Dear Families,
We set the last butterfly free and have begun to notice the cooler air and changing leaves. The MWF group had fun at the apple orchard and the TuTh group is looking forward to their orchard trip this week. Seems like autumn has arrived at the Early Education Center!
As most of you know, we have been cooking a lot in the classroom. Children (and teachers) love cooking. More than just fun, cooking with children is a learning activity. Reading, science and math concepts are embedded in every cooking experience. Children learn to recognize numbers and words from recipes. They begin to use vocabulary related to cooking. They learn about tool use. They observe how ingredients change when they are mixed together. They learn basic math concepts like counting, measurement, and part-whole relationships. We are looking forward to many cooking experiences in our year together.
As I work and play with your children, I am getting to know them a little better each day. I want to share some thoughts with you on helping your children to become more independent.
Self-confidence is fostered when children have challenging activities that they can master and when adults give them real decisions and choices about their learning. Young children gain confidence as they accomplish difficult tasks. As they work through the stages of development, new challenges and tasks present themselves every day. Confidence is built as children learn to put on their own clothes, spell their names, complete a puzzle, or work out a problem with a classmate.
At The Early Education Center, we offer activities and materials that continually challenge each child. One way we do that is through arranging different work areas in the room. In each of the areas is a variety of materials and activities. Children work in the area of their own choice and choose their own materials. Through this freedom, they begin to understand that their decisions have value.
As a parent you can be a partner in building your child’s self esteem. You can do this by:
· All WNESU schools will be closed for the teachers’ convention on October 23rd and 24th.
· “Pajama Day” is on Thursday October 30th and Friday October 31st.
· Parent Conferences are coming up in November. I am looking forward to talking with you about your child’s work and play here at the Early Education Center. I will be available to meet with you either at the school or at your home, although families new to the school should try to sign up for a home visit. Look for the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board in mid-October.
Please feel free to call or email (jwolfe@wnesu.net) me any time you have questions about the Early Education Center or about your child. I can be a great resource for you!
Thanks for all you do,
Jennifer
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