Hi All,

Halloween Cat, Halloween Cat! Besides singing one of their favorite tunes, the children have been so busy! This past month, we have started to notice the children gaining more independence and building upon their concentration. Check out the information below to get a better look at how October treated us!

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Testing Boundaries

“To let the child do as he likes when he has not yet developed any powers of control, is to betray the idea of freedom … . Real freedom, instead, is a consequence of development; it is the development of latent guides, aided by education.”
– Dr. Maria Montessori

Your child is going to test boundaries, and it is developmentally appropriate. It can be really frustrating, but we are happy that it’s happening! It’s important to be consistent with limits. Here is how you can do so at home:

• Encourage your child to use words—this is how children learn to communicate
  • During infancy, children learn that when they want something, they should make a noise (cry or whine).
  • If your child cries or whines when they want something, you can respond by saying, “Use your words. I would love to help you, but that is just noise.”
  • If your child does not have words/clear words, you can ask them to show you, “I am so sorry. I do not know those words. Please show me!”
• Set limits
  • Be on the same team at home! Make time with your partner to come up with rules and boundaries for your home. If one parent makes a limit, but the other does not follow through, then your child will be confused due to mixed messages.
  • Be clear, simple, and follow through!
• Give your child support to calm down
  • You can offer a hug.
  • You can make sure they are safe.
• Remain present by making sure your child is in your line of sight
  • At a neutral time, have your child assist in setting up a Calming Area where they can go whenever they are upset.
    • Your Calming Area in your home can have a big comfortable pillow, cozy chair, books, soft music, etc.
• Reason
  • Relate and validate your child’s feelings (“I understand that you are angry…”)
  • Reflect on the behavior. Give your child clear verbal directions and reinforce limits.
• Watch the presentations the Toddler Lead Teachers (Desiree McNeill, Michelle Nowacky, Olivia Powers, Cherise Sistrunk, and me) led as part of our Parent Education Series back in 2021 and 2022 titled, “Managing Difficult Behaviors: Part I and II.”

Parent Book Recommendations

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Books

These books have been a hit this month:

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Parent-Teacher Conferences

Please make sure that you are signed up for your child’s conference that will be taking place in person. If you have not done so yet, you can click HERE. Following that link will give you information on how to sign up. You will get a chance to talk with Teacher Naoki and me for 25 minutes to discuss your child’s strengths, what we are working on in our environment, and how you can continue to aid in your child’s growth at home.

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Important Upcoming Dates

• Friday, November 7 and 10: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Wednesday, November 22: Pajama Day and 11:45 Dismissal for ALL CHILDREN
• Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24: Thanksgiving Holiday-ALL GTMS CLOSED
• Tuesday, November 28: Parent Education Workshop-Bridge Between School and Home