Letter To The Parents
An integral part of our program is building relationships with children, and guiding them as they develop relationships with other children. I was able to observe a teachable moment the other day in one of our classrooms, as the teacher took the opportunity to teach a hands-on lesson in empathy.
One of our PreK children and her family presented some of the customs of their culture, including a feast of their traditional food. Anticipating some of the children’s possible responses to food that was new and different for them, the teacher took the time to teach manners about what we say when we don’t like something. An important step further, the teacher talked about how it makes a friend feel when we say something that might offend them. I was delighted and proud to see that all of the children tried the food. Some of them did not finish it, but each of them learned that day not only about the foods of a different culture, but about how to think about others’ feelings. These are lessons that are learned best in an environment that feels safe and comfortable, where children have learned to trust and respect their teachers and peers.
Empathy is a complex life skill that takes children a long time to learn. Preschool is the perfect place for young children to talk about it, to see it modeled, and to practice it under the guidance of a caring adult. This is the kind of learning that allows children to develop successful relationships throughout their lives.
Have a wonderful March and start of Spring,
Suzi Alrutz
Director,
Trinity Preschool of Berwyn
Featured Articles in March 2009 Newsletter
~ Important Dates In March
~ Caring Cupboard Collections in March
~ Trinity's Admissions Policy
~ Artwork Originals
~ Parent Volunteer Coffee
~ Parent/Teacher Conferences
~ Child ID Program
~ Snow Days & Re-Scheduled Classes
~ safeTVision
~ NAEYC Notes
~ Special Thanks
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