CREATOR CHATTER

October 2010

HAPPY FALL!!

Our first month has run very smoothly! We are continuing to learn the names of the three year old children, so please continue to place their nametags on them each morning.

Cooler days are approaching, so please label all of your child’s outerwear. Remember, many young children are unable to identify their jacket when others are hanging on the pegs.

Sherry Webb and Judy Myers, Directors

In this issue:

October Calendar

Yearly Calendar

Growing Together

Spotlight: Reading and Science Room & Mrs. Reynolds

Snapshot Reminder:

Remember to use snapshot by calling 746-2720 to hear about some of our daily activities. “Look What We Did Today!“ is also posted outside of the door on a daily basis.

Parent Involvement:

Our first Parent Involvement Meeting will be held Monday, October 18th at 9:15 AM downstairs in the snack room.

Facebook:

We would like to invite you to become a fan of our Facebook page. To access us, you may search Facebook for Creator Preschool or click the “become a fan” link on our website. We will be keeping you updated with upcoming activities and events at our school.

Picture Day:

School pictures will be taken on Wednesday, October 13th & Thursday, October 14th beginning at 9:30AM. Five-day children’s pictures will be taken on Wednesday. We will have individual pictures and group pictures taken. You are under no obligation to purchase any pictures, and you will not need to pay any money the day the pictures are taken.

Special Days/Activities:

Be sure to check the attached calendar for school closings, special days and activities.

Tardiness:

We understand that some mornings it is very difficult to get to school by 9:00. However, when your child is late on a regular basis he/she misses activities and experiences in his/her first class.

(Over)

Staff Spotlight:

This month we are spotlighting the Reading and Science Room and Mrs. Reynolds.

Mrs. Reynolds has been teaching at Creator for 12 years. She just celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary to Vic Reynolds in August. She is the mother of 3 children: Travis, 21, a student at VCU ; Nathan, 18, a student at J. Sargeant Reynolds; and Tiffany, 15, a 10th grader at Lee Davis High School. Kim serves on the board for Mechanicsville Recreation Association as membership chair. She attends St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church, home of the Lebanese Food Festival. She is involved with the Lee Davis Athletic Boosters, and serves as team representative for cross country and track. Kim loves the beach, going out to eat and socializing with family and friends.

Mrs. Reynolds has captured pictures of your children enjoying this part of their day here at preschool. They can be found at creator preschool.winkflash.com. The password is “5FishPictures”.

Curriculum Corner-Parent Education

As adults, when we use language we pay attention to the meaning of the words. However, to be successful in the early stages of reading, children also have to learn to pay attention to the sounds of letters and words. This is because reading English requires matching sounds-“buh”-with the specific marks on the paper-“b”-the letter of the alphabet. This is called phonemic awareness. The easiest forms of phonemic awareness are rhyming and alliteration. Rhyming is learning to recognize and use words that sound the same at the end (mad, sad, bad). Alliteration is the repetition of initial sounds (feel, fine, finally). Besides supporting early literacy, rhymes and alliteration can soothe, entertain, and foster a positive attitude toward reading. Nursery rhymes, lullabies, finger plays and bath time songs can all offer simple rhymes and verses to delight your preschooler. Repeat your child’s favorite rhymes over and over again and invite your preschooler to chant them with you. Read a rhyming book you both enjoy. Stop before the end of the sentence and let your child supply the rhyming word like in the example from Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham: “I will eat them with a fox. I will eat them in a ___”. Again, don’t worry whether your child suggests the exact word provided in the book. Sometimes the silliest rhyming word is the most fun. Alliteration is where the initial sounds are repeated in neighboring words. For preschool children, alliteration of consonants is usually the easiest place to start. To help your preschooler recognize words that start with the same consonants, practice phrases such as Sally sells seashells by the seashore. Be sure to check your local library or bookstore to find books with rhyme or alliteration that you and your child will enjoy.