Rangely

Ranger visits Giant Step

Ranger Tiffany from Dinosaur National Monument, in Jensen, Utah, visited with Giant Step preschoolers discussing dinosaurs. Ranger Tiffany said the new quarry building is slated to open sometime in the fall of this year.

RANGELY I Giant Step Preschool and Child Care Center hosted Ranger Tiffany from Dinosaur National Monument on Thursday, March 3.

Students had been talking about and reading books about dinosaurs for two weeks. To make their learning more meaningful, Kari Way called the monument on the off-chance someone would come. To her surprise, they scheduled a day and time right away. Ranger Tiffany arrived with dinosaur replicas, a book, pamphlets and fossils. Several of the children were ready to help her.
When Ranger Tiffany took off her hat, one little girl said, “Keep it on. I like it.”
The children gathered around her and she pulled out several dinosaur replicas. The apatasaurus, allosaurus, brachiosaurus and stegosaurus have been discovered as fossils in or near the park. The kids held a stegosaurus spike (which was very heavy). We learned that dinosaurs survived for 165 million years and were reminded that people did not live with the dinosaurs.
The brachiosaurus could possibly rear up on his tail and back legs and take down the allosaurus. Ranger Tiffany reminded the kids that no one knows what color the dinosaurs were or if they made any noise. Ranger Tiffany provided lots of pamphlets about the park and dinosaurs and “Ranger hats” for the kids.
Giant Step thanks Dinosaur National Monument for making learning about dinosaurs meaningful at the preschool. Ranger Tiffany said they would love to come to other schools in the area and are planning another junior ranger day this spring. She also said the new quarry building in Jensen, Utah, is slated to open in the fall.
Giant Step Preschool utilizes creative curriculum also known as teaching strategies and we are members of Colorado Results Matter. Every child, 2-5, receives a preschool learning opportunity. Our children are assessed during their preschool time, which is extended throughout the day for those children who are receiving full day care. Children are observed in their everyday interactions to give us information about how and what they are learning. The environment is set up so that children have an opportunity to fully engage in learning opportunities that are meaningful.
The Colorado Department of Education defines school readiness as “whether a child is ready to engage in and benefit from learning experiences, as well as the ability of a school to meet the needs of all students. School readiness is enhanced when schools, families and community service providers work collaboratively to ensure that every child is ready for higher levels of learning.” For more information about preschool and Colorado Results Matter online visit: http://www.cde.state.co. us/resultsmatter/index.htm.
During “play” time, which is optimally at least an hour, the children engage in learning centers that include dramatic play, puzzles and games, blocks, creative art and writing, library and gross motor skills play (tricycles, balance beam and playing ball—all indoors). One example of a learning opportunity: Several boys moved the hollow blocks to the tricycle area. They put three blocks down on the floor and placed all three tricycle wheels in the blocks so that they could “fix” the trike from beneath. They played cooperatively and connected experiences to hand each other (imaginary) tools. This type of play meets several learning objectives from teaching strategies.
If you have any questions about the curriculum or how children learn, please stop in to Giant Step for answers to any of your questions and a tour.

Special to the Herald TimesRANGELY I Giant Step Preschool and Child Care Center hosted Ranger Tiffany from Dinosaur National Monument on Thursday, March 3.Students had been talking about and reading books about dinosaurs for two weeks. To make their learning more meaningful, Kari Way called the monument on the off-chance someone would come. To her surprise, they scheduled a day and time right away. Ranger Tiffany arrived with dinosaur replicas, a book, pamphlets and fossils. Several of the children were ready to help her.When Ranger Tiffany took off her hat, one little girl said, “Keep it on. I like it.” The children gathered around her and she pulled out several dinosaur replicas. The apatasaurus, allosaurus, brachiosaurus and stegosaurus have been discovered as fossils in or near the park. The kids held a stegosaurus spike (which was very heavy). We learned that dinosaurs survived for 165 million years and were reminded that people did not live with the dinosaurs.The brachiosaurus could possibly rear up on his tail and back legs and take down the allosaurus. Ranger Tiffany reminded the kids that no one knows what color the dinosaurs were or if they made any noise. Ranger Tiffany provided lots of pamphlets about the park and dinosaurs and “Ranger hats” for the kids. Giant Step thanks Dinosaur National Monument for making learning about dinosaurs meaningful at the preschool. Ranger Tiffany said they would love to come to other schools in the area and are planning another junior ranger day this spring. She also said the new quarry building in Jensen, Utah, is slated to open in the fall. Giant Step Preschool utilizes creative curriculum also known as teaching strategies and we are members of Colorado Results Matter. Every child, 2-5, receives a preschool learning opportunity. Our children are assessed during their preschool time, which is extended throughout the day for those children who are receiving full day care. Children are observed in their everyday interactions to give us information about how and what they are learning. The environment is set up so that children have an opportunity to fully engage in learning opportunities that are meaningful.The Colorado Department of Education defines school readiness as “whether a child is ready to engage in and benefit from learning experiences, as well as the ability of a school to meet the needs of all students. School readiness is enhanced when schools, families and community service providers work collaboratively to ensure that every child is ready for higher levels of learning.” For more information about preschool and Colorado Results Matter online visit: http://www.cde.state.co. us/resultsmatter/index.htm. During “play” time, which is optimally at least an hour, the children engage in learning centers that include dramatic play, puzzles and games, blocks, creative art and writing, library and gross motor skills play (tricycles, balance beam and playing ball—all indoors). One example of a learning opportunity: Several boys moved the hollow blocks to the tricycle area. They put three blocks down on the floor and placed all three tricycle wheels in the blocks so that they could “fix” the trike from beneath. They played cooperatively and connected experiences to hand each other (imaginary) tools. This type of play meets several learning objectives from teaching strategies. If you have any questions about the curriculum or how children learn, please stop in to Giant Step for answers to any of your questions and a tour.

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
2 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!