Iceberg

Learning to read is a very important skill! Don't let your child be a victim of poor reading instruction.

The Loss of a Child

The loss of a child to a family is one of the most heartbreaking and devastating events. I pray for each family who has suffered such a loss and hope this poem brings a bit of comfort and hope. The children are with the Lord, there is no doubt. He loves them most as their innocence and little lives are dear to his heart. Please feel free to use this poem as a help and comfort.

Off To Heaven  

by Christine Calabrese

 Off to heaven now you go,

 Angels usher there we know,

 We are here and see you fly,

 Off to heaven as we cry.

 We will miss your smiling faces,

 The comfort of your warm embraces,

 Off you go now little ones,

 Angels wings up to the Son.

He is there and all the rest,

On His knee you’ll soon be blest,

And Mary’s heart is open wide,

She will guide you by her side.

With heavy hearts we bid your parting,

Little lives just only starting,

Heaven’s meadows lush and green,

Call you to their playing scene.

Angels guard you now forever,

Safe from harm and each endeavor,

Heaven’s doors are open wide 

As they guide you there inside.

Sad and sorrowful our weeping,

Safe now in the Father’s keeping,

As you watch us from above,

Sending us your precious love.

Please forgive us little ones,

Holy Spirit and the Son,

Help us now to love you there,

Resting in the Father’s care.

Nap Time Tips

"Mrs. Calabrese, this is the first time I've seen kids actually sleep during nap time! It's so nice and quiet! What did you do?" whispered my supervisor as she tip-toed through my classroom during nap time. I couldn't respond then, but eventually this is what I told her: 

Nap time is very important for preschoolers. It's a time to rest and oftentimes it may be the only quiet space for a little one. Many preschoolers have a crying baby at home or their parents keep them up late. - Oh dear, that's a topic for another blog! - 

Here are some tips for ensuring that all your little ones rest comfortably during nap time. 

First provide a full morning of activities including:

1. Breakfast, songs and dance, circle time.
2. 1 hour and 15 minutes of center time.
3. 1 hour of outside play.
4. 15 minutes of *story time.  It helps to read a story about napping and talk procedure.
5. A warm healthy lunch
6. Bathroom and hand washing.                            

                                         *You may want to have a puppet show during story time to show your children how to rest and how NOT to rest. I've found that showing children what NOT to do is just as important as showing them what to do. It's a good idea to teach the children that we grow when we sleep, so sleeping helps us get big and strong.                                     

     

                        

•                               NAP TIME
• Make sure cots are at least 3 feet apart. 
• Do not place heads close together. 
• Pull down blinds and lights out.  
• Play soft relaxing music
• Tuck each child in, pull covers over and give a little back rub, whisper personal words of comfort and assurance.
• Tell the children you love them and want them to have a nice rest.
• Remind the child that if they cannot sleep, they should just rest and remain quiet for their friends who are sleeping.
• Tell the children you will be right there protecting them and that they are safe. 
• Let them sleep for 45 minutes, though some will require even more sleep because again, their home lives may be stressful. 

If a child refuses to lay down, just have him/her put head down on a pillow and cover with a blanket at the table. Periodically you can offer the cot but let children do whatever feels safest. 

Always make your classroom a place of nurturing and warmth, preschool nap time is a lovely time to teach children to rest.

Hope that helps. :-) Phew! Now I need a nap! :-) 

How to Teach Your Children to Wash Their Hands

Wash Hands by Christine Calabrese (Copyright 2017) 

Water, Water - Warm and Wet

Soap, Soap - A Little Bit

Wash front, wash back, wash those inbetweens,

Wash front, wash back, get those fingers clean.

Squish and bubble

It’s no trouble

One more time

We do it double

Wash front, wash back, wash those inbetweens,

Wash front, wash back, get those fingers clean.

Water rinsing almost done

Wipe your hands it’s super fun! 

Now we turn the faucet off 

Using just our wiping cloth.

Notes to parents and teachers: 

Always model first, it’s fun to ask a child to demonstrate after you have modeled. 

Proper hand washing takes 20 seconds to sufficiently rinse away germs; it takes about 22-25 seconds to recite the washing portion of this poem. 

Children usually use too much soap, so compliment children who are using it sparingly, also be sure to model for the children. 

Does Phonics Hinder or Help

Here's a great blog on phonics. If you are wondering if it's a hinderance or a help, read on!

Phonics Hinder or Help?