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August News

From the Principal’s Office

Back to School is HERE!

We would like to take a minute and welcome all new and old families to the 2016/2017 School Year! Please download the Links2Home app so that you can stay up to date with happenings at school.

The 2016/2017 School Year calendar has been added to the website under the tab ‘Parents’. You can click here for a copy.

The summer is almost over and that means it is time to get ‘Back to School’! Transition week will begin on Monday, August 15th for those children moving to new classrooms. School will officially begin on Monday, August 22nd.

Our first fundraiser of the year is underway! Super Fan Tervis Cups!!! Click Here for ordering information.

As you know, we had some major renovations done this summer! We are excited to show off the new changes at our Re-Grand Opening on Wednesday, August 24th from 5-7pm.

Thank you for being part of the Chesterbrook Family!
Warm Regards,

Jen Elliott, Principal

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August

August 15th – Transition Week

August 17th – District 200 First Day of School

August 18th – Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School First Day of School

August 22nd – School Officially Starts

August 24th – Re-Grand Opening 5-7pm

August 30th – Pre-K 2 attends CAES for Specials (see monthly calendar)

August 31st – Pre-K attends CAES for Specials (see monthly calendar)
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Building Your Child’s Sense of Family Belonging

Relationships with family members play an important role as children begin to develop a sense of self. When they feel a sense of identity and belonging within their own families, children are better able to grow emotionally, make friends, and appreciate and accept the diversity of others.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s a great time to share activities that celebrate the importance of family.

Below are age appropriate activities that we implement in the classroom, as well as activities you can do with your child at home.

INFANTS/TODDLERS:

In the classroom: Teachers use baby sign language to help children identify and eventually verbalize names for their family members. When parents enter the classroom, teachers say, “Look! Here’s Sophia’s mommy,” while also signing “mommy.” They work with parents to learn specific names used at home, and then use those names in the classroom.

At home: Use baby sign language as you come across names of family members in books and songs. To sign “mommy,” tap your thumb on your chin repeatedly. To sign “daddy,” tap your thumb on your forehead repeatedly. Remember to say the word aloud as you sign.

Recommended reading: Spot Loves His Mommy by Eric Hill, Are You my Mother? by PD Eastman

BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):

In the classroom: By age two, children begin to learn the names of extended family members, such as grandmother, uncle and cousin. They practice using these words as they talk about their families. After sorting stuffed animals by type, teachers might say, “This is the horse’s family. He has a big family. Who’s in your family?”

At home: Give your child play dough and encourage him to create the members of his family. Afterward, ask him to count and name them. This activity helps him conceptualize that multiple people make up his entire family and gives you insight into what family means to your child at his particular point in development.

Recommended reading: On Mother’s Lap by Ann Herbert Scott, Oonga Boonga by Frieda Wishinsky

INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):

In the classroom: As children read stories about diverse families, teachers encourage them to share unique details about their own families. For example, teachers might ask, “Who has a sister?” or “Who has a pet?” Afterward, students create charts with the information.

At home: Have each member of your family make a thumbprint using finger paint on a piece of paper side by side. Then, ask your child to compare the various sizes, and guess which thumbprint belongs to each person. As they talk about their family members, they begin to appreciate what makes their family unique.

Recommended reading: Clifford’s Family by Norman Bridwell, What Mommies Do Best and What Daddies Do Best by Laura Numeroff

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

In the classroom: Our older preschoolers begin to understand that their parents have more than one role. Family members are invited to visit and talk to the class about their roles inside and outside of the home. Students are encouraged to write and draw their family members in the different roles they serve. For example, “Mommy is a doctor.”

At home: Go on an uninterrupted family outing with your child. Try to avoid checking work emails or answering unimportant phone calls. Afterward, ask your child to write about his favorite parts of the day in his journal.

Recommended reading: Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother Too? by Eric Carle, The Napping House by Audrey Wood

All of our schools will be celebrating families in really fun ways this Mother’s Day season, and we hope that you do too!

– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education

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For Parents
Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School News
Did you know that we had an elementary school in Naperville? The elementary school services Kindergarten-8th Grade. If you are in need of more information or enrolling your child in our elementary school please contact the school at 630-527-0833. You can also visit their website at http://Naperville.ChesterbrookAcademy.com.

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