04/28/2010
Dear Preschool Families,
We have recently had several incidents with people passing school buses and parking in no parking zones. We would like to take this opportunity to share once again the procedure to be followed when picking and dropping your child off at preschool.
Parking
Fire lanes need to be clear at all times. Only buses are allowed to park in front of the building in the fire lanes. We ask that you don’t block them so we can load and unload the buses. You can park in the fire lane after the front entrance to the preschool. You can also park across the street after the orange cones. When parking and walking your child to his/her teacher, we ask that you please have complete control of your child. Pick up and drop off are busy times and we want to ensure that all our friends are safe at all times. We also ask that you avoid parking on the corner by the administration entrance of the building. It is difficult to see as you come around the corner and it has the potential to be a dangerous situation. When parking, the best bet is to park at the bottom of the hill and walk your child/children to their teacher. As people get use to the routine things will go much more quickly and smoothly.
Buses
When the red lights are flashing on the buses or the vans you can not pass them for any reason. If you pass a school bus or van with red flashing lights, it is a $200 fine for the first offense. The second offense is a fine and suspension of your license. The third offense is a permanent loss of your license. We know it takes us a few minutes to load and unload the buses; this is done to ensure the safety of all children. Please be patient with us. Your patience will ensure that all students are safe at all times. It should be noted that periodically the Burlington Police Departments Safety Officer comes to watch the pick up and drop off and is very generous when handing out fines.
The state of Massachusetts has a new mandatory booster seat law. It is important that all children are safely secured in the back seat of the car in a booster seat. We have attached the new law for your information. Again we ask that you keep your child safe in their booster seat until you drop them off. Nobody plans for an accident that is why they are called accidents.
We understand that parking can be frustrating and difficult but if everyone follows the guidelines it will ensure everyone’s safety and a smoother pick up and drop off.
Thanks You,
Louise D’Amato
Director of Burlington Integrated Preschool
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Alphabet Vacation
The following is a song that many of the students have been learning at school.
It is a fun song with a catchy beat that the children are enjoying singing along with.
Have some fun and sing it with your child. If your feeling adventurous make some alphabet cards to go along with the song.
As you sing it have your child find and match the letters that go along with the song.
Alphabet Vacation is by Ken Sheldon. (http://www.kensheldon.com/ )
Monday, April 26, 2010
Boston Globe
The following link is to an article that was in Sunday's Boston Globe Magazine. It was an interesting article and worth reading. Please take a few minutes to read it.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Closed
The Burlington Public Schools will be closed for April vacation the week of April 19th. School will be back in session on Monday April 26th.
Enjoy the week off.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thank You
The students and staff at the Burlington Integrated Preschool would like to thank Mrs. Enos, from Building and Grounds, and Mr. Gillingham, from Parks and Recreation, for getting us new sand for our sandbox. With the recent rains most of our sand had washed away. Due to their combined efforts our box has been replenish
ed and t
he children 
are having a great time playing in the sand box.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Public Library
Please cut and paste the following link to learn about all the wonderful things the Burlington Public Library has to offer.
http://www.burlingtonpubliclibrary.org/index.htm
School will be closed next for April Vacation think about planning a trip to the library. You can participate in story time, sign up for a library card and take out books with your child, or even look into getting a museum pass for the day.
Footwear
After a long winter and a very rainy month of March the children are very excited to be able to go outside and play daily. It is during this time of year, we like to remind parents about appropriate footwear for school. Sandals, flip flops and crocs are very cute but not functional. Children can't successfully navigate the playground equipment in shoes with open toes and backs. Since this type of footwear doesn't provide children with the stability they need they tend to trip and fall a lot.
Please send your child to school daily with sneakers on or closed toed sandals with ankle supports.
Although not as fashionable they are much safer on the playground.
Thank you for helping us keep the children safe on the playground.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Undesirable Language
Dear Parents:
Every once in a while in one of the preschool classrooms a student will use undesirable language. Although it can be shocking and a little disturbing we would like to take this opportunity to share with you how we respond to it and suggest that you do the same.
First and foremost, we always encourage the use of appropriate language. We spend a lot of time modeling the appropriate way to initiate and interact with peers and how to use words in an appropriate way to have needs and wants met. Children learn at a very young age that language is a powerful tool and is a great way to get adults attention both positively and negatively.
The following techniques are great ways to divert attention from negative language and reinforce appropriate language:
Don't laugh. It may seem funny at first to hear such language fall from the lips of your child, but letting them know that only encourages more of the same. Don't quote your child to another adult for a laugh either, at least not within your child's hearing.
Don't overreact. Acting shocked or horrified teaches that the word is powerful, thus giving your child incentive to repeat it.
Ignore the first incident. It's possible that your child has no idea that she's uttered an inappropriate word and may simply be repeating a new word much as she would any other new word. Paying no attention to the word can help it disappear from her vocabulary.
Remind your child of the rules. If your child repeats a forbidden word, state firmly, "We don't use that word in our family."
Set a good example. If you curse or swear, expect your child to do the same. Modeling appropriate verbal responses to anger helps your child learn socially acceptable language, too.
