Thursday, September 2, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Mrs. Henry's Favorites
We have started a wonderful portaportal full of the great websites that we like to use for preschool. Here you will be able to find valuable resources for using the computer with your child. We have also linked to some great preschool songs on youtube!
Click here to see Mrs. Henry's favorites for Preschool!
Click here to see Mrs. Henry's favorites for Preschool!
Friday, July 16, 2010
There's Nothing In My Bag Today
There’s Nothing In My Bag Today
Today I did math and science
and I toasted bread, I counted, measured and
used my eyes, ears and my head.
I added and subtracted and used magnets and blocks
I learned about a rainbow and I learned how to weigh.
So please don’t say,
“Is there anything in your bag today?”
For you see, I’m learning all about sharing as I play.
I learned to listen and speak clearly when I talk,
To wait my turn, and when insideto walk.
To put my thoughts into a phrase,
To guide a crayon through a maze.
To find my name and write it down,
To work with a smile and not a frown.
To put my painting brush away.
So please don’t say, “Nothing in your bag today?”
I’ve learned about a snail and a worm.
Remembering how to take my turn.
I helped a friend when he was stuck,
Learned that water runs off a duck.
I looked at words from left to right,
Agreed to differ, not to fight.
So please don’t say, “Did you only play today?”
Today I did math and science
and I toasted bread, I counted, measured and
used my eyes, ears and my head.
I added and subtracted and used magnets and blocks
I learned about a rainbow and I learned how to weigh.
So please don’t say,
“Is there anything in your bag today?”
For you see, I’m learning all about sharing as I play.
I learned to listen and speak clearly when I talk,
To wait my turn, and when insideto walk.
To put my thoughts into a phrase,
To guide a crayon through a maze.
To find my name and write it down,
To work with a smile and not a frown.
To put my painting brush away.
So please don’t say, “Nothing in your bag today?”
I’ve learned about a snail and a worm.
Remembering how to take my turn.
I helped a friend when he was stuck,
Learned that water runs off a duck.
I looked at words from left to right,
Agreed to differ, not to fight.
So please don’t say, “Did you only play today?”
Preschool Rules
Classroom Rules
Eyes Looking
Ears Listening
Mouth Quiet
Helping Hands
Sit Pretzel Legs
Walking Feet
Consequences: I use a color coded system to track behavior.
1. Gold Star ~ GREAT DAY! Keep up the good work.
2. Silver Star ~ Good Day. Warning.
3. Blue Star ~ So-So Day. Lose 3-4 minutes (by age) playtime.
4. Red Star ~ Yucky Day. Lose part of playtime and a note
or phone call home.
*Your child will have a star in their folder indicating what color the marker was at the end of the day.
First Day of School
Tuesday, September 7, 2010 will be the first day of school for the 3 year old class.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 will be the first day of school for the 4 year old class.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 will be the first day of school for the 4 year old class.
Miscellaneous Information
- School Pictures will be taken in October.
- When sending money to school, please send it in an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name and the purpose of the money.
- Please place any correspondence for the teachers in your child’s folder each day.
There are several ways you can help us maintain the best possible teaching atmosphere for your child:- Communicate any concerns regarding our program or your child immediately to staff.
- Read the notices and information left for you in your child’s folder.
- Look at your child’s papers/projects daily. Their work is very important to them and provides another means of communication between parent and child and helps the parent share in the child’s day.
In order not to confuse school toys with a child’s personal property, we ask that children only bring playthings from home on their show and tell day.
Things you can work on with your child at home:
Please feel free to share your questions, ideas or concerns with the teacher. We hope the Mt. Pleasant Preschool experience will be exciting for you and your child.
God Bless,
Mt. Pleasant Preschool
Show and Tell / Mystery Bag
(Mystery Bag)
The purpose of SHOW AND TELL is to enhance the children’s language development by speaking and listening to one another. Children are encouraged to bring items they can talk about, such as vacation souvenirs, artwork, nature items,
photographs, or anything that would be of interest to our class. You will know it is your child’s SHOW AND TELL day when they bring home the Mystery Bag.
The purpose of SHOW AND TELL is to enhance the children’s language development by speaking and listening to one another. Children are encouraged to bring items they can talk about, such as vacation souvenirs, artwork, nature items,
photographs, or anything that would be of interest to our class. You will know it is your child’s SHOW AND TELL day when they bring home the Mystery Bag.
Field Trips
Several field trips are planned during the school year for which we will need parent volunteers for transportation. A General Field Trip Permission form will be signed by parents at the beginning of the school year. The specific location, date, and time for each field trip will be announced in the monthly newsletter/calendar. Since field trips are arranged for the benefit of class members and because parent volunteers will be busy chaperoning our class, we kindly ask that parents plan not to bring other children. If you do not want your child to participate in a field trip, please keep him/ her home that day. Any parent willing to help drive on a field trip is welcome. Field trips will begin after September. Any children not
behaving appropriately and who are therefore a danger to themselves or others during field trips will be required to be accompanied by a parent or adult on all future field trips.
