Lee's Summit Parents As Teachers
April 2017 Newsletter
You are your child's first and most important teacher.
Email: kerry.boehm@lsr7.net
Website: http://pat.lsr7.org/
Location: 905 Bluestem, Lee's Summit, MO, United States
Phone: (816) 986-2480
Hello Spring!
April 24 - 28 - The Week of the Young Child
Today we know more than ever before about the importance of children's earliest years in shaping their learning and development.
The Week of the Young Child™ is a time to recognize that children's opportunities are our responsibilities, and to commit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment—at home, at child care, at school, and in the community—that will promote their early learning.
Music Monday: Through music, children develop math, language, and literacy skills - all while having fun and being creative!
Tasty Tuesday: Encourage healthy nutrition while learning about math and science!
Work Together Wednesday: Encourage teamwork and develop social skills and early literacy skills.
Artsy Thursday: Try open ended art projects and let them make choices, use their imagination, and create with their hands.
Family Friday: Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners!!
So celebrate early learning in Lee's Summit and thank your preschool teacher, child care provider, and give yourself a big high-five for all the work you do! Lee's Summit truly values our earliest learners!
What a wonderful night of exploring!
Marshmallows and spaghetti noodle construction.
A night of family fun!
Magnet Bottles
Continuing with STEAM at home!
STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math
Learning begins at home. You are your child's first and most important teacher!
Kidfest
Celebrate Sensory Play This Summer!
Sunny days and warm weather are on the way! Summertime can be both wonderful and challenging for kids and families. Changes in routines and unfamiliar food, activities, places and sounds can make it stressful for some kids. With preparation and planning you can get the most out of summertime! Let’s explore ways to keep those kids learning, growing and exploring this summer!
Think about and plan ahead for sensory surprises:
- -loud fireworks
- -the glaring sun
- -ice cream cone that melts onto hands and gets sticky
- -hot pavement
- -cold water in the swimming pool
- -applying sunscreen
- -bare feet on grass or sand
- -loud and busy parks or swimming pools
Tips to help you and the kids keep your cool!:
- -Warn kids before changes in plans and upcoming events. Use pictures if possible so they have an idea in their head for what to expect.
- -Keep a schedule and routine. It is nice to be able to loosen up the schedule, but remember that kids still need structure and routine to feel regulated and organized. A calendar with pictures or stickers is often helpful.
- -Make sure the kids get plenty of sleep. With longer days and shorter nights, it’s easy to lose track of sleep time. Blackout shades can help kids fall asleep even when it's still light outside.
- -Keep sunglasses and hat handy to protect those little eyes from the bright sun.
- -Your child may prefer spray sunscreen or maybe the firm massage like strokes when rubbing in lotion type sunscreen. Investigate different types- some are less greasy or non-scented.
- -Put sunscreen on before you get to the busy lake/beach or swimming pool. Apply at home in a cool and calm environment.
- -Allow your child to wear water shoes or aqua socks when walking on hot sand or pavement at the pool, or even in grass. Young feet can be very sensitive.
- -Bring along hand wipes or sanitizer since public restrooms can be overwhelming, water in public sinks can be cold and soap can be slimy and smelly.
- Take along a sensory to go kit with materials that are calming for your child, such as fidget toys, chewing gum, weighted lap pad, stuffed animal, noise cancelling headphones, etc.
Incorporate Sensory Play Into Your Daily Routine. Here are a few fun activities that stimulate a variety of senses.
- Toy Washing Station- Scruba-dub-dub! Have some sensory fun and wash away those winter time germs all at the same time! Put dish soap and water in a large plastic bin with sponges, scrub brushes and plastic toys. Let kids get messy and clean all at the same time. Have a clean water tub for rinsing and a variety of textured towels for drying.
- Spice Painting- Make paint by mixing white glue and a bit of water to dilute it and add some spices (no hot spices). The activity will provide various aromas and will have different textures when dried.
- Homemade Edible Fingerpaint-
- 4 Tbsp of cornstarch
- Cold water
- 1 cup boiling water
- Liquid food coloring
- In medium saucepan mix the cornstarch and enough cold water to make a paste
- Pour in 1 cup of boiling water and stir thoroughly to remove any lumps
- Cook on medium and mix until you see clear streaks forming. Turn the heat off and it will thicken to custard like consistency.
- Add food coloring to desired color and Paint!
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt- make a list of things to find like a rock, leaf, pinecone, wildflower, bark etc. Describe things to find like something round, rough, smooth, green etc.
- Ice Dig- Help your child explore their inner archaeologist! Fill a plastic bin with water. Use food coloring to dye the water if you would like. Drop in a few small plastic figurines like dinosaurs, farm animals or even army men. Let it freeze completely and then dump the large ice cube outside on a hot day! Hand the kids spoons or other kid-friendly digging tools and let them go to work uncovering the hidden treasures. For the widest spread of toys to dig up try to add toys as the ice freezes so the entire block has something to uncover. Kids love to watch the ice melt under the hot sun and it is a great way to keep them cool.