from the director | August 2015
Vicki Rutledge
Hello, Weekday School Families! Welcome to the first newsletter of the 2015-2016 school year. This resource is designed to be a place where I can share advice and tips as we partner together to support your preschooler’s growth and development. I try to keep things fun, simple, and encouraging - you’ll have to let me know what you think!
By now I hope you have seen the movie “Inside Out.” Our staff saw it together in June. Then I went a second time with my husband and our 14 year old daughter. It is rich and multi-layered and a wonderful form of mini-marriage/family counseling (see my favorite scene) . I highly recommend that you go see it - maybe even without your preschooler so that you can really pay attention (and to be honest, there are some slow parts). Here’s why I think you will find the movie helpful…
The movie serves as a valuable teaching tool for your child’s social and emotional learning. “Inside Out” is about a girl named Riley and the move her family makes to a new town. She has to adjust to a new school and make new friends. That’s what’s happening on the outside. On the inside, Riley experiences a range of emotions and developmental challenges (such as transitioning from childhood to adolescence). The way in which Riley expresses these emotions creates tension, confusion and conflict in her relationship with her mom and dad.
Young children are at the very beginning stages of social-emotional development. They feel the same emotions adults do, but they may not yet be aware of what is going on inside of them. Young children do not know how to verbalize what they are feeling. These are skills they need to learn and have the opportunity to practice. In the meantime, young children cry. Or throw tantrums. Or cling to you, refusing to let go.
As your child begin the school year, like Riley, he/she may feel a wide range of emotions including fear of a new experience (even if they have already been at WDS), worry about who will play with them, sadness that you are leaving them, and hopefully some joy and excitement too.
It is important for us to allow our children to experience and express their feelings - even feelings we may perceive as negative. In the Link Round-Up, we’ve provided some practical ideas for you as you coach your child through the start of school.
Finally, we would love to request some back-to-school donations from you. These are items we go through like hot cakes! See the list here. Donations can be dropped of in the lobby when you come for Class Visitation.
Please know how honored and excited we are to begin the school year with your family. Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” We certainly feel this way about your child. Can’t wait to see you all in a few weeks!
In Him,
Beth Hewitt