Natick Preschool
Your Weekly Update from Natick Preschool
Principal's Message
Greetings Preschool Parents and Guardians,
How many of us wait until our preschoolers are in bed or enjoying screen time before completing a household chore because it will be easier without them "helping"? Read on to learn more about the thinking behind not only letting, but encouraging young children to join in on household tasks.
At school we encourage students to "take care of myself", "take care of my friends" and "take care of my school" through our positive behavior intervention system by using "red bird" (our mascot) cards as a tangible symbol to represent when a child participates in or shows independence with a task that takes care of self, friend or school. This can easily be replicated at home (I take care of myself, my family, my home).
- 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.)
Young children need tasks presented in small parts as you'll read below. They also need time and encouragement, but with these they can certainly be contributors to an effective household management routine!
Have a wonderful weekend with friends and family.
MaryBeth
Natick Preschool Principal
Important Things to Know!
Interesting thoughts from Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff, PhD:
She claims children have an innate desire to help their parents. Because of this, you can follow their lead and “allow” them to help.
Often they don’t know how to help. We can help them learn to help by giving them tiny pieces of the overall chore. E.g. get the broom so you can sweep and then put the broom back in its spot. Move the fruit from the grocery bag to a bowl.
Never have parents been more burdened by parenthood...We can shift back to it is not my job to entertain the child, it is their job/privilege to be part of the team.
Today about a third of all teenagers have had symptoms that meet the criteria for anxiety disorder….parenting style in the U.S. are moving in the direction that exacerbates these feelings rather than curbing them.
When parents used to promote autonomy, they are now defaulting to control mode...this can make kids more anxious and less prepared for the unpredictable.
We often encourage children to “go play” when we need to get something done. However, not at the expense of helping with family chores or family business. These are learning opportunities too.
The Maya method suggests that if a child misbehaves they need more responsibility...not as a consequence, but rather to foster their sense of purpose within the family
It is not the notion of doing a chore because someone told you to, but rather learning what kind of help is appropriate at a given moment because you’ve learned to pay attention.***It is a lifelong skill to understand the situation around you and then know what to do.
The only way to know what to do is to practice, practice, practice autonomy, cooperation, collaboration in safe, predictable environments
Let them practice. Practice cleaning. Practice cooking. Practice washing. Practice carrying. Let them grab the spoon from your hand and stir. Let them make a bit of a mess when they are little so that they learn to be aware of the mess and then help to clean up….Note: the invitation is always for together, for doing the chore together. You watch and learn, they watch and learn.
These practice opportunities build executive functioning skills (a suite of mental processes that help you act thoughtfully instead of impulsively). Executive function helps you to control your emotions and behaviors to change direction when needed.
Studies suggest that better executive function as a child predicts a number of better outcomes later in life--better performance in school, better mental health, better relationships, higher chance of finding and keeping a job, etc.
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.
Social Emotional Learning and Independence
Support Social Emotional Learning and Independence at home using the same language and systems we use at school
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!
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- 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