Parent Education Series

by Lynn Hess, Director

At The School of Grace, we carefully consider how our reactions, as adults, help children build healthy relationships. For example, if a child hits another child, we stop the action, focus on the child who was hurt, then address the conflict. If the children are verbal, we ask each child what happened and listen to their explanation. Our purpose is not to blame and punish. Our purpose is to help the children mend their relationship and resolve potential issues in the future.

We tell the children to look at the other child, notice his/her facial expressions and listen to their words. We then reiterate what we have heard, saying something similar to, “Joe doesn’t like it when you hit him. Touch Joe gently”. Then we wait for that action to happen. Afterwards, we guide the children, saying, “When you want a toy from Joe, ask him, then wait until he is finished”. We follow this with, “Joe, when you are finished, give the toy to your friend.” Continue reading →

By Lynn Hess, Director

Last week was messy, with overcast skies and rain, especially early in the week. We could have lamented the extra time spent inside due to the gloomy weather. Instead, the Turtle Class donned raincoats and boots every day, taking nature walks and discovering everything wet: sticky (sweet gum) balls, pine pollen pods, little green bugs with webs and, best of all…PUDDLES! The children stomped and squealed, pretended to fish with sticks in the deepest puddles and delighted as our splashes erupted from the ground. Last week, we seized the moment and made the most of them. We explored, learned and laughed.

I pray that your summer is blessed with many such moments, filled with wonder and delight!

By Brittany N.

At The School of Grace, two special classes are offered each week. Chapel is offered to the three older classes and Music is offered to every class. This year, the Tadpole and Turtle Classes join each other for Music on Thursdays in the church library. During Music, the preschool Director, Lynn, leads the Music lesson. She sings while teaching children words and movements to each song. Lynn also plays the guitar and introduces an instrument to be played by all the children. Teachers and assistant teachers sing along, assisting the children however possible. Some weeks we play tiny 4oz plastic cups with plastic spoons, other weeks we shake bells strung in a circle on pipe cleaners. We love beating our plastic coffee container drums and sometimes we even use bright colored, mesh scarves to wave around and toss in the air. Many other creative utensils and tools are used as our musical instruments, with my favorite one of all: the wooden percussion frogs. Continue reading →