Happy New Year!! 2013

Well, the year is off to a great start! Any resolutions? Since New Year's resolutions are sometimes short lived, I prefer to have short and long term plans and goals! I think 2012 was a fabulous year at Judy's Little Gems and I am really looking forward to another wonderful year. Thanks to all of you who help make my days so fun!! This year is beginning with an active bunch of toddlers and preschoolers. :D We will be focused on self-help skills, such as feeding, dressing, communicating needs and wants, and toileting. Our focus will also be on helping others. (fill a bucket) New this month will be Helper of The Day. This child will put out the place mats for morning snack, carry the name tags to circle, put the numbers on the calendar and use the pointer for counting, days of the week, months of the year and the alphabet. Children will learn new skills such as putting scraps in the compost, setting and clearing the table, pouring water into their cups etc. Being a helper is a great way to grow self esteem. It is amazing to see the confidence that comes with doing these important jobs and the happiness that both the helper and those she/he has helped receive.(Ask me or your child about fill a bucket!!) We will continue to work on our Alphabet, Counting, and Phone numbers and will begin to draw simple shapes to help us with letter formation and story pictures. Some learning themes this month will be winter, including sports and animals and Good Deeds. As the month progresses we may expand on these or move in a new direction depending on the interests in the group. Parents, let me know if you see play at home that your children may want to expand on or share with our group. Children learn best when their interests lead the play. Happy New Year to all of my little Gems and their families!