In school we will ignore a child that uses negative attention to have needs and wants met. We will quickly use this opportunity to praise children that are using appropriate language. Reinforcing that the use of positive language not only gets your needs met but it gets you lots of attention from adults. If a child uses negative language when angry we will say to them, “looks like your angry right know what else could you do to show anger or frustration?” We would then model appropriate ways to use language when angry. We might also suggest that the child take a break in the quite area to calm down and pull themselves together. If negative language persists we will then put a plan together to eliminate the behavior. Plans will be developed in tandem with parents so that reaction to negative use of language is consistent and the child never receives attention for it.
Please keep in mind that the use of negative language is a learned behavior. The best way to eliminate this behavior is to make sure your child is not exposed to it. Don’t use poor language in front of your children and make sure they are not watching programs on TV that would teach them bad words.
If your child has learned a negative word in school we apologize but if you use the above techniques your child will quickly learn that the words they are using have no power and they will stop using them.
Every once in a while in one of the preschool classrooms a student will use undesirable language. Although it can be shocking and a little disturbing we would like to take this opportunity to share with you how we respond to it and suggest that you do the same.
First and foremost, we always encourage the use of appropriate language. We spend a lot of time modeling the appropriate way to initiate and interact with peers and how to use words in an appropriate way to have needs and wants met. Children learn at a very young age that language is a powerful tool and is a great way to get adults attention both positively and negatively.
The following techniques are great ways to divert attention from negative language and reinforce appropriate language:
Don't laugh. It may seem funny at first to hear such language fall from the lips of your child, but letting them know that only encourages more of the same. Don't quote your child to another adult for a laugh either, at least not within your child's hearing.
Don't overreact. Acting shocked or horrified teaches that the word is powerful, thus giving your child incentive to repeat it.
Ignore the first incident. It's possible that your child has no idea that she's uttered an inappropriate word and may simply be repeating a new word much as she would any other new word. Paying no attention to the word can help it disappear from her vocabulary.
Remind your child of the rules. If your child repeats a forbidden word, state firmly, "We don't use that word in our family."
Set a good example. If you curse or swear, expect your child to do the same. Modeling appropriate verbal responses to anger helps your child learn socially acceptable language, too.
In school we will ignore a child that uses negative attention to have needs and wants met. We will quickly use this opportunity to praise children that are using appropriate language. Reinforcing that the use of positive language not only gets your needs met but it gets you lots of attention from adults. If a child uses negative language when angry we will say to them, “looks like your angry right know what else could you do to show anger or frustration?” We would then model appropriate ways to use language when angry. We might also suggest that the child take a break in the quite area to calm down and pull themselves together. If negative language persists we will then put a plan together to eliminate the behavior. Plans will be developed in tandem with parents so that reaction to negative use of language is consistent and the child never receives attention for it.
Please keep in mind that the use of negative language is a learned behavior. The best way to eliminate this behavior is to make sure your child is not exposed to it. Don’t use poor language in front of your children and make sure they are not watching programs on TV that would teach them bad words.
If your child has learned a negative word in school we apologize but if you use the above techniques your child will quickly learn that the words they are using have no power and they will stop using them.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Math at Home
What is "math" at this age? It's counting, comparing things and solving simple problems in everyday life. Most children enjoy games, and a lot of math can be learned by playing games. When children play, they often use mathematics.
They count. ("She has three blocks and I only have one.")
They share. ("Here's a car for you and a car for me.")
They solve problems. ("You go first, then, then John.")
They notice sizes and shapes. ("It's in the big, square box.")
Simple toys and objects like kitchen utensils, crayons and paper and pencil are all tools that can you your child learn math skills. Here are some things your preschool can learn about mathematics with your support and help.
Recognizing and naming shapes and numbers
Counting
Learning how to write some numbers
Using math language, like more and less, taller and shorter, lighter and
heavier, and half of.
Sorting objects into groups.
When, Where and How?
The key is to weave activities into your daily routine. Here are a few activity ideas that don't require much extra time...just a little effort.
Go for a walk and count the number of red cars or trucks you see. Observe and talk about what makes them different.
As you use items at home, such as mixing bowls or towels, comment to your child about their sizes. Use words like small, medium and large, bigger and smaller, lighter and heavier.
Give your child some items of different sizes to arrange-sets of measuring spoons or plastic mixing bowls will work. Also let your child help sort and fold towels and washcloths from the laundry.
While grocery shopping, note the aisle numbers you visit and count the number of people in the line ahead of you at the register.
Play with numbered refrigerator magnets and name them. Find things to match to the numbers: one nose, two eyes, five fingers.
Teach your child your telephone number and have them match the numbers.
Have your child sort silverware when putting them away.
Let your child play with plastic measuring cups in the tub at bath time.
Tips:
Keep it positive! Show an interest in numbers and shapes, and your child will too. Praise your child for effort made.
Tip 2 Don't push! Never drill your child or put him or her on the spot for answers. Provide information and play along to show your child how.
