Preschool News
November was an exciting month at Harmony! The children explored a new color (Brown), a new shape (Rectangle), a new number (3), and welcomed the month of November. They learned that rectangles have four sides: two long vertical sides and two short horizontal sides. Throughout the month, we continued discussing Fall, noting how weather shifts from warm to very cold. Having hats and mittens in side backpack pockets has made outdoor time easier and more comfortable.
Our focus on self-help skills continues. Encouraging your children to put on and take off their own jackets, and to pack and unpack their snack bags and backpacks at home, helps reinforce independence. These accomplishments are key for young learners and serve them well, both now and in the future.
Families who have checked Brightwheel will have seen the children’s creative Thanksgiving artwork. We hope these special pieces brighten your holiday decorations at home.
Harmony students have been hard at work—learning new skills, making friends, and reflecting on the meaning of Thanksgiving. We encouraged children to think about gratitude, and hope you have enjoyed reading what your child is thankful for. At Harmony, we are grateful for our strong, kind, and respectful community, and we strive to be safe, first-time listeners, and optimists. Thank you for allowing us to share these important early school years with your family!
Pre-K News
November has been wonderful in Pre-K! The children are showing great progress during small group activities, calendar, and alphabet work. We emphasize respectful listening, practicing "the two-hand rule" during lesson times.
Each week, we explore the structure and sounds of letters, and use our alphabet tray for hands-on learning. A great “pre-reading” home activity is to practice helping your child go "forward" in a book: turning pages from right to left and using the book from top left to bottom right.
Physical activity is a daily highlight. The children warm up with cardio exercises—foot taps, side hops, cross-country skiing, jumping jacks, and squat jumps—followed by strength and stretching. This sets the tone for an energized learning day!
Self-help skills are practiced throughout every project: from preparation, through action, to clean-up. This involvement builds both problem-solving and independence. At home, consider including your child in meal planning, grocery shopping, preparing food, and cleaning up afterward. While it takes time, the lifelong skills gained are invaluable.
With colder weather, we encourage Pre-Kers to independently dress in jackets, hats, mittens, and snow pants. Many can zip on their own, and home practice helps them develop pride in these accomplishments. "Practice makes progress!"
December brings new excitement! We’ll start working with simple AB patterns, using colors from Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Hanukkah. Patterning introduces early math concepts, enhances problem-solving, and fosters algebraic reasoning. Activities may include beads, stickers, stamps, colored playdough, and even folding towels in patterns.
Coming Up
In December, our Holiday Unit will explore the diverse ways families celebrate. We will give equal attention to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Family sharing is welcome! If you’d like to contribute a special tradition or story, please reach out. Personally, I share how my family celebrates Christmas with a birthday cake for a baby named Jesus on Christmas Eve.
Some suggested reading at home:
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The Mouse Before Christmas by Michael Garland
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The Gifts of Kwanza by Synthia Saint James
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Hanukkah! by Roni Schotter
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Happy Hanukkah, Biscuit by Allyssa Satin Capucilli
Past years have included our Polar Express Party, setting up the classroom as a train, enjoying hot chocolate, and celebrating together in pajamas; and we are excited to do it again! Watch out for the shenanigans our Elf gets himself into. . . .
Housekeeping
As the holidays approach, please remember: teacher gifts are not necessary! If you feel inclined, consider a grocery store gift card donation to the Hanover Food Pantry, which supports many local families. Learn more at Hanover Food Pantry’s website.
Thank you to everyone who has donated paper towels and hand soap—we go through these quickly and appreciate your support!
Please label all your child’s belongings, and check backpacks regularly for school artwork.
Mittens that are easy to put on are preferable to gloves, and pull-on boots and simple coats help children get outside quickly. Independence in dressing means more time for outdoor play!
Child Development Corner
Cognitive development flourishes in early childhood, with environment and experience playing key roles. Research shows that intelligence is not solely determined by genetics, but is nurtured through rich experiences. All domains—physical, social, emotional, and cognitive—are interconnected. A learning environment that is active, nurturing, and multisensory is optimal for children’s growth.
Physical movement remains essential; children need opportunities for activity throughout the day. For more on exercise and child development, see these articles:
You are your child’s most important teacher. Thank you for being partners in nurturing independence, curiosity, and kindness!