Pre-K Parent Connection
Office of Early Learning: February-March 2017 Edition
Dear Parents,
By making school attendance a priority, you will be taking an important step in setting a good example and supporting your child's school success. One of the most important things you can do to achieve academic success is also one of the most basic: Make Sure Your Child Attends School Every Day!
Benefits of School Attendance
1. Achievement- Students who attend school regularly are more likely to pass reading and math assessments.
2. Exposure to English Language- Regular school attendance helps students learning English to master skills and information more quickly and accurately.
3. Being Part of the School Community- Being present for school helps students learn how to be good citizens, learn valuable social skills and develop a broader world view.
4. Learn the Importance of Education- Going to school every day is a critical part of educational success. It sends a message that education is a priority for your family. (Concepts taken from the San Diego Unified School District “Every Day Counts”)
Remember significant learning is lost when children are tardy and miss school on a regular basis. Help your child develop a love for learning by understanding that attendance is important. Attendance matters from the first day of school until the last. This year, make attendance a priority.
How to Maintain Good Attendance:
· Make attendance and academics a priority
· Create a daily routine (lay out clothes and backpacks the night before)
· Set the alarm clock and get a good night's rest
· Make medical and other appointments during non-school hours whenever possible
Thank you for your continued participation and support!
Celebrating a Love of Literacy
Famous author Dr. Seuss has shared many fun and loveable moments with readers around the world. With his birthday approaching on March 2nd, we are reminded of his many contributions to those who love reading. His stories use rhyming words, repetition, and are full of creativity. These concepts excite young minds as they develop into readers. As you spend quality time reading with your children, make teachable moments by exploring words and letter sounds. Books such as, “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss are very print rich and are a great way to explore letter sounds and identification. Your child’s Pre-K experience is one full of exploration and the use of imagination. Children will develop a love for reading as they develop listening, speaking, and writing skills. These skills will take them very far.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
-Dr. Seuss “Oh the Places You’ll Go”
Curriculum Unit: February-Earth and Sky
Throughout the month of February, Pre-K classrooms will shift into a thrilling unit within the O.W.L. curriculum titled "Earth & Sky." The students will explore weekly topics and questions such as, “Why does the sky change from day to night?” and "What happens when the weather changes?" The students will explore books related to the topic and be exposed to a variety of vocabulary words related to the theme. Continue to support your child’s learning by exploring topics such as the planet, a tree for all seasons, weather conditions, what they see at night, and more!
Examples of vocabulary words that will be introduced:
Cloud
Blinking
Puffy
Scurry
*** See your child's teacher for a full list of vocabulary words***
Concepts taken from (OWL) Opening the World Learning curriculum Unit 6
Curriculum Unit: March-Shadows & Reflections
Get ready for March fun as we explore the curriculum unit called Shadows and Reflections. Children will develop their understanding of the concept of shadows and reflections by listening to stories, participating in discussions, engaging in concept-related play, and learning new vocabulary. Listed below are some examples of the learning concepts that your child may experience with this theme.
Examples:
Listening to Stories:
In the storybook “Moonbear’s Shadow” by Frank Asch, children will find answers to the question, “What makes a shadow change?”
Participating in Discussion:
Children may be paired with a partner to do “Team Talk.” For example, the teacher will give the partners a concept word with a picture and a set of instructions to follow. The instructions may say, “What does this word and picture say about shadows?” Students will work with partners to give answers.
Concept-related Play:
In the dramatic play area, children may pretend to go to a movie theater using a white sheet for a screen and a light source with a cool-to-touch or enclosed light bulb to make reflections.
Learning New Vocabulary:
Each storybook will introduce new vocabulary words that are related to the concept of shadows and reflections. For example, the story “The Puddle Pail” by Elisa Kleven, children will answer the question, “Why can’t we hold on to shadows or reflections?” Children will learn and understand new words such as disappear, hold, real, size, puddle, and picture.
Concepts taken from (OWL) Opening the World Learning curriculum Unit 7
Please click on the link below to complete a survey on school readiness.
Steps To Help Your Child Develop Self- Management Skills
Goal Setting- Setting goals can help your child develop responsibility and time management skills and may be used as a way for children to understand and stick to routines and schedules. Accomplishing goals may also boost children's self-esteem when they realize that they can accomplish what they worked hard to achieve.
When setting goals with young children, remember to:
- Start with small goals that are age appropriate and interest your child.
- Let your child know it is okay to continue working toward the goal even if it is not accomplished within the time planned. Regardless of the outcome, children most likely will benefit from learning more about themselves and their abilities.
- Help children reach out to others who can help them when having trouble accomplishing their goal. Let them know it is okay to ask for help.
- Always congratulate your children for their efforts and accomplishments.
Perseverance -It is important for children to learn how to deal with setbacks, disappointments or failures while continuing to work toward a long-term goal. Children will benefit from learning that reaching goals and learning is a proccess and failure ia a part of it all.
As your child builds perseverance, support and encourage your child to:
- Try new things, like a new sport or activity. Help your see that no one is perfect at the start, but that improvement and success comes after several tries and by not giving up.
- Avoid criticism or comparing your child to others.
- Keep the focus on your child's effort and not on winning or being the best. This helps the child value the small accomplishments made toward the larger goal.
- Congratulate and point out to the child when he/she shows perseverance.
