Parent & Family Resources

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Pre-reading learning activities are an essential part of your child’s education. Reading, writing, and communicating are valuable tools which can be taught at an early age. The Berry Patch School encourages pre-reading, writing, and communication skills daily. You can enhance your child’s proficiency by incorporating activities and conversations at home.

Literacy is defined as writing and reading to interpret and communicate meaning to others. Both intentional and spontaneous learning is helpful in gaining competence and confidence. Make the most of everyday opportunities to encourage your child.

Continue reading “October 2020 Parent & Family Education Newsletter” →

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Happy September to you and your family! And welcome to the 2020-2021 school year at The Berry Patch School. As a staff, we are excited for another year of love and learning.

With the unprecedented changes we’ve experienced, the beginning of this school year may bring a bit more anxiety for families. Here are a few tips to assist you and your child. On the first day of school, make curbside drop-off as friendly and up-beat as possible. Greet the new teachers warmly by name, to encourage confidence in your child. Give your child a quick hug and kiss, promising to be back at the end of the school day, then leave. Think of drop off time as a Band-Aid- quick and confident is better than slow and painful. If separating is difficult, please request a Separation Anxiety Parent Tip Sheet from Jenny Miller (Colonial) or Cara Terwilliger (Calvary) for strategies to make the transition smooth. Continue reading “September 2020 Parent & Family Education Newsletter” →

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Welcome to a new and exciting year at The Berry Patch School! We, as a staff, are delighted to come alongside your family in an environment of love and learning. You and your child will experience the dedication, support, and encouragement of well-educated, faith-filled, child-centered teachers. Preschool is the beginning of your child’s academic life. We will provide an example of the partnership needed between the home and school for your child to succeed. Continue reading “Welcome! Parent & Family Education 2020-2021” →

Dear Berry Patch Families,

The summer months are quickly approaching. Rich learning opportunities are available for children in the context of everyday living. Provide hands-on activities to foster creativity and focus on play. I highly encourage limiting screen time and avoiding workbooks. Here are a few ideas to get your family started.   Continue reading “Summer Parent & Family Education Newsletter” →

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Respect is the virtue of the month at The Berry Patch School with our online learning. Respecting others in thought, word, and deed is a foundational virtue to instill in young children. When respect reigns in the family, children learn to be respectful to others.

The antithesis of respect is rudeness and disrespect. With young children, disobedience and uncooperative behaviors are also grounded in lack of respect. Here are five tips to foster respect in your family.

Five Tips for Instilling Respect in Children
Continue reading “May Parent & Family Education Newsletter” →

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Honesty is the virtue of the month at The Berry Patch School for online learning. An honest person is truthful, sincere, honorable, and authentic. Dishonesty breaks trust and takes a long time to rebuild. Small children are trusting by nature and 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.

Continue reading “April Parent & Family Education Newsletter” →

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Kindness, empathy, helpfulness, compassion, and love are a part of how we care for others. How do your children relate to siblings, extended family, and friends? Make compassion part of the fabric of your family life. Children who are nurtured in caring families are more likely to become kind adults.

Ten Tips to Encourage Caring Continue reading “March Parent & Family Education” →