The New Year brings new experiences for the children as they continue to learn and enjoy being together in class.
Holiday Fun
December was a month of ringing in the holiday season with songs and jingling. The children learned new songs to sing for the parents and guests at the cookie exchange. They were all stars in our Christmas program. All month long, they made Christmas decorations, and talked about different religions and cultures. They made presents for their parents, and learned the joy of giving. I hope you enjoyed your family, and you had a happy holiday season.
Learning Fun
There is the science of winter, and the weather outside is frightful, but the learning is delightful. This is our theme for January. Friendship with the celebration of Martin Luther King Day will be another theme. We will continue alphabet sounds and numbers in sign and Zoo-phonics. Also, some of the pre-k children are reading, and we will continue with sight words for those who are ready. Assessments also will be done to see where the children are at this point of the year.
Signs of Interest in Learning
How soon a child will be ready for cognitive learning will vary greatly. One child learns to talk at 2 years old. Another may feel no need to talk until age 3. Most important of all, is do not push or force your child to learn a skill for which she is not ready. It is important to remember your child will let you know naturally what she is interested in learning.
See the interest your child has in picture books, puzzles and magazines. Your child may be ready for cognitive learning when you see she likes to be read to, shows interest in numbers, can listen to a story, takes part in a conversation for 15 minutes or more, asks questions about everything, talks about special interests, or is able to play by herself for 15 to 30 minutes or longer.
In watching some of the students in my class, once in a while there is one child who wants to play alone. I have done some research on this topic, and found that Adele Brodkin, PhD, a psychologist specializing in child behavior, had some good insights that I would like to share with you.
“I Want to Play Alone”
Some children take a long time to warm up to group play. Often, these children are imaginative youngsters, who are quite content to amuse themselves. Children from small families and quiet homes may be particularly sensitive to the mayhem at big parties. Some children will let their parents know while others just become more alone. Parents should pay attention to their child’s feelings. Parents also should be reassured that social skills are developing normally. It’s just that some need more time and a gradual introduction to many stimuli involved in large-group play.
Parents should be patient and continue to encourage her friendship with one or two children. That way, the child will be more at ease with groups of other children. Eventually, the child will discover group play can be another of life’s real pleasures.
Registration
We are currently full for this year. We will have registration starting during the first week of March. It will continue until we reach our goal for the classes. Remember, children must live in Las Sendas and be potty trained. Registration is $25 per child. There is a discount for siblings.
If you have any question or concerns, please contact Rose Buttitta at (480) 654-4223, or send an e-mail to jbuttitta@cox.net.