SASD 4K Family Newsletter
Grow. Play. Learn.
October 1, 2020
Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them. Did you know that it is important as adults to play as well? You'll learn a new task better when it's fun and you're in a relaxed and playful mood.
Play can stimulate YOUR imagination, helping you adapt and solve problems. It can improve relationships and your connection to others. Sharing laughter and fun can foster empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy with others.
Have fun and find something playful to do this week!
Erin Conrad, SASD 4K Principal
Sara Jane Lee, SASD Inclusion Support Teacher
Mindy Holverson, 4K Educational Assistant
4K Calendar Updates
*Friday March 12th there is NO school (Updated 9/28/20)
SASD Staff Bios
Welcome to Jamie Niesen, our new 4K teacher at LaPetite!!
OWL Curriculum
OWL™ is based on thorough knowledge of the research on early language and literacy development and research on social and emotional development. It systematically builds those skills identified as being of critical importance using methods found by research and augmented by “the wisdom of practice” to support development.
Attention to Phonological Awareness There can be no question that all children must be helped to attend to the sounds of language. Phonological awareness is supported through exposure-based approaches such as singing and reading predictable books, through teacher-led games designed to help children attend to the sounds of language, and by encouraging child-initiated activity such as writing.
October in the OWL Curriculum:
Week 1: PALS assessment week (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening)Week 2: My Family-Caring and Sharing
Week 3: My Family-We All Help
Week 4: My Family-Family Fun
SONDAY System Let's Play Learn
Let’s Play Learn offers structured, systematic, multisensory practice for students in preschool through kindergarten. 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. Each lesson plan uses proven Orton-Gillingham methods to provide effective intervention in whole-class and small-group settings.
Check out Jessica's video: ABC Time
OWL Math
Math is an important part of learning for children in the early years because it provides vital life skills. Math helps children problem solve, measure & develop their own spatial awareness, & teaches them how to use & understand shapes.
This month in 4K students will:
Add up to 4 objects
Subtract 1 to 4 objects from a set
5 Ways to Build Math into Your Child's Day
1. Bake something together
2. Measure, count, and record
3. Build something together
4. Plan dinner or a party
5. Mix in math to your bedtime reading
For more information go to naeyc 5 Ways to Build math into Your Child's Day
Handwriting Without Tears
Handwriting remains a critical skill in the classroom. In order for children to be successful readers, writers—and ultimately communicators—they need a strong foundation. Handwriting can be taught through play! Learning Without Tears offers multisensory activities & manipulatives which appeals to all learning styles & provides a hands-on approach to handwriting. Check out some of the fun happening at home below!
The Pyramid Model
Children need to be specifically taught the problem solving steps, to be able to think of multiple alternative solutions, and to understand that solutions have consequences.
OWL and Tucker the Turtle
OWL helps children build skills regulating emotions and relating to others by providing explicit instruction related to these issues. More importantly, discussion of social and emotional issues are woven into discussions of books and conversations about on-going classroom events. Also, children are repeatedly provided group activities designed to hold their interest and motivating child-initiated activities that they can do alone or with others.
Tucker the Turtle Stays focused at home and school.
Tucker the Turtle Takes Time to Tuck and Think at Home
Tucker the Turtle is Helpful
The Nurtured Heart Approach
From the virtual desk of NHA:
If you are looking for some strategies to teach your child appropriate behavior while building positive relationships, the message Start Here- NHA is for you!
To Your (and your child’s) GREATNESS, SIGNIFICANCE & HUMANITY...Amy, Sara Jane, Maggie and Karla
Words for the month of October for 4K instruction:
Cooperative- "I show my greatness by playing, sharing and taking turns with my friends."Focused-"I show my greatness by looking with my eyes and keeping my thoughts on my work."
Helpful- "I show my greatness by doing my jobs to keep my home and classroom in order."
Helping Families Cope with COVID-19
Check out these child- and family-friendly resources in English and Spanish from the Center for Child Stress and Health at Florida State University College of Medicine.
RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN
The Germ that Wears a Crown: A Story about the Coronavirus: ( English | Spanish )
My Stress-Less Board ( English | Spanish )
Coronavirus: What Kids Can Do: ( English | Spanish )
Sesame Street in Communities: ( English | Spanish )
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents
COVID-19: Helping My Child Cope ( English | Spanish )
Supporting Children during Coronavirus
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019
Helping Your Child Learn Responsibility
Notice and narrate- Draw attention to strategies that work. “Moving your puzzle to the table is a good idea. It’s easier to keep track of the pieces,” “You and your sister made up great rules.”
Ask instead of tell- Support your child’s independent actions. Ask, “What’s a safe place to put your cup?,” instead of saying, “Put your cup on the counter.” Note, “I see toy cars in front of the stairs. Where should they be moved?,” instead of insisting, “Someone could trip on the cars. Please move them.”
Put your child in charge- Ask questions that inspire your child to solve problems. “We need a good way to get everyone to the table for dinner. What do you think we should do?” and “We need to find a better place for the boots [bikes, socks, mittens, toys] so we can find them easily. Where do you think they can go?”
Celebrate success- When you notice your child being responsible, show your appreciation. “Hurray! All the coats got hung up today,” “Awesome work setting the table! Dinner was very elegant,” “Thanks for putting the snack wrappers in the garbage. I loved working on a clean counter.”
For more information go to: naeyc Message in a Backpack Helping Your Child Learn Responsibility
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/