The Heat is On!
We hope that our students have been enjoying their summer thus far and we look forward to experiencing more summer fun with all the fun events that we have planned for August! You may have noticed that we have done a little bit of redecorating with our sidewalks out front. Such artwork is courtesy of our scientific little artists. The ice cube art turned into much more of a science experiment than an art exposition. The kids were much more interested melting the ice cubes with their hands and exploring the puddles through splashing and making their marks with hands prints. Although we didn’t get our entry way adorned with flowers and drawings of families, the puddles of color were created with echoes of laughter and giggles throughout the creation process. We believe these displays to be witnessed by all who enter our campus until the rainy season joins us once again.
On that note…the summer continues with our fun themes including Exploring the Rainforest, Under the Sea, Home on the Range, and Safari fun! We are looking forward to experiencing Music Mania Class, and Amazing Athletics too. Be sure to dress your child appropriately for the Messy Out Door Art Day on the 5th, as the kiddos are in store for yet another avante garde art workshop. We will officially be holding our only Water Play Day this month on the 18th! Please be sure to bring your child’s swim suit, water shoes (in addition to their regular school shoes), towel, and a change of clothes to make sure that they get to participate to the fullest capacity. Please be sure to label belongings with your child’s name.
Many families have been awaiting the return of our faithful principal, Ms. Christine. Shoulder surgery has taken it’s toll and recovery has been a slow process. With her doctors teasing us with the notion of her release in July, we are now hopeful that she will be rejoining us early on in August. She has greatly appreciated all the well wishes she has received along the way and she is anxious to get back to work. We do want to thank the families that have been so supportive and understanding with the Administrative team substituting in her absence. Until we see Ms. Christine back at her desk, please know that Ms. Angie and Ms. Nicole are happy to address any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Happy August!
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
August News
The Heat is On!
We hope that our students have been enjoying their summer thus far and we look forward to experiencing more summer fun with all the fun events that we have planned for August! You may have noticed that we have done a little bit of redecorating with our sidewalks out front. Such artwork is courtesy of our scientific little artists. The ice cube art turned into much more of a science experiment than an art exposition. The kids were much more interested melting the ice cubes with their hands and exploring the puddles through splashing and making their marks with hands prints. Although we didn’t get our entry way adorned with flowers and drawings of families, the puddles of color were created with echoes of laughter and giggles throughout the creation process. We believe these displays to be witnessed by all who enter our campus until the rainy season joins us once again.
On that note…the summer continues with our fun themes including Exploring the Rainforest, Under the Sea, Home on the Range, and Safari fun! We are looking forward to experiencing Music Mania Class, and Amazing Athletics too. Be sure to dress your child appropriately for the Messy Out Door Art Day on the 5th, as the kiddos are in store for yet another avante garde art workshop. We will officially be holding our only Water Play Day this month on the 18th! Please be sure to bring your child’s swim suit, water shoes (in addition to their regular school shoes), towel, and a change of clothes to make sure that they get to participate to the fullest capacity. Please be sure to label belongings with your child’s name.
Many families have been awaiting the return of our faithful principal, Ms. Christine. Shoulder surgery has taken it’s toll and recovery has been a slow process. With her doctors teasing us with the notion of her release in July, we are now hopeful that she will be rejoining us early on in August. She has greatly appreciated all the well wishes she has received along the way and she is anxious to get back to work. We do want to thank the families that have been so supportive and understanding with the Administrative team substituting in her absence. Until we see Ms. Christine back at her desk, please know that Ms. Angie and Ms. Nicole are happy to address any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Happy August!
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