From Morah Mimi
Hello everyone! It was really nice to meet you all. I’m really excited about starting this school year and getting to know each of your children individually.
We will be learning how to transition from home to school. This is not easy for all of us! Some of our friends have never been to school before, so it’s important to be patient with our little ones.
It may be hard for the mommies, too! I also had my 2-year-old in class, and it was hard for me. When we realize that they can do it, and when they realize they can do it, they will feel so proud of themselves. I’m so proud of you all—it’s not easy!
Drop-off and pick-up are not always the best times to have a long conversation, especially in front of the children. Our children are very smart! They may look little, but they have big brains, and they are always listening and taking in what is being said around them. During this transition time, I want to focus on helping your child have a smooth transition into the classroom. We validate their feelings while calmly letting them know that we are here for them, that they are safe, and that Mommy comes back.
If there is something you would like to discuss, please feel free to email me or call Chanie at the front office, and we can make time to talk privately. Communication is key! Please let us know if there are any big changes happening at home, such as a move, a new baby, or anything else that may be affecting your child. This helps us understand what they may be feeling and allows us to support them through these big happenings at home.
Now, with all that said, we also had some very funny moments in class! We got silly while playing with bumblebees, and I may or may not have stuck them to my cheek and chin. We thought that was very funny!
We have already gotten right into the swing of things with our daily schedule! We get to play, clean up our toys, wash our hands one by one, eat snack, put our own cups away, daven, and go outside.
We want the children to really develop a sense of self by doing many things on their own with guidance from adults. We are constantly talking to the children and giving them the words they need to communicate, including how to take turns using toys.
Sometimes we also need to take a break when things get too difficult. We take big rainbow breaths—breathing in and out while using our hands to make a rainbow. Please encourage your children to take big rainbow breaths at home when they are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
We love to sing in our class! If there are words, I’m usually turning them into a song. We even make cleanup fun!
We have been observing many of the items we see on our Rosh Hashanah table. We will continue talking about Rosh Hashanah and learning many songs.
Please encourage your children to start putting on their own clothing and shoes. They will be so proud of themselves when they can do it! Since we are a no-shoe classroom, we have many opportunities to practice.
A few reminders for parents:
- Please remember to sign your child in and out of the classroom each day.
- We will also be sending home sleeping blankets and sheets, as well as water cups, every Friday so they can be washed.
Thank you for trusting us with your little ones. I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year together!
Have a great Shabbos, Morah Mimi,
