Time is flying by as we are about to finish our second month of the new school year! Our days are filled with so much goodness, and we want to share with you so that you can do these things at home.
In October, we introduced Specials into our day! Specials are enrichment programs that are an addition to our regular development program. This includes Jumpbunch, Spanish, Yoga & Mindfulness, and Positive Education Focus.
Throughout the months, we will also have Special Activities, like Author Study, Dress up Days, Show ‘n Tell, Bike Day, Cooking Class and much more!!!
In 2019, we transformed our preschool into a Positive Preschool, incorporating Positive Psychology into our daily activities. This includes reminders to take deep breaths for calming our minds and bodies, as well as encouraging a shift from negative to positive thinking.
For those who may not be familiar with Positive Psychology, it is scientifically defined as the study of strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. It was founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, cultivate what is best within themselves, and enhance their experiences of love, work, and play.
Each month, Brandy Merriman (2-3’s Lead Teacher of Glen Burnie), Erica Bury (3’s Lead Teacher of Crownsville), Brianna Beverly (Site Director of Glen Burnie), Whitney Carr (Site Director of Crownsville) and I (CEO) have a meeting where we focus on how to incorporate all that was learned from the program and give the teachers the tools for in the classroom, with the children as well as activities and tools to do at home. Also, we will have team-building opportunities, fun facts, and important information for the staff.
Throughout the month, we’ve been focusing on the topic of Gratitude and Kindness! Gratitude and Kindness are something you feel when you have been the recipient of something or someone else’s positive actions. They create an upward spiral to make us feel more positive and loved. There are so many reasons to be grateful that we often take them for granted and it’s important to introduce these words and what they mean and what they mean to our children.
Here are some Gratitude and Kindness activities you can do at home with your family:
- Gratitude Jar- have each family member write down what they’re grateful for on a piece of paper. Fold it and put it in the jar. When the jar is full, gather together as a family and review the responses.
- Bedtime Blessings- set aside time before bedtime to discuss what everyone is grateful for.
- Gratitude Collage- take or draw pictures and as a family, create a Family Gratitude Collage. Hang it somewhere where you can see it daily.
- Donations and Volunteers- involve the family by donating clothes, toys, books, and food to those in need. Volunteer your time together to an organization.
- Gratitude Walk- As a family, go for a walk or bike ride in your community and look for things you’re grateful for.
- Random Acts of Kindness- Write Thank you cards to someone special, help sweep a neighbor’s sidewalk, walk your friend’s dog, and bake cookies for the Police Station or Fire Department.
Be sure to come back next month as we continue to explore Positive Psychology and share more tips, tools, and activities to do at home with your family!
