IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS
2/19: School CLOSED for ELEMENTARY- 3s and 4s Optional Care
2/29: Lower School Winter Olympics
2/29: Upper School PBL Exhibit: Hall of Fame Living Museum
Valentine’s Day celebrations had their moment this week, with children making boxes and bags, coloring and painting, and exchanging treats with their friends. Celebrations aside, children listened to books about President’s Day and learned about its importance to our nation. They also spent time mastering shapes in Math class, experimenting with unique and novel materials in Science, and learning ways to use coping skills to manage uncomfortable feelings in Dinosaur School.
A Note From Kris
Homemade Playdough
It’s no secret that children (and adults) love playdough. Did you know that you can easily
make playdough at home with only two ingredients?
The ratio for this simple recipe is:
1 part hair conditioner to two parts cornstarch. Adjust the recipe as needed depending on the amount you want to make.
Ingredients:
1 cup of hair conditioner
2 cups of cornstarch
Mixing bowl and spoon
Food coloring (optional)
To begin, help your child add the hair conditioner to a bowl. If you want your playdough a certain color, then add a few drops of food coloring. Next, add the cornstarch and begin mixing with a spoon. Finally, it’s time to get your hands in there to begin molding your playdough. If the playdough is too dry, add more conditioner. If it is not firm enough, add a dash of cornstarch until it’s the right consistency.
Playdough is the perfect medium for developing fine motor skills. The squeezing, pinching, and pulling movements also strengthen your child’s hand muscles and develop their fine motor skills. And if you give your child some tools and toys to add to the playdough activity, you can really spark your child’s imagination and creativity.
Weekly Updates
This week, Ms. Sarah brought her Louisiana background into Collage Day School to teach children about the history and culture of Mardi Gras. Students also learned about the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jerry Pinkney, worked on their poetry skills, and studied decomposition in Horticulture. Mathematical comparisons were examined, prosocial behavior with peers was developed, and real-world uses for effective note taking were discussed in Social Studies
Curriculum Corner: Hall of Fame Living Museum
You are invited to join us for a walk-through time in our “Hall of Fame Living Museum.” Students worked hard this month, studying various influential Americans from the past and present. Each grade of students will use their own voice to present facts about the impacts of different Black Americans and U.S. Presidents. Our classes will be open from 1:00-2:00pm for viewing. Please see below for the schedule.
1:00-1:30-Homeroom Presentation
1:30-2:00-All classrooms open for tours
2:00– Museum Closes
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.
COLLAGE AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY:
SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP**
For many children, managing the social world day in and day out eventually presents challenges. Some children may struggle with social flexibility, or sudden frustration, or wanting to engage but just struggling to figure out how. Mandala Family Wellness is proud to offer a group designed to improve children’s confidence, fluidity, and excitement about making and maintaining friendships. Guided by Mandala therapists, children will learn highly effective and applicable social skills to improve their navigation of relationships and bolster their self-esteem.
** Social skills group is now open to 3, 4, and 5-year-olds with our "Little Leaders" program.
To sign up, contact Sierra Sternberg at: sternberg@mandalafamilywellness.com
Staying Healthy with Nurse Chelsea
February is American Heart Month, and it’s also is a great opportunity to teach kids about the importance of heart health Here are some tips tailored for kids:
Healthy Eating: Teach kids about the importance of eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Encourage them to choose water over sugary drinks and limit their intake of processed foods and snacks high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Stay Active: Help kids find activities they enjoy and encourage them to be active for at least 60 minutes every day. This could include playing sports, riding bikes, swimming, dancing, or simply playing outside.
Limit Screen Time: Set limits on screen time for TVs, computers, tablets, and smartphones. Encourage kids to spend more time being active and engaging in hobbies that don’t involve screens.
Promote Good Sleep: Make sure kids get enough sleep each night, as sleep is essential for overall health, including heart health. Establish a regular bedtime routine and create a comfortable sleep environment free of screens and distractions.
Talk About Feelings: Teach kids about the importance of managing stress and emotions in healthy ways. Encourage open communication and provide support and guidance when needed.
Be Smoke-Free: Teach kids about the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. Encourage them to avoid smoking and to stay away from environments where smoking is allowed.
Lead by Example: Set a good example for kids by modeling healthy behaviors yourself. Be active, eat nutritious foods, manage stress effectively, and prioritize your own heart health.
Learn CPR: While this might be more relevant for older children, it’s important to teach kids basic
CPR skills. Knowing what to do in an emergency could save a life, including their own.
