 |
A Classroom of
Friends & Helpers
|
November is the month of Thanksgiving and the time of year when thoughts often turn to gratitude and togetherness. Many times, these thoughts are about ways others have been generous to us, gone out of their way to help us and share kindness. Luckily, we can foster this in our classrooms year-round!
As teachers, one of the best ways our children learn is by watching the behavior we model. How can we model positive classroom interactions?
-
When friends get mad, acknowledge their feelings, teach them to forgive each other, and share that even adults sometimes get mad at friends.
- If a child has a tantrum, remember that your class is watching how you react and treat them. Balance the impact of consequences with a welcome to rejoin the group. Make sure the class sees you still care about the child, and they will follow your lead.
-
A 2014 study showed that children between 3 - 6 years old who were asked to be "helpers" were significantly more responsive to requests than those just asked to "help clean up" -- children know the value of a helper and want to be one!
-
Celebrate and praise kind and helpful acts of empathy so your children become more aware when they see it and want to do it themselves.
- Provide language for your class to think and talk about compassion and kindness: Ask "What's going on?" or "I wonder what you were thinking and feeling?"
For more related topics, check out past issues of Building Blocks!
|
For the home - content provided by our partner: |
Have you ever noticed that, regardless of their gender, children's play sometimes involves pretending to vacuum, making food in a toy kitchen, or taking care of a baby doll or animal? That's because most children naturally love to help, and they often incorporate the behaviors they observe from the adults in their lives into their play. "Helping" play enables children to make sense of and relate to the people and the world around them, and it allows them to begin building confidence, social skills, and empathy. Engaging children in pretend helping roles as well as real life age-appropriate helping tasks is a powerful way to help them feel significant and part of something that's bigger than themselves.
Some ideas to get your child involved are:
- Safely helping out in the kitchen
- Cleaning your home, yard, or local park
- Feeding or caring for a pet
- Watering plants or gardens
- Choosing toys, books, or clothing to donate to area agencies or shelters seeking donations
- Volunteering at a nonprofit, hospital, or church
These activities teach children that there are many fun and important ways to help out their families, friends, and broader community. Keep in mind, teaching by example and modeling care, empathy, and helping behaviors is a great way to nurture these values in your growing child!
|
Wake Connections is a one-stop coordinated intake system for families in Wake County. One click gets you connected to SecurePath and other Wake Connections programs. |
New Resource Announcement! |
Helping kids? We can make it easier!
Kid Connect, a new resource from WCSS, provides workshops and conversations to community groups and volunteers who want to connect more children with services in their local area of Wake County. If this is you, and you'd like to increase the good work you're already doing for children, reach out today!
|
Featured Book: Thank You, Omu
Written & Illustrated by: Oge Mora
Highlights: When the aroma of Omu's homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit.
Best for: Pre-K, ages 3-5
Wake County Public Library Programming: For new recipe ideas that are fun to create with children, check out some children's cookbooks!
Literacy Tip: Pick up a cookbook at your local library. Read it together and choose a recipe to add to your holiday meal!
|
|
|
|
Want FREE books for your child under 5? Join the Imagination Library today! |
Each month we celebrate the child care facilities that have recently obtained or retained a five star rating!
We had SO MANY centers reach this milestone this month, they don't fit in our newsletter! Visit our website to see the full list!
|
Spinach-Zucchini Frittata Fingers |
Fall is a great time for leafy greens in NC - and they're healthy and full of nutrients!
Try these Spinach-Zucchini Frittata Fingers to tempt your toddler. They sound fancy, but you'll see they're easy to make and like an omelet you cook in the oven!
|
Do you have leaves piling up in the yard? What about down at the park? Try Leaf Scramble!
Ask your young child to "be a helper" and get the leaves picked up! All you need is a container (basket, empty box, or tarp), a scooper/rake, and leaves!
|
Did you know WCSS is a nonprofit and relies on support from members of our community like you? Visit our website today to see how you can make a difference for each child, in every community in Wake County. |
|
|
|
|
