Hello Yellow Duck Families,
Struggle is a gift. Yes, you read that correctly, a gift. All this school year we have allowed our Ducks to struggle. They struggled to get their coats on. They struggled to open their snacks. They struggled in so many different ways and we let them, because they became stronger working through it.
Struggles are a part of life, and they are everywhere in the natural world. Our caterpillars that were hanging out in our classroom went through the difficult process of becoming a butterfly. The caterpillars spent eight days in the chrysalis and then the butterflies began to emerge. Because of the constricted chrysalis, the butterflies emerged with crumpled and wet wings, unable to fly. We could step in to help the struggling butterflies and carefully touch their wings trying to straighten them, but we actually would harm the wings and the butterflies would not be able to fly. Instead, each butterfly needs to experience the struggle. It needs to find its own strength, and in its own time straighten its wings and fly away.
In the same way, we need to do the same with our children. Come alongside them and recognize their struggle. “It looks you are having a hard time with that.” Then listen. Let them share with you what they are feeling at that moment. Avoid the temptation to “fix” their problem. Let them figure it out.
We are seeing cheese stick wrappers opening, snack bar packaging being torn, and shoes and coats easily being put on. Trust me when we say there was struggle before this could take place. Had we not allowed this effort to happen, we would have robbed them of the gift of struggle. In the upcoming days and weeks of summer, see where you can allow your duck to struggle. As they walk through each trial, they will become stronger and more prepared for the world. It’s a beautiful thing to watch as they unfurl their own wings and are able to fly! 🦋
Perfectly symmetrical!
Goodbye, butterfly!
ART SHOW!
We hope you enjoyed the art show on this week. Thank you for spending some extra time appreciating all of your child’s creations. We noticed pride on both parent and child’s face. Who knew an art show could be so much fun!
Why art in preschool? Well, there are the obvious reasons such as fine motor development and creativity, but there are others that might surprise you. It can be an outlet for emotion. When a child is out of patience and ready to break down, art can give them a relaxing option to vent and work out their big feelings.
Art develops social development. Sitting down and focusing, helps improve a longer attention span. Eventually, these children will be able to stay focused during longer conversations. We’ve also seen some beautiful moments between children creating art that aren’t usually drawn to one another during a normal day. They are branching out, learning about each other while working side by side.
Our collaborative art provides a sense of teamwork. They are working together to accomplish a common goal. The finished piece celebrates the group while still encompassing individual effort. It’s been a beautiful thing to watch!
And, here are some others to ponder considering art at this age. Children can:
Learn from their mistakes.
See another point of view.
Reflect on their work.
Persevere
Have an opinion.
Experiment with materials.
Work together.
Clean up! (Yes, they know how to take care of their own business😁)
SELF PORTRAITS
Everyone finished their last self portrait this week. Mirrors were provided for reference, and they are fabulous! You will find them in your child’s portfolio next Friday.
This week we had fun with the Fly Swatter Alphabet Game. If you remember, a while back the link to this game was in the blog. If you haven’t played it yet, please do! There are printed capital and lower case letters that are smacked by the fly swatter when the letter is called out. You could get creative and make numbers as well. I will tell you that it can be dangerous to your fingers when they get smacked hard by a swatter, so be careful! 😉 This is great for those who are “allergic” to pencils and other writing tools.
REMINDERS:
No Lunch Bunch next week.
DUCK CELEBRATION: Our last day of class is next Friday, May 23rd! We will have drop off as usual but at 9:15 we’ll meet we’ll meet in Ascension Hall and sing some songs for you, cry a little, and then have one last dismissal before we head out to the playground (we will stay in the Hall if weather doesn’t cooperate). Our lovely parent rep Erica Gaskins and her crew will be sending us off in style. Thank you Erica for all you’ve done for us this year!
Please be aware that the Ladybug class will be having their celebration after us at 10:00 so we’ll need to clear the playground for them 🙂.
Key Fob reminder - If you will not return next year, please bring all key fobs to pickup on Tuesday or Wed, May 21 & 22 and drop them in my basket. There will be a $10 charge for any keyfob that is not returned. If you are coming back next year, please keep your key fobs to use next school year.
One more week. How in the world did we get here so fast? Our room is looking so empty without all of the art! Sending it out in to the universe helps us to wind down as much as it does the children. Next week we’ll be soaking up all the “lasts”, tucking away all the goodness in our hearts.
Enjoy the weekend and we hope to see you at Ms. Debbie’s party on Sunday from 3-5!
Peace,
Ms. Shelly & Ms. Carina