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November News

November is such a special time of year because it gives us a chance to reflect on what is most important…family…with a side dish of food!  What many families love most about November is that it can be the calm before the storm.  Let us all take it easy this month and cherish the memory of this moment.  Your children will never be this age again.  What has been your favorite memory you shared with your family this year?  Take the time to share it with your child just to remind them of what an important member of the family they are.

One of our favorite family events takes place in November.  The Friendship Feast allows the students an opportunity to celebrate friends, family and our diversity.  Parents are invited to attend and bring a dish native to their culture of origin.  This may mean fried rice to some families or Mac & Cheese to another family.  The purpose of this event is not only learn about other cultures and house holds, but also to try new foods that a child may not otherwise be exposed to.  Our friendship feast will be held on Friday, November 20th at 11 o’clock.

Please keep an eye on the calendar for our scheduled closure days this month.  We will be closed on the 11th for Veterans Day and the longest consecutive days we are ever closed, Thanksgiving and the day after on the 26th and 27th.  We look forward to hearing all about the family time when we return back to school on the 30th!

-Christine Harrah and Staff


 

 

From Our Education Department:

4 Ways to Instill Thankfulness in Young Children

It’s never too early to teach your child about thankfulness. By learning concepts of generosity and compassion, children strengthen their connection to their community and become sensitive to the feelings of others.

The holiday season is quickly approaching, so now is a great time to reinforce the importance of thankfulness and giving back to those in need.

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

TODDLERS: Be a good role model

In the classroom: Our teachers introduce “please” and “thank you” to our toddlers by using sign language and verbal communication. Students practice good manners with their dolls, stuffed animals and each other.

At home: Modeling positive behaviors is a great way to teach your child good manners. Say “please” before asking him to do something, and always follow with “thank you.”

Recommended reading: Little Critter® I Am Helping by Mercer Mayer

BEGINNERS: Share your gratitude out loud

In the classroom: Our teachers encourage our Beginner students to name a few of their favorite toys and games, and bring one in from home to share with friends. By sharing their belongings, children nurture connections with their classmates, and build necessary problem-solving skills.

At home: Talk with your child about the things in your life for which you are thankful, and ask him to name a few as well. Extend the discussion beyond physical possessions. For instance, if he is thankful for a favorite toy, say “Grandma bought you that toy, and we are thankful for her.”

Recommended reading: Spot Helps Out by Eric Hill

INTERMEDIATES: Show appreciation through actions

In the classroom: By age three, children begin to understand the concept of appreciation. They create birthday cards for their teachers, make art projects for friends, and write thank you cards for classroom visitors.

At home:  Go shopping with your child, and buy a small token of appreciation for a friend or family member. Ask your child to draw a picture or write a thank you note to accompany the gift.

Recommended reading: Clifford’s Good Deeds by Norman Bridwell

PRE-K/PRE-K2: Give back to those in need

In the classroom: During the holidays, many of our schools host donation drives for organizations in need. Our older preschoolers discuss why they are participating, count the items donated, and sometimes have the opportunity to deliver the donations.

At home: Donate canned goods to a local food pantry, and allow your child to choose the food that he would like to donate. Explain to him that you are thankful to have good food to eat, and that you want to make sure that others have the same.

Recommended reading: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

We provide many opportunities for our preschoolers to develop thankfulness and show gratitude towards others. By setting this positive foundation, your child will be more appreciative and generous as he enters elementary school and beyond.

– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education

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