Welcome to the Toddler Class from Debbie

Welcome To The Toddler Class

Summer is almost over and the fall season is around the corner.  What a lovely summer this has been! I hope everyone has been making good  memories and enjoying this relaxing, slow paced time of year. As it comes to an end, I am eager to get back into the routine and will be ready for a change of pace. I am looking forward to connecting and reconnecting with all of you in the classroom and at our playground meeting. There are many changes and so much growing that takes place over the summer. I can’t wait to hear about and share different experiences with you and your children.

I had a relaxing but busy summer.  I spent a lot of time at my sister’s pool and I went vacationing at the Berkshires where I explored Mt Greylock and visited some quaint restaurants. I did some work preparing for the new school year and took some online classes. We celebrated my nephew’s engagement and had our annual family reunion. I spent a lot of time with family and friends this summer! Of course there were my morning runs with my dog, Lucky!

The summer went so quickly. Here we are planning the start of a new school year. Soon the class rep will be contacting you about our playground meeting. We will also be finalizing our plans for the Classroom Visit and the first day of school. With it, both excitement and anxiety accompany this new milestone in your child’s journey. So much growth has happened since his/her birth and will happen by the time he/she enters kindergarten. So much growth and knowledge in so little time! Research in early childhood cannot stress enough the contributions of a loving, nurturing and enriching environment to the blossoming of a young child.

Two bits of wisdom from Ann Douglas, “The Mother of All Toddler Books” fits appropriately here: “No two children follow the exact same timeline in growth and development,” and “Growth is not a steady forward, upward progression. It is instead a switchback trail; three steps forward, two back, one around the bushes, and a few simply standing before another forward leap.” Our educational philosophy recognizes such facts and emphasizes that young children learn best through play. With that in mind, together we will tap into our Toddlers’ energy and interests to guide enriching play experiences. We will give them time and opportunities to sort out their emotions, practice new skills and celebrate their achievements.

We will remember all along that each child is unique; that each child needs to feel safe in order to thrive. Our goal is for children to have a good time together away from home!

In the Toddler Class, your child will continue to play as he/she does at home. There will be singing, moving, books, blocks, drawing and cooking, sand and water, etc; all activities that young children enjoy and need to construct their knowledge of the world around. But there will be less of mom and dad and more of “the other kids.”

You may be wondering about the first day of school. There is no way of knowing how your child will react to your leaving the classroom. Some children let mom or dad go readily and others may need to have mom or dad in the classroom for a few minutes before saying goodbye. Be assured I will work with you and your child to make this a positive experience for all! We will try out strategies to help with the home-school transition and see what works for both of you. I look forward to meeting with you and your child at our playground meeting and at our classroom visit. At our classroom visit you can pick up your information packet; choose a cubby and place your child’s change of clothes on top; place your child’s photo page in the album at the book center; encourage your child to play with materials. We will have a snack and end the morning with a sing-along. Our Classroom Visit gives you and your child a chance to explore the room, meet other children and parents, and meet the teachers. It is a busy time but we will try our best to answer your questions then. Otherwise do not hesitate to call me at school or home. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Love Debbie

Classroom Visit - Thursday, September 7th

Session 1: 9:00-10:15-Betsy, Daphne, Mack, Rex and Khizr

Session 2: 10:45-12:00-Juniper, Ida, Erik, Meredith and Blake