PLAY is more than fun and leisure time for a child. through the PLAY process, children "learn" their way." They connect their inside and outside worlds and create their own unique experiences. PLAY, therefore, at its best, aids in the creation of unique individuals, talents, and skills.

PLAY develops curiosity. When children PLAY, they become inquisitive and increase their desire to find out about things. they LEARN to enjoy learning.

PLAY helps children discover their own special talents. With no "right or wrong" way to PLAY, children will PLAY in their own way.

PLAY encourages responsible risk-taking. Children can think on their own. They will try new things in the non-threatening environment of PLAY.

PLAY helps children make their own choices and gives them a sense of control, self-discipline, and self-confidence.

PLAY builds social relationships. Children LEARN to communicate, share, cooperate, negotiate, and respect the rights of others.

PLAY allows children to make things "less scary." They work out their tensions, fears, emotions, and concerns through PLAY.

In summary, PLAY offers boundless opportunities for both children and adults. By encouraging true, FREE PLAY, in and out of classrooms, we open doors to creativity, LEARNING, growth, development, and happiness.

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Here are some things you want to do with your child at home:

• Read with your child daily.

• Practice the Alphabet with your child (singing the song, talking about words that begin with a letter sound, playing games in the car, picking out letters on signs and items in grocery store).

• Read poems and nursery rhymes.

• Play rhyming word games.

• Create a mini-library with books and magazines.

• Place books and magazines throughout the house.

• Visit websites such as www.starfall.com, http://www.readingrockets.org, or http://www.colorincolorado.org.

• Provide materials for your child to create or tell their own stories. Paper, pencils, markers, puppets, and dolls are always good choices.

• Visit the library-check out books and get your child their own library card.

• When you read and write, talk to your child about what you read and write.

• Visit the post office, supermarket, zoo, and then talk/write about the experience when you get home.

• Display your child's work at home.

• Answer your child's questions about reading and writing.

• Volunteer to read, be a part of PTA, and attend parent-teacher conferences at Chestnut St.

• Have fun reading and writing with your child!

• Set aside time each day to talk to your child.

• Help your child "organize" his/her day by:

  • explaining events in the correct sequence

  • remembering important details

  • encouraging new vocabulary

  • using correct grammar

  • repeating difficult words

• Read to or with your child

• Play words games such as: definitions, categories, association, and problem solving

• Give and ask for directions in order building on one-step, then multi-step directions.

Please find below some activities to "learn" about handwriting at home:

• Trace letters in the sand, snow, or dirt.

• Finger paint letters.

• Draw letters in the bathtub with soap.

• Write on the sidewalk with chalk.

• Create letters using Playdough.

• Create letter collages with art supplies.

• Use a variety of writing utensils (colored pencils, markers, gel pens, etc.)

• Use a flashlight to make letters on the wall.

Fine motor skills are small movements that are made with the hand. Some excellent activities to help strengthen your child's fine motor skills include:

• Cutting pictures out of magazines and newspapers.

• Use toys such as Lego's. Lincoln Logs, and pattern blocks.

• Use Playdough or clay to create various objects.

• String popcorn, beads, or buttons.

• Use a baster and a cotton ball to have a "race" across a table.

• Use a hole punch and a piece of paper to create a design.

• Do jigsaw puzzles and pegboard games.

• Please have your child ready and at the bus stop at least five minutes early.

• If your child's not riding that day, please send a note or call the main office.

• Provide your child with a backpack to keep school items safely inside and reduce the chance of something dropping near or under the bus.

• Check your child's clothing for long drawstrings or other dangerous items that could get snagged in the bus door or in playground equipment. Long drawstrings are very dangerous.

• Provide brightly colored outerwear for your children whenever possible. Brightly-colored jackets and jackets with reflective tape make children more visible in low-light conditions.

• Insist on safe behavior at the bus stop - children should wait in an orderly fashion, safely back from the roadway. They shouldn't move toward the bus until it's come to a full stop and the driver signals it is safe.

• Reinforce safe loading and unloading behaviors - remind your child to wait for the bus driver's signal before crossing the street.

• Reinforce how to sit on the bus - remind your child to not distract the bus driver. Driver distraction could cause an accident.

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