TSD Early Childhood Program
December Newsletter
A Note From Our Administrator...
Greetings, EC Families,
With this return to remote learning, we recognize that with your partnership, we’re able to do more things with online learning. Thank you so much for your flexibility and support as we navigate these unique times. As a reminder, we’ll be sharing more information by December 18th so you can know what to expect when we return from Winter Break.
Kindergarten Open Enrollment. For the parents of our 4 year-old students, I wanted to make you aware of kindergarten open enrollment. If you are attending a preschool that is not your neighborhood school, you will need to Open Enroll at the school for the 2021-2022 school year if you would like to continue. For those interested in looking at schools other than your neighborhood school, you will also need to Open Enroll at the school of your choice. The Open Enrollment window opened on November 30 and closes January 8. Apply on the Thompson School District website by clicking on this link. If you choose to attend your neighborhood school for kindergarten, you do not need to fill out an Open Enrollment application.
Ipad Return and Checkout. If you were unable to pick an updated Ipad on December 1st or December 2nd, you can schedule an appointment to pick one up at the Early Childhood Center at Stansberry located at 407 E. 42nd Street. Please contact Meghan at 970-613-5052 to schedule a time. If you have an older iPad, please make sure that you bring these in to trade in. We need the older Ipads, which will be used at other schools to support learning.
Head Start Self-Assessment. Each year, we engage in an audit where we look at several components of our program to determine what is working well and where we can improve. This includes revisiting our objectives from last year, progress on those objectives, reviewing data, and making recommendations based on the data for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. We’re looking forward to sharing more information later in the year.
I wish you a wonderful and magical month of December for you and your family. Stay healthy and enjoy what this month has to offer to you!
Sincerely,
Lamb Caro
Early Childhood Administrator
We Read!
We Write!
"Let the child be the scriptwriter, the director and the actor in his own play." ~ Magda Gerber
We Learn through Play!
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning." - Diane Ackerman
Stansberry Early Childhood
Education Corner
The Holiday season is such a busy time of year for everyone! Preschooler’s love to help! Here are some ways to work on literacy, math, language and fine motor skills with your preschooler this month….
Have them help you wrap gifts and sign any cards or tags by practicing writing their own name.
Teach them how to tear tape by using their pincer fingers.
They can help you write grocery lists by brainstorming letter sounds for items on your list. For instance, you might say “MMMMilk”.
Talk about measurement and have them help you count cups, teaspoons, etc.
Talk about your family traditions and why you do certain things. Introduce unfamiliar family members and explain their relationship to you. “This is daddy’s sister, she is your aunt.”
Most of all, enjoy your time together as your preschooler experiences the wonder of the
season!
Amy Gerhard
Education Coordinator
Social Emotional Learning
During this time of year, many of us reflect on the things we are grateful for. Practicing gratitude improves physical and mental health, improves our relationships, and strengthens our ability to deal with adverse situations, such as a pandemic during the holidays. A person can practice gratitude just by noticing good things and really appreciating them. You can express gratitude to yourself, write what you are thankful for, or tell someone what you appreciate about them. Even if you don’t feel particularly grateful at any given moment, you can “fake it till you make it”.
The Thompson Early Childhood Staff would like to express some of the many things we are grateful to you and your family for:
*We are grateful to all the families for their willingness to be flexible and patient during this difficult time as the situation keeps changing.
* We are grateful for all the families that are able to attend remote meetings with teachers and staff!
*We are always grateful for each “treasure” we receive from the students. Every handmade picture, note, bracelet, etc. is appreciated.
*We are grateful for each child that teaches us a new and creative way to play with the toys - especially the magnatiles. We are grateful for all we learn from playing with them.
*We are grateful when our families show up...when they show up for remote learning, show up to advocate for their child, show up to spend time with them outdoors, show up by loving on them when they need it most.
* We are grateful that our families have trust in our staff to be able to ask for help with community resources, technology issues, and learning activities to create a successful learning environment at home for their child.
*We are grateful for every proud smile a child shows us when they have learned something new.
*We are grateful for all of the hugs and cuddles children share to brighten our day.
