It has been a long winter.  We have had a lot of inside time and are all looking forward to being able to get outside again.  Spring is just around the corner.  Soon everything will be growing and blossoming–including your children!

Have you ever tried to look at the world the way your child does?  Everything is new to them, and, oh, so interesting.  When you are with your child try to notice what your child is noticing.  They may be looking at a leaf, wondering how it is made and why did it fall off the tree!  They try to pay attention to everything, especially you.  They listen to your words so they will know what to say in the same situation.  They watch how you move and what your favorite things are.  You are their most important role model.

We try to be role models for them too.  We are still working hard on manners in our room.   We are encouraging them to use their spoons instead of fingers.  We also expect them to say please and thank you.  These are things that children of this age can understand and do very easily with asked.  We are also trying to make them see that their actions affect the other children in the room.  We have seen a lot of progress in this area, especially with the older children.

During March, we will have lots of exciting things happening at the Berry patch as we explore different cultures.  The cultures we have chosen for our room are India, Mexico, Ireland and Native American.  We will be trying to introduce different activities into all the areas.  We will have pictures for them to look at, some clothing for them to try on, music from the different cultures to listen to and will be introducing some different foods for them to try.  It will be a very busy month!

We will be trying to go outside if the weather cooperates, so please make sure your child is dress appropriately for the weather.  Hats and mittens are still needed.  We will still be trying to visit our friends at the Assisted Living section of the Nursing Home on the third Thursday of the month.  Please try to have your child here by 9:15.  We will leave the Berry Patch at 9:30 on these days.

Conferences will be coming up in April.  I hope you will all have a chance to come up and talk.  This is your opportunity to share your knowledge of your child and for us to share information.  It is a great time to ask questions and voice any concerns you have about your child’s development.

Miss Pat and Miss Sue