During field trips we expect the children to participate in the activities and follow all preschool rules even if their parent is present. Some children tend to get bashful when parents are around, remind your child that you will not be able to attend future field trips if they do not participate when you are
present. *During field trips it is important for us to remember to be respectful of the speaker and listen (this includes parents) and to keep our hands at our sides and only touch things when asked.
* We encourage you to dress your child in preschool t-shirt or sweatshirt for field trips.
behaving appropriately and who are therefore a danger to themselves or others during field trips will be required to be accompanied by a parent or adult on all future field trips.
During field trips we expect the children to participate in the activities and follow all preschool rules even if their parent is present. Some children tend to get bashful when parents are around, remind your child that you will not be able to attend future field trips if they do not participate when you are
present. *During field trips it is important for us to remember to be respectful of the speaker and listen (this includes parents) and to keep our hands at our sides and only touch things when asked.
* We encourage you to dress your child in preschool t-shirt or sweatshirt for field trips.
Class Parties
Special parties will be held to celebrate Halloween, Christmas,
Valentine’s Day, and Easter. A special end-of-the-year activity may also be planned. Parent volunteers are needed to provide snacks, drinks, party favors, games, etc. If you are able to come and help or donate items for parties, please fill out the Parent Volunteer form or see the teacher. Since preschool parties are for the enjoyment of class members, we ask that parents plan not to bring younger children. If this presents a problem for you, please see the teacher. Last year we asked a 3’s mom to baby-sit for the 4’s party and a 4’s mom to baby-sit for the 3’s party. Please indicate on the Parent Volunteer form if you are interested in helping in this way.
*We would like to request that parents encourage children to do activities with the class even when parents are present at the parties.
Valentine’s Day, and Easter. A special end-of-the-year activity may also be planned. Parent volunteers are needed to provide snacks, drinks, party favors, games, etc. If you are able to come and help or donate items for parties, please fill out the Parent Volunteer form or see the teacher. Since preschool parties are for the enjoyment of class members, we ask that parents plan not to bring younger children. If this presents a problem for you, please see the teacher. Last year we asked a 3’s mom to baby-sit for the 4’s party and a 4’s mom to baby-sit for the 3’s party. Please indicate on the Parent Volunteer form if you are interested in helping in this way.
*We would like to request that parents encourage children to do activities with the class even when parents are present at the parties.
Withdrawal
If it becomes necessary for you to withdraw your child from preschool during the school year, written notice must be given to the preschool director. Tuition must be paid in full for the month of withdrawal. Mt. Pleasant Preschool reserves the right to dismiss a student for cause. Cause is defined as a
perceived endangerment to others or to property, and any educational disturbance which distracts from classroom learning. No refunds of tuition will be awarded for those dismissed from preschool for cause. Those with special needs will be referred to the Wood County Specific Needs Pre-K program @ 420-9655 for screening/ testing.
perceived endangerment to others or to property, and any educational disturbance which distracts from classroom learning. No refunds of tuition will be awarded for those dismissed from preschool for cause. Those with special needs will be referred to the Wood County Specific Needs Pre-K program @ 420-9655 for screening/ testing.
Parent Conferences - Classroom Visits - Parent Volunteers
- PARENT CONFERENCE - CLASSROOM VISITS
After the first month of school, parents are welcome to visit the classroom anytime. Because the teacher’s primary responsibility is to the students, do not expect a conference during class time. However, you may make prior arrangements and the teach will be happy to meet with you before or after class time during office hours. When you need to call the teacher at home, please call before 9:00pm. **Parent Teacher Conferences will be held in the Spring.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Parents and grandparents are encouraged to become active in our preschool program. We need volunteers to: - Help with Parties
- Donate items for class parties
- Drive for field trips
- Assist student with computer lessons in class(no experience necessary!)
- Visit class to share an occupation, craft, talent, etc
- Assist with special projects
- Arrange field trips to their place of business
- Donate items such as books, toys, puzzles, etc
- Read aloud to the class
- Help with bulletin boards
- Other: Please let us hear your ideas
If you would like to be involved in any way, please fill out the Parent Volunteer from or contact the teacher.
Materials and Supplies
Mt. Pleasant Preschool will provide most of the items your child will need for school (glue, paper, etc.) We would like your child to bring:
Backpack to carry home papers/ projects.
Bottle of liquid antibacterial SOAP
3 Yr Olds bring a package of napkins
4 yr Olds bring a roll of paper towels
Later in the year we may ask for more baby wipes,napkins or paper towels.
Backpack to carry home papers/ projects.
Bottle of liquid antibacterial SOAP
3 Yr Olds bring a package of napkins
4 yr Olds bring a roll of paper towels
Later in the year we may ask for more baby wipes,napkins or paper towels.
Clothing
Children should wear comfortable play clothes that will allow them to participate fully in all activities (tumbling, painting, etc). Tennis shoes are recommended. Skate shoes or Heelies are prohibited. Weather permitting we will be going outside each day. Please dress appropriately for that day’s weather.
