They talk, collaborate, and pretend together. Let’s put on your pajamas and we’ll read a book.”) and learn about community helpers, like health care professionals (“Put your arm here so I can take an X-ray”) and postal workers (“I have a package for you in my truck”).Ĭhildren develop early reading, vocabulary, and writing skills by telling familiar stories to stuffed animals (“Once upon a time, there were three bears”), using the names of different dinosaurs as they play with figures (“The brontosaurus ate all the leaves on that tree!”), and creating a menu for an imaginary restaurant (“Write pizza first-it starts with P”).ĭuring play, children learn to interact with others. Social studies: As children take on different roles in the dramatic play area, they practice being parents (“It’s bedtime. (“I think two scoops of sand will fill the bucket.”) Science: Children use science concepts like prediction when they experiment at the sand and water table. Math: When children are shoppers or cashiers in a pretend grocery store, or when they build in the block area, they use numbers (“It costs three cents”), explore measurement (“My tower is taller than yours”), and develop problem-solving abilities (“Put the big blocks on the bottom so your wall won’t fall down”). These include remembering, problem solving, making decisions, processing information, and learning language.ĭuring play, children develop foundational understanding in math, science, and social studies. Play helps children develop cognitive skills-thought processes of learning. Learning and development: Skills, knowledge, and what children can do and understand When you describe play and learning, help families understand unfamiliar words and terms. We also need to let families know that teachers intentionally design play activities with specific learning goals in mind.ĭaily opportunities for children to learn through play are engaging, essential, and meaningful! We can help families understand why play is critical for preschoolers’ learning and development-and how play sets children up for future school success. They look instead to “academics”-direct instruction, workbooks, and children sitting still in the classroom. Parents seem to start doubting the learning aspects of play. But as young children enter preschool, a shift takes place. Parents rarely question the role of play in their infants’ and toddlers’ learning. Some child care providers steer clear of writing a child care newsletter because they are worried they won’t have enough to write about each month.The beginning of the school year is a great time to help preschoolers’ families understand the connections between play and their children’s learning and development. If you are having a serious problem with one family following a policy or guideline, it is always best to have a private conversation with them rather than posting a blanket announcement in your bulletin. This communication tool should be positive and uplifting, not nagging. It’s never a good idea to rant or vent in your newsletter. Volunteer Opportunities within Your Program.Wish List Items that your Group May Need.What Should Be Included in a Newsletter for Parents? For example, if cold and flu season is approaching, you can add information about your sick policy reminding families what to look for when deciding whether or not to keep their child home. Lastly, your newsletter is a place to post friendly reminders about policies or procedures that may often be ignored or forgotten. When announcing birthdays, anniversaries, or the arrival of a new pal you are giving special attention to individuals in your program which is a great way to show how much you care for the kids (or families) in your program.

A monthly newsletter serves as a dynamite way to build community.

Parent articles for preschool newsletters