SASD 4K Family Newsletter
Grow. Play. Learn.
November 2nd, 2020
Balancing Online/Remote and In-Person Learning for Young Children-- This month we want to recognize our parents and 4K teachers with joy and thanks! We know the importance of early literacy, social/emotional/play and motor development.
Here are some principles of early childhood learning that could be helpful in shaping how we support children during this time. The list of ideas are meant for teachers, parents and caretakers of young children who are planning for the next few months – trying to balance learning, safety and mental survival. Parents and teachers, thank you for all that you do and how hard you are working for children.
Erin Conrad, 4K Principal
Sara Jane Lee, 4K Coordinator
Mindy Holverson, 4K Educational Assistant
OWL Curriculum
Community helpers are very important; they keep the community safe and healthy, make life better for people in the community, and help the community function more efficiently. Other community helpers assist us in times of emergency, such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.
Our 4K friends at the Pumpkin Patch had a visit from the Stoughton Fire Department.
SONDAY System Let's Play Learn
Let’s Play Learn offers structured, systematic, multisensory practice. It is used as a tool to develop foundational reading skills and prevent reading difficulties or as an intervention for those who need to strengthen pre-reading skills.
Enjoy a review of some of Ms. Matz's Sonday lessons!
Alphabet SongOWL Early Numeracy
Learning shapes not only helps children identify and organize visual information, it helps them learn skills in other curriculum areas including reading, math, and science. Learning shapes also helps children understand other signs and symbols. A fun way to help your child learn shapes is to make a shape hunt game.
Handwriting without Tears
Teaching students at a young age to write improves their reading skills by helping them recognize the connection between the letters they see and the sounds the letter make.
Everything we can do to build a strong relationship with the written word is important for a child's future development. Check out the wonderful handwriting from some of our 4K students at Weebleworld below.
The Pyramid Model
The Pyramid Model Framework focuses on:
prevention of behavior that challenges by intentionally supporting nurturing and responsive relationships,
creating high-quality learning environments,
teaching and supporting the practice of key social and emotional skills, and
designing collaborative systems to support caregivers to employ highly individualized supports when children need them.
Tucker the Turtle
Tucker the Turtle Learns About Rules
Tucker the Turtle is Energetic
Tucker the Turtle Takes Time to Tuck and Think
Click on the link for more resources from The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations or see below for a couple more social/emotional strategies.
Some Starters for Giving Positive Feedback and Encouragement
For more information go to:
Some Starters for Giving Positive Feedback and Encouragement
The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations
Self-Regulation Skills: Breathing Strategies
Self-Regulation is the ability to recognize and manage your emotions and behaviors in different settings and activities.
Children who learn to regulate their emotions:
►Have an easier time making friends
►Handle disappointment better
►Relate more successfully with peers and adults
►Are less impulsive
For more information go to: Self-Regulation Skills: Breathing Strategies
The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations
The Nurtured Heart Approach
In November, our 4K friends will focus on the words:
Unique- "I show my greatness by knowing there is only one me and celebrating that by being the best that I can be."
Learner- "I show my greatness by looking with my eyes and listening with my ears."
Energetic- "I show my greatness by making healthy choices of running, climbing, jumping and swinging on the playground."
Responsible-"I show my greatness by starting right away when it is time to clean up."
HOLDING SPACE FROM THE VIRTUAL DESK OF NURTURED HEART
This newsletter shares a strategy to help your child become more independent, and a better communicator and problem solver. Feel free to check out some "nuggets" you make have missed. Past newsletters are linked in this week's news.
Resources for Families
Find research-based resources, tips and ideas for families—from child development to reading, writing, music, math, and more! naeyc For Families
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
This website has information about the definition, characteristics, causes, and fre-quencies of emotional and behavioral disorders. It also has brief information related to specific disorders. Links to numerous other resources are included on the website. The website also has a link to this information in Spanish.
Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education
Free COVID-19 Community Testing at Alliant Energy
Alliant Energy Center: 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 8 a.m.–4 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
No appointments or pre-registration necessary
Drive-thru, bike-up, or walk-up
No ID is needed and you won't be asked for your immigration status
Spanish and Hmong translators are available onsite
For a free ride to the site, call the Public Health Transportation Line at (608) 243-0420. A transportation company will then call you to schedule the ride. It’s preferred that you wear a cloth face covering when using this service.
Coordinated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and National Guard
Stoughton Food Pantry
520 S. 4th Street, Stoughton
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 4 to 6 p.m.; Closed Fridays; First Saturday of the month 9 to 11 a.m.
*Call for an appointment: 608-873-8103
Happy Thanksgiving
Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes
Get your young chefs excited for dinner by involving them in the kitchen with these kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipes! Additionally, assisting with recipes helps children develop their reading and math (measuring) skills.
Thanksgiving Songs for Children Video
This collection of popular Thanksgiving and fall (autumn) songs for children includes Thanksgiving dances for children, popular Thanksgiving and fall children’s action songs, rhymes and more! Your children will enjoy this playlist collection filled with seasonal favorites— ideal for preschool, kindergarten and elementary age children. They also make great brain breaks during virtual learning.
Contact us!
Kate Ahlgren, Director of Curriculum and Instruction kate.ahlgren@stoughton.k12.wi.us
Sara Jane Lee, 4K Inclusion SupportTeacher sarajane.lee@stoughton.k12.wi.us
Mindy Holverson, 4K Educational Assistant mindy.holverson@stoughton.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.stoughton.k12.wi.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stoughtonschools/