Welcome to Room 3! It’s the end of the first week of school and the fun has just only begun. As the children become accustomed to their new environment, their willingness to have fun and explore their room and school will begin to surface. Right now, the children are enjoying the myriad of activities and toys inside the classroom and outside. Please look forward to the other exciting activities and events that we have in store for the children as the year goes on.
Month: August 2016
Painting Elmer The Elephant
In the art studio this week we looked at the story “Elmer The Elephant,” by David Mckee. This book has agreat message: although we may all look different, we all have the same hearts and feelings. It also reminds us that we shouldn’t exclude those who are different. It celebrates in a beautiful way individuality. Although God made us all to look different, we all come from the same creator. What a great reminder to start the new school year. YAY!
The children then learned about patchwork and painted their very own “Elmer” using sponges as a painting tool.
Volunteer Opportunities for PCS/PS Parents!
Looking to fulfill your volunteer hours? Sign up here!
Site Work Day – October 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (food donations should be brought in from 8:00 – 9:00 that morning)
Description: help us deep clean classrooms and freshen the yard by hauling in new mulch and tilling sand. DOUBLE HOURS are available for those who volunteer to work. Single hours are available for food donations (1 hour per $10 contributed).
Nature in the Classroom
Play is an essential area of development as children grow, especially during early childhood. Through play-based activities children are allowed opportunities to enrich cognitive skills, physical development, language, and social skills. With the help of appropriate materials, children can continue to develop these skills in the classroom. The use of natural materials in the early education classroom helps enhance the relationship children have with their environment. Natural elements encourage curiosity within the environment and expose children to build connections with living things around them.
Such materials include:
Wood blocks
Sand
Water
Rocks
Pinecones
Plants, flowers, gardens
Wood chips
Sea shells
Natural materials also serve as open materials in which children can further explore. Teachers can use these materials for open-ended activities in the classroom. As children continue to become interested in materials, teachers can continue to build on the activities. Teachers can plan and expand using these open-ended materials to create new opportunities for exploration as well as learning.
Author: Jessica Panameno, CSULA Child Development Intern
The Benefits of Sleep in Early Childhood
Ever felt moody, physically drained, or unable to concentrate the following day because of lack of sleep? Similarly, children who are sleep deprived experience similar symptoms, which often affects their ability to learn and retain new information. In general, adults only require about 7- 8 hours of sleep every night in order to feel well rested. Dissimilar to adults, children between the ages of 2-5 need at least a minimum of 10-14 hours of sleep per day. To a growing and developing child, not getting enough sleep can have a negative and detrimental effect on their behavior, temperament, alertness, attention span, physical endurance, and physical growth. A decrease in sleep can also increase obesity and the chances of them developing sickness or illnesses. Establishing set bedtimes with relaxing bed time routines helps your child get the rest he/she needs to thrive.
Napping at School:
At Pasadena Christian Preschool we understand the importance of sleep and are aware of the enriching effects it can have on the mental and physical development of our students. Our teachers promote sleep during nap time by preparing the environment and setting the proper mood. Most classrooms have ‘twinkle’ lights within their classroom walls and turn them on when they turn off the regular classroom lights to avoid the classroom being too dark. In addition, our teachers also play soft music in the background to bring children into a calm and relaxed state of mind. Music playing in the background can be of soft ocean wave sounds or instrumental rhythms.We also encourage students to bring a favorite snuggly toy, a soft blanket and cot-sized pillow. Items such as these offer the comforts of home and help our little ones feel secure at school.
Our teachers know that when our students are well rested, they are more alert, less irritable, feel eager to learn, and perform to their fullest potential! So the next time you pass by our classrooms and see our sweet ones sleeping, remember that sleep is as fundamental to our children as good nutrition is for their overall health. As they sleep, our students are re-energizing and preparing their minds and bodies to continue exploring and learning about their world.
As we prepare for the new school year, be sure to switch from your ‘summer’ bed time routines to a a more established ‘school’ bed time routine before the first day of school so that your child is prepared, well-rested and ready for the fun in store!
Author: Marisol Rivera, CSULA Child Development Intern
Preschool Calendar 2016-2017
Following is the general calendar for our school year, including most of our holidays, school closures, and major events.
August 14 – New Family Picnic
August 18 – New Parent Orientation Night, 7:00pm (for adults only, no children)
August 22 – Classroom Welcome & Handprint Party – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Drop-in)
August 23 – First day of School
September 5 – Labor Day – School Closed
September 9 – Back to School Night – 7:00pm (for adults only, no children) – this is a MINIMUM Day (dismiss at 12:00)
October 14 – Moonlight Magic!
October 28 – Parent Conferences; School Closed
November 4 – Professional Development Day; School Closed
November 12 – Fall Festival
November 21 & 22 – Stone Soup Celebrations
November 23-25 – Thanksgiving Break; School Closed
December 9 – Grandparents’ Day; Minimum Day
December 22 – January 6 – Christmas Break (school resumes on Monday, 1/9)
January 16 – MLK Day; School Closed
February 3 – Moonlight Magic!
February 20 – Presidents’ Day; School Closed
April 14 & 17 – Easter; School Closed
April 21 – Moonlight Magic & Golf Auction
April 28 – Open House; Minimum Day
May 25 – Preschool Promotion Ceremony – Minimum Day
May 26 – Last day of school. Minimum Day. Have a great summer!
June 5 – Summer Camp Begins
Sailing Away
Under the Big Blue Sea
The children in Room 3 had an amazing time this week. From activities such as water play with sprinklers and buckets to our fantastically yogurt filled field trip, the children had very little time to not be excited. Our Chapel this week was about how God calms and it was presented by none other than our very own Room five teachers. Last but not least, we ended the week with an awesome pizza party. There’s only one more week left so let’s hope for smooth sailing.