Classroom Highlights
Did you know that:
Play is a necessity. Play is a fundamental building block. Play is the beginning of knowledge. Play is training for the unexpected. Play is the highest form of human development. Play is about taking risks, experimenting and testing boundaries. Play is brain building. Play is the exultation of the possible. Play is the work of a child.
In Reveille, the children have been working hard building their brains every day!
Geometry was a key part of their day as the children worked with Tangram puzzles, manipulating the shapes to create a variety of images. This activity helped them explore geometric concepts while enhancing their problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills.
The children explored cupcake liners with numbers on the bottom, using tongs to pick up small pom-poms and place them into the corresponding liners. This activity not only helped them practice counting, but also strengthened their small muscles and improved their hand-eye coordination—skills that are essential for writing.
They became engineers by using loose parts to design and build a bridge or platform strong enough to support the weight of their pumpkins. This hands-on activity encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork as they tested their structures and learned the principles of engineering.
Science can be incorporated into a child’s life in many exciting ways. Our friends in Reveille have planted lettuce and broccoli, taking on the responsibility of caring for their garden by keeping the soil watered. Once the vegetables are ready for harvest, they will have the opportunity to taste the fruits of their labor, experiencing firsthand the rewards of growing their own food. This hands-on activity fosters a deeper understanding of nature, growth, and the science behind it all.
The children worked together to create a 3-D map of College Station using blocks, street signs, and landscape pieces. As a group, they decided to include key locations like HEB, Target, Costco, Chick-fil-A, and more. They then brought the map to life by adding trees, people, and cars. This hands-on project is a perfect example of how Social Studies comes alive in the classroom, as the children engage in learning about their community, geography, and the world around them through creative play and collaboration.
And of course, there’s always time for language and literacy! Whether it’s reading aloud, exploring books on our own, or expressing ourselves through drawing and writing with markers, crayons, pencils, chalk, and more, children have endless opportunities to engage with the print-rich world around them. These activities not only support language development but also ignite creativity, curiosity, and a love for reading and writing, setting the foundation for lifelong learning.
Working together and playing outside is the most fun of all! We are not only having a blast, but we’re also learning and growing. Through active play, we are strengthening our large muscles, collaborating with others, and discovering how our bodies move and react in different situations. As we explore, we begin to understand concepts like gravity and balance, while gaining confidence and skills that will last a lifetime. It’s a fun and important journey of learning through movement!”
Learning to Serve and Help Others
In November, the teachers took advantage of numerous opportunities to teach the children about the importance of service and collaboration. The children in the Aggies and 12th Man classrooms exercised their right to vote on November 5, choosing between a Popcorn Party or a Pajama Day. The day began with a lively and healthy debate, and after waiting patiently in line, each child had the chance to cast their ballot, practicing democracy firsthand.
The children at Becky Gates Children’s Center and Charlotte Sharp Children’s Center joined many across campus in taking time to show appreciation for the brave men and women who have served in the military. They created a variety of heartfelt cards, which were delivered to the Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource and Support Center (VRSC) and the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System. These small acts of kindness remind us that even the simplest gestures can have a big impact.
National Handwashing Week is coming up the week of December 6, and the Children’s Centers are collaborating with University Health Services to create an engaging hand hygiene awareness display. The display will feature painted handprints from the children, and as they wash the paint off their hands, discussions about the importance of handwashing naturally follow. This year’s theme is ‘Save Lives – Clean Your Hands,’ encouraging everyone to adopt good hand hygiene practices to stay healthy.
Staff Highlight
Introducing Erika Rodriguez, who joined our administration team in August as the administrative coordinator. Many of you may know her from her previous role as a teacher at BGCC, where she worked for four years before transitioning to her current position.
In her new role, Erika handles a variety of essential tasks, including enrollment, payroll, processing tuition payments, and supervising front desk staff. She also takes care of many behind-the-scenes responsibilities, such as planning and coordinating special events like professional development days and family events.
“I have always had a passion for early childhood education,” Erika shared. “With over twenty years of experience in childcare—ranging from classroom teaching to directing and even owning my own early childcare center—I feel that these experiences have greatly contributed to my success in this field.”
Erika’s passion for the field of early childhood education began at a young age. “When I moved to America, I didn’t know much, but a teacher took the time to help me catch up,” Erika said. “She instilled in me a passion for education that I carry to this day.”
While Erika takes her responsibilities seriously, she also cherishes her time with family. She enjoys the love and support of her husband, children, and grandchildren. Recently, she graduated with an associate degree in early childhood education and plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in the future.
Erika noted that her prior experience has eased her transition from the classroom to administration. She loves working directly with families and building relationships within the community.
“I want all our families to know that I am here to help in any way I can,” Erika shared. “My goal is to provide the best possible experience for our families, always considering their perspectives in every situation by putting myself in their shoes.”
Grateful for her journey so far, Erika is excited to see what the future holds.