Tip 3 Talk about it as your child plays, observe what he or she is doing and talk about it. Answer questions or ask some of your won and you will both learn.
Tip 4 Follow your child's lead. If your child loses interest in doing something your suggest, stop for now and try something new.
They count. ("She has three blocks and I only have one.")
They share. ("Here's a car for you and a car for me.")
They solve problems. ("You go first, then, then John.")
They notice sizes and shapes. ("It's in the big, square box.")
Simple toys and objects like kitchen utensils, crayons and paper and pencil are all tools that can you your child learn math skills. Here are some things your preschool can learn about mathematics with your support and help.
Recognizing and naming shapes and numbers
Counting
Learning how to write some numbers
Using math language, like more and less, taller and shorter, lighter and
heavier, and half of.
Sorting objects into groups.
When, Where and How?
The key is to weave activities into your daily routine. Here are a few activity ideas that don't require much extra time...just a little effort.
Go for a walk and count the number of red cars or trucks you see. Observe and talk about what makes them different.
As you use items at home, such as mixing bowls or towels, comment to your child about their sizes. Use words like small, medium and large, bigger and smaller, lighter and heavier.
Give your child some items of different sizes to arrange-sets of measuring spoons or plastic mixing bowls will work. Also let your child help sort and fold towels and washcloths from the laundry.
While grocery shopping, note the aisle numbers you visit and count the number of people in the line ahead of you at the register.
Play with numbered refrigerator magnets and name them. Find things to match to the numbers: one nose, two eyes, five fingers.
Teach your child your telephone number and have them match the numbers.
Have your child sort silverware when putting them away.
Let your child play with plastic measuring cups in the tub at bath time.
Tips:
Keep it positive! Show an interest in numbers and shapes, and your child will too. Praise your child for effort made.
Tip 2 Don't push! Never drill your child or put him or her on the spot for answers. Provide information and play along to show your child how.
Tip 3 Talk about it as your child plays, observe what he or she is doing and talk about it. Answer questions or ask some of your won and you will both learn.
Tip 4 Follow your child's lead. If your child loses interest in doing something your suggest, stop for now and try something new.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Unit 5 books we will be reading
The following is a list of books we will be reading while learning about shadows and refelctions;
Play with Me by, Marie Hall Ets
The Puddle Pail by, Elisa Kleven
Kitten for a Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Raccoon on His Own by Jim Arnosky
Clap Your Hands by Lucinda B. Cauley
Night Shift Daddy by, Eileen Spinelli
Fun With Shadows by Sharon and Jeff Siamon and Cynthia Benjamin
Dreams by Ezra Jack Keats
Play with Me by, Marie Hall Ets
The Puddle Pail by, Elisa Kleven
Kitten for a Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Raccoon on His Own by Jim Arnosky
Clap Your Hands by Lucinda B. Cauley
Night Shift Daddy by, Eileen Spinelli
Fun With Shadows by Sharon and Jeff Siamon and Cynthia Benjamin
Dreams by Ezra Jack Keats
Unit 5 home ideas
For unit 5 we will be reading books and talking about shadows and reflections. We hope you'll take some time to notice shadows and reflections and talk about them at home, too.
The following activities are things you can do to help your child learn. Please try to complete some of the activities. The activities can be done in any order that works for your family.
Thought for the month:
Children learn about language through conversations. How much are your talking with your child?
Sit still together and observe birds or other animals. Talk about what you see.
On a sunny day, play with a small mirror indoors. Show how it can reflect light.
Observe an ant or other insects closely. Talk about what it looks like and what it's doing.
Play Simon Says. Use animal movements. Hop like a grasshopper and swim like a fish.
On a sunny day, place a plant or other interesting shapes on the windowsill. Use paper and a crayon to trace the shadow shape it casts.
Turn off the lights and play flashlight tag. Use two flashlights, name an object and see who can hit it first with a flashlight beam.
Look at clouds together and talk about the shapes you see.
Have your child hunt for shinny things in your home. Talk about how well you can see your reflection in them.
Look in a mirror together and ske your child to describe what he or she see. Talk about shapes, colors, and how many.
The following activities are things you can do to help your child learn. Please try to complete some of the activities. The activities can be done in any order that works for your family.
Thought for the month:
Children learn about language through conversations. How much are your talking with your child?
Sit still together and observe birds or other animals. Talk about what you see.
On a sunny day, play with a small mirror indoors. Show how it can reflect light.
Observe an ant or other insects closely. Talk about what it looks like and what it's doing.
Play Simon Says. Use animal movements. Hop like a grasshopper and swim like a fish.
On a sunny day, place a plant or other interesting shapes on the windowsill. Use paper and a crayon to trace the shadow shape it casts.
Turn off the lights and play flashlight tag. Use two flashlights, name an object and see who can hit it first with a flashlight beam.
Look at clouds together and talk about the shapes you see.
Have your child hunt for shinny things in your home. Talk about how well you can see your reflection in them.
Look in a mirror together and ske your child to describe what he or she see. Talk about shapes, colors, and how many.
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