August 09th, 2020

Hi Families!

Here is my first blog post of the new school year, this crazy, unpredictable but so happy to be here new year!   As I have stated before, I struggle with the computer so please be patient with me!

The kiddos had a great first few days of school!  We call the first 3 weeks boot camp because we will be spending this time learning the rules, routines and transitions of the classroom and playground.  Plus this year the children have to learn not to share, to not invade anyone's space bubble and to wait patiently while everyone washes their hands multiple times during the day.  It sounds impossible with four year olds, like herding cats  but they are doing a great job!

This past week, through social stories, the children have learned "Nice hands, nice, feet and nice mouth."  They are learning from our Second Step Social/Emotional curriculum "Eyes are watching, ears are listening, voices quiet, bodies calm, this is how we listen at group time."  This week our story was about welcoming others.   We're working on learning "The Guardian Angel Prayer" and a meal prayer.  The astronaut of the day gets to be the line leader,  leads us in prayer and The Pledge of Allegiance.

This week in Boot Camp we'll concentrate on rules, circle time and classroom management.  I will read the social story "How to go to Mass" and talk about going to church rules.  Most importantly I will introduce the Bible.  During the children's fine motor activities I will observe which hand they use and their grip.  I will open one center at a time with only one child per center.  We will start building scissor skills and gluing skills.  Hooray!  We're going to start "Friend of the day!"  I'll let the kids tell you all about that!  Last but certainly not least in our Second Step we'll focus on listening.

Whew!  It sounds like a lot but we're learning through music, dancing, communicating and play and let's not forget about singing!  

Thank you all so much for the tissue, wipes, paper towels and everything else you have helped us with!
We couldn't do this without your love and support.  Remember, you can contact me by either calling the school at 209-722-6657 or emailing me at [email protected].

May the Lord always have His light shining on you all,

Miss C.