Easel Time

In some of my fine motor training, I have learned that it is very important for preschoolers to be working at an easel on a daily basis.  The kids got this amazing Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa Donaldson.
“When preschoolers hold a marker, paint brush or other instrument against a vertical surface, extra muscles in the wrist and hand are strengthened - muscles that don't get exercise when preschoolers write on a table or other horizontal surface. The tiny hand and wrist muscles work against gravity in a different way on vertical surfaces then they do when preschoolers write or draw on horizontal surfaces.” Taken from Preschool Rock.com

Today Easel time was simply putting our hot chocolate cups on the easel to color before our number time.