This week we are exploring what it means to “Honor our impulses” (and make the connection between apples/ eating/drinking/bathroom/etc). In the first week of school what I want most is for children to feel safe in getting their basic needs met. For instance, they are allowed to get a drink of water, go to the bathroom, take shoes on and off and change positions whenever they like. In this first week of school we will be introducing all the ways that these needs can be met with or without teacher assistance. It is vitally important that children learn to identify their body’s needs and I have complete confidence that by honoring their body’s impulses now, they will be better suited to respond to social norms/expectations as they age (in other words: they do not need to be forced to sit still now so that one day in 2nd grade they will be able to).
This week’s Coping Skill questions you can ask your child:
What do you do if you’re thirsty at preschool? Children can find their cup in the kitchen (they are glass jars labeled with their names and color coded for their class schedule) and either get help filling it or fill it themselves at the fridge water dispenser. If children bring their own water bottle from home they are allowed to use it anytime (and carry it around with them).
What do your do if you’re hungry at preschool? There will always be food available for hungry children. Sometimes children bring their own food which they are allowed to eat anytime and teachers will help them find a space to eat. Our saltine crackers are back and available for a pre or post snack nibble.
What do you do if you’re hot at preschool? Children can remove outerwear, long sleeves, socks, shoes, etc. In warm weather months they can stand under our HVAC vents or use a paper fan. Some children like to have a cold wet paper towel pressed gently on the back of the neck, chest or forehead (and if you blow on the wet skin it is even more of a cool down effect!).
What do you do if you’re cold at preschool? Children can put outerwear on or use one of our many blankets (there are a variety of textures and sizes). In cold weather months they can stand under an HVAC vent to feel the warm air. Cuddling with another person or rubbing their own arms/legs can also meet the need. Circle Time is under one of our vents and one child cared for his being cold by getting very cozy under pillows and blankets:
What do you do if you have to pee or poop? They go! With the bathroom connected to our classroom there is never a need for children to wait (unless someone else is using it). Children are allowed to go to the bathroom anytime and do not need to ask permission. At the same time, I will always assist children who need or request help with any part of the bathroom experience. We talked about digestion at Circle Time too:
What do you do if you don’t want to sit at Circle Time? They can lay down, stand, get a pillow, etc. What is most important in this skill set is noticing what their body wants to do and honoring it. If a child is uncomfortable for any reason sitting “criss cross applesauce,” I want them to move and adjust. We have several cozy corners children can retreat to anytime….one friend brought a photo of his mom and dad with him:
Here are 3 questions to learn more about our day:
How did you get your apple project to smell like apples?
After painting with red paint sticks, we brushed some apple and cinnamon scented oil on it. Some friends thought it smelled like apple juice, some thought apple pie and some thought it smelled like a candle. That all makes sense to me!
What did you eat for snack today?
In the morning we had a birthday snack of donuts, string cheese and applesauce, just like the farmer in our book made!
Both classes got to help set the table and a couple of new morning friends were delighted to crawl under the tables to get them clean!
In the afternoon we had applesauce and goldfish crackers. The applesauce was again like our book about the farmer and the Goldfish reminded us of the book of Curious George wanting to go fishing. It’s not at our library, but you can borrow it from us…he tries some silly things and then poor George fell in!
Did we find the dog on every page? Did we find the cat on every page?
The short answer is NO. While reading Apple Farmer Annie (which was extra interesting for our afternoon class because we have our own Annie preschool friend), we looked for her pet dog and cat on every page. The dog was almost on every page except for the one where Annie was driving to the city. And the cat had to stay home from the trip to the city so they were not on any of those pages either.
However, the silliest page is when the cat is sitting on a chair.
This book doesn’t appear to be at our local library, but you’re welcome to borrow it from preschool if you’re interested.
Both morning and afternoon friends did play dough work that was like our book too: making big yellow apples and apple muffins!
More peeks at the classroom on this fun first day:
While I welcome all expressions from children, it seems notable that there were no tears from any children today and lots of social engagement. I’m grateful and excited for this year.
Thank you, friends and families! Love, Ms Kristin
newcreationpreschool.com 