A Note From the Head of School:

Looking for the Jumper Cables?
Executive Function Domain #3: Task Initiation

There is math homework that needs to be done, teeth that need to be brushed, a dog that needs to be walked, shoes that need to be tied, but somehow after what feels like intense cueing, nagging and perhaps even bribing, your child still can't seem to get started. For children, most likely this is not a case of procrastination, but rather that of task initiation.

This executive function domain is obviously an important one. In our garage we have an older gas lawnmower. It often takes several hard yanks of the cord to get the engine running, but once it gets going, we can get the yard mowed in a couple hours. I liken our mower to task initiation. Many times parents will complain to me about their child not completing tasks, and when we take the time to observe the child, it is not always a matter of completion, but a matter of the child starting a task. Or perhaps, starting it in an efficient and timely way.
What can also feel incredibly frustrating is when children with task initiation issues get interrupted or distracted, and then they have to return to the task because for some children, it is back to square one.

If your child needs help getting things started, I think it is important that anyone working with your child understands s/he needs explicit instruction in strategies on how to build this skill. Secondly, you need to put in environmental supports in place. An example for children who have a hard time getting homework done is to help your child create an organized learning space. This strategy has become particularly critical over the last year when children suddenly were expected to learn remotely. Students seemed initially lost and they struggled to gather all of the tools they needed for virtual school such as a writing utensil, a charger for their computer, a desk or table to sit at, putting needy pets out of the room, and removing pillows, blankets or toys next to them while they worked online. They were used to us helping them to create those organized learning spaces. We certainly learned as a community that our children require instruction on how they need to approach an assignment independently when we are not sitting next to them to help them get started. Our instruction needs to be direct and explicit. Visual supports can be incredibly important.

If your child struggles with following multi-step directions or processes, knowing the order they need to accomplish each step can be imperative for them. An example of this impediment is when you send a child with task initiation deficits upstairs to "clean their room." Furthermore, nothing gets done even after your child has been in their bedroom for an extended period of time! The task is too large, but breaking the large task into smaller ones and placing each task in a check list allows for success. Eventually, students will memorize the "clean room checklist." However, like all of the other executive function skills, the skill of task initiation takes brain development, explicit instruction and time. A checklist may be necessary for several months before a child memorizes it.

If you ever have questions or would like further advice on how to help your child develop their executive function skills, please feel free to set up an appointment to chat with Meg Bamford or Debbie Cohee Wright.
Our Blue Whales find joy in life.
They remind us that sometimes you just need to dance in the rain!
Please Visit Our Exciting New Website!

Yesterday we launched a new website. A huge thanks to Mrs. Kurz for giving our website a cheery facelift. Please take a minute to enjoy how easy it now is to navigate to our different pages.

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RCS Online Auction
Get ready for November 16th! We can ease your holiday shopping while your family and friends support our amazing school! Please email Meg Bamford if you would like to donate any items. In particular, we are looking for donations of family experiences, vacations, pampering for our busy parents and teachers, summer camp, or nights out. We already have some really exciting gifts. Our goal is to make over $15,000.
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NARWHALS
The Narwhals were busy this week. They were building boats, playing in a xylophone band, hiking a nature trail to do drawings in the woods on a gorgeous fall day, and working on experiments involving physics and motion.

BLUE WHALES
Blue Whales love multi-sensory instruction. This week they were using manipulatives in math and learning how to create geometric sculptures in Art. The Blue Whales have always got their hands on something!
Belugas
This week our Belugas went on their field trip at the Sultana Wetlands in Chestertown. It was a glorious fall morning.

Little Creek
Our youngest students continue to sing their way through their days. Stay "tuned" for some Thanksgiving cheer coming your way!
1. Infants: Gareth is enjoying tummy time in the classroom and he loves looking at everyone.

2. Toddlers: Dawson and Lincoln are enjoying a story read by Ms. Lana as the children take turns going back into the classroom to get hands washed.

3. Three's: Mikey and Ellie are enjoying the sunshine and make a race for it down the big slides.

4. PreK: Julia, Garner and Grace are waiting to receive votes! Ms. Morgan transformed her dramatic play area into a voting registration spot this week.

The children listened to the books "Grace for President" and "Duck for President" and took votes on who should be president.

*PLEASE FOLLOW OUR COVID GUIDELINES*
It is imperative that all members of our community continue to abide by our agreed upon COVID-19 Guidelines. You must communicate with the Head of School or Director of Little Creek immediately if your child or anyone in your family has been exposed to COVID-19 so we can contact the Health Department to ensure that everyone remains as healthy as possible through these difficult times. We deeply appreciate each and every member of our RCS community's collaborative spirit as we problem solve these challenges to be able to provide instruction in school as much as possible.
Radcliffe Creek School Halloween Happiness!

During times of uncertainty, it has been such a gift for our children to be with us in school 5 days a week. One of the things that is so critical to our belief as an institution is to nurture the whole child. And on Halloween Eve at Little Creek and Radcliffe Creek School, this means having fun! Students participated in developmentally appropriate activities and everyone got to march in a Halloween Parade. Despite the dreary weather, there were smiles lighting up our pavement.
Every year faculty members dress up in a common theme.
This year's theme was Animals of the Chesapeake!
201 Talbot Blvd.,
Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone (410) 778-8150
Discover. Create. Thrive.