VPS Early Learning Newsletter
November 2017
Greetings Early Learning Families!
As the weather gets colder and the nights get earlier, children are spending more and more time indoors. One of my favorite indoor activities is snuggling up in a blanket and reading a good book. Of my three kids, two would agree. One, however feels so-so about the idea of reading and I often find myself having to make deals with him ("If you read for 15 minutes, you can have 15 minutes of I-pad time" or "If you read one page to me, I'll read the next to you"). Although I know every child has to discover the love of reading on his/her own, I found these tips from Scholastic to be helpful:
- Set the example by letting your child see you read
- Allow children to choose their own books
- Have a variety of books available (both non-fiction and fiction, poetry, comic books, etc.)
- Add books to your library whenever you can
- Be involved and be positive about reading
- Encourage children to have a personal reading space
- Provide time for children to read daily
- Visit your local library
Luckily, my hesitant reader found several basketball books during a recent trip to the library which have sparked a bit more interest in the idea of reading. My hope is that, in time, all of my kids will embrace books and reading; until then, I will just stay positive and keep trying!
Happy Reading!
Kendra Yamamoto
Early Learning Teacher
Dates to Calendar
11/10/2017 - No School (Veteran's Day)
11/13/2017 - One-hour early release
11/22 - 11/24/2017 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)
11/27/2017 - One-hour early release
12/11/2017 - One-hour early release
12/18 - 12/29/2017 - No School (Winter Break)
1/1/2018 - No School (New Year's Day)
Kindergarten Readiness Skills: Physical Focus
- My child can run, jump and gallop.
- My child can stand on one foot.
- My child can throw and catch a large ball.
- My child can cut using scissors.
- My child can hold and write with a pencil.
- My child can buckle, zip, snap and button.
VPS Evening Preschool Opportunities
Nursery Rhymes
1-2-3 Grow & Learn Groups
Monday Sessions:
9am – 10:30am @ Washington Elementary
9:15am – 10:45am @ Minnehaha Elementary
12pm – 1:30pm @ Walnut Grove Elementary
Tuesday Sessions:
9am – 10:30am @ Roosevelt Elementary
9am – 10:30am @ Hough Elementary
1pm – 2:30pm @ Truman Elementary
Wednesday Sessions:
9am – 10:30am @ Fruit Valley Elementary
1pm – 2:30pm @ King Elementary
Thursday Sessions:
9am – 10:30am @ Anderson Elementary
9am – 10:30am @ Hazel Dell Elementary
2pm – 3:30pm @ Lincoln Elementary
Friday Sessions:
8:30am – 10am@ Ogden Elementary
9am – 10:30am @ Marshall Elementary
1pm – 2:30pm @ Harney Elementary
Social & Emotional Learning
Nurture your child's self-esteem. A child with a good sense of self is happier, more well-adjusted, and does better in school. Strategies for fostering self-esteem include giving your child responsibilities, allowing her to make age-appropriate choices, and showing your appreciation for a job well done.