Parent & Family Resources

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.

May 15, 2022

Dear Berry Patch Families,

Summer is right around the corner! The next three months provide a time for less structured play and activities. Plan to enrich your child’s summer with learning activities to spark the imagination, expand the mind, and foster social interaction skills.