From the Principal’s Desk:

How important is play in preschool?

Preschool — it’s not just about the sandbox anymore. As elementary school becomes more rigorous, so does preschool. Children are expected to learn certain skills in preschool so that they are prepared for elementary school. Considering the limited time in a preschool setting and the pressure for success later on, where does play fit in?

Play is work for preschoolers

Children are playful by nature. Their earliest experiences exploring with their senses lead them to play, first by themselves and eventually with others. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has included play as a criterion in its accreditation process for programs for young children. “They call it their work,” says Peter Pizzolongo, associate director for professional development at NAEYC. “When they’re learning and playing with joy, then it’s a positive experience. They develop a positive approach to learning.”

The teacher’s role as children grow

As children develop, their play becomes more sophisticated. Up until the age of 2, a child plays by himself and has little interaction with others. Soon after, he starts watching other children play but may not join in. This is particularly relevant to kids in multi-age settings where younger children can watch and learn from older preschoolers playing nearby.

Types of play

Children’s play can be divided into categories, but the types of play often overlap.

Dramatic — Fantasy-directed play with dressing up in costumes, assuming roles as characters, using toys to represent characters in stories, creating imaginary settings, and pretending to take on the roles of adults.
Manipulative — Holding and handling small toys often used to build objects but also found in puzzles, characters, beads, etc.
Physical — Using the whole body in activities with bikes, balls, jump ropes, hoops, play structures, etc.
Creative — Using art materials such as paint, clay, markers, pencils, glue, etc. The play takes place in the process of using the materials, not in the end product.

We would like to give Crystal Veinot, Erica Mayo, and Amanda Wolfe a BIG THANK YOU for the amazing back to the school baskets and the Sweet Treats food truck from Troutman, NC. The teachers and staff truly appreciate it!

Inspirational Quotes for parents

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Links 2 Home!

We are committed to communicating with you every day about your child’s progress. When you enroll, you will receive a report and photos each day, accessible through your email as well as our mobile app. Links 2 Home. Through the app, you can also let us know any special notes for the day. All of your photos and reports are securely saved during your time with us, so you will be able to look back and enjoy the great memories. Enroll today and experience the fun and learning through Links 2 Home.

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Parent Reminders

Please be sure to wash your child’s hands upon entering the classroom.
If your child has received any new immunizations, please make sure we have an updated record in your child’s file.
All outside food must be store bought.
Inform the front office if your emergency contact information changes.
Please sign your child in and out each day.
Label all your child’s belongings.
Please put appropriate foot wear on your child for active play.

ANCILLARY PROGRAMS

Monday Morning: Daisy Dance is a ballet, tap and a creative movement dance program designed to teach children a life long love of movement and provide a foundation for all dance genres. New dance sessions will begin in September. Click here for the registration form.

Tuesday Afternoon: T.O.T (Teams of Tomorrow) is an awesome training program that focuses on basketball handling and dribbling skills. The onsite classes are fun, educational and active. New TOT classes will start September 7th. Click here for the registration forms.

Thursday Morning: Soccer Shots is a popular non-competitive youth soccer program. This program teaches confidence, fun, character, teamwork, coordination and imagination. The summer soccer shots will start September 1st- Nov. 17th. A new session will start in the fall, click here for a registration form

Friday Morning: King Tiger Tae Kwon Do is taught according to individual needs and levels of skills. Students begin to establish, and actually achieve, personal goals. Students learn that, by setting realistic goals and applying dedication and hard work, anything is possible. They develop confidence! The virtues of Respect, Concentration, Discipline, and Motivation are the characteristics of a truly confident individual. A new session will start in the fall, click here for the registration form.

From our Education Department

Go Beyond “I’m Sorry” to Foster Sincere Apologies from Your Preschooler

September, 2016 | Topics: Social-Emotional Learning
Your child grabs a toy from a playmate, tears erupt, and you immediately tell him to say, “I’m sorry.” Does this sound familiar? Although apologizing might seem to diffuse the situation, these words alone don’t fix hurt feelings, nor do they help your child understand how or why he caused[.....]
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Chesterbrook Academy® Preschool

September Newsletter