We did it again. Crayons Count welcomed eight children to be a part of the Teachers, Tots and Tools Workshop on May 21 st . This time, the lesson plan was focused towards three year olds. The theme was ‘ Fish’. It was jam packed morning with lots of tools, laughter and learning at the Caenwood Early Childhood Resource Centre. There were teachers from seventeen basic schools and everyone was excited about the learning to come.

Crayons Count welcomed Crayon College, Cresent Road Basic, Junior World Learning Activity, Glady’s Sheriff Basic, Faith Tabernacle Basic, Ambrook Basic, Dubrobin Early Childhood Institute, Webster Memorial Basic, Suthermere Preparatory, Galilee Early Childhood Development Centre, Trafalgar Christian Preparatory, Albert Reid Early Childhood Development Centre, Bishop D S Thomas Early Childhood Development Centre, Jahmona  Early Childhood Development Centre, St Francis Early Childhood Development Centre, Waltham Basic and Barnes Basic.

Shaanii-Grace Robinson, was once again the pilot on this fabulous flight and lead the ‘eager beavers’ on a tour. After the tour, the children all sat down quietly and did what they do best: Learn! With a little guidance from ‘Aunty’, they were stacking and lacing to their heart’s delight with stackers and lacing tools. Quick hands and quick minds were on display. After Exploration time, it was ‘Get up and Go time’. Aunty Shaanii was the lead singer in a little sing-a-long about words that start with ‘F’ including the word ‘fish’. Next was fun, fish time where everyone sat together and created their own little fish tank complete with paper fish, colored blocks, colored pegs as fishing rods and puppets to act out the fishing. Crayons Count was amazed to find out that even puppet monkeys and cats like to fish. Everyone had their turn fishing. Puzzles were in the mix too with the children identifying the different colors and pictures when it all came together.

After fishing was play time with the Crayons Count ball. Each child was given the chance to pass the ball as long as they repeated a word starting with the letter ‘F’. “Teacher! Teacher! Fish! Fin! Fan!” We could not stop them even if we tried.

Next, the groups were divided into girls and boys. The boys went into their corner to color the words ‘ Fish live in water’ . Each word was colored with a different crayon and encouraged them to follow instructions and identify colors. The girls used letter blocks to complete the word ‘FISH’. Both excelled at their tasks and were met with applause. 

It was time for a break for the children and Aunty Jenelle and Aunty Shahri became a part of painting time. The outcome was beautiful.  National Baking Company Limited generously donated snacks for the children and teachers which made everyone very happy.

Break time! The teachers were treated to a short discussion of the lesson plan and the activities. Crayons Count was not surprised with all the ideas, comments and feedback from the teachers. They were just as involved as the children were; taking photos at every turn and every activity. We had to give them the space. Deika Morrison, founder of Crayons Count had a one on one discussion with the teachers about the importance of using the tools in the classroom to the benefit of the children. She emphasized that the tools are meant to be used and not stored. Deika was even more pleased when she received a warm vote of thanks from the teachers and was treated to a round of the song ‘For She’s A Jolly Good Fellow’.  It was a great end to a great workshop.

Crayons Count will always be dedicated to the cause of early childhood development. Certificates of participation were given out to every teacher and even one helpful parent who came along to help out.

The day would not have been complete without Crayons Count donating supplemental kits to each participating school.

The evaluations were all positive and filled with more wishes for more workshops with more activities and with more children.

We want to thank every teacher, parent and individual who has made the ‘Teacher, Tots and Tools’ Workshops a success. Crayons Count would especially like to thank National Baking Company for providing snacks for every Teacher, Tots and Tools Workshop.

Donate to Crayons Count and help us give the youngest generation the solid foundation they need. We are far from finished and would love your support.

To see more photos from the workshop, visit our Facebook photo album Teachers, Tots & Tools- Three Year Olds