A Classroom of Leaders

 

All children have the potential to learn leadership skills. A classroom of budding leaders works together as a team, solves problems creatively, and values each other's talents.

 

Did you know growing leadership skills is part of the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development teaching standards?

  • Key phrases related to leadership are: "self-confidence," "problem-solving," and "makes independent decisions and choices"
  • Example: "Children express positive feelings about themselves and confidence in what they can do" (NC Foundations Goal ESD-2, Developing a Sense of Self)

You can help young children develop the skills of leaders:

  • Communication: Teach how to give a strong handshake with a hello and eye contact
  • Confidence: Help each child create a "This is Me" collage to share with the class
  • Teamwork: Organize a team sport or activity for your class
  • Compassion: Let your class select and plan a community service project

You can help your children become leaders in the classroom and in their lives by being a good leader yourself. Teachers are important role models, and students watch your actions to learn how to behave.

 

"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate." - Anonymous

 

 

Readers = Leaders! 

 

Did you know that supporting your child's literacy development may be a key to them becoming a leader? Michael Hyatt says, "One of the best ways to become an indispensable leader is to crack open a book." 

 

Reading:

Young children become readers by being read to frequently, by talking about books they are reading, and by developing a love of reading. Start developing those future leaders today by reading together more!

 

 

Source:
WAKE Up and Read

 

 

Readers' Corner

 

Beginning this month, the Youth Services Librarians of the Wake County Public Library will be recommending their favorite books in our Readers' Corner section of this newsletter! Click the title to find the book at your local library. 

 

Featured Book: Froodle

Written & Illustrated by: Antoinette Portis
 

Highlights: One day, amidst the usual chirps, tweets, and caws, a little brown bird decides to try singing a new song and sets off an interesting reaction.

 

Best for: Pre-K, ages 3-5

 

Links: Youth Services Librarians in Wake County Public Libraries are excited to promote the love of reading! Check out their suggestions in this Preschool Booklist - all available at your local library.

 

Literacy Tip: Ask your child, "Did you enjoy making noises along with the bird in the book?" Involving your child in the reading process this way makes reading fun! When reading is a pleasant experience, children are more likely to stick with it when learning to read themselves.  

 

 

January's book selected by the Preschool Librarians of Wake County Public Libraries.

 

 

       

     

Wake County SmartStart 

(919) 851-9550

 

Email: eweichel@wakesmartstart.org
Website: wakesmartstart.org

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Building Blocks

A newsletter about early childhood in Wake County

 

 

Each month we celebrate the child care facilities that have recently obtained or retained a five star rating!

 

Congratulations to:

 

Snack Time

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

 

 

Rethink this lunchtime classic! Follow these steps for DIY freezer sandwiches like you see in the grocery store.

 

PB&Js can also be a way to explore leadership qualities with your child. Show them the steps, then let them try to make one themselves. They can explore and make mistakes in a controlled - and sticky! - way.

 

Check out more recipes on our Pinterest Boards.

 

 

Training

 

Visit CCSA's training calendar for all upcoming events. 

 

Sanitation & Disease Prevention & Handwashing in Child Care

January 16, 6:30 - 8pm 

CCSA Durham

To register, click here.

 

Writing with Preschoolers

January 17, 6:30 - 8:30pm

CCSA Durham

To register, click here

 

It Can Work: Creating an Inclusive Environment

January 18, 6:30 - 7:30pm

Telephone Seminar - Call-In Number

To register, click here.

 

More than Just Routine: Turn Ordinary Infant Toddler Moments into Extraordinary!

January 23, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Wake County SmartStart

To register, click here.

 

 

 

 

Balloon Tennis 

 

This game can be played indoors, requires few supplies, and is tons of fun for all ages. What more could you want?

 

For an added connection to our theme, think about what this game can teach your child about teamwork, self-confidence, and perseverance - all qualities of good leaders!

 

 

To set up your own Balloon Tennis court, click here