Sliding into Week Three

By Florence B.

Can you believe it? We’re already at week 3 at school! We’ve made it through the “slow start” week where we were introduced to our new classes, and then we made it through the first official week of school routines! While we all had different experiences--parents stay with kiddos in the younger classes while parents in the older classes get the opportunity to drop off kiddos (some more successfully than others!)--we had one thing in common: fun and an opportunity to play and meet new friends!

Did you notice anything different about the school between week 1 and 2? I hope you did! We had the fall work party--and by party, I mean party! Together, we worked to spruce up the preschool property, including painting, doing minor repairs to the building, and cleaning up the outdoor areas! We met old friends and made some new ones as we worked together to improve our school--emphasis on OUR. As my work party buddy pointed out, “That’s my patch! I weeded that patch!” That was one of the welcome bonuses of helping out at the work party: the unexpected feeling of ownership and belonging. We weren’t just helping to clean a building; we were helping make OUR preschool an even better place for OUR kids! As I was pulling out some blackberry bushes, it was very easy to picture my daughter running around and playing in that specific area. When I was done and headed back to the preschool to see what to do next, I was momentarily taken aback by the fact there were FIVE people painting trim--talk about teamwork getting the job DONE!  

Fall 2017 Work Party.png

Switching gears back to routines, there’s only a week left in September before we move to our Autumn-themed October! Enjoy the last week in September while learning and getting into the flow of the school routines! As a new member, I can attest feeling like a fish out of water during some points in the class--and I can also point out the gratitude I feel when a seasoned member points me back in the right direction! Don’t forget to ask questions if you feel lost (everyone is new at some point and even seasoned members may need a refresher!), and please don’t hesitate helping someone looking confused!

Once we hop into October, get ready for some great themes as we cover fall, pumpkins, corn, and feelings and emotions! For the blog, I’d love to cover some of the topics you find in class, so please let me know if you have any anecdotes or tips to share! Specifically, I’d love to know:

  1. What are some of your favorite things to do in the fall?

  2. What are your favorite ways of decorating a pumpkin?

  3. Do you have some costume tips to share?

  4. How do you deal with strong feelings and emotions in your family?

  5. Have you ever had to deal with a tantrum in a public place?

Feel free to comment below or send me an email at blog@bothellfamilycoop.org

"Go Outside and Play!"

By Julia H.

If you're like me, you might remember being called in from outside because it was time for dinner (actually, if you're really like me, you don't remember that at all, because you ventured well out of auditory range when you played outside). Changes in cultural norms and, in many states, legal requirements, mean that unsupervised, unstructured outside play may be difficult to maneuver. So what are some tricks to helping create more opportunities for outside play?

  • Include the kids in your fitness routine: if you like to walk, bike, or run, skip the treadmill or stationary bike bring the kids along for an outdoor workout. You might need to slow your pace, but this can be offset somewhat by remaining out and about for more time.

  • Think outside the laundry basket: If getting household chores done is a limiting factor in allowing your charges time outside, try to think of tasks that can be done while keeping an eye on playful kids. Grocery lists can be written, calendars can be updated, and laundry can be folded (at least in small batches) while kids play.
  • Walk to the store: If you happen to live within walking distance of business you frequent for groceries or other household items, try walking instead of using a car, taking the bus, or otherwise using a motor vehicle.
  • Make good use of your community: whether this means taking advantage of neighborhood parks, or finally visiting the neighbor with the big fenced-in backyard, it's worth seeking opportunities for outside play, particularly if your home doesn't have much access to safe outdoor play spaces.

Curious about the benefits of outdoor play? Check out this article from the National Wildlife Federation. What strategies do you use to create outdoor play opportunities for the kids in your care? Send your ideas to weeklysqueak@bothellfamilycoop.org and they may be featured in a future Squeak!

"There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."

By Julia H.

Chances are that, if it hasn't already started raining by the time you read this, it will start within the next three hours. Rainy season is upon us, which means new challenges when it comes to making sure you and your kids are able to spend time outside. And, if you're new to BFCP, you might not realize that they really do mean it when they say the kids go outside in all weather conditions!

So, how can we dress the kids in our care (and ourselves!) so that outside time is fun, even when it's chilly and wet?

  • Embrace layers: sometimes a warm undershirt makes all the difference in the world, and a wool sweater will keep you warm even when it's wet (which explains a lot about sheep, if you think about it). Layers are especially helpful during transitional seasons, when it might be quite chilly in the morning and hot in the afternoon.

  • Make sure your foot and headwear is waterproof: Rain boots are definitely an essential, and a waterproof raincoat with a hood will protect little ones from both the wet and from the wind.

  • Bring an extra pair of socks: This is one I learned the hard way (and especially important for the Pre-K kids, who have outside time in the middle of their preschool day, or students in any other class who might have other things to do after school). It's hard to be comfortable and helpful with cold, wet feet, so stash an extra pair in your car or cubby for a quick change after time outside!

Here is an article with some interesting tips for dressing for outdoor preschool. What's your favorite trick for making sure you get outside in the thick of rainy season?

Easing the Transition: Helping your kids switch back to their school routine

By Julia H.

After a summer full of play, relaxed routines, and (relatively) flexible schedules, it can be tricky (for kids and caregivers, too!) to switch back into school mode. Here are some tips to aid the transition:

  • Is your child nervous? You can use roleplay to practice aspects of school that seem intimidating to help your child build confidence before school starts!

  • Are you nervous? That's okay and normal, too! Children are perceptive and know when their caregivers are feeling sensitive. If your child can handle it, you can talk openly about your worries, and what you are doing to manage them. If your child isn't ready for that kind of conversation, try to make time to do things that help you feel calm.
  • Although it's fun to add celebratory back-to-school family activities, you might want to have them before school starts, or wait until a few weeks into the school year. Returning to school can be tiring, and adding extra activities might prove to be a little too much to handle! Waiting can make things easier on everyone.

For more tips, check out this article from PBS. Have any great tips we missed? Email me and they may be featured in a future Squeak!