ESC-20 Pre-K Newsletter
August 10, 2020
A Note From Vanessa
ALL HANDS ON DECK!!!!
As we begin to start sending our children "back to school" it is clear that we as parents are scrambling to balance work and home life.
There's no telling when things will return to "normal." We must work together to ensure that our children are getting their needs met . All hands must be on deck in order to cross that finish line!
Our Early Childhood Team is continuing to provide support to parents and teachers through these unpredictable times.
Remember parents and educators, stress is all around us! It is how we learn to cope and deal with these stresses that allows us to conquer the day!
WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER
-Vanessa
What Parents Can Do
- Be aware of your child’s stress level, and help reduce stress when possible.
- Help your child manage her stress.
Stress and toddlers / preschoolers:
- Tune in to your child’s behavior.
- Remember that relationships help buffer stress!
- When your child is unhappy, make an effort not just to calm and support him/her.
- Encourage play that includes role-playing.
(n.d.). Parenting Counts | Supporting Parents and Caregivers in Raising Socially and Emotionally Healthy Children. https://www.parentingcounts.org/parent-handouts/information-for-parents-stress.pdf
Families can help children learn how to take a break from activities or interactions that are challenging to them. Just like adults, young children might react to stress, frustration, and disappointment by becoming angry, shouting, refusing help from adults, or engaging in other challenging behaviors. Adults might use helpful strategies such as self-talk, deep breathing, or taking a break when they are feeling the need to take a break and calm down. The calm down area provides children with a place to let go of strong emotions and begin to feel calm and ready to engage with others again.
Taking a Break: Using a Calm Down Area at Home. (2020, July 7). National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations NCPMI. https://challengingbehavior.cbcs.usf.edu/docs/Calm-Down-Area_Tipsheet.pdf
Calm Down Area
The only requirement is that it is an area that is quiet, away from interactions with others, and soothing for the child.
Limit Interactions
Not a Punishment
The GENIUS of PLAY
PLAYING WITH STEM AT HOME FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
Playing with STEM at home for young learners. (n.d.). The Genius of Play. https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/expert-advice/articles/playing-with-stem-at-home-for-young-learners.aspx#.XzAwFRNKhH0
Block Measuring
- In this activity, your child will use interlocking blocks to begin to understand measurement and compare how long or tall common household objects are.
- We used the building blocks that he already had at home
- Instead of gathering household items, I had him select some of his toys to measure
- Adjust the activity to fit what you have around your home
- You can use toy cars or crayons as your measurement tool
LEARNING FROM HOME
Morning Message
I am introducing sight words to him because he will be starting kindergarten!
Weather
We both get what we want out of this lesson!
Math Fun
This is a great way to encourage play while making learning fun and engaging
EARLY CHILDHOOD TEAM
EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION TEAM
Vanessa Moran
Texas School Ready Coordinator
Education Service Center, Region 20
Email: vanessa.moran@esc20.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/esc20.info/ece/home
Location: 1314 Hines, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-370-5903