The Penguin Pebble
October 2022
FCPS Preschool Programs
Email: wgcnews@cityschools.com
Website: https://wgeclc.fxbgschools.us/
Location: 210 Ferdinand Street, Fredericksburg, VA, USA
Phone: 5403721065
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FCPSpreschoolprograms/
Twitter: @FCSPreschool
Important Dates
- October 5 - FRED School Not In Session
- October 10 - KG Teacher Work Day (TWD)/No school for students
- October 12 - FRED Teacher Work Day (TWD) Building Inservice Day/No school for students
- October 19 - Early dismissal for Students/FCPS Inservice Day
- October 17, 18, and 20 petting zoo visits
- October 25 - Dr. Yum Crunchy Apple Sandwiches
October Take Home Bags
Adjusting to School
Starting school can be exciting time for children and their families. Many children look forward for the bus to arrive and see their teacher and friends at school.
For some children, separating from their parents can be difficult and can be hard on parents as well.
Here are a couple tips to help your child if they are having a hard time leaving you for school
- Have your child ride the bus. This can be an easier transition than getting dropped off at school.
- Talk with your child about going to school. Tell them about some of the fun things they will do (playground, art, center time, etc.) Talk with your child’s teacher about what seem to be some of your child’s favorite activities.
- If you drop your child off and they are struggling to separate from you, a staff can help them make the transition and it is okay to release them to the staff and separate yourself. Often, children are able to move on with their day once they reach their classrooms. Their teachers will be there to help calm them and get them engaged with an activity.
- Talk to your child’s teacher. They may be able to help with the transition and help reassure you and your child.
- Be aware that your child may have a hard time after long weekends or breaks. It may take time to get back into a routine.
Health Corner
Happy Fall! We hope everyone is enjoying the cooler temperatures. Remember to try and go outside with your child for at least 30 minutes every day. Here is a simple snack at home to try with your child. Feel free to switch out any ingredients to add things your child may enjoy.
Quick & Easy Fall Snack Mix
This quick and easy fall snack mix is great as an after school snack and on the go snack!
Ingredients:
- Chex Cereal
- Fall M&M's
- Raisins
- Pretzel Sticks
- Miniature Marshmallows
- Candy Corn
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
Food tips to think about:
Food refusal
Most children can balance food intake with activity if they are encouraged, but not forced to eat. You can help by providing a variety of healthy and nourishing foods from which your child can choose. Offer children the same foods as the family, with a variety of textures and flavors for balanced nutrition.
If a food is refused, the child may not be objecting to the actual food but may be testing to see the effect they have on people around them. By assuming the food is to blame, some parents can get caught up in a frustrating game. Some helpful tips to deal with food refusal include:
- Try to stay calm.
- Don’t force your child to eat.
- Allow your child some likes and dislikes.
- Offer new foods with familiar ones.
- Provide a small spoon or fork and a comfortable chair.
- Turn off the television – chat at mealtimes instead.
- Start with a small serve and give more if hungry.
- If a meal is refused, let your child sit quietly for a few minutes before leaving the table.
- Be a role model for your child. If you eat well, they may copy you.
Have fun with food
You can use food activities with older toddlers to help them learn about foods and nutrition. Letting children get involved in basic food preparation – like washing or peeling vegetables, making a sandwich or salad, or baking fruit or vegetable muffins – teaches them about healthy foods. Other learning opportunities include:
- Exploration of shapes, colors and how foods grow
- Development of skills like pouring, stirring, and cutting
- Learning food hygiene, like washing hands before touching food or eating
- Sharing food with other people.