Natick Preschool

Perna Richard believes “attention and focus” do not get enough attention as buildable skills. Perna’s Top Tips for Increasing Attention in Young Children:

• Recognize the Importance of the Early Years. We need to be more intentional in the early years and recognize that we have to create pathways, in order to increase attention spans. When pathways are getting created at a young age, you have to use that pathway again and again in order to link the pathways and neurons together in the brain. Meaning, the more you practice something, the better at the skill you’ll be…eventually. The same goes for attention spans; the more you practice increasing your attention span, the better!

• Be Intentional. Children learn through play, so be considerate of the type of toys and types of activities, exploration we’re providing to kids. It’s going to naturally strengthen the attention and focus muscles. The best toys are passive toys such as cause and effect toys. You want toys such as blocks and lego etc. that require full attention in action and hand-eye coordination. Toys that are busy and noisy and seem to have “more going on” are actually more passive because things are just happening to the child rather than letting the child explore, manipulate and create.

• Use Toys that Require Fine Motor Movement. While we need to be careful of labeling “good toys” over “bad toys” there are some toys that promote attention and development better than others. Fine motor toys, things that require grip, playdough, clay, water and towels, puzzles, sensory bins, and things that require self-help skills are examples of toys that require more attention than passive, battery-operated toys. The more children use their hands during play, the more pathways get created from the hands to the brain and the more experiences children have.

• Consider Your Language. Using the sentence, “you haven’t mastered x skill yet” is super impactful. Children need to understand they’re working and learning and adults can model the behavior and language for kids to help build resilience and confidence. When learning a new skill show them patience.

What Can I Do To Help My Child Grow As A Learner?

• Limit screen time

• Promote independent play

• Promote open-ended play opportunities

• Foster outdoor play

• Relax, let go and ENJOY watching your child develop!

The Power of Parent Talk

Your chid's brain is actively developing

*Talk, talk, talk and talk some more to your young child.

*Use vocabulary associated with whatever your are doing/playing even if you think your child does not yet know the word

*Read aloud to your child: stories, picture books, the weather report, the grocery list, a text from a grandparent

*Speak aloud what you notice your child doing whether to compliment them on a new skill or their effort at something they cannot do YET.

Mrs. Morrissey explains How to Handle a Book, a Massachusetts learning standard for preschool

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VzH1Kh7J6E0XFN7Mu53_BWLps9sR4Zev/view?usp=share_link

Looking for an Interesting Read?

*The Incredible Years: A Trouble-Shooting Guide for Parents of Children

Aged 2-8 by Carolyn Webster Stratton

*How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber

*Yardsticks by Chip Wood (an easy to read chart of developmental milestones by age 4 - 14)

Reminder for Parents Who Want to Volunteer--CORI Checks

Reminder If you want to volunteer in schools, you must have a CORI check conducted and you must go into the building with identification (drivers license or passport) to do this. Click here for description of what a CORI check is and does. Without a CORI check, you cannot volunteer in the school. Here is the form to fill out for a CORI. Preschool volunteer opportunities include being a Mystery Reader for the class, presenting a family tradition and supporting special projects.

Support Social Emotional Learning and Independence at home using the same language and systems we use at school

• Yoga: Belly Breathing
  

• Handwashing at Home video

• Schedules, Visuals, Daily Living and Social Emotional Learning These can help!

• Make Clean-Up Fun Gracie's corner clean up song

• What is the Preschool Flip?

  Fleece! Jackets! Chilly weather calls for additional layers. Use the linked video to practice the Preschool Flip to build your child's independence putting on a jacket. They will be so proud of themselves and you will have your hands free for extra hugs!

• How To Use PBIS at Home complete with printable red birds (don’t have a printer? Have your child make some red birds or choose what household item you can use to represent completion of a task.)

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5