Why Are We Standing?

We are finding that many of the students aren't able to stand for more than 5 minutes without complaining and they are not able to sit, unsupported on the floor. In our classroom we have gotten rid of the chairs around the craft table! When we look at a typical class session, kids spend a lot of time sitting. When a child stands at a table, they have better leverage for performing those fine motor tasks that we are asking them to do such cutting, coloring and gluing! We are working on strengthening our muscles to make us successful learners! What can you do at home? If you have a small table, encourage your child to stand and do some coloring or cutting. Encourage your child to sit on the floor criss-cross-applesauce without leaning back on their hands. Have your child sit on a stool that doesn't have a back on it. All of these activities will help your child strengthen their core muscles.

Beautiful Oops!

Beautiful oops! What a wonderful book for our classroom!  Next week we are going to read the story, Beautiful Oops! This story reminds us that mistakes can be beautiful! Look for the beauty that comes in every mistake! A spill, a stain, a folded or crumpled piece of paper; everything can be something wonderful! Just like us! Sometimes we feel like we are folded, stained or creased in our lives.  Make something beautiful!

We are going to need YOUR help!!  We will be creating some collaborative art work! The kids will do the painting at school and when it is dry, they will bring it home.  This is where YOU come in! I will send home a black marker. I want you to turn those paint splotches into something fun! 

Maybe they look like flowers or monsters or puppies or something silly! Ask your child for help if you are stuck! HAVE fun with this activity! Don't think too much! Just DO!

Back To School!

I know this is a lot of information. Please take the time to read it.

Wow! Back to school is here! This is a big transition for parents and children! Especially for your 3 year olds. Your child may be frightened and anxious about starting school. This is perfectly normal. It is okay for your child to experience these emotions. When you drop off your child, please make your good-byes short and sweet. We are used to this and know how to handle these situations. 

Please take the time to read through the Adventure Preschool flip book that you received at back to school night in your child's green folder. (If you weren't there, you will get the folder on the first day of school.) Most questions will be answered by reading this flip book. 

A skills practice sheet will be coming home in your child's kiwi pack this week. Please help your child color the crayons. Use these practice sheets every night to practice these skills with your child. Go slow, they have all year to learn these items! Try and make it fun. Point out colors, shapes, numbers and letters that you see around you! Practice counting items in your environment; cars on the road, boxes of cereal, items in your mailbox etc. 

You are also going to receive a sheet to sign up for Class Dojo. This is an app that I use for behavior recording and attendance. I encourage you to use the code to sign up in order to view your child's record. If there is ever a severe issue with your child, you will receive a phone call or a note home or an email. Please sign and return this form.

Book orders: Please make checks out to Scholastic 

Highlights: Please sign and return this form even if you don't want to order. Our classroom receives bonus supplies for ever form returned...even if it is checked no. 

I can't wait to get to know all of your children and you this upcoming year!

Changes!

We are looking at some very fun changes in ECFE for 2015-2016 school year! We would like to thank everyone who took the time to fill out our survey and return it to us! Stay-tuned for details! Registration for Fall/Winter sessions will begin at Big Wheels! Stay tuned!