*We are so grateful for the lasting relationships we have been able to share with children and families. It is such a treat to see former and current families in the community and hear how their children have grown and changed.What an incredible honor it has been to serve them and learn from them!
And so MUCH MORE!!
Health & Safety
Family meals are important for many reasons. They can bring your family closer together, teach children healthy eating habits and improve the diet quality of the whole family. Research shows that families that eat together consume more fruit, vegetables and fiber and less saturated fat, soda and fried foods. Remember, you are a role model for your children, be sure to set a good example!
Try these easy tips to make family meals a pleasant part of your family’s day.
§ Set a regular family mealtime and make it a priority in your day. Show your children that family meals are an important family time by turning off the TV and not answering the phone during meals.
§ Eat around a table. It is easier to engage in conversation when you can see each other.
§ Enjoy conversation. Include all members of the family in the conversation. Meal time should be a relaxed, happy time.
§ Actively involve children in the meal. Helping with family meals makes children feel important. Ask your children to help set and clear the table, fold napkins, help with meal preparation, or plan menus.
Cook's Corner: Holiday Crackers
Ingredients
· 10 round whole wheat crackers
· 2 slices low-sodium cooked lunch meat, such as beef, chicken, or ham
· 2 slices low-fat yellow or white cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Place crackers on a plate or platter.
2. Cut ham into circles using a round cookie cutter.
3. Place a ham circle on each cracker.
4. Cut cheese into shapes using holiday cookie cutters such as trees, snowflakes, snowmen, stars, and bells.
5. Place a cheese shape on the ham on each cracker.
Makes 5 servings
Safety tip: An adult should supervise the use of the cookie cutters.
Family Engagement
Typically in our December newsletter, I would share free or low-cost activities for families to do over the holidays. This year, holiday celebrations may look a little different. Outside activities such as taking a walk to look at Christmas lights or building a snowman if we ever get snow, may still be safe activities. Winter Wonderlights at Chapungu Park is happening now through Jan. 1st. It is a free event, but a canned food donation is appreciated.
If you and your kiddos are feeling the stress of being cooped up inside, try GoNoodle at
https://www.gonoodle.com/, which helps kids be active and get the wiggles out. How about visiting a zoo or museum virtually? Here is a link to the San Diego Zoo, with live zoo cams: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams. National Geographic Kids takes a look at different winter celebrations around the world. Check it out: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/winter-celebrations/
Each year the Loveland Kiwanis Club sends Santa to our classrooms with a book for each preschooler. This year, there will be no Santa visits, but Kiwanis is still providing books. By December 14th, your child should receive the book, Douglas, You’re a Genius, by Ged Adamson. If you have not received the book by then, please check with your child’s teacher. We are very appreciative of this generous donation from Kiwanis!
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday!
Julie Lindsay
Family & Community Partnership Coordinator
English Language Development
During the winter holidays we celebrate many traditions with family. Oral storytelling is one way to develop language and celebrate your culture. Research has shown that sharing stories with young children can aid in their social and emotional development, their cognitive growth and their language skills (Escamilla et al., 2014). Children who listen to stories are activating both their auditory and language processing systems. They are hearing grammar, syntax and new vocabulary which they will begin to use in their own expressive language skills.
Oral storytelling is much more personal than telling a story using a book. Using physical movement and changing your tone of voice is a great way to engage young learners, help young children visualize the story you are telling. Use rich and descriptive language. This skill is essential for a child when they begin to read novels that do not have picture support. Enjoy the winter break with your families and remember to tell some stories.
Please call or email if you have any questions for me. You can also use TSD’s translation service anytime you need translation for school business. Their number is (970) 613-6167.
-Julie Sullivan, ELD teacher
julie.sullivan@thompsonschools.org
(970) 613-6885
References:
Escamilla, K., Hopewell, S., Butvilofsky, S., Sparrow, W., Soltero-González, L., Ruiz-Figueroa, O., & Escamilla, M. (2014). Biliteracy from the start: Literacy squared in action (pp. 25-26). Philadelphia, PA: Caslon Publishing.