If you anticipate bathroom accidents, you may keep a seasonal change of clothes in your child’s backpack. All clothing and personal belongings need to be labeled with your child’s name (coats, hats, backpacks, boots, mittens, etc.).
If you anticipate bathroom accidents, you may keep a seasonal change of clothes in your child’s backpack. All clothing and personal belongings need to be labeled with your child’s name (coats, hats, backpacks, boots, mittens, etc.).
Snacks and Birthdays
SNACKS
Parents will be asked to take turns providing snack for the class. A snack calendar will be sent home each month. Please be sure to note your snack day. The preschool will provide
water and cups. The children enjoy a simple treat. Suggested snacks: crackers, cheese, applesauce, raisins, cookies, jello, fruit, small sandwiches, yogurt, fresh fruit, graham crackers, pretzels, etc. Please save special snacks for birthdays. 4 yr Old class will have letter snack days– try to find something that starts with that letter.
BIRTHDAYS
Since Birthdays are important days for preschool age children., we will try to celebrate each child’s special day on or near his or her birthday. Parents may provide a special drink and snack such as juice and decorated cookies or ice cream treats. Parents who wish to join the class during snack time on the child’s birthday are welcome. Pretend birthdays will be celebrated for children who have birthdays in the summer or during holiday vacations.
Parents will be asked to take turns providing snack for the class. A snack calendar will be sent home each month. Please be sure to note your snack day. The preschool will provide
water and cups. The children enjoy a simple treat. Suggested snacks: crackers, cheese, applesauce, raisins, cookies, jello, fruit, small sandwiches, yogurt, fresh fruit, graham crackers, pretzels, etc. Please save special snacks for birthdays. 4 yr Old class will have letter snack days– try to find something that starts with that letter.
BIRTHDAYS
Since Birthdays are important days for preschool age children., we will try to celebrate each child’s special day on or near his or her birthday. Parents may provide a special drink and snack such as juice and decorated cookies or ice cream treats. Parents who wish to join the class during snack time on the child’s birthday are welcome. Pretend birthdays will be celebrated for children who have birthdays in the summer or during holiday vacations.
Preschool Arrival and Departure
ARRIVAL
You can help in several ways to make your child’s arrival and departure from school go smoothly. First, allowing enough time in your morning schedule to get ready for school in a
relaxed, unhurried manner can help get the day off to a good start. Second, plan to arrive at school on time – not too late or too early. Lastly, you can help prepare your child by letting them know that they will be walking into the classroom with the teachers and classmates. Reassure them that you will
return to pick them up at the end of class.
When preschool begins, the teacher and the aide will come outside to the front doors of the building. We will have the children line up on the sidewalk and we will walk the children around to the side door of the church and go into the
preschool. (In the event of poor weather, we will enter through the front doors.)
Please keep your child with you until you see the teachers. If you happen to arrive after the other children have gone in, please walk your child around to the side door, and ring the doorbell. For safety reasons, the doors will be locked when the children are led into the building each morning.
DEPARTURE
At the end of the day, the teachers will lead the children out the side door to the front of the church and dismiss each child to a parent or approved pick-up person. We appreciate your promptness in picking up your child each day.
Important: If your child is to ride home with someone other than a parent, please be sure to send a written note to the teacher. For safety reasons, no child will be permitted to leave with anyone except his/ her parent without permission.
Since most children adjust more easily to the group when a parent is not present, we kindly ask that parents wait to schedule classroom visits until after the first few weeks of school. After the adjustment period, we would like to
encourage parent visitors and volunteers.
You can help in several ways to make your child’s arrival and departure from school go smoothly. First, allowing enough time in your morning schedule to get ready for school in a
relaxed, unhurried manner can help get the day off to a good start. Second, plan to arrive at school on time – not too late or too early. Lastly, you can help prepare your child by letting them know that they will be walking into the classroom with the teachers and classmates. Reassure them that you will
return to pick them up at the end of class.
When preschool begins, the teacher and the aide will come outside to the front doors of the building. We will have the children line up on the sidewalk and we will walk the children around to the side door of the church and go into the
preschool. (In the event of poor weather, we will enter through the front doors.)
Please keep your child with you until you see the teachers. If you happen to arrive after the other children have gone in, please walk your child around to the side door, and ring the doorbell. For safety reasons, the doors will be locked when the children are led into the building each morning.
DEPARTURE
At the end of the day, the teachers will lead the children out the side door to the front of the church and dismiss each child to a parent or approved pick-up person. We appreciate your promptness in picking up your child each day.
Important: If your child is to ride home with someone other than a parent, please be sure to send a written note to the teacher. For safety reasons, no child will be permitted to leave with anyone except his/ her parent without permission.
Since most children adjust more easily to the group when a parent is not present, we kindly ask that parents wait to schedule classroom visits until after the first few weeks of school. After the adjustment period, we would like to
encourage parent visitors and volunteers.
Parent/ Child Separation
It is not unusual for a child to become teary when
separating from a parent in an unfamiliar situation.
