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August News

Message from the Principal
Hello everyone!

August is here and the summer is quickly coming to an end!  We are not finished with our summer fun yet!  We still have lots of fun days for the summer.  Here are our August events:

  • August 3- Watermelon Day!  We will enjoy watermelon today!
  • August 5- PJ Day!
  • August 6-It’s National Root beer Float Day!  We will sample this yummy treat!
  • August 10- Skyscraper Appreciation Day!  We will build skyscrapers!
  • August 12- World Elephant Day!
  • August 14-Worldwide Art Day!
  • August 19- Aviation Day!- Can we make airplanes that really fly?
  • August 20- Move up Meet and Greet from 4-6pm
  • August 21- Poet’s Day!
  • August 26- Wacky Wednesday!  Can you dress wacky today?
  • August 28- End of Summer Picnic!
  • August 31- Our New School year begins!

As we move further into August, you will see our teachers working on preparing classrooms for the upcoming year.  As we plan for the new school year, we will have some classrooms moving to different spots.  We will be sure you are aware of where your child will be and when they will be there.

As you see from our special days, we have an opportunity for you to come and meet your child’s new classroom teachers.  This is an opportunity to find out what happens in the new classrooms.  You will receive a welcome packet from your child’s new teachers.  This is a great way to start the transition for both your child and you.  Mark your calendars for August 20th.  You can drop in anytime from4-6pm.  You could even go visit when you are picking up your child:).

We are looking forward to a fun-filled school year!

Miss Becky

Back to school


Reminders:

Please be sure to sign your child in and out daily.  The sign in/out book is in the foyer.

It’s warmer and sunny outside.  Remember sunscreen and water bottles.  Also, please be sure to check your child’s extra clothing to be sure it is weather appropriate.

Don’t forget to wash hands when you enter the classrooms.


 

Reestablishing Routines for Your Preschooler
Maintaining Order & Staying on Track

As we reach the end of summer, now is a great time to reestablish comforting routines for your preschooler. Routines help children build self-confidence and independence, cope with transitions, and gain a better understanding of the world around them.

Our Links to Learning curriculum promotes students’ social and emotional development, which is necessary for following directions and demonstrating self-control. Our teachers focus on the importance of healthy living and safety routines in the Wellness component of our curriculum.

Here are some examples of ways we establish routines in the classroom, as well as ideas for you and your child to do at home.

TODDLERS (ages 1-2):

In the classroom: Naptime gives children an opportunity to recharge and reboot. Our toddlers transition from napping in cribs to napping in cots. Teachers schedule naps at the same time and in the same area of the classroom every day. Soothing music is played to help toddlers wind down.

At home: Talk with your child’s teacher about the naptime routine at school. Minimize naptime battles by attempting to maintain the same routine at home.

Recommended reading: Naptime by Elizabeth Verdick

BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):

In the classroom: Around age two, children begin to learn basic self-help skills such as dressing themselves. Our Beginner students practice snaps and zippers, and are encouraged to complete basic sequences like putting on socks before shoes.

At home: Offer your child a choice during routines in order to increase his interest in the activity. For example, lay out two outfit options for him to wear. Allow him to choose the outfit he prefers. Give him ample time to dress himself before offering assistance.  Praise every attempt.

Recommended reading: Let’s Get Dressed by Caroline Church

INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):

In the classroom: Teachers focus on the importance of sleep in the Wellness component of our curriculum. Students read and act out We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen. They discuss why the bear was sleeping, and why sleep is important.

At home: Create a bedtime routine for your child. For example, bathe, brush teeth, read a story, go to sleep. Follow the same sequence of events at the same time and in the same order every night.

Recommended reading:  The Going-to-Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (ages 4-5):

In the classroom: Our older students follow an arrival routine at the start of every school day. They sign themselves in, say goodbye to their parents, and put away their belongings. Students learn rhymes and songs to help remind themselves what to do when they enter the classroom.

At home: Mornings are critical for setting the tone for a successful and positive day. Establish a morning routine for your child with a maximum of four steps. For example, get dressed, brush hair, brush teeth, eat breakfast.

Recommended reading: Waking Up is Hard to Do by Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield

 

Following routines helps children develop the habits of responsibility that will be crucial for their future success and well-being. Kindergarten students are expected to follow instructions, listen to their teacher and complete specific tasks. By setting routines in the preschool years, your child will be better prepared as he enters elementary school and beyond.

– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education

 

 

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