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Greetings!
CREATIVE CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
In the Clothing study, our young preschoolers have been busy learning many aspects about clothing. From counting buttons & examining fabric textures to hanging clothes on an indoor and outdoor clothesline. The got some excellent fine motor practice while pinching those clothespins!
The children have participated in a lot of activities that help them relate to their own family experiences and understand the importance of taking care of clothing. They have experimented with different types of soap to determine which kind would produce more bubbles. They inspected clothing for zippers, buttons, snaps, sizes, tags and more! They were able to create pockets, fabric collages and tie-dye shirts during art. They children also learned how doing laundry in the past differs from the way it is done in many households today and there was even sewing instruction with measuring and cutting!
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WE’RE THANKFUL FOR KINDNESS WEEK
During the week of November 16, we will be having a kindness dress-up week, as well as encouraging random acts of kindness (RAK) each day.
Monday, November 16: Peace, Love & Kindness!
Wear tie-dye (or neon colors) today
RAK: Compliment someone
Tuesday, November 17: Team Up and Be Kind!
Wear a Sports Team or sports attire today
RAK: Help someone
Wednesday, November 18: Crazy About Kindness!
Wear your craziest socks today
RAK: Thank someone
Thursday, November 19: Be Red-y to be Kind!
Wear red clothing today
RAK: Say “hello” to someone in the hallway
Friday, November 20 – Dream of Kindness!
Wear your pajamas today
RAK: Smile at someone
Of course, your child’s acts of kindness may not necessarily be all that ‘random,’ since they’ll most likely need some assistance from you/us. But, teaching them to do nice things for other people now could be the key to helping them recognize opportunities to show kindness later in life.
Experts have determined that showing kindness changes the brain, and that selfless acts of giving provide physical and emotional benefits needed for a well-rounded individual. Therefore, it is essential for children to learn kindness early on.
Here are just a few of the many benefits your children will experience from learning values such as kindness:
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Happy children – Study shows that kindness activates the joyful area of the brain. Pleasure resulting in kindness activates the need to replicate those feelings either as a receiver or a giver.
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Improved health and less stress – Being kind increases happiness and decreases stress.
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Greater Sense of Belonging and Improved Self Esteem – Even small acts of kindness create feelings of self-worth and belonging. Acts of kindness increase energy and give a wonderful feeling of optimism.
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Increased Feelings of Gratitude – Children learn to appreciate what they have when helping those less fortunate.
You can read more here:
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KINDNESS BOOK CLUB
The books we have selected this month for our Kindness Book Club will focus on encouraging and celebrating individuality and can help be a starting point in conversations relating to emotional intelligence. We invite you to join us in reading Ruby Finds A Worry by Tom Percival and Be You! By Peter H. Reynolds this month at home via YouTube for either read aloud.
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FAMILY GALLERY REMINDER
Please return your Family Gallery collage as soon possible. Thanks to those that have already done so!
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EFC HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
EFC will be closed the following dates:
Thanksgiving Holiday
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Friday, November 27, 2020
Winter Holiday
Tuesday, December 24, 2020
Wednesday, December 25, 2020
Wednesday, January 1, 2021
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DEMOCRACY AT HOME
By Alli Zomer
These days it is hard to escape the flood of political news all around us. And unfortunately, it can often feel chaotic and divisive. But what if we acknowledged this moment in time not by thinking about politics, but by thinking about democracy? And specifically, reflecting on some of the core values of democracy and what it might mean to explore those at home, with our own families. There is no single list of those values, but here are a few ideas for how children (and adults!) might be able to connect to some of our nation’s founding principles this November.
E Pluribus Unum
The national motto of the United States is E Pluribus Unum, “Out of many — one.” The idea that many different people come together to create a united whole applies to our families as well. So why not take some time to think about the special contributions of each person that, when put together, make your family extraordinary? Each person in your family could have a special day, when they get to choose favorite activities, books or foods for the whole family. Or it could be a way to learn more about extended family members – what stories, experiences and contributions have they made? Children could come up with a list of questions to ask grandparents, aunts/uncles or cousins and interview them (a great use for video chat!). Finally, your family could develop its own motto: what are your words to live by?
Life (liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)
Children are naturally curious, and have a wonderful ability look at things adults may take as a given and genuinely ask, Why? Imagine how many questions could be explored through the single concept of life! What things are alive (plants, animals, people)? What do living things need and how do they get them (food, water, sunlight/energy)? What don’t we understand about life (so many things!)? How can we respect the life around us, whether a person, a plant or a pesky bug?
Vote
Ok, this one might veer into the actual political realm for just a moment. But participating in the democratic process is an invaluable lesson we can pass on to our children. Whatever your political views, we hope that you will vote and make your voice heard. And when you do, talk to your children about it. A great way to help them understand is to create voting activities at home. A shoe box and some scratch paper can easily be transformed into a ballot box and a heated contest for which vegetable to make that evening! Children who can’t write yet could use a green mark for green beans or an orange mark for carrots. Experiences like that help children to see that their perspective matters, and it also teaches them to respect the views of those around them whether they win or lose.
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Especially for Children
5015 W. 70 Street
Edina MN 55439
(952) 946-9971
Center Directors:
Susan Wilson and Michelle Botz
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