainbow.
  • MathIntroduce Number 2. Count two clouds, two raindrops, and two suns.
  • Science ExperimentMake a cloud using warm water, hairspray, and ice.
  • ArtPaint fluffy clouds with cotton balls.
  • Social-EmotionalDiscuss how different weather makes us feel.
  • Gross MotorMove like the wind, rain, and sunshine.
  • StoryLittle Cloud
Tuesday 11

Rain Cloud in a Cup

  • Circle TimeTalk about rainy days.
  • LanguageReview Letter R by matching picture cards.
  • MathCount groups of 2 using raindrops.
  • Science ExperimentMake colorful rain fall through shaving cream.
  • ArtCreate a rain cloud using cotton and blue paint.
  • Social-EmotionalTalk about staying safe during storms.
  • Gross MotorJump in pretend puddles.
  • StoryRain!
Wednesday 12

Tornado in a Bottle

  • Circle TimeDiscuss wind.
  • LanguageTrace Letter R using sand or playdough.
  • MathFind the numeral 2 around the classroom.
  • Science ExperimentMake a tornado in a bottle.
  • ArtMake a windsock.
  • Social-EmotionalPractice taking turns during experiments.
  • Gross MotorFly scarves like the wind.
  • StoryThe Wind Blew
Thursday 13

Walking Water Rainbow

  • Circle TimeTalk about rainbows.
  • LanguageLetter R review game.
  • MathBuild sets of 2 using colored bears or blocks.
  • Science ExperimentWatch colored water travel between cups to make a rainbow.
  • ArtRainbow watercolor painting.
  • Social-EmotionalDiscuss how rainbows make us feel.
  • Gross MotorRainbow color hunt.
  • StoryPlanting a Rainbow
Friday 14

Shadow Investigation

  • Circle TimeReview Earth & Weather.
  • LanguageReview Letter R.
  • MathReview Number 2.
  • Science ExperimentUse a flashlight and toys to explore how shadows are made.
  • ArtDraw today's favorite experiment.
  • Social-EmotionalShare one thing learned this week.
  • Gross MotorWeather movement game.
  • StoryLittle Cloud
Week 3

Science Exploration (Chemistry & Physics)

Weekly FocusWe are little scientists! This week we explore the exciting world of chemistry and physics through fun experiments that show us how things mix, move, react, and change.

Letter of the WeekS Number of the Week3 Book of the WeekMix It Up!

This week we willExplore, ask questions, and discover how different materials interact. We will investigate mixing, floating and sinking, reactions, movement, and the power of air and force!

Monday 17

Magic Milk

  • Circle TimeWhat does a scientist do?
  • LanguageIntroduce Letter S. Practice words like Science, Sink, and Soap.
  • MathIntroduce Number 3. Count three science tools.
  • Science ExperimentUse milk, food coloring, and soap to see color swirls in action.
  • ArtPaint using droppers and food coloring.
  • Social-EmotionalEncourage curiosity and asking questions.
  • Gross MotorPretend to be scientists exploring the classroom.
  • StoryMix It Up!
Tuesday 18

Sink or Float Challenge

  • Circle TimePredict which objects will float or sink.
  • LanguageLetter S picture sort.
  • MathCount groups of 3 using floating objects.
  • Science ExperimentTest different objects in water to see which ones sink and which ones float.
  • ArtMake a floating boat collage.
  • Social-EmotionalWork together and compare predictions.
  • Gross MotorWater relay race.
  • StoryWho Sank the Boat?
Wednesday 19

Baking Soda Volcano

  • Circle TimeTalk about mixing ingredients.
  • LanguageTrace Letter S with shaving cream.
  • MathCount three scoops of baking soda.
  • Science ExperimentMix baking soda and vinegar to make a volcano erupt.
  • ArtVolcano painting with sponge stamping.
  • Social-EmotionalPractice patience while waiting for the eruption.
  • Gross MotorJump like an erupting volcano.
  • StoryIf I Built a House
Thursday 20

Dancing Corn

  • Circle TimeTalk about movement and what makes things move.
  • LanguageReview Letter S game.
  • MathBuild groups of 3 using toy corn kernels or counting cubes.
  • Science ExperimentWatch corn kernels rise and fall in bubbly water.
  • ArtCreate a colorful “Dancing Corn” painting using yellow fingerprints.
  • Social-EmotionalEncourage teamwork while observing and discussing the experiment.
  • Gross MotorPop Like Popcorn Movement Game. Children crouch down like kernels and jump up when the teacher says “Pop!”
  • StoryMove!
Friday 21

Balloon Rocket

  • Circle TimeReview all experiments.
  • LanguageLetter S review game.
  • MathReview Number 3.
  • Science ExperimentLaunch a balloon along a string to see how air pushes it forward.
  • ArtDraw your favorite experiment.
  • Social-EmotionalShare your favorite discovery with friends.
  • Gross MotorLittle Scientists Obstacle Course.
  • StoryMix It Up!

Week 4: Vacation Week!

August 24 to 28 · We hope you have a safe, fun, and relaxing break! Tips for families:

Stay hydratedDrink plenty of water throughout the day.
Use sunscreenApply sunscreen (SPF 30+) and reapply every two hours.
Wear light clothing & hatsWear light-colored clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Seek shadeTake breaks in the shade, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Enjoy healthy snacksEnjoy healthy snacks such as fresh fruit.
Supervise near waterAlways supervise children near water.
Have fun togetherMake time to read, play, and create special family memories.

Thank you for an amazing month! We are so proud of everything our little scientists discovered. See you soon, Little Scientists!

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