Header Image

August 2015 Newsletter

* Hello * Parents of Kingstowne Chesterbrook Academy *

We are delighted to share all we have learned during the month of July. All of our students enjoyed the magic show, the one-man-band show, and Funtastic Fitness and Happy Feet. Our campers enjoyed multiple trips to the park and pool, as well as our trip to make pizza! We look forward to all the fun activities planned in August and back to school preparation for September!

* August Weekly Themes *

August 3-7: Nature Gone Wild, Wacky, and Weird
August 10-14: The “X” Factor
August 17-21: Art Creativity
August 24-28: Summer Camp Mash Up

* Fun Things Coming Up In August *

August 1 – Open House, 10am-1pm
August 3-7 – Frozen Camp (optional ancillary program)
August 5 – Quicksand experiment
August 12 – Funtastic Fitness
August 14 – Pajama Day and Brax Spirit Cup orders due
August 19 – Painting with feathers
August 21 – Curriculum Night, all are invited!
August 24-28 – Happy Feet Camp (optional ancillary program)
August 26 – Wear tie-dye day
August 28 – Dress like a superhero or princess day
August 31 – Private Kindergarten instruction begins

* Notes From The Office *

* Curriculum Night: We invite everyone to join us on August 21st from 6:30-7:30 to meet the teachers in your child’s current and new classroom! We are excited to have the children participate in an ice cream social while getting to meet their new friends. Please reference the classroom information you will receive in your child’s cubby by August 7th.

* Staffing Update: We are excited to welcome Ms. Diana to the Beginners classroom. We are also happy to welcome Ms. Mary to the Intermediates classroom. They come to us with years of early childhood experience and we are happy they have joined our teaching team.

* Brax Spirit Cups: Stop by the front desk to see what our fundraiser is all about! Please reference the fundraising catalog in your child’s cubby and return the order forms and payment by August 14th.

* Splash Day Schedule: Monday – Infant, Tuesday – Toddler and Beginners, Wednesday – Pre-K 1,
Thursday – Intermediates, Jr. Campers – August 7th, 21st, and 28th

* Cubby Items: Please check your child’s cubby to ensure they have proper attire for extra clothing.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with administration up front. We look forward to a fun month of August activities!

* The CBA Teaching Staff & Administration Team *

 

News From The Education Department: 

Reestablishing Routines for Your Preschooler

Maintaining Order & Staying on Track

As we reach the end of summer, now is a great time to reestablish comforting routines for your preschooler. Routines help children build self-confidence and independence, cope with transitions, and gain a better understanding of the world around them.

Our Links to Learning curriculum promotes students’ social and emotional development, which is necessary for following directions and demonstrating self-control. Our teachers focus on the importance of healthy living and safety routines in the Wellness component of our curriculum.

Here are some examples of ways we establish routines in the classroom, as well as ideas for you and your child to do at home.

TODDLERS (ages 1-2):

In the classroom: Naptime gives children an opportunity to recharge and reboot. Our toddlers transition from napping in cribs to napping in cots. Teachers schedule naps at the same time and in the same area of the classroom every day. Soothing music is played to help toddlers wind down.

At home: Talk with your child’s teacher about the naptime routine at school. Minimize naptime battles by attempting to maintain the same routine at home.

Recommended reading: Naptime by Elizabeth Verdick

BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):

In the classroom: Around age two, children begin to learn basic self-help skills such as dressing themselves. Our Beginner students practice snaps and zippers, and are encouraged to complete basic sequences like putting on socks before shoes.

At home: Offer your child a choice during routines in order to increase his interest in the activity. For example, lay out two outfit options for him to wear. Allow him to choose the outfit he prefers. Give him ample time to dress himself before offering assistance.  Praise every attempt.

Recommended reading: Let’s Get Dressed by Caroline Church

INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):

In the classroom: Teachers focus on the importance of sleep in the Wellness component of our curriculum. Students read and act out We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen. They discuss why the bear was sleeping, and why sleep is important.

At home: Create a bedtime routine for your child. For example, bathe, brush teeth, read a story, go to sleep. Follow the same sequence of events at the same time and in the same order every night.

Recommended reading:  The Going-to-Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (ages 4-5):

In the classroom: Our older students follow an arrival routine at the start of every school day. They sign themselves in, say goodbye to their parents, and put away their belongings. Students learn rhymes and songs to help remind themselves what to do when they enter the classroom.

At home: Mornings are critical for setting the tone for a successful and positive day. Establish a morning routine for your child with a maximum of four steps. For example, get dressed, brush hair, brush teeth, eat breakfast.

Recommended reading: Waking Up is Hard to Do by Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield

Following routines helps children develop the habits of responsibility that will be crucial for their future success and well-being. Kindergarten students are expected to follow instructions, listen to their teacher and complete specific tasks. By setting routines in the preschool years, your child will be better prepared as he enters elementary school and beyond.

– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education

This entry was posted in Alexandria. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.