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June 2024 News

Dear Chesterbrook Families,

As we head in to summer, we want to thank every one of our families for another amazing school year and for all that you’ve done to show your appreciation for our staff last month during teacher appreciation week.  We also want to say congratulations to our Pre-K students who are graduating this week.  We wish all of them (and their parents) the best of luck as they make the transition to kindergarten in the fall.  We know each one of our graduates will do amazing and we will miss having them here!

We are so excited to spend this epic summer with our students! Our teachers and staff are busy planning a fun and unforgettable experience for our students. We have planned activities that include sports, games, and arts and crafts to name a few. Each classroom has a summer camp calendar posted on their door that includes upcoming events and activities.

During the summer we will have water play days every other week.  Water play days are an exciting part of our summer camp experience and we can’t wait for your child to participate! Children should come to school in their swimsuits with a cover up and/or shirt over their bathing suit.  You will pack a towel and a change of dry clothes. For the safety of our students, open-toe shoes are not permitted.

As a reminder, if you are taking a vacation or your child is going to be out sick for the day, please go in to your parent app and mark your child absent for the days.  We also encourage you to check daily reports and messages each day to ensure that you are not missing important information.

We look forward to a fun and learning-filled summer with our students and, as always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.  We appreciate each one of you!

Sincerely,

Kristie Salmon

Lindsey DeLair

 

From the Education Department:

Tantrums are a common occurrence in childhood, often leaving caregivers feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. But what if we could turn these challenging moments into valuable opportunities for learning and growth? By approaching tantrums with patience and empathy, we can turn them into meaningful teachable moments that foster emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation in children. Our Links to Learning teachers employ effective strategies to do just that.

Validate and Label Emotions

Our patient and dedicated teachers acknowledge that feelings matter. Even if we’re not sure why a child is upset, we let them know it’s okay to feel frustrated. By validating their emotions, we help them feel understood and supported. At home, remember to get down to their level for a more meaningful connection.

 

Talk When Calm

It’s hard to reason with a child in the heat of the moment. With their heightened emotions, it is difficult for them to process what you may be saying. Our teachers approach each conversation calmly and ask students open-ended questions. This approach helps them process their emotions and learn from the experience.

 

Encourage Problem-Solving

We empower our students to find their own solutions by offering choices and alternatives. This helps them develop critical thinking skills and a sense of autonomy. At home, you could ask your child, “Instead of screaming, what could you have done differently?”

 

Foster Empathy and Understanding

We teach our students to recognize not only their own emotions but also those of others. By considering how their actions impact those around them, they learn compassion and social awareness. At home, you could ask, “How do you think Bobby felt when you were screaming?”

 

Instill Life-Long Benefits

These teachable moments have a lasting impact on children’s emotional development. When met with empathetic and constructive responses, they develop healthier coping mechanisms, higher emotional intelligence, and better communication skills for kindergarten and beyond.

Additional Tips:

● Know your child’s triggers and prepare for them.

● Set boundaries ahead of time to manage expectations.

● Equip your child with coping strategies, such as deep breathing or a calming sensory item.

● Create a safe space at home for them to calm down and regroup.

By embracing tantrums as opportunities for growth, we empower our children to navigate their emotions and thrive emotionally and socially.

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