Dear Parents and Families,
As the spring semester continues to cruise along, Xena and I would like to update you on the happenings inside Pre 2. First, we have noticed new and exciting friendships building within our class. To incorporate blossoming new friendships we have established a daily buddy system. Each morning at group time, I assign each friend a buddy. I randomly draw their names out of a tin and that is who each child is paired up with for the day. Their responsibilities include walking together down the hallway, helping each other dress for the cold winter days, and playing with that friend inside the classroom and on the playground. Xena and I have noticed that since we have begun this system, new relationships have formed, and children are intermingling with peers that differ from last semester.
As many of you know, Xena and I are continuing to use our motivational system inside the classroom. Each day we continue to encourage the children to follow our five classroom rules. These include: being safe, being kind, being a friend, taking care of the classroom environment, and using listening ears. We have noticed that when we focus on each child’s positive contributions to the classroom, each child feels empowered and inspired to continue being helpful. Most importantly, we have stressed that we must work together as a team to reach our goal. In January, the children earned gems to earn a beach party. Having the beach day celebration kickoff, the children were able to connect hard work to a rewarding experience. At the end of this month, we are planning on having a pizza party. We will be meeting with Chef Rudy at New Hall on Friday, February 28th to learn and to watch the pizza-making sequence.
Each week, Xena and I prepare a set of new words for our growing word wall. Each word is related to a topic of interest or are vocabulary words from literature read throughout the week. So far, we have learned and encouraged the children to write vocabulary from the “Soup Opera,” “Billy Goats Gruff,” and “The Three Little Pigs.” We have also chosen words that reflect our assisted equipment located in the dramatic play area. Some examples include a wheelchair, cane, and guide dog. We feel it is important not only for the children to recognize each word but to define it and apply it to the world around them. Xena and I have been collecting samples of the childrens’ writing that we will share later. Please encourage your child to continue building their fine motor skills through writing words from their favorite stories or words they see in their everyday environment.
We would like to remind families to please follow up with Janene if a diagnosed illness has been confirmed with your child. This way, we can establish open communication with the entire center and prevent any spreading of illness. Please continue to bring winter apparel to school, as we are required to go outside if the wind chill is above 15 degrees.
Lastly, many families have been inquiring about summer enrollment care. We have been instructed to have families who are interested in summer care seek information from Janene who is in charge of enrollment paperwork. She will provide you with additional information pertaining to any steps moving forward.
As always, we have an open-door policy. It is important that Xena and I provide a welcoming and warm environment for you and your loved ones. Please do not hesitate to ask questions! We are here for you and your child’s success!
Hillary and Xena
