IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS
3/27: International Festival
3/29: No School (Optional Care Preschool and PreK)
A Note from Kris
Let’s Go Play In The Dirt
Spring is prime time for children to get outside and explore the world around them. While your first instinct as a parent or educator may be to coax kids away from playing in the dirt, this type of sensory experience is a great tool for their development, emotional stability and even their health! Here are reasons playing in the dirt has benefits and how to incorporate this play into your family’s daily lives.
- Boost Immunity– Believe it or not, the healthy organisms that are present in dirt can be a great boost when it comes to a child’s immune system. Studies have shown that children without regular exposure to the germs found in dirt have increased cases of asthma, allergies and autoimmune issues. The old wives’ tale is true – Kids need to eat a pound of dirt a year!
- Brain and Heart Happiness– laying in nature has massive benefits for both mental ability and mental health. Spending an extended amount of time outdoors in unstructured play has been shown to build a child’s confidence, promote creativity, enhance the senses, challenge thought patterns and reduce stress. For children with behavioral or sensory struggles, this can make a significant difference in their daily lives and functioning.
Curriculum Corner: International Day
We are extremely excited for our International Day on March 27th! In both our Upper and Lower Schools, students and teachers have been working so hard, learning about their counties and preparing their rooms for soon-to-be visiting travelers. Parents are invited to tour the countries with their child, learning about different cultures and customs along the way. Please contact your child’s teacher for specifics regarding schedules, timing, expectations, or any other questions you may have. Lastly, tables are still open for families to present if they would like-contact Danielle at theriault@collagedayschool.org to sign up!
Summer Camp 2024
Preparations are well underway for Collage’s 2024 Summer Camp, and we’re proud to announce new and exciting expansions to our program. For our youngest, Preschool-aged campers, Camp Collage and TimberNook will be filled with outdoor crafts and activities, as well as weekly on-site field trips with a new theme each week!
For our campers aged 5 and up, along with participation in Camp Collage and TimberNook, new mini-camp choices will be offered, including:
Microbiology Watercolors Photography
Dance Volleyball
Track and Field
We can’t wait to see what amazing things our campers create this summer, and we hope to see you all there!
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SIGN UP:
For direct questions, reach out to Tiffany Clark, at clark@collagedayschool.org
Collage Day School Talent Show!
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.
click the link below to find out more!
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
Encouraging kids to engage in both indoor and outdoor activities is essential for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here’s a list of healthy activities for kids:
Indoor Activities:
- Board Games and Puzzles:Stimulate cognitive skills and promote social interaction.
- Arts and Crafts: Encourage creativity through painting, drawing, sculpting, and crafting.
- Reading and Storytelling: Foster imagination and language skills by reading books or telling stories.
- Cooking and Baking: Teach them about healthy eating while having fun in the kitchen.
- Indoor Obstacle Courses: Set up a course using cushions, chairs, and other household items to promote physical activity.
Outdoor Activities:
- Cycling: Take them for a bike ride around the neighborhood or to a nearby park.
- Hiking: Explore nature trails and enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise.
- Sports: Play soccer, basketball, baseball, or any other sport they enjoy.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for them to find in nature.
- Picnics: Pack a healthy lunch and enjoy a picnic in the park.
