Lee's Summit R7 Parents As Teachers
November 2017
The early years of life are critical for optimal child development and provide the foundation for success in school and in life.
Email: kerry.boehm@lsr7.net
Website: http://pat.lsr7.org/
Location: 905 Bluestem, Lee's Summit, MO, United States
Phone: 816-986-2480
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=294046784069024&ref=br_rs
Twitter: @lsr7pat
Keep The Light On Please!
Also, if you or your child are sick, please let your parent educator know as soon as possible.
Assistance available
Holy Spirit Catholic Church has donated new and gently used coats to Great Beginnings students and Parents as Teachers participants (Sizes 2T-5).
Please contact the school social workers, Jill Smith (986-2483) or Mary Beth Panek (986-2466) if you need assistance obtaining a coat for your child.
Board of Education Priority #2
The CFMP team will meet a number of times throughout the 2017-18 school year with the team’s work possibly continuing into future school years. Volunteers will spend a significant amount of time within team meetings and learning/researching trends in educational facility design. The link to the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9XHT5BW
Specifically, the goal of this team is to address the Board of Education’s priority number 2: Ensure equitable access to 21st century learning environments by engaging stakeholders in a process to update the district’s Comprehensive Facility Master Plan to meet the instructional and programming needs of all pre-K-12 students. If the number of volunteers for this team exceeds the number of team members allotted, Lee’s Summit R-7 staff members will determine a selection process that provides for a broad base of representation.
There's an app for that...
What is Vroom?
New science tells us that our children’s first years are when they develop the foundation for all future learning. Every time we connect with them, it’s not just their eyes that light up—it’s their brains too. In these moments, half a million neurons fire at once, taking in all the things we say and do. We can’t see it happening, but it’s all there, all at work. That’s why Vroom is here.
Vroom turns shared moments into brain building moments. Whether it’s mealtime, bathtime, or anytime in between, there are always ways to nurture our children's growing minds.
Click on the above link to find out more information.
Safety Information
Surviving the Cold and Flu Season
1. Wash Your Hands
Soap 'em up often and scrub well. You pick up germs on your fingers and can get them in your mouth or eyes. Many viruses spread that way.
2. Get Your Flu Shot
You may think of the flu as only a minor problem, but it can be very serious. The flu can even be dangerous, especially for young children, older adults, and pregnant women. It’s a myth that the flu vaccine can give you the flu.
3. Pay Attention to Symptoms
Cold or flu? There's no surefire way to tell the symptoms apart. Even your doctor may not be sure which one you have without testing. Usually, colds are milder. You might have a runny or stuffy nose. The flu is usually more severe and comes on suddnely. Fever, body aches, and exhaustion are more common with it.
4. Stay Home if You're Sick
Keep your child home if they are sick. Your cold could last longer, and you could also spread germs to other people.
Tips for Making the Holidays Festive…. Without Sensory Overload
The Holidays can be such a fun and special time of year. But often, they turn into stressful events that trigger anxiety and meltdowns in kids. (and sometimes parents!). Changes in routines or unfamiliar people, foods, smells and places can be difficult for kids to adjust to!
Here are some things you can do to help your holidays run smoothly… for everyone:
-Plan ahead- Create a timeline (with pictures if needed) to prepare kids for the schedule and routine changes. Predictability can help children feel more secure.
-Be flexible regarding meals- Family meals can be stressful for kids with sensitivity to food textures, tastes or smells. Allow kids to pick their own foods to put on their plate and eat what they prefer. A holiday gathering is not the best place to practice food exposures.
-Allow children to greet family members in their own way- Some kids don’t like hugging or touching. Allow children to wave, smile or give a high five if they prefer.
-Prepare a place of escape- If things get overwhelming for your child, find a quiet corner where they can relax, or take a walk outside. Bring along a favorite comfort item that can help them calm down and relax.
-Quiet the noise- Get togethers can get loud! Bring along noise cancelling headphones or headphones with music if your child can get overwhelmed with too much noise.
-Give yourself permission- To say “No” to events that would be too stressful for your child.
-Explain- If you think your child will struggle with certain sensory aspects of the holiday season, let others know and ask for their help in creating a sensory friendly atmosphere or activity.
-Prevention!- You know your child’s triggers- watch for them. Try to give them a break before the meltdown begins.
-Provide lots of opportunities for heavy work/whole body activities. When in need…. Jump, push, pull or squeeze.
-Be comfortable- Allow your child to wear clothing he finds comfortable. Avoid pre-party conflict even if casual clothes may result in a few raised eyebrows. Uncomfortable clothing may ruin a child's and your evening.
-Get enough rest- On occasion, it’s fun to let your kids stay up late for special occasions – but the hours of sleep they’re missing out on do (and will) add up.
-Shop in peace- When gift shopping, shop when stores are less crowded or shop online. If you must take your child into busy stores, plan ahead and bring sensory comforts such as chewing gum and other oral comforts, earplugs or favorite music with headphones.
-Go means go- If you can see that your child is reaching his breaking point, don’t wait to leave.
-Relax yourself!- Before a potentially challenging event, take some time to yourself to relax and rejuvenate. Children sense the moods of those around them. If you are already stressed with anticipation, the child may instinctively become so as well. If you are relaxed and prepared, you will be able to remain calm if difficulties arise.
From the Library
Books for November
Bear Says Thanks - Karma Wilson
My First Thanksgiving - Tomie dePaola
The Thank You Book - Mo Willems
There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey - Lucille Colandro
Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving - Dav Pilkey
Sensory Bins are always fun!
Try pumpkin or cinnamon playdough.
A great sensory activity!
Make a Fall Wreath
- Materials Needed:
- Fresh Fall leaves in various colors
- Paper plate
- White school glue
- Scissors
- Pretty ribbon
1. Cut the middle out from a paper plate. Fold the plate in half to get the cut started in the middle, then cut along the rim to make about a 2 inch paper plate border (young kids may need help with this part). 2. Continue building the wreath by gluing each leaf to the paper plate. Slightly overlap each leaf. 3. Next, clip off the stems from each leaf using scissors. 5. Tie a pretty ribbon in a bow, then glue the bow on to the wreath.