Impulse Control- Children's ability to resist temptation and delay gratification to focus on what they are looking forward to in the future is a skill that will help throughout their lives. for some children this is easy and for others, more opportunities to practice developing this skill is needed. Some easy and basic ways for children to practice impulse control is simply by waiting, like waiting in line, waiting for food to be served in cafeteria lines, or waiting to talk when others have ended their conversation. This is also practiced when taking turns when playing games and sharing toys. If a child develops these skills early on, he or she will be in a better position to achieve goals in the future.
Risk Taking- Taking risks can increase children's confidence and help them learn they are competent in ways they may not have known. Children take risks when they step outside of their comfort zones. Some children are born risk takers, while others shy away from opportunities to take risks. For younger children, taking a risk could be as simple as risks when they play on playgrounds, raising a hand to answer a question in class, having their first play date or trying to make new friends. Parents should be aware that risk taking can build your child's self-confidence. It demonstrates to children that even when the outcome is unknown, sometimes a risk is worth taking. Remember, every risk has the potential for both success and failure. Instill in children that learning comes with trial and error. With your guidance, your child will grow and become more confident at home and at school.
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/hs/sr/approach/elof/se_dev.html
BOOK NOOK- "Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Love"
This month’s book selection is Pete the Cat’s Groovy Guide to Love. In this delightfully colorful 44 page book, Pete the Cat references some of his favorite quotes about living a life filled with love. Use this time and make it a teachable moment. Read a quote to your child and talk to them about it each day. This can be done throughout the month of February. While you are out in your community, have your child look for things that remind them of the story. This is an exciting opportunity to read literature that corresponds to a culture that many connect to in February - Love!
RECIPE CORNER- "Calzones"
"Kids can help: Filling the dough and crimping edges."
For the dough:
- 1 pkg yeast
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 ¾ cup white flour
- 1 ¼ cup whole wheat flour
For the filling:
- Mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Turkey pepperoni
Directions:
Combine yeast, sugar and warm water and let set for 5 minutes. Mix remaining ingredients and then add yeast mixture. Let dough rise, in a warm place, for about 1-2 hours, until double in size.
Roll out a small portion of the dough at a time, cutting two equal sized hearts. Fill middle with a thin layer of marinara sauce, turkey pepperoni, and cheese and then layer the top with another heart and crimp the edges together with a fork. Set on baking tray. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned. Test to make sure dough is done baking. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
February 17th - 21st: NO SCHOOL, Winter Break
February 22nd: Students return to school
March 17th: Students off (Teacher Professional Learning Day)
April 3rd-7th: Spring Break
Pre-K is Expanding
The Office of Early Learning is pleased to announce that for the 2017-2018 school year, Pre-K is expanding to Jackson Elementary Primary Campus.
Parent Resources
Midtown Assistance Center
Financial support past-due rent or utilities, short-term food assistance, counseling and referrals, work shoe, MARTA cards or transit tokens (must be employed or interviewing), and obtaining official state identification
To determine eligibility, please call (404) 681-5777.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Free tax return preparation for qualified taxpayers.
http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
Berean Church
Food Pantry and Clothes' Closet
Every Wednesday of each week from 1:00pm to 6:00pm
Address: 291 Hamilton E Holmes Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 799-7288
Homebuyer's Education
1-800-569-4287 or www.hud.gov/fha
College Planning
Adult Learning Center
GED Prep Classes
ESL Classes
Transition Services Program
Phone: (404) 802-3560
www.atlantapublicschools.com/adulteducation
Child Care Resource & Referral Agency of Metro Atlanta
Provides free stateside childcare referrals.
Facilitates finding child care for children with special needs.
Assists parents in supporting their child's development through home visits, group activities, and workshops.
Phone: (404) 479-4240
Georgia Department of Human Services
Assistance in obtaining child support, including financial and medical
https://services.georgia.gov/dhr/cspp/do/public/FAQ
Mental Health and Well-being "This site is for information only and NOT a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment."
Fun Family Activities
Art Exhibit
Admission is free all day everyday
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
535 Means Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-688-1970
support@atlantacontemporary.org
Black History Month Events
Free events being held at your local Atlanta-Fulton Public Libraries
To find a library near you visit: www.afpls.org
APS Pre-K Seats Still Available for the 2016-2017 School Year!
Announcing the 2017-2018 APS Pre-K Lottery!!!
The Office Of Early Learning is excited to announce that the 2017-2018 online Pre-K Lottery Application process is here. You may complete a lottery application online starting January 30, 2017 at 9 a.m. until March 7, 2017 at midnight. Please visit this link www.apsprekapplication.com or check the APS website for instructions on how to apply. Get a jump start on the process by gathering the necessary documents listed below.
Pre-K Lottery Enrollment Requirements
Birth Certificate or Passport
Parent Photo ID
Proof of Residence (electric, gas or water bill, lease or mortgage statement) Cable and phone bills are not acceptable OR
Affidavit of Residency (if the utility bill, lease or mortgage statement is not in parent's name)
Child's Social Security Card or waiver
Proof of Guardianship (if applicable)
Proof of Income- Head Start Sites only (W-2, Tax Return, SSI, TANF, or GA Dept. of Labor Wage Inquiry form)
Child's Peachcare, Medicaid or Health insurance card
Immunization Certificate (Form 3231) and Ear, Eye and Dental Form (Form 3300)
For Head Start locations- Head Start dental and physical exams are required (Dental form must be completed by the dentist.)
Atlanta Public Schools' Office of Early Learning
Email: prekinfo@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Website: www.Atlanta.k12.ga.us/prek
Location: 225 James P Brawley Drive Northwest, Atlanta, GA, United States
Phone: (404) 802-3640
Twitter: @APS_OEL