Header Image

September News 2015

Summer time came and went fast and now we are coming full steam into September. We are so excited to start our new 2015-2016 session. Also, we are very proud to say that classroom transitions went smoothly. I hope all of you are just as pleased with your new class, as we are with our new students. We have a lot of great things planned for the new school year, but here’s some news happening this month.
Pick out your favorite clothes, brush your hair and get ready to “Say Cheese”! Life Touch Photography will be here on from Wednesday to Friday, September 2nd to 4th    for Fall School Pictures. Be on the look out for more information as Ms. Ann will have your child’s schedule. We can not wait to see all your great, big smiles!
In addition, our annual Fall Scholastic Book Fair. This years theme is a “Monsters Book Fair”. Where we learn that “Reading is so much fun ,you’ll get GOOSEBUMPS”!!
There will be a variety of books available for all ages… something for everyone! The best part is that for every book sold, we earn points to purchase new books and supplies for the school. Also, check out each classroom’s wish list for more ideas. What a great way to support your school and children’s literacy! Thanks for your support.
Lastly, this month we’d love to hang out with you and your family! Come join us for a “Back to School Potluck Social”. Discovery Isle will provide the hot dogs, buns and all the fixings! Bring your specialty side dish to share. We can enjoy dinner and get to know each other better! Feel free to bring friends! So until October, thank you for all your support and have a wonderful month!
Until next Month…Christy
__________________________________________________

Happy 4 year Anniversary Ms. Katie!
Katie began with us 9/12/11!! We hope for many more!

We are Growing! Please welcome some of our new staff at Discovery Isle.
Meaghan- room 1
Teagan- room 1
Jessica- room 1
Gaby- room 5
Molly- room 8
_______________________________________________________________
Developing Balance Skills in Young Children
From Tummy Time to Bike Riding

Balance is a fundamental skill necessary for maintaining controlled positions, such as sitting in a chair, or engaging in physical activities like running or riding a bike. Having balance makes motor skill development easier, reduces the risk of injury, and helps children focus on academic tasks.
Our Nobel Learning Education team stays up to date with the latest research to ensure that our Links to Learning curriculum exceeds childhood learning standards. The Links to Learning curriculum was enhanced last fall to include a greater focus on balance, a building block for skills such as hand-eye coordination, muscular strength and body awareness.
Here are some ways we help improve balance in the classroom, as well as ideas for you and your child to do at home.
INFANTS:
In the classroom: Tummy time promotes neck, back and abdominal strength needed for infants to eventually push up, roll over, sit up and crawl. Teachers keep infants engaged by using activity mats or plush blocks.
At home: Place your baby on his stomach and shine a flashlight near him. Once you have captured his attention, shine the light in a rhythmic pattern. For older infants, encourage your baby to move or crawl toward the light.
TODDLERS (ages 1-2):
In the classroom: During the toddler years, children make major strides in balance and coordination. Teachers play music and encourage students to move their bodies in different ways while maintaining their balance.
At home: Push and pull toys require children to use core balance and arm strength, which can be difficult for new walkers. Place a small wagon or toy shopping cart and a pile of blocks on the floor. Show your child how to fill the cart with blocks. He will enjoy pulling or pushing the blocks around the room.
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: Sitting cross-legged, or as we say with the children “criss-cross applesauce,” is an important developmental skill for two year olds. Teachers encourage children to sit criss-crossed anytime they are playing on the floor. Sitting in this position strengthens a child’s core muscles and helps improve body control.  We discourage “W-sitting,” with knees together and feet on either side of the hips, because it puts strain on knees and hips and fails to engage core abdominal muscles.
At home: Provide your child with a sit-and-spin toy. Ask him to sit on the toy with his legs crisscrossed. As he turns the wheel to spin, he will gain a better understanding of cause and effect.

INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: Around age three, children learn to maintain control of their upper body while moving their lower body. Our Intermediate students practice pedaling a tricycle, bouncing on hopper balls, and walking on a balance beam.
At home: Have your child practice running and stopping with control by playing the traffic light game. Shout out the color green, yellow or red. Have him move quickly when hearing “green,” move slowly when hearing “yellow,” and completely stop when hearing “red.”
PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (ages 4-5):
In the classroom: Teachers encourage children to practice balance and coordination by jumping on their non-dominant foot, walking on a line or beam, or jumping rope. Children also practice balance by crouching down to tie their shoes.
At home: Ask your child to tell you about the games and activities played at school. Include these activities at home and during family events such as birthday parties and vacations. Scooters and pogo jumpers are great toys for children at this age.
Good balance helps children maintain appropriate and controlled body movement during important tasks. By building balance skills 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 San Marcos. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.