We have been learning about the letters J and K. Last week, we learned about Kangaroos and Joeys. We colored some pictures, had discussions, listened to stories, and watched some National Geographic video on them too!
We have been reinforcing the number 5 and I introduced the song Five Little Speckled Frogs. Look for a project we're doing related to this fun song!
In our opposites, we are talking about being kind and mean. I talk about nice and kind interchangeably because the children comprehend the word nice more, but are beginning to see what kind means too. We have a kindness chart that the children will bring home. I am recognizing their kindness. We heard a story about all the kind things a little girl does. First, she decided to be kind right when she woke up. She made her bed, helped with breakfast, smiled, shared, helped friends, etc. We talked about all the kind things we can do for our families and friends. The children decided that helping to clean and sharing were kind things they could do this week. If you notice kindness in your child, praise it!
While it's best to praise the positive way more than point out the negative, meanness does need to be addresses. If I hear a rude tone or comment I say, "Is that the kind way to say that?" Often, the children will simply say it a nicer way or add manners, depending on the situation. Sometimes, I need to explain and demonstrate the difference between the way it was said and how it could be said in a kind way. Other times, if a child hits, takes something from someone, or any of the other things like this, I will say, "Is that very kind?" or "Do you want to be kind or mean right now?" and "What could you do that's nicer?"
We must remember that children learn most from watching us. If we want our children to learn kindness, then we must be kind. Open the door for people, use manners, show patience and grace with our family and the public, smile and say "hello", help people out for no ulterior motives, and so many other things. A friend of mine was out to dinner at a restaurant (not a cheap one) and the were told that an anonymous stranger paid for their meal. I know we can't all afford that, but small acts of kindness can go a really long way in life. Another friend of mine paid for a woman's entire grocery cart full of groceries because her debit card was rejected. The woman was so shocked by a stranger's kindness that she couldn't believe it and walked away without her groceries and my friend had to convince her they were really paid for. She first chose not to be irritated, which is an act of kindness in itself. Remember, everyone has a story. We all do many acts of kindness already and I can see this reflected in the children, and I'm proud of what kind children they already are. Just keep up the kindness and so will they!
We have been reinforcing the number 5 and I introduced the song Five Little Speckled Frogs. Look for a project we're doing related to this fun song!
In our opposites, we are talking about being kind and mean. I talk about nice and kind interchangeably because the children comprehend the word nice more, but are beginning to see what kind means too. We have a kindness chart that the children will bring home. I am recognizing their kindness. We heard a story about all the kind things a little girl does. First, she decided to be kind right when she woke up. She made her bed, helped with breakfast, smiled, shared, helped friends, etc. We talked about all the kind things we can do for our families and friends. The children decided that helping to clean and sharing were kind things they could do this week. If you notice kindness in your child, praise it!
While it's best to praise the positive way more than point out the negative, meanness does need to be addresses. If I hear a rude tone or comment I say, "Is that the kind way to say that?" Often, the children will simply say it a nicer way or add manners, depending on the situation. Sometimes, I need to explain and demonstrate the difference between the way it was said and how it could be said in a kind way. Other times, if a child hits, takes something from someone, or any of the other things like this, I will say, "Is that very kind?" or "Do you want to be kind or mean right now?" and "What could you do that's nicer?"
We must remember that children learn most from watching us. If we want our children to learn kindness, then we must be kind. Open the door for people, use manners, show patience and grace with our family and the public, smile and say "hello", help people out for no ulterior motives, and so many other things. A friend of mine was out to dinner at a restaurant (not a cheap one) and the were told that an anonymous stranger paid for their meal. I know we can't all afford that, but small acts of kindness can go a really long way in life. Another friend of mine paid for a woman's entire grocery cart full of groceries because her debit card was rejected. The woman was so shocked by a stranger's kindness that she couldn't believe it and walked away without her groceries and my friend had to convince her they were really paid for. She first chose not to be irritated, which is an act of kindness in itself. Remember, everyone has a story. We all do many acts of kindness already and I can see this reflected in the children, and I'm proud of what kind children they already are. Just keep up the kindness and so will they!
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