Natick Preschool

Greetings Preschool Families!

Whether you will be vacationing or staying right in Natick, enjoy the extra time with your children that a school vacation week affords. While it can be hectic if your work schedule remains the same, I hope you feel able to capitalize on the opportunities that arise from social interaction, play (even if it is 5 minutes at a time) and a different timeline for practicing self-help/independence building (see tips in the next section). I wish you well and a I wish you a week filled with small moments that feel precious.

~MaryBeth

MaryBeth Kinkead

Natick Preschool Principal

Some Food for Thought:

*Adults and older children talking is how your child learns

*Talk, talk, talk and talk some more to your young child

*But talking is just one aspect of the communication process. These other skills are equally important to develop in young children:

*Nonverbal cues account for 55% of a message and are best developed through socialization.

*Listening is more than hearing but a skill that requires action.

*Turn-taking is needed for a conversation to exist.

*A parent typically speaks 940 words per hour to a toddler

*When the screen is on the number drops to 170

*Think about when a screen is used. The child is not required to do much action. Nonverbal cues can’t be picked up and turn-taking isn’t happening with a real person.

• Behvior Support for Families:

Many families have reached out trying to better understand how to support their child when they are demonstrating behaviors that aren't easily calmed or redirected. This is just one of many resources. In addition, many pediatrician's offices have begun to build into their practices Behavioral Health or Family Support services. Please share with any family you know struggling to understand or support a child demonstrating behavior that is hard to manage.

Danielle Dunn, LMHC | Vice President of Integrated Clinical Services

Pronouns: her, hers, she

M (508-309-0665)

ddunn@Advocates.org | www.Advocates.org

• Fostering Independence: Weeks with no school are a perfect time to practice!

It can be so hard to let children do things on their own.

We are always strengthening independence skills at school –be sure to have your child practice these skills at home as well (packing backpack/ choosing snacks/getting dressed/preschool flip for coats) It's okay to make it fun and engaging since this helps with motivation. Try adding music or races!

We are busy and often want or need to move quickly so waiting while a three-year-old puts on his/her boots might seem daunting. However, the positives for your preschooler’s confidence and your own pride as the grownup makes it all worth it! If your preschooler puts his/her boots on the wrong feet, that’s ok! The emphasis should always be on the effort not the outcome. Think of all the things your preschooler has learned to do independently in the last five months. Building a schedule that allows time for them to complete these skills offers them time to practice, practice. The better they get at these new skills, the more energy they have to learn more new skills.

• Social Justice Parenting: Raising Compassionate, Anti-Racist, and Socially Conscious Children

  Tuesday, March 7 at 7pm via Zoom -- For parents, caregivers, and community members of all ages

  This program will address how to raise children who work to promote justice, compassion, and belonging for themselves and others. Dr. Traci Baxley will discuss the principles of Social Justice Parenting and offer strategies for implementing these values into your daily life. Simultaneous ASL and Portuguese Language Interpretation will be provided at this event. Register and learn more about this FREE online program and all our upcoming events at www.SPARKKindness.org
  

• Reminder for Parents Who Want to Volunteer--CORI Checks

Reminder If you want to volunteer in schools, you must have a CORI check conducted and you must go into the building with identification (drivers license or passport) to do this. Click here for description of what a CORI check is and does. Without a CORI check, you cannot volunteer in the school. Here is the form to fill out for a CORI. Preschool volunteer opportunities include being a Mystery Reader for the class, presenting a family tradition and supporting special projects.

Support Social Emotional Learning and Independence at home using the same language and systems we use at school

• Yoga: Belly Breathing
  

• Handwashing at Home video

• Schedules, Visuals, Daily Living and Social Emotional Learning These can help!

• Make Clean-Up Fun Gracie's corner clean up song

• What is the Preschool Flip?

  Fleece! Jackets! Chilly weather calls for additional layers. Use the linked video to practice the Preschool Flip to build your child's independence putting on a jacket. They will be so proud of themselves and you will have your hands free for extra hugs!

• How To Use PBIS at Home complete with printable red birds (don’t have a printer? Have your child make some red birds or choose what household item you can use to represent completion of a task.)

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5