Early Education Newsletter - Spring 2018

Kids Corner Spring 2018

Welcome to another edition of “Kids Corner”. As Christian parents, nothing is more important to us than seeing that our children are exposed to Christian principles and grow to know the Lord personally.

Along with the spiritual, we long to see our children have wonderful academic experiences. I hope that the articles in this addition will guide you as you lead your child through the spiritual and educational aspects of their lives.

Blessings, Kim Hering, Director of Early Education

Creating Life Long Readers Children are never too young to be read to. In fact, children are never too old to be read to! Reading to your child creates a wonderful bond between parent and child. In addition, reading to your child daily may be one of the single most important things you as a parent can do to improve the chances of success for your child at school.

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Following are a few of the specific benefits children derive from reading and listening to books: Strengthening a bond between the child and adult reader Experiencing the pleasure of escaping into a fantasy world or an exciting adventure Developing a favorable attitude toward books as an enrichment to their lives Stimulating cognitive development Gaining new vocabulary and syntax Becoming familiar with story and text structures Stimulating and expanding their imaginations

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Stretching attention spans Empathizing with other people's feelings and problems Learning ways to cope with their own feelings and problems Widening horizons as they vicariously learn about the world

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Developing an interest in new subjects and hobbies

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Understanding the heritage of their own and other cultures Learning new knowledge about nature Bringing history to life Stimulating aesthetic development through illustrations Exploring artistic media used in illustrations

Click below to find a list of 150 classic literature selections for children! http://worldschoolacademy.com/classic-books-for-kids/

Picky Eaters Since March is National Nutrition Month and the younger years can be full of “picky eating” moments, I thought I would share some interesting information on helping a preschool picky eater to expand their pallet.

Picky eating is not uncommon at this age. The 5 R’s to Help Picky Eaters may be of benefit to you as you navigate these tricky waters.

1. Respect Their Choices: try offering a new food alongside a food they already enjoy.

2. Re-offer Foods Over Time: Do not give up! You may have to offer a new food many times before it is accepted.

3. Recruit Their Help in Preparing Foods: Sometimes allowing a child to help in the preparation of a new food will encourage them to give it a try!

4. Rev’ Up the Fun!: Talk about where foods came from and how they are used.

5. Reflect What You Want to See: Your children are watching you. Try new foods with them.

For a more complete understanding of picky eaters and how to help them click on this link: https://www.preschool-plan-it.com/picky-eaters.html

The ABC’s of Spiritual Growth in Early Education Students

A is for Attitude (Birth to 3): For babies and toddlers, faith is a feeling. Consequently, faith development is forged through powerful, positive, and personal spiritual experiences. Learning is through the senses. A teacher of infants may sing to infants as she pats a big Bible: “I love to pat the Bible, the Bible…it’s God’s Word to me.” To provide spiritual growth for you littlest one talk, read, play, sing, and pray with the child. Involve your child in activities with other children and adults. Begin family faith traditions and holiday rituals.

B is for Bonds (Ages 3-6): Mom and/or Dad reflect God. Consequently, this period is one of relationship and bonding. At this time in the life of a child parents and teachers model kingdom values such as grace, community, love, service, and worship. The preschool years are ripe to teach prayer and mission. It is the opportunity to communicate connection to the church—not as a building, but as a body.

During this stage continue the activities begun in infancy, but with increasing involvement of the child. Add to the reading and playing, Bible stories with exciting narration, and encourage active use of imagination on the part of the child.

Involve the child in creative telling and dramatizing of Bible stories. Encourage your child to ask questions about the Bible reading, and imagine what Biblical characters might say if they could be there. Provide a worship readiness opportunity to help the child understand what it means to worship and why the church participates in the various aspects of the worship service.

C is for Commitments (Ages 7-12): During these years, children have developed the ability to see themselves as a separate individual, and have begun to form friendships, mostly with members of the same gender. It becomes increasingly important to belong to groups, to do things with their peers. They have broadened their relationships outside the home, but the family is still the central influence. Children are beginning to take responsibility for their actions, realizing that freedom requires accountability. Offer times when parents and teachers can talk with and listen to the child. Plan family times when parents can be involved in the program so they can share the church experience with their child. Give the child opportunities to lead the Bible reading, discussion, and prayer.

Provide informal times when your child can do something while discussing issues that are sensitive or important to them. Plan service projects that could include the family, such as helping to feed the homeless, food or toy drives, church clean-up days. Include opportunities for older adults in the church to share their faith stories and life experiences.

Taken from The Stages of Spiritual Growth by Judy Bryson