March 2012

Welcome to the Month of March! As we transition from Winter to Spring, we have many anxious little ones ready for some spring time fun! This is the time of year we begin some outdoor bubble blowing, sidewalk chalk, jump roping, kite flying and much more! Outdoor sensory seems to always be full of endless, open ended activities for children to explore and learn.  We never miss an opportunity to learn something new as the season’s change. Please remember daylight savings begins on March 11^th.   This is the time of year we spring ahead an hour! Also, since St. Patrick’s Day lands on a Saturday
(3-17-12) we will be having  special lunchtime meals and treats on the week of March 12-16^th  as we celebrate the old Irish tradition of St. Patty’s Day!  Feel free to send Irish food items with your children that week to share with the class.

Please remember: Tax forms have been complete since January and ready for each family! Please see me to retain for your records if you have not done so.

This Month: Weekly Lesson plans will be themed around community careers, rainbows, Leprechauns and Clovers and springtime fun! We will review the letters A-W as we move on to X-Z.  I can’t believe we have gotten to the end of our alphabet! The preschoolers have done so well in this area of retention, and we will continue this process of ABC review as we also implement additional curriculum such as two letter sounds, and site words. We will learn the sounds of the letters, the sign and practice writing them.  We will talk about shapes, colors and numbers and continue to review them for consistency.  We will be learning about the months of the year, days of the week and the weather!  Each week will also talk about principles such as kindness, honesty, forgiveness and patience. I encourage you all to review the work the children take home.  I would like them to share with you the topics they learn about, so as parents you can continue to review with them for consistency.
Birthdays: This month we will be celebrating Jackson’s 4^th Birthday! We will sing him songs, and have a special time during the day dedicated to celebrating this awesome little guy! Jackson, you are such a wonderful blessing to Mrs. Trish and the Tiny Tot Crew! <3
Closures: We will be closed Tuesday, March 13^th . Since so many enrollments are part time only, please see me to schedule a different day of care for you so your children do not miss out on their weekly curriculum.

Love and Blessings, Trish Betschart

February 2012

February is here and love is in the air! Winter has definitely been in full force and it seems as though we have had a very eventful, stormy, exciting and unpredictable winter season this year!  This has been a great opportunity for the children to learn more about their surroundings, and how to prepare to for unpredictable emergencies. Our students have been able to get out and experience some of our winter wonderland – when the weather wasn’t too cold or wet. We are looking forward to some warmer weather as our little ones need to have more opportunities for outdoor play, and fresh air :)

Tax forms are complete and ready for each family! Please see me to retain for your records.

This Month: Weekly Lesson plans will be themed around hearts, Valentines, lovable pets and hand print seasons! We will review the letters A-S as we move on to T-W.  We will learn the sounds, the sign and practice writing it.  We will talk about shapes, colors and numbers and continue to review them for consistency.  We will be learning about the months of the year, days of the week and the weather!  Each week will also talk about principles such as kindness, honesty, forgiveness and patience. I encourage you all to review the work the children take home.  I would like them to share with you the topics they learn about, so as parents you can continue to review with them for consistency.

VALENTINE’S PARTY:  Tuesday, February 14^th our class will be having a Valentine’s Day party in place of regular learning time/lunch.  We will feast on yummy, healthy lunch time foods, and end the meal with treats full of the best TLC! Parents, please feel free to donate healthy treats for this very special day.  Children are free to bring Valentines for the other classmates, but are not required.  If your family decides to do Valentines please be sure to send enough for the entire class, and just fill out the “from: s” while leaving the “to: s” blank.

Ill Children:  As we enter the coldest part of the year, illness seems to spread like crazy! Please remember to keep your children home if they present the following symptoms:

• Fever of 100° or above
• A contagious disease
• Drainage from eye or pink eye
• A weeping rash or itching associated with the rash
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea (three or more watery stools in a 24-Hr period)
• Vomiting (two or more occasions within a 24-Hr period)
• Children who are irritable or confused due to illness.
• Children with lice will not be allowed to return until they are lice and nit free.

Love and Blessings, Trish Betschart