December Newsletter
Kiddie Academy of Middletown
This month, we are thrilled to shine our Teacher Spotlight on Ms. Cara, who plays a key role in supporting our Toddlers and Twos classrooms.
Ms. Cara brings kindness, patience, and a calming energy to every room she enters. She jumps in wherever she is needed, always lending a helping hand to teachers and offering comfort and encouragement to our little learners. Her dedication, flexibility, and love for the children make a meaningful impact each day.
We are so grateful to have Ms. Cara as part of our Kiddie Academy of Middletown team. Thank you for all that you do! 💛
We Are Friends
Infants
The focus this month is to be intentional about showing kindness. Babies must first know what it feels like to receive kindness before they will be able to demonstrate kind acts later in their development. Caregivers should focus on finding opportunities to deepen the individual bonds with children by meeting the children’s needs calmly and efficiently, and speaking to children often and in gentle, soothing tones.
Toddlers
Toddlers enjoy interacting with adults and peers at this stage of development. They react and respond to expressions of emotion by others and begin to show empathy. Toddlers respond to kindness from others, such as smiling or showing affection when they receive praise or approval from adults. This month, focus on creating an atmosphere in the classroom that promotes and models kindness.
Twos
At this stage it is important to instill the values of kindness and thoughtfulness in our children. Early preschoolers are still developing their communication skills and may demonstrate kindness in other ways. They may show kindness through their body language or other indirect actions such as giving a toy to a friend or sitting next to a friend who may be sad. At this stage children are becoming more aware of how others are feeling. This is evident in their increased effort and ability to share and take turns with others. It is important to foster situations where children can practice kindness, work cooperatively, and understand the needs of others.
Preschool
The goal this month is to encourage preschoolers to become aware of the needs and feelings of others. Encouraging thoughtfulness and generosity in children instills kindness that can last a lifetime. Children develop