IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS
2/29: Lower School Winter Olympics
2/29: Upper School PBL Exhibit: Hall of Fame Living Museum
3/4-8: Read Across America
3/6: Livestream with author/illustrator Scott SanGiacoma
To honor President’s Day, this past week, Lower School students created eagle puppet crafts (for George Washington), and participated in a Science experiment with pennies, vinegar and salt (for Abraham Lincoln). Students also spent time exploring the human senses by comparing rough and smooth, learning about the history and playing of the Acoustic guitar, and showed their skills with matching numbers and number sense in Math class.
A Note From Kris
Make It A Thing
Every child has a favorite book. That one book we read to them over and over again. But nothing is more exciting for a young mind as to when we have the book come to life. Next time your child reaches for their favorite book, why not make it a thing? One of my son’s favorite books was “If You Give a Pig a Pancake”. Here are ways you and your child can make it a thing!
1.Cook– The most obvious, make pancakes. Here is a great opportunity to discuss nutrition. This is also a wonderful activity for sensory play. “How do they smell?” – “What does the batter feel like?” – “How do the pancakes taste?”
2.Sing Songs – Children love to sing. The sillier the better. “Do you know the muffin man?”, “Hot Cross Buns”, “Pat – A – Cake – Pat – A – Cake, Baker’s Man”. Not a singer? YouTube to the rescue!
3.Craft– using cardboard, cut circles out and number them 1-12. Have the child (supervised) roll a pair of dice and match to the “pancake”. Simple math activity and fine motor!
And the most important – just have fun! All children really need is our time, love, and attention!
Weekly Updates
This week in Upper School, students showed off their figurative language skills with a Poetry Slam, studied the color and shape work of artist Alma Thomas, and learned about influential musicians like Sheila E. Children also spent time investigating the water cycle, utilized graphic organizers to sort information by class and assignment, and assessed their Math and Reading skills with an adaptive assessment in IXL.
Curriculum Corner: Sunshine State Reading Votes!
Last week, our students participating in the Sunshine State Reading Program had the opportunity to vote for their favorite Sunshine State Book. Students who have completed at least 3 books were immersed in an authentic voting experience, with electronic ballots, book candidates, and class-by-class voting schedules. Voting remains open through the end of the month, and ballots will be submitted to the Florida Association for Media and Education. At our next Sunshine State meeting, students will find out the results of the Collage vote, as well the impact of the Collage vote on statewide voting for 2024.
The Coolest Family-Friendly Event in North Florida
With Kilwins Original Recipe Ice Cream at the finish!
Join General Truck & Trailer Sales, Inc., founder, Kilwins Jacksonville and Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech for this ever-growing event with a timed 5K race and a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk.
At the finish line, participants are rewarded with all-you-can-eat Kilwins Original Recipe Ice Cream while enjoying a lively sponsor and vendor activity area.
Find out more:
Kilwins Jacksonville Ice Cream Run
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
Honoring Mental Health
- Early Detection and Intervention: Identifying mental health issues early leads to better outcomes. Parents, teachers, and caregivers should be aware of signs and symptoms of common childhood mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioral disorders.
- Open Communication: Encourage open communication with children about their feelings and emotions. Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Promote a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. These factors can significantly impact a child’s mood and overall mental well-being.
- Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time, especially on electronic devices and social media, can negatively affect children’s mental health. Set limits on screen time and encourage activities that promote social interaction and outdoor play.
- Teach Coping Skills: Teach children healthy coping skills to manage stress and difficult emotions. This can include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, journaling, and seeking support from trusted adults.
- Encourage Social Connections: Foster opportunities for children to build strong social connections with peers and adults. Positive social relationships can serve as a protective factor against mental health issues.
- Seek Professional Help When Needed: If you notice persistent changes in your child’s behavior, mood, or functioning, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists can provide assessment, support, and treatment tailored to your child’s needs.
- Promote Self-Esteem and Resilience: Help children develop a positive self-image and resilience by acknowledging their strengths and encouraging them to learn from challenges and setbacks.
- Address Bullying and Peer Pressure: Be proactive in addressing bullying and peer pressure, as these can have a significant impact on a child’s mental health. Teach children strategies for standing up to bullies and seeking help when needed.
- Lead by Example: Finally, remember that children learn by example. Model healthy behaviors, coping skills, and positive ways of managing stress in your own life.
