Hello Pre-1 families,
With the start of the new school year, we hope that everyone has acclimated to predictable routine. Predictable routines give children a sense of safety and security. When children feel safe and know “what to expect” they have an easier time with transitioning to the school environment.
Thank you to all our families for coming to family intakes. Family intakes gave us an opportunity to touch base as there doesn’t seem to be enough time at drop off and pick up times some days. We were happy to hear from several families that the children have been singing some of our classroom songs at home! We sing songs daily at each of our group times. We also sing during our transitions. Singing familiar songs helps build classroom comradery while building language skills in preschoolers.
This first month was filled with building relationships and routines in our classroom. The children have been spending time getting used to our classroom culture. We have spent a lot of time building our social/emotional skills. These skills are learned directly and indirectly throughout the day. Directly when we talk about these skills at group times and indirectly as the children practice these skills with their peers. One of our favorite ways to help build these skills is using our “Tucker the Turtle” story in the classroom.
Tucker the Turtle
Our class has been reading a story called “Tucker the Turtle” at our group times. The story has been read several times at group times by different teachers. After getting familiar with “The Turtle Technique,” we used our individual Tuckers at our small groups. Each child in Pre-1 has their own Tucker and we use them at small groups to role with with the teachers. The children then went on to role-play amongst themselves. We will continue to read the story as a whole group AND in small groups to help the children grasp the understanding of “The Turtle Technique.” These are also the same techniques we model and help the children use in the classroom when we encounter common preschool classroom conflicts. We also have a classroom Tucker Turtle and the story available to the children in the quiet space of our classroom. I have provided an excerpt of an article and the link that describes the “Turtle Technique” down below. Be sure to ask your children about it and make sure to peek at our hallway display which documents our Tucker the Turtle classroom experience!
Adapted from https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/the-turtle-technique/
The Turtle Technique
Last Updated on 7 May 2020
The ‘Turtle Technique’ is a visual tool to help children control their emotions. It uses the analogy of a turtle, which withdraws into its shell when feeling in danger or threatened. You can explain the ‘Turtle Technique’ to your children with a story about a little turtle who sometimes gets upset, angry or even scared. You can also use a turtle puppet (or a similar toy you may have at home) to help teach children how they can start to self-regulate their emotions and behaviors and manage common everyday problems.
Practice Thinking Like a Turtle
Teach your child the 4 steps of how to control feelings and calm down (“think like a turtle”).
Turtle Technique Tips
- Practice tucking like a turtle when your child is calm.
- Throughout the day, make time to practice taking 3 deep breaths.
- Model using the calming steps when your feelings are strong.
- Practice these steps frequently during routines (e.g., before playing with siblings, while reading a book, before chores, etc.).
- Prepare for and help your child handle possible disappointment or change by reminding them to tuck and think like a turtle when they feel frustrated.
- Offer lots of encouragement when your child tries to use the steps.
- Recognize and give praise when your child stays calm.
- Help all family members learn the Turtle Technique.
Help Children Think of Possible Solutions
- Ask for help.
- Say “Please stop.”
- Wait and take turns.
- Get a timer.
- Ask for a hug.
- Take a break.
- Say, “Will you play with me?”
- Use kind words.
Classroom reminders:
- Please make sure you are using Pro-Care for signing your child in/out daily
- Please be sure to empty out your child’s cubby regularly
Until next time,
Nadine, Jen and the Pre-1 staff
