El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative
Play, Learn and Grow at ECPC
ECPC turned out in force for the Solano Stroll last weekend. A crowd of families paraded under the theme Purple Enchanted Garden, creating a sea of purple that showcased our wonderful community as well as ECPC’s artistic side.
A group of parents and kids came together ahead of time to create decorations based on our parade theme.
What a fun family weekend — thanks to everyone who made it happen!
Take this fun quiz to find out, “What ECPC Online Auction Item Are You?”
The auction launches May 22, with lots of tempting items to bid on (stay in London, anyone??). What will you go for?
Please join us for our spring Open House on Sunday, May 3 from 10 am to 12 noon. Parents and children are welcome.
This is a chance to explore our spacious and beautiful school; experience ECPC-style art, snack and free play; and engage with current and prospective families.
It will be a fun morning for prospective preschoolers and a great chance to learn more about the programs and philosophy of our play-based cooperative.
Click for more info on enrollment.
When: May 2, 9 am-2 pm
What: The ECPC yard sale featuring housewares, furniture, kid and baby clothes and gear, etc contributed by our more than 60 families. Our Snack Shack will serve treats throughout. No early birds please.
Where: At ECPC, 7200 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito
During a visit from the East Bay Vivarium last week, a presenter introduced the enthralled ECPC kids to a variety of reptiles and insects. At one point, he showed them a Whip Scorpion and explained that it produces vinegar in its tail for defense.
“You know vinegar — we put it on salad,” he told the kids. “We have it for making potions!” piped up a child.
The kids sat rapt for an hour as they learned about tarantulas, lizards and other Vivarium pets in a show that wove gentle wisdom in with fun and learning. The introduction of a harmless reptile that postures to scare off potential attackers became a lesson on bullying: “Let me let you in on a secret,” intoned the visitor, leaning closer. “Bullies act scary because they’re scared.”
And the whole presentation was a reminder to treat our world, and the animals who share it, with respect. “Wild animals have as much right to be here as we do,” said the presenter. “We are the caretakers of this whole planet, and it is our responsibility to give these animals good lives. You can start by leaving them alone. When you leave today, you might see a wild animal, a lizard or a tarantula. I hope you enjoy seeing a wild animal and I hope you show it respect.”
At ECPC, our philosophy of play-based education includes practicing preschool art as process, not product. We don’t make models of projects for children and just let them get into making their art, without focusing on what they create. Messy Art Day was designed to showcase that approach, and, boy, did the kids get into the process! At our 8th annual MAD, kids from the community joined ECPC students in some truly hands-on (and feet-in) art and science.
Projects included tire-swing spin art, enormous pools of oobleck (corn starch plus water, which behaves as a solid or liquid depending how much pressure you apply to it — crazy!), baking-soda-vinegar explosions, and splatter painting.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this free community event a beautifully messy success!
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