Since I believe it is important for the children to understand what our daily schedule is, I have been watching the children learn just what preschool is all about, and as they settle comfortably into a routine, they know what happens each school day.
Our initial theme was All About Me. With the help of their parents, the children each filled out a questionnaire and included a picture of them and their family. We will make a book on each student for them to keep. It will show how wonderful each one of the students is.
Our open house was a big success with almost all the parents in attendance. I would like to thank all the parents for taking time out of their busy schedules to talk and learn about Desert Rose.
Lots of Learning
I am quite impressed how good the children are at school. They come in with happy faces, ready to play and learn. We have smaller classes this year, which help the children get that one-on-one attention. The 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds have learned the days of the week song, which they sing all by themselves. Shapes and colors are almost mastered, and they all can count to 10 plus. We are still working on pasting and need more practice on our painting.
The 4-year-olds also are doing very well. We are practicing writing our names, as well as cutting and gluing. With practice, they will master it. I send homework often so the parents also can work with their children. It helps them reinforce what they have learned at school. They do not need to bring it back. It is just for the parents and child to do together.
The 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds in the pre-k class are working on shapes and learning how to write their names the school way, which is only the first letter upper case. There is lots of practice on gluing and cutting and following directions. In addition, coloring is done every day. We have been practicing letter and number recognition. We are working on Zoo Phonics, one of the tools for children to learn the alphabet sounds.
All the children are forming strong friendships and working well together. I’m very proud of them all. Each child will receive monthly Clifford and Let’s Find Out magazines. Also, the parents will receive the Parent and Child magazine. These are little gifts to the children and parents from me. I hope everyone will read together.
Fall Fun
October is going to be a fun month. We are starting with Apples as the first theme. We are going to taste the different kinds of apples, and graph which one they like best. They also will learn about where apples grow and various things made from apples. Cooking is one the best things about apples. Making applesauce and apple pies will be included in their studies.
Our annual pumpkin patch will be returning to the Trailhead. Each student will be able to pick out a pumpkin to take home. We will do lots of crafts, and we will learn about the different kinds of pumpkins. Last year, the children really enjoyed this event. The children will be doing lots of crafts and decorations. On Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, we will have our Halloween parties. The children will come in costumes, and we will have a parade. We will finish the fun with a piñata and gifts.
Don’t Try Too Hard or Too Early
Please do not feel that every child will learn at the same rate. It is very important to remember neither you nor I can teach your child anything until there is a readiness for learning. Children are unique, with different personalities, different strengths and different weaknesses. Try to introduce new skills when you observe physical and mental growth and your child demonstrates readiness.
It is normal for parents to make comparisons between their own children or the children of friends. It helps to remember brother is different from brother, sister from sister and each sex is different from the other.
One of my friends has three children. Tommy is 2 1/2, and can kick a ball 30 feet. His sister Tara, 5 years old, cannot kick a ball as well as Tommy, but she has the patience for drawing and for figuring out words in the newspaper. Jacob, who is 3 1/2 cannot kick the ball at all but demonstrates social skills. Everyone learns at different times and is strong in different skills. Please be patient.
Last year, I had a parent ask me if she could watch me teach the 3-year-olds how to write their names. She was worried because her 3-year-old did not know how to write her name. She said some of her friends’ children already wrote their names. I told her not to worry because it was a little early for her daughter to learn. She was not ready. She was very good at social skills, such as sharing toys, leading her classmates in their pretend games, and caring when a playmate felt hurt or angry. She was not interested in learning how to write her name.
Remember, your goal is not to raise a super child. All children will learn. Some will learn earlier than others, but that does not mean the one who learned earlier will be smarter. It just means there was a readiness for learning. I start teaching name writing when the children are 4 years old. At this point, their fine motor skills in holding a pencil are stronger.
Desert Rose Preschool
Desert Rose Preschool is a private preschool housed at the Trailhead Members Club for Las Sendas residents only. All children must be potty trained to attend. It is not a day care. It is a curriculum-based preschool where children are taught with patience and love.
If you have any questions, please call Rose Buttitta at (480) 654-4223, or send an or e-mail to jbuttitta@cox.net.