First Full Day 2014
It looks like our days are full of sunshine and rainbows so far. Everyone was excited to get to school today and when it was time for our first nap time they all laid down without kicking or screaming. We had two that seemed a little apprehensive but they were also two of the first ones asleep.
Nap. It’s a small word, but its a very important one. Why? ” Sleep is a major requirement for good health, and for young kids to get enough of it, some daytime sleep is usually needed. Crucial physical and mental development occurs in early childhood, and naps provide much-needed downtime for growth and rejuvenation.
Naps also help keep kids from becoming overtired, which not only takes a toll on their moods but may also make it harder for them to fall asleep at night. ”
If after today your child seems reluctant to come to school because we take naps, remind them that naps help them stay healthy. Also, keeping your child on the same schedule we use for nap time at home ( 1230 ) will help them stay in the routine while in school and an added bonus is you get an hour or so free to yourself ! I would discourage you from saying things like ” I know… you dont like naps at school , ” always be positive. What we tell them is rest for a while and when you are through resting we will have snack and you will go home. Avoid the word sleep.
Today we revisited the centers we introduced last week and added the loft and and the chalk board area. The rules with the loft are made for safety. Only one person is allowed to go up at time and they have to ask permission before going up that way we can supervise them.
I was impressed that they remembered the things we talked about last week. For instance using DOTS of glue instead of puddles!
The kiddos loved the music in circle time today. If you havent had a change to look at the videos on Facebook you should. We sang ” I like being a Kid ,” ” Head , shoulders Knees and Toes ,’ ABC song,” and ” Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. We usually start with louder more active songs and end with a slower more quiet song to get ready for our story. The music does the work for me. 🙂
We also worked in our journals today. We have a lot of opportunities to write all over the room but some children never choose to write or go to art. This few minutes a day gives them time to practice fine motor skills and use their creativity. I dont tell them what to write on their page it is up to the child. What we see many times this time of year are LOTS of squiggles and lines. One day this week I will post on the development of a child’s fine motor skills – the stages of writing.
Other kids are ready to start writing their name. I saw letters on pages ! If you are teaching your child to write their name at home please make sure you are teaching them the correct way. We would like to see the first letter of the name upper case and the rest of the letters lower case. ( EX Debbie not DEBBIE . )
It was another great day today. I am optimistic about our year.