Reading, one of the most important things you can do with your child.

Reading to your child is a fundamental and extremely important activity.  Sharing a book with your child is more than just showing them a story, it's preparing them for learning how to read.  When you spend time reading books to your preschooler you are introducing them to print, showing them how a book is held, introducing them to new vocabulary, introducing them to sounds of letters and words and giving them experiences that will prepare them for academic learning.  It's vital that children have books available to them to touch, look at and read!  In preschool we have a book center that the children are free to use during center time and each day we have a story time to end our time together.  Story time is one of my favorite times with the kids!  Each day we try to write the title of the book we read for story time on the communication board on the door; ask you child about the story at home. 
There are tons of wonderful books you can share with your child, but you most certainly don't have to buy all a whole library; visit your local library to borrow books!  Check the Kent District Library (KDL) website for your a library near you http://www.kdl.org/.  If you are curious about what books would be best for your preschooler feel free to ask us or one of the many helpful children's librarian's at your local library.  Here is a great list to get you started http://www.statelibrary.sc.gov/docs/dbd/100picturebooks.pdf. 
The library also offers story times that are fun to take your child to; they will hear stories, learn rhymes and finger plays and sing songs: all great early literacy learning!
 Happy reading!

Resource for Art Materials

We introduced the art center to the students last week by showing them each item at the center, how to use the materials available and how to take care of them properly.  Your children have been enjoying the art center and the masterpieces being created are a plenty! 
We are lucky to have a fantastic resource in our city that  has a large variety of unique, recycled materials available that children take joy in using for their art creations.  The name of the store is Learning From Scratch and is located in the Comprenew store on 28th street by Kalamazoo Ave.  Here is the link to their website.  http://learningfromscratch.org/.  For just $4-$5 you can fill up a bag with recycled materials.  I guarantee you and your child will be in awe of the many materials and ideas displayed at Learning From Scratch and will have hours of fun creating with your finds!  Go take a peek and let your child's imagination run wild as they create!

Preschoolers and Sleep

With the school year underway we have gotten several questions about sleep from parents.  How much sleep does my child need?  Should my child still take naps?  What time should my child go to bed?  These are all great questions!  Here is an article that answers all of these questions and more http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sleep/sleep_preschool.html#  If you still haven't found the answers you seek please let us know and we can provide some more helpful articles and resources that will guide you.  Sleep is essential for young children as it affects how their brain, learning and ability to perform daily tasks.  Be sure your child is getting the rest they need so they can be an active part of their learning and growing!

School Open House

Don't forget there is an all school open house on Tuesday evening, September 11, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.  Come and visit the preschool room with your child so they can show you the centers we have been learning about and playing in.  Create a fun collage with your child at the art table, discover what is at our science center, build a tower in the block area or play a game at our math center.....the possibilities are endless in preschool!  After you have visited the classroom be sure to stop in the gym to make your own ice cream sundae, YUM!  We look forward to seeing you Tuesday night from 6:30-7:30p.m.

Welcome

Welcome to being a preschool parent!  We have many exciting plans for this year and hope you and your child are ready for the journey that awaits, as they begin their school careers.  We are thrilled to be a part of your child's education and hope that you will partner together with us to help them grow, develop and succeed not only in school, but in life. 
If you have questions we are here to help, so do not hesitate to talk with us at drop off and pick up times, call or email.  Our email addresses, classroom phone number and home phone numbers are listed in the parent handbook you received at parent orientation.
This blog will be updated frequently throughout the year with important dates, news, events and resources. Feel free to check back weekly for updates or simply subscribe to follow this blog and you will be notified of updates via email.
We look forward to a wonderful year of growing and learning together!