Parent & Family Resources

May 15, 2023

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Family life is SO much more peaceful when everyone cooperates, right? Children need time and practice to learn to cooperate with both adults and children. The benefits are great when we all get along, knowing how to meet the needs of others as well as our own needs. 

Family rules are a good place to start. A few positively phrased rules will do. For example, “We are kind to one another” is better than “No hitting” and covers a multitude of behaviors. Routines are good for children too, training kids to cooperate as responsible members of the family. Working together is the goal. 

Try these additional tips to assist your children in developing a cooperative attitude. 

April 15, 2023

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Honesty is The Berry Patch School’s virtue of the month. By definition, honesty is “adherence to the facts, sincerity, fairness, and straightforwardness of conduct”.¹ An honest person is truthful, sincere, honorable, and authentic. Dishonesty breaks trust and takes a lot of time to rebuild. 

Small children are trusting by nature. They typically believe what the people they love tell them. It’s our responsibility as parents and teachers to live up to the challenge of being honest and trustworthy. 

Tips for Raising Honest Kids 

Dear Berry Patch Families,

The Berry Patch virtue of the month is patience. This is a virtue we all can work on, myself included! The definition of patience is “the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient, bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, not hasty”.¹ Building “patience muscles” is an ongoing task. 

The Berry Patch teachers are focusing on this virtue throughout the month of March. Ask your child to describe the lessons being taught in the classroom. Enrich and extend the learning at home with the following ideas to encourage your child to be patient.

Dear Berry Patch Families,

The February Berry Patch virtue of the is kindness. The definition of kindness, according to Merriam-Webster is, the quality or state of being kind, treating people with kindness and respect, a kind deed or favor*¹ Kindly, lovingly, and respectfully… how we all want to be treated by family members and friends.

The Berry Patch teachers are focusing on this virtue throughout the month of February. It’s a great virtue to practice, especially with Valentine’s Day celebrations. Use these tips and ideas to encourage kindness at home and when out and about.

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Responsibility is the virtue of the month. Raising responsible kids is an undertaking. At The Berry Patch School, we encourage children to be responsible for themselves in words and actions. Here are a few ideas for you to enhance the responsibility lessons at home.

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Generosity is a virtue we practice all year long at The Berry Patch School. We’re learning about generosity as a virtue in December. Sharing with friends, expressing kindness in word and deed, and providing for others are examples of how families can instill this characteristic in young children.

Generosity is displayed daily in the classrooms at The Berry Patch School. This virtue is exemplified in Children Serving Others (C.S.O.). Participate as a family in the various Children Serving Others (C.S.O.) opportunities throughout the school year. A very special thank you to all who participated in our December C.S.O., Twin City Toy Drive.

Dear Berry Patch Families,

“Thank you!” Just two little words that make us feel appreciated, respected, and loved. Instill the virtue of gratitude in your home through modeling an attitude of gratitude. Set the expectation bar high for your children to express thankfulness in words and actions. 

This month, students are focusing on gratitude in their classrooms. Children express thankfulness through sharing, taking turns, and being kind to others in both words and actions. Use the tips listed below to enhance the lessons at home. As a family, plan to take part in The Berry Patch School’s Children Serving Others (C.S.O.). During the month of November, we are collecting art supplies for the Washburn Center for Children.

Tips for Raising Grateful Kids 

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Are your kids willing to eat new foods, try new things, meet new people, and embrace new opportunities to learn? Some children dive right into unfamiliar situations while others hold back. Both responses are normal for young children. Whether outgoing or timid, children benefit from parents and teachers who help them to be brave.

The Berry Patch virtue of the month is courage. Ask your kids to describe the lessons on courage learned in the classroom. Enhance the learning at home with the following ideas to inspire your child to be brave.

Tips for Raising Courageous Kids 

Dear Berry Patch Families,

The school year is in full swing! The Berry Patch is all about love and learning with our friends. I hope you and your child are connecting with friends, both old and new. 

Each month, you will receive a parent and family education newsletter. The topics will focus on the nine Berry Patch virtues: friendship, courage, gratitude, generosity, responsibility, kindness, patience, honesty, and cooperation. The virtues will be taught in a variety of ways throughout the month in your child’s classroom. Extend the lessons at home to reinforce the learning. 

Tips for Friendship Skill Building

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year to all new and returning Berry Patch families. We are busy preparing for another fabulous year of love and learning. 

Preparing for the school year is a great way to build excitement and relieve anxiety. Use these tips to get ready as a family for the beginning of the school year. A little preparation can go a long way to make the transition to school smooth for everyone.

• Take part in Classroom Visits to meet the teacher, explore the classroom, and meet new friends. 
• Read The Berry Patch Parent Handbook for important information.
• Print a calendar for your child with school days highlighted in Berry Patch colors. Cross off the days to practice counting skills and prepare for school days.
• Choose appropriate school clothing. Learning can get messy, so plan accordingly.
• Send a backpack that can accommodate school projects, winter clothing, and other items.  
• Download our tips to avoid separation anxiety: Separation Anxiety in Young Children. 
• Take advantage of our Parent and Family Education Program at no additional cost for support, guidance, and encouragement in all aspects of parenting and family life. 
• We highly recommend phasing out morning naps for Raspberries and Huckleberries so your child will be prepared for a full morning of learning.