Friday, August 28, 2015

First week!

 We have had a great first week in the owl class! We are exploring our surroundings, learning about each other, and learning how school works. The kiddos have done a great job and some are still working on the transition from being home to being at school and some tears are to be expected. Please keep reassuring them that you will come back, school is fun and that they will have a great day.

 I sent home a few things this week one was a paper asking some questions for you the parents. I know you filled out some packets that are in the student file but this one is a quick reference for me to have and I also like to use them to find things some kids have in common and try to help them build relationships with other children who have similar interests. It also lets me know how to get a hold of you and others in a quick reference kind of way. Turn those in to me as soon as you can. The second was an all about me poster. This is another way to encourage kids to find things in common with others in a visual way. It also helps me get to know them and their family. Please turn in the posters by September 5th. One more thing I need is a family photo this way the kids have a picture of their family in class it makes them feel at home in our room. This picture will remain on the wall all year.

 A few reminders if your child is ill please review the guidelines in the handbook regarding when your child is too sick to be at school. We do wellness checks in the mornings and I hate to have to send friends home, but its best for us all. If your child was sick and is still recovering let me know so that I can keep an eye on them and note any changes in behavior. Also please help me in the mornings by making sure your child washes their hands as soon as they are in class. This and frequent hand washing during the day help us to reduce illness in the class.

  Next Wednesday and Thursday we are having an extra messy art exploration day! Be prepared for paint, water, shaving cream and lots of mess come prepared with clothes that can get messy and extras.

 I have added a poll on the side of the blog page asking if you would be interested in having a closed group facebook page for our class. We would use it to post messages for our class, a few pictures, a way to contact me and class reps etc. I would be the admin and would add in parents only! Pleasde answer the survey and if we have an interest we can work on getting that together.

 Enjoy your first weekend and I will see you all next week!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Our first week of school!

  I am happy to say we are starting school earlier than anticipated! Our restoration company has done an amazing job and school is now ready for us to move back in and start on the 24th! I have a few reminders and some information on how the first week of school looks.

  All about me is our opening theme, I like to spend the first few weeks getting to know your child and all the children in my classes. We do this by exploring what their likes and dislikes are, who is in their family and who they are. There will be a lot of getting to know you games, activities and questions going on in class. This is my opportunity to explore who your children are and what needs and interests we have as a class. In the first two weeks I would also like for each family to send in a picture to class this is for our family wall. Each child will tell us about the people in their family and the picture will be placed on the wall for the remainder of the school year.

  A few reminders
  • Please make sure your child has a back pack with a full change of clothing or two for the first days of school. If you can please put those clothes in a Ziploc bag so I can return any wet or dirty clothes home.
  •  Make sure your child's bag is labeled with their name it will make it easier for me to know which belongs to your child.
  • We get messy at school please do not send your child to school in anything you are afraid to get paint, glue, food, water or anything messy on. I want them to explore freely and not feel like they have to worry about their clothes or shoes.

 A few things to not bring to school are
  • Toys from home
  • Medicines
  • Wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lip gloss or chap stick (they like to share it with friends when they bring it)
  • Sunscreen (We as teachers are not allowed to apply sunscreen to your child)
Now that we got the business out of the way its time to address nervousness. I know many kids are nervous about school and so are the parents. Please try to reassure your child that things will be great and that school is fun and they are going to have a great time! If your child cries on the first day of school it's OK. Here is a list I borrowed from Ms. Mari to give you some ideas of ways to help.

·         Never bribe or negotiate a “deal” (if you stop crying I’ll give you this…)
·         Never send them home- this sends the message that they can get their own way if they throw a tantrum
·         Speak positively and cheerfully
·         Reassure your child you love them and will be back
·         Stay calm
·         Once you leave, DON’T COME BACK IN.  This makes it very confusing and teaches the child that crying works to get you to come back. 
·         If other children complain about noisy crying say, “Yes, Jimmy is crying because he misses his mom. He needs some time to learn how school works. Let’s show him how much fun ____ is and maybe he will join us.” Then move along to your next activity.
·         Acknowledge the child’s feelings (I know you miss your mom, you’ll see her soon.)
·         Invite the child to join in activities but don’t force them to participate if they are overly distraught.

This was an article I found many years ago that still applies today!  Some children may have no problem being left on their first day of school, but they may have a few tears after a week or two.  Some children from the beginning may have BIG FEELINGS about being left but with care and persistence it will pass and they will get used to the transition soon. 
Please know I am very compassionate with your children and will tell them “I know you are sad/mad, but I know your mom/dad is coming back!”  “Do you need a hug?” 
Also as parent helpers you may be asked to help with these children as well.   Some things to remember:
·         Don’t tell them not to cry, they need to express their feelings and we are here to help them name their feelings and learn to communicate HOW they are feeling.
·         Sit next to them and tell them and offer support by just being there and acknowledging their feelings.
·         Try and get them interested in an activity.

Please know we will love your child and try to make their transition away from you a positive experience.  Please also know if your child is REALLY inconsolable and we have exhausted all of our strategies we will call you!  
With a little love and compassion those that may be reluctant will soon be excited to come to school and have a great time!
 
Now for you I have an acronym I learned from a mentor teacher many years ago its called HELP.
 
Hug- Let your child know you are leaving with a quick hug and a kiss please don't sneak out.
 Encourage- Give them words of encouragement, help them to locate a friend or a teacher.
 Leave- Leave don't linger longer that actually makes it harder.
Pray- Pray for the teachers, the parents working and for your child that they receive the comfort and reassurance they need. I truly appreciate those prayers!
 
Have fun getting ready to come to school next week I'll be working hard setting up our "nest" for all my little owls!

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Welcome to the Owl Class 2015

Welcome to my blog new and returning Owl families!

 If you are here you either followed my link from Facebook or you typed in the address from the outline you received at orientation. Either way welcome. I am working to build this blog with more postings, suggestions and class updates as the year progresses.

 Please add yourself as a follower on the side column and please make sure you get added to the school's Facebook page if your not already to get all the latest news and updates!

 Hope to see you all soon!