Parent & Family Resources

Dear Berry Patch Families,

We all know children learn through experience. This is also true with fine and gross motor skills. Small and large muscle motion are important for little ones as they learn to navigate their world. Recall your child as a baby, grasping an object. Think of the skills needed to accomplish that task: eye-hand coordination, small motor reflexes in the fingers, large motor skills in moving the arm, and more. The lesson in cause and effect as well as independence in accomplishing the movements without assistance all add to the learning curve.

According to CDC guidelines, young children (less than 5 years of age) need at least 60 minutes of vigorous activity per day. Unfortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics has determined many children are falling short. “Sedentary activity for young children has been shown to range from 32.8 to 56.3 minutes per hour.”¹ That’s a lot of inactivity! Continue reading “January, 2021 Parent & Family Education” →

Dear Berry Patch Families,

December offers a variety of terrific opportunities for learning adventures. With all the time we’ve spent at home with our immediate family members this past year, think of Christmas as a jolt of joy. Provide intentional learning experiences punctuated with love this month. Here are a few suggestions to get the ideas rolling. Continue reading “December Parent & Family Education” →

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Did you enjoy math as a kid? If so, great! If not, know that mathematics can be a stressful competency area for many. Add in the “new math” children are taught in elementary school and it can become downright frustrating. But math can be fun! Your kids need to know math is fun.

Learning activities to prepare preschoolers for kindergarten and beyond are already in full swing at The Berry Patch School. Pre-math activities are easy to incorporate into daily life at home too, both spontaneously and intentionally. Pairing socks teaches children matching skills. Counting apples at the grocery store aids in one-to-one correspondence and sequencing. Talking with your child while building with blocks is an opportunity to identify colors and shapes. Continue reading “November 2020 Parent & Family Education Newsletter” →

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” →