Remember, this is a new environment with new faces. A child is bound to feel a little uncomfortable. Be encouraging. Your smile, eyes and body language communicate a lot. If a child senses any type of apprehension on your part, this enhances their own feeling of uncertainty. Separation is often harder on the parents than the child.
separating from a parent in an unfamiliar situation.
Remember, this is a new environment with new faces. A child is bound to feel a little uncomfortable. Be encouraging. Your smile, eyes and body language communicate a lot. If a child senses any type of apprehension on your part, this enhances their own feeling of uncertainty. Separation is often harder on the parents than the child.
Illness
Please do not send your child to school if he or she is ill.
Fever, vomiting, cough, runny nose, rash, diarrhea, and
inflamed eyes are all signs that your child should stay home. If your child contracts a communicable disease (chicken pox, pink eye, etc.), please notify the school immediately. If your child is taking any medication please inform the teacher since that may affect your child’s behavior. If your child becomes ill at school, we will notify you immediately. In case of minor injury or accident, the staff will administer basic first aid. All injuries or illnesses not requiring immediate parental notification will be documented and reported to parents when the child is picked up at the end of the day. Please be sure to keep our telephone listing for you up to date.
Fever, vomiting, cough, runny nose, rash, diarrhea, and
inflamed eyes are all signs that your child should stay home. If your child contracts a communicable disease (chicken pox, pink eye, etc.), please notify the school immediately. If your child is taking any medication please inform the teacher since that may affect your child’s behavior. If your child becomes ill at school, we will notify you immediately. In case of minor injury or accident, the staff will administer basic first aid. All injuries or illnesses not requiring immediate parental notification will be documented and reported to parents when the child is picked up at the end of the day. Please be sure to keep our telephone listing for you up to date.
Calendar, Closings and Attendance
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Mt. Pleasant Preschool will follow the Wood County Public school calendar with the following exceptions:
Mt Pleasant Preschool will begin after Labor Day and will end before Memorial Day.
Minor differences may occur around holidays. Please check your monthly preschool calendar for days off.
Each month a calendar and newsletter will be sent home to keep you informed of upcoming events.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
If Wood County Schools are closed due to weather
conditions, Mt. Pleasant Preschool will also be closed. If Wood County schools are on a 2 hour delay due to weather conditions, Mt. Pleasant Preschool will begin classes on a 1 hour delay. Class will start at 10:00am and end at 12:00 noon.
Local radio stations carry school closing information,. WTAP will also list school closings. Mt. Pleasant Preschool reserves the right to close school due to poor driving conditions even if Wood County schools are open. These closings will be posted on WTAP. Days/ hours missed due to bad weather will not be made up.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is important for your child to feel secure in school. If your child must be absent for a few days, please notify the teacher. He/she will be missed.
Mt. Pleasant Preschool will follow the Wood County Public school calendar with the following exceptions:
Mt Pleasant Preschool will begin after Labor Day and will end before Memorial Day.
Minor differences may occur around holidays. Please check your monthly preschool calendar for days off.
Each month a calendar and newsletter will be sent home to keep you informed of upcoming events.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
If Wood County Schools are closed due to weather
conditions, Mt. Pleasant Preschool will also be closed. If Wood County schools are on a 2 hour delay due to weather conditions, Mt. Pleasant Preschool will begin classes on a 1 hour delay. Class will start at 10:00am and end at 12:00 noon.
Local radio stations carry school closing information,. WTAP will also list school closings. Mt. Pleasant Preschool reserves the right to close school due to poor driving conditions even if Wood County schools are open. These closings will be posted on WTAP. Days/ hours missed due to bad weather will not be made up.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is important for your child to feel secure in school. If your child must be absent for a few days, please notify the teacher. He/she will be missed.
Tuition and Fees
TUITION & FEES
At the time of registration, a non-refundable $40.00 enrollment fee is required.
Monthly tuition for the Three year old class is $75.00.
Monthly tuition for the Four year old class is $90.00.
Tuition is due on the FIRST day of the month. It will be considered past due on the 10th. A 10% late fee will be added to your bill after the 10th of the month. There will be a $13.00 charge on all returned checks. Please use the dated preschool tuition envelopes to remit your payments. Do not include other payments (book orders,etc) with your tuition. Payment by check is preferred with checks being made payable to Mt. Pleasant Preschool. Please do not send cash. Please indicate your child’s name on your check. If you encounter a problem concerning your child’s tuition, please see the director.
At the time of registration, a non-refundable $40.00 enrollment fee is required.
Monthly tuition for the Three year old class is $75.00.
Monthly tuition for the Four year old class is $90.00.
Tuition is due on the FIRST day of the month. It will be considered past due on the 10th. A 10% late fee will be added to your bill after the 10th of the month. There will be a $13.00 charge on all returned checks. Please use the dated preschool tuition envelopes to remit your payments. Do not include other payments (book orders,etc) with your tuition. Payment by check is preferred with checks being made payable to Mt. Pleasant Preschool. Please do not send cash. Please indicate your child’s name on your check. If you encounter a problem concerning your child’s tuition, please see the director.
Enrollment
Children must be 3 years old by October 31st to
enroll in the 3’s program. Children must be 4 years old by
October 31st to enroll in the 4’s program.
All children must be toilet trained prior to entrance.
Registration for fall classes will begin in February for classes to be held the following September. Children currently
enrolled in Mt. Pleasant Preschool and the waiting list will be given first priority registering for fall classes. The maximum class size will be 18 students for the 3 year old class and 20 students for the 4 year old class.
enroll in the 3’s program. Children must be 4 years old by
October 31st to enroll in the 4’s program.
All children must be toilet trained prior to entrance.
Registration for fall classes will begin in February for classes to be held the following September. Children currently
enrolled in Mt. Pleasant Preschool and the waiting list will be given first priority registering for fall classes. The maximum class size will be 18 students for the 3 year old class and 20 students for the 4 year old class.
Preschool Goals
The goals of Mt. Pleasant Preschool are to help each student:
Grow in self-confidence and independence.
Develop a positive attitude toward learning as an exciting, ongoing process.
Learn to interact with classmates and adults in a cheerful, comfortable environment.
Develop important school readiness skills.
Grow in self-confidence and independence.
Develop a positive attitude toward learning as an exciting, ongoing process.
Learn to interact with classmates and adults in a cheerful, comfortable environment.
Develop important school readiness skills.
Having A Literate Home
The "literate home" for this age child only needs a few inexpensive materials, but parent involvement is key. Your young child or kindergartner continues to build her language base (understanding and using language) in preparation for learning to read, so she still benefits from lots of talk with adults that helps her learn new words. Young children and kindergartners are beginning to figure out how the written word works, and they are starting to use reading and writing in their daily lives. At this age, having a wide variety of books and writing materials available is crucial.
What You Need
■Children's Books
For young children, nursery rhymes, ABC books, informational books, and storybooks are most appropriate. Kindergartners will enjoy longer stories or chapter books, and some will be able to read very easy books by themselves by the end of the year. You can look for bargain children's books at used bookstores and yard sales, or purchase books at great prices through monthly book clubs offered through child care centers or schools.
■Letters
Young children and kindergartners learn to identify the letters. In your home, it is important to have a number of types of letters that your child can move around. Alphabet blocks, foam letters for the bathtub, ABC puzzles, magnetic refrigerator letters, ABC cookie cutters, letter stamps, and letter stickers are all ideal materials for children this age.
■Writing Materials
Thick markers, paint brushes, pencils, and crayons are ideal for the youngest writers since they are still developing the small muscles in their hands that help them hold tools. Likewise, large paper is best for young children. Your kindergartner will be able to use standard-sized writing tools and paper. He may also enjoy it if you make a "book" for him to write in by stapling paper together. Having a model of all the letters available for young writers allows them to refer to it if they have trouble remembering letter formations.
■Reading and Writing Materials for Parents
When children see the adults around them using reading and writing in their everyday lives, they're more likely to become readers and writers themselves. Simply having a bookshelf full of books, reading the local newspaper, and having a notepad on which you write grocery lists and phone messages shows your child that reading and writing serve valuable everyday purposes.
■Props for Pretend Play
Props such as dress-up clothes and play dishes encourage your young child or kindergartner to pretend, and pretend play actually contributes to literacy skills. Make props for pretend play from materials you already have at home. Empty cereal boxes, mom's old necklaces, and an old pot and wooden spoon make ideal items for countless make-believe scenarios.
■Tapes
Books and children's music on tape are another way for your child to enjoy stories and music. Most libraries have extensive collections of books on tape and children's music tapes to borrow. Purchasing a durable children's tape player with a handle will allow your child to put in tapes by herself so that she can listen to tapes when she likes.
■Videos
Videos can help your young child or kindergartner learn basic concepts and information. They are also another way to expose your child to quality children's literature. For children this age, concept videos such as ABCs or rhyming are appropriate, while young children and kindergartners will also enjoy watching videos of familiar books.
What You Can Do
■Organize a bookshelf for your child's collection. A sturdy bookshelf located in an area accessible to your child is ideal. This way, he can reach books and use them without asking your permission. Having a special place for his books will demonstrate to your child that books are valuable.
■Set up a writing area for your child. Having all of her materials in one accessible spot will encourage your young child or kindergartner to write. Having a special writing box or even a writing table or desk will help your child to see writing as an important activity.
■Talk together about things that interest your child. Ask genuine questions, ones to which you do not already know the answer. Ask questions that help children think about why and how and not just what. When you talk, be sure to listen to your child's response and build upon what he has to say.
■Introduce new vocabulary words when you talk with your child. When you use a new word, make sure to explain its meaning to your child, and encourage your young child or kindergartner to ask when she does not know the meaning of a word.
■Continue your daily read-aloud routine. Continue the routine that you established earlier in your child's life. Reading at the same time each day and in the same comfortable place, such as in bed or on the couch, make read-aloud a time to anticipate.
■Point to the words when you read aloud. You need not do this for every page. But pointing to the words in the book's title, or to the words of a repeated phrase in a picture book, is a good idea. When you point to the words, you show your child that there is a correspondence between spoken and written words and that print goes from left to right.
■Listen to your child "read." By the end of kindergarten, most children will be able to "read" some very easy books aloud by relying mostly on the pictures and their memory of the story. Make sure to set aside some of your read-aloud time to listen to your child read as soon as he is ready. Avoid pushing your child to do this until he shows interest, however.
■Incorporate literacy into outings. Visit your local library, bookmobile, or bookstore to find new read-aloud ideas for your child. Many libraries feature free song and story hours that young children and kindergartners may enjoy.
■Be a reader and writer yourself. One of the most effective ways to help children become readers and writers is to show them through your own example that you value literacy and that reading and writing have useful purposes. Make sure that you have a variety of printed and writing materials in your house, that you use them on a regular basis, and that you talk to your child about what you are doing when you read and write.
http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/literatehome/ychild_kgartner-lit.html
What You Need
■Children's Books
For young children, nursery rhymes, ABC books, informational books, and storybooks are most appropriate. Kindergartners will enjoy longer stories or chapter books, and some will be able to read very easy books by themselves by the end of the year. You can look for bargain children's books at used bookstores and yard sales, or purchase books at great prices through monthly book clubs offered through child care centers or schools.
■Letters
Young children and kindergartners learn to identify the letters. In your home, it is important to have a number of types of letters that your child can move around. Alphabet blocks, foam letters for the bathtub, ABC puzzles, magnetic refrigerator letters, ABC cookie cutters, letter stamps, and letter stickers are all ideal materials for children this age.
■Writing Materials
Thick markers, paint brushes, pencils, and crayons are ideal for the youngest writers since they are still developing the small muscles in their hands that help them hold tools. Likewise, large paper is best for young children. Your kindergartner will be able to use standard-sized writing tools and paper. He may also enjoy it if you make a "book" for him to write in by stapling paper together. Having a model of all the letters available for young writers allows them to refer to it if they have trouble remembering letter formations.
■Reading and Writing Materials for Parents
When children see the adults around them using reading and writing in their everyday lives, they're more likely to become readers and writers themselves. Simply having a bookshelf full of books, reading the local newspaper, and having a notepad on which you write grocery lists and phone messages shows your child that reading and writing serve valuable everyday purposes.
■Props for Pretend Play
Props such as dress-up clothes and play dishes encourage your young child or kindergartner to pretend, and pretend play actually contributes to literacy skills. Make props for pretend play from materials you already have at home. Empty cereal boxes, mom's old necklaces, and an old pot and wooden spoon make ideal items for countless make-believe scenarios.
■Tapes
Books and children's music on tape are another way for your child to enjoy stories and music. Most libraries have extensive collections of books on tape and children's music tapes to borrow. Purchasing a durable children's tape player with a handle will allow your child to put in tapes by herself so that she can listen to tapes when she likes.
■Videos
Videos can help your young child or kindergartner learn basic concepts and information. They are also another way to expose your child to quality children's literature. For children this age, concept videos such as ABCs or rhyming are appropriate, while young children and kindergartners will also enjoy watching videos of familiar books.
What You Can Do
■Organize a bookshelf for your child's collection. A sturdy bookshelf located in an area accessible to your child is ideal. This way, he can reach books and use them without asking your permission. Having a special place for his books will demonstrate to your child that books are valuable.
■Set up a writing area for your child. Having all of her materials in one accessible spot will encourage your young child or kindergartner to write. Having a special writing box or even a writing table or desk will help your child to see writing as an important activity.
■Talk together about things that interest your child. Ask genuine questions, ones to which you do not already know the answer. Ask questions that help children think about why and how and not just what. When you talk, be sure to listen to your child's response and build upon what he has to say.
■Introduce new vocabulary words when you talk with your child. When you use a new word, make sure to explain its meaning to your child, and encourage your young child or kindergartner to ask when she does not know the meaning of a word.
■Continue your daily read-aloud routine. Continue the routine that you established earlier in your child's life. Reading at the same time each day and in the same comfortable place, such as in bed or on the couch, make read-aloud a time to anticipate.
■Point to the words when you read aloud. You need not do this for every page. But pointing to the words in the book's title, or to the words of a repeated phrase in a picture book, is a good idea. When you point to the words, you show your child that there is a correspondence between spoken and written words and that print goes from left to right.
■Listen to your child "read." By the end of kindergarten, most children will be able to "read" some very easy books aloud by relying mostly on the pictures and their memory of the story. Make sure to set aside some of your read-aloud time to listen to your child read as soon as he is ready. Avoid pushing your child to do this until he shows interest, however.
■Incorporate literacy into outings. Visit your local library, bookmobile, or bookstore to find new read-aloud ideas for your child. Many libraries feature free song and story hours that young children and kindergartners may enjoy.
■Be a reader and writer yourself. One of the most effective ways to help children become readers and writers is to show them through your own example that you value literacy and that reading and writing have useful purposes. Make sure that you have a variety of printed and writing materials in your house, that you use them on a regular basis, and that you talk to your child about what you are doing when you read and write.
http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/literatehome/ychild_kgartner-lit.html
The First Days of School . Starting School . Going to School . PBS Parents | PBS
Try these strategies to help your child (and you) get in the groove of the first days of school.
Get up early. This means you can have a relaxed breakfast , leave enough time to deal with upsets — and still get to school on time.
Don’t talk about how much you will miss your child. Don’t let your own worries get in the way. Walk your child into school (or put her on the school bus) and then talk to other parents if you need support. Your child has enough to worry about on the first day without soothing your anxieties.
Focus on fun. If you escort your child to school, check out the playground before you go in. Meet the teacher together and take a look around the new classroom for things you know he enjoys, like art supplies, a fish tank, or the reading corner.
If your child gets upset, acknowledge the feeling and ask her for suggestions. You might say, "I know you’re upset. I bet other kids are too. Let’s think about what will help you feel better." Suggest reading a book together or starting an activity.
Ask the teacher for help. If your child won’t let you go, turn to the teacher. She probably has a lot of experience with this. You might say, "Let’s go say hello to your teacher together. She will take great care of you."
Make a swift exit. Take your cue from the teacher and from your child, but when it’s time to go, go. A quick exit may be more useful to your child than a drawn-out goodbye. You can often call school later to check on how a young child is doing. And you’ll probably find out that she’s doing fine.
The First Days of School . Starting School . Going to School . PBS Parents | PBS
Get up early. This means you can have a relaxed breakfast , leave enough time to deal with upsets — and still get to school on time.
Don’t talk about how much you will miss your child. Don’t let your own worries get in the way. Walk your child into school (or put her on the school bus) and then talk to other parents if you need support. Your child has enough to worry about on the first day without soothing your anxieties.
Focus on fun. If you escort your child to school, check out the playground before you go in. Meet the teacher together and take a look around the new classroom for things you know he enjoys, like art supplies, a fish tank, or the reading corner.
If your child gets upset, acknowledge the feeling and ask her for suggestions. You might say, "I know you’re upset. I bet other kids are too. Let’s think about what will help you feel better." Suggest reading a book together or starting an activity.
Ask the teacher for help. If your child won’t let you go, turn to the teacher. She probably has a lot of experience with this. You might say, "Let’s go say hello to your teacher together. She will take great care of you."
Make a swift exit. Take your cue from the teacher and from your child, but when it’s time to go, go. A quick exit may be more useful to your child than a drawn-out goodbye. You can often call school later to check on how a young child is doing. And you’ll probably find out that she’s doing fine.
The First Days of School . Starting School . Going to School . PBS Parents | PBS
Starting School . Going to School . PBS Parents | PBS
Every year kids start school — and every year parents wonder what to do. Whether it’s your child’s first day at preschool or the start of fifth grade, there are always new challenges. Kids, as well as parents, often struggle with saying goodbye at the classroom door and hello to the start of a new year.
Some kids will start the year off easily, breezing into the classroom with a quick goodbye — but after a few days (or even weeks) — cling as you try to leave. Others will enter the building only under protest from day one. Then there are those who rush off to school with great enthusiasm but meltdown the instant you pick them up. Others may get stomachaches, or have difficulty falling asleep. Some may even experience going to school as a rejection, particularly if a younger sibling stays home with a parent or caregiver.
These are challenging but frequent reactions to the start of school. "All kids have a lot to adjust to when they are going to a new school or moving up to a new grade. And their reactions to starting school will vary. One of the big adjustments is separating from their parents and creating a bond with their new teacher," says Linda Lendman, M.S.W, family coordinator at the Rand School in Montclair, NJ.
"Parents as well need to let go, learn to trust the teachers, and support their children’s independent experience. And they need to recognize that their children may not approach school and learning the way they did," says Michael Thompson, Ph.D. author of The Pressured Child.
To help you ease your kids into the school experience, try these practical strategies for getting off to a good start.
A little advance preparation can make the first week a lot easier. Tailor these strategies to suit you and your child as you prepare for the big day.
Practice going to school. Make a dry run to help your child get familiar with the route and the routine. Point out interesting sights or places familiar to your child. Notice the swings, slides, or other fun stuff that your think your child will like — and try them out together.
Describe what will happen on the first day. Keep in mind that a child starting school for the first time or going to a new school may have a hard time imagining what it will be like (You’ve been to school before, but they haven’t.) "Talking about the basic sequence of the day will help your child make a mental movie of what to expect. Kids form pictures in their minds, and reviewing the process in detail will make things more familiar and less scary on the first day of school," advises Diane Levin, Ph.D., Professor of Education at Wheelock College.
Ask your child compelling questions. Specific questions will help your child imagine what school will be like and help you talk about the fun stuff and the hard stuff. You might ask,
■"What do you think the hardest part of school is going to be?"
■"Is there anything that worries you about starting school?"
■"What are you really looking forward to?"
Start going to bed earlier. One or two weeks before school begins, start rolling bedtime back to a school schedule. Begin slowly, waking your child up 15 minutes earlier every day and going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until she is back on track.
Meet kids in the class. If your child is going to a new school, find out if there will be a class gathering before the first day; it can be helpful to see familiar faces when she walks into a new classroom. Even if your child already has friends at school, schedule some play dates with kids your child may not have seen over the summer.
Learn about the drop-off policy. Find out about the policy for parents walking children into the classroom and how long you can stay. If you anticipate that your child will need extra time to adjust, talk to the teacher before school starts, if you can.
Give children control over what they can control. Offering simple choices may help calm nerves and get kids excited. For example, if you pick out a new backpack or lunchbox, let your child choose the color. If you shop for school supplies, let your child find the items in the store and check them off on your list. The day before school starts let your child choose clothes for the first day — but keep veto power!
Plan ahead how you will say goodbye. Think about what your child needs in a goodbye. What will be most helpful — a quick goodbye, or five minutes of cuddle time with you?
Read books about starting school. Whether you’re going to a new school or a new grade, books about it will get kids talking and feeling comfortable. Some good ones include The Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan and Jan Berenstain, Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner by Amy Schwartz, First Day Jitters by Julie Dannenberg, I Am Absolutely Too Small for School by Lauren Child, and Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown by Paula Danzinger.
Starting School . Going to School . PBS Parents | PBS
Some kids will start the year off easily, breezing into the classroom with a quick goodbye — but after a few days (or even weeks) — cling as you try to leave. Others will enter the building only under protest from day one. Then there are those who rush off to school with great enthusiasm but meltdown the instant you pick them up. Others may get stomachaches, or have difficulty falling asleep. Some may even experience going to school as a rejection, particularly if a younger sibling stays home with a parent or caregiver.
These are challenging but frequent reactions to the start of school. "All kids have a lot to adjust to when they are going to a new school or moving up to a new grade. And their reactions to starting school will vary. One of the big adjustments is separating from their parents and creating a bond with their new teacher," says Linda Lendman, M.S.W, family coordinator at the Rand School in Montclair, NJ.
"Parents as well need to let go, learn to trust the teachers, and support their children’s independent experience. And they need to recognize that their children may not approach school and learning the way they did," says Michael Thompson, Ph.D. author of The Pressured Child.
To help you ease your kids into the school experience, try these practical strategies for getting off to a good start.
A little advance preparation can make the first week a lot easier. Tailor these strategies to suit you and your child as you prepare for the big day.
Practice going to school. Make a dry run to help your child get familiar with the route and the routine. Point out interesting sights or places familiar to your child. Notice the swings, slides, or other fun stuff that your think your child will like — and try them out together.
Describe what will happen on the first day. Keep in mind that a child starting school for the first time or going to a new school may have a hard time imagining what it will be like (You’ve been to school before, but they haven’t.) "Talking about the basic sequence of the day will help your child make a mental movie of what to expect. Kids form pictures in their minds, and reviewing the process in detail will make things more familiar and less scary on the first day of school," advises Diane Levin, Ph.D., Professor of Education at Wheelock College.
Ask your child compelling questions. Specific questions will help your child imagine what school will be like and help you talk about the fun stuff and the hard stuff. You might ask,
■"What do you think the hardest part of school is going to be?"
■"Is there anything that worries you about starting school?"
■"What are you really looking forward to?"
Start going to bed earlier. One or two weeks before school begins, start rolling bedtime back to a school schedule. Begin slowly, waking your child up 15 minutes earlier every day and going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until she is back on track.
Meet kids in the class. If your child is going to a new school, find out if there will be a class gathering before the first day; it can be helpful to see familiar faces when she walks into a new classroom. Even if your child already has friends at school, schedule some play dates with kids your child may not have seen over the summer.
Learn about the drop-off policy. Find out about the policy for parents walking children into the classroom and how long you can stay. If you anticipate that your child will need extra time to adjust, talk to the teacher before school starts, if you can.
Give children control over what they can control. Offering simple choices may help calm nerves and get kids excited. For example, if you pick out a new backpack or lunchbox, let your child choose the color. If you shop for school supplies, let your child find the items in the store and check them off on your list. The day before school starts let your child choose clothes for the first day — but keep veto power!
Plan ahead how you will say goodbye. Think about what your child needs in a goodbye. What will be most helpful — a quick goodbye, or five minutes of cuddle time with you?
Read books about starting school. Whether you’re going to a new school or a new grade, books about it will get kids talking and feeling comfortable. Some good ones include The Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan and Jan Berenstain, Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner by Amy Schwartz, First Day Jitters by Julie Dannenberg, I Am Absolutely Too Small for School by Lauren Child, and Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown by Paula Danzinger.
Starting School . Going to School . PBS Parents | PBS
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