Hi Everybody,
Thanksgiving feels like a week ago, but here we are at winter break!
As we approach our winter break, we know that our school routines will be put on hold for a few weeks. However, we hope that amidst the excitement and possible busy-ness of the holiday season, you can help maintain some routines for your children at home. Routines help kids know what to expect, and that can feel reassuring to them. We know school breaks and holidays can bring some change to regular schedules, but finding places in the day where kids can feel some mastery through a routine (dressing, preparing for a meal, getting ready for bed) can help them feel secure. It’s also helpful to talk ahead of time about changes in schedules or new activities so children can anticipate events that may be confusing for them.
As you near the end of winter break, you can help your children anticipate the return to school in January. Pull out the face page of kids in their class. Review the schedule. Even if kids are excited about coming back to school, they may have a hard time saying goodbye when they’re dropped off that first day back. We ask that you follow your child’s lead in what they need and what will help ease them back into the school routine. Although kids might need some extra reassurance when entering school after being away for the break, we know that they have internalized our schedule and routines and have established trusting relationships with teachers at school. You might remind them that they really do know what happens at school and that, as always, teachers will help children when they need it.
Enjoy the upcoming family time! We hope you find time to take a breath as well. Ask your child about picking a flower and breathing in the sweet scent and then blowing off the petals. It can help slow down a moment if things are feeling too fast.
Thank you for the holiday gifts. We appreciate your generosity and your thoughtfulness. We also thank you for sharing your wonderful children with us. We look forward to seeing them in the new year and continuing our time together.