Welcome back Parents,

Here are a few highlights from the month of March.

Guacamole

We made guacamole. The children crushed some sea salt, mashed avocados and squeezed some limes.
Here is the recipe we used: SIMPLE GUACAMOLE
Follow the link for a glimpse of the process. It only requires three essential ingredients.

The Power of Books

You know the feeling you get when you read a good book? You can easily get lost in the story. If it is really good, it can be hard to put it down. Think of that feeling. Toddlers get that same feeling when we read books to them. Of course instead of a novel or nonfiction of hundreds of pages, they are all in with 20 pages or less. Much of this happens from the book’s illustrations. This is what initially attracts them. When you read a book to them, you are essentially giving them an explanation of the illustrations therein. In no time at all they have decided what their favorite books are. They enjoy reading along with you and they develop a clear understanding of the storyline and happenings in the illustrations. 

What happens if you explore books with very little or no words at all? It is up to your child what the story is. These types of books provide a golden opportunity for your child to interpret the story as they wish. Here are some examples of what I like to refer to as toddler conversation starters.

Moo! by David LaRochelle

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Wait by Antoinette Portis

Freight Train by Donald Crews

School Bus by Donald Crews

Personal Storybooks

Looking at photographs and perusing through photo albums is a wonderful way to reminisce, share stories about your family and foster vocabulary building with your children. In our classroom we do something similar with your toddler’s personal story books. These books are a collection of photos we present to your child to describe. We then write down their words verbatim and compile their stories in a binder. We use photos of your child engaging in activities in the classroom and playing during recess. These books provide the option for your child to recall experiences and put them into their own words. 

Connecting with Nature via Mindfulness Practices

Stop, Look, Listen

Whether you are taking a moment to enjoy some fresh air outdoors or peering out the window. Take a moment and be still. Take a deep breath. Feel the air against your skin. Listen to the sounds of the city. Hear the magical harmony of birds chirping, horns honking, and the wind blowing. 

Mindfulness operates in partnership with the senses. Foster a connection with nature while utilizing the senses.

Observe the Sky

The sky is like an ever-evolving landscape just waiting to be observed. Encourage your toddler to take a look at the clouds. What shapes do you see? Do the clouds shift or stay still? What are you seeing? What is your child seeing?

Hug a Tree

When you step outside, find a tree to embrace. Feel the texture. Smell the bark. Stretch your arms out and give it a squeeze. Have your child do the same. This is a direct, visceral way to come in contact with nature.

Breathe Deep

At school, we practice deep breathing each day. This is most often done when we light the silence candle. We take a moment to center ourselves as a group by sitting still and quietly. This allows the children to relax their bodies, and become more aware of their bodily sensations. We start by singing a very quiet song. We take three deep breaths and then blow out the candle. As your day is winding down, consider taking a brief moment to practice stillness and deep breathing with your toddler. 

Enjoy the Foliage

Spring is in full effect! Take a moment to stop and smell the roses so to speak. Whether in a planter, around your neighborhood or at a stand in your local market. Bring a plant or a bouquet of flowers home. Show your toddler how to handle it with care.

April Events

1 – Classes resume 
4 – Parent Education Workshop – Shifting Gears From School to Summer: Empowering Parents with Transition Tools and Tips RSVP
11 – Parent Education Workshop – Play Styles: Activities and Ideas to support each age group RSVP
13 – Greene Towne Friends and Family Open House RSVP
16 – Greene Towne Parents Association Meeting RSVP
17-18 – Toddler House Parent/Child Classroom Visit – stay tuned for more info!
19 – Professional Development, 11:45am SDM Dismissal, ADM in session
22 – GTMS Earth Week – stay tuned for more info!

Whether making a meal, taking a stroll around your neighborhood or curling up with a book with your toddler.

Enjoy the Spring Break!

Warm regards,

Liz, Alexis and Cherise