Hello 2s/3s families!
I wanted to begin by thanking everyone for attending parent teacher conferences. We are a partnership- Kat and I like sharing information about your child and we like the opportunity to talk and brainstorm about various topics having to do with your child. Our interns Taylor, Alyssa and Gianna have built relationships with your child and they will be holding their Parent-teacher conferences this week. Next week is their last week with us as they graduate this May. They have been an invaluable part of our classroom team and we wish them all the best in whatever they pursue upon graduation.
A few weeks ago, I attended a webinar by Lisa Murphy on Play. Lisa Murphy is an early childhood advocate and a big proponent of play based learning. I have added the link to her website (specifically the mission page) here and I wanted to share the handout she used in the webinar as I would love to scream all this information from the rooftops! Be sure to check it out as the handout also has links to other resources that may be of interest to you.
https://www.ooeygooey.com/about#mission
https://www.ooeygooey.com/sites/default/files/2022-01/early%20experiences%202022%20handout.pdf
Can you believe the time has come that we are talking about the children going to preschool? It seems like it was just yesterday these children came into the classroom. Now we are having talks about preschool. The children are ready to enter a world of even more complex play. Play will continue to be the foundation of learning in the preschool classrooms at the CDFC.
As your child gets ready to transition to preschool, it’s a great time to nurture their interests through engaging and open-ended play at home! Here are some activities that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to support their growth and make learning a joyous part of everyday life. Whether your child will stay home or attend the CDFC this summer, these are some ideas that can be used not only this summer but throughout the year as well.
- Sensory Bins: Fill a container with items like sand or water and add scoops, small cups, funnels, spoons, or other small household items. Keep it simple and just watch the children create their own stories using the materials. Sensory bins are simple and the possibilities for positive interactions and play are endless.
- Reading Adventures: Choose a favorite book and create an interactive reading experience. Use voices for different characters, and after reading, encourage your child to recreate the story or a part of it through role-playing. This not only enhances their listening skills but also sparks their imagination. Also- run to your public library and grab their summer schedule. Not only will this keep your summer reading refreshing but libraries usually have workshops, special guests, and events throughout the summer. Libraries are truly the hidden gem of childhood!
- Puzzle Play: Simple puzzles are not only fun but also great for developing problem-solving skills and fine motor strength. As your child figures out where each piece fits, they learn about spatial relationships and practice persistence. Get a puzzles that your child can do confidently on their own and then get one that is the next level up in terms of difficulty. Use this as an opportunity to scaffold and have some bonding moments with your child. Hey- you may even enjoy it!
- Creative Arts: Get messy with some open-ended art materials. Use materials like paper, crayons, glue, and recycled materials to create. This is a wonderful way for children to express themselves creatively and improve their hand-eye coordination.
- Music and Movement: Put on some music and have a dance party! Our classroom loves to dance. It doesn’t have to be the same old children’s songs either. Play them songs YOU enjoy. Explore a different musical genre together. This is great for motor skills and coordination, rhythm learning, and bonding as you explore your musical appetite together.
- Reconnect to the Outdoors: Lastly- GO OUTSIDE! Make it a point to visit a different playground in your community each week. Have a meal outside. Count the number of geese you see on a walk. Take a walk with no purpose. Let them pick dandelions. Let them watch the construction vehicles for 5 minutes. Let them watch the squirrel climb up the tree. The entire point being- just LET THEM!
We hope you find these suggestions helpful and that they bring lots of smiles and laughter to your home this summer. Remember, play is not just about having fun; it’s a critical part of learning and growing. So, dive into these activities with your child and watch them thrive and who knows- you may have some fun along the way too.
Always having fun,
Nadine and the 2s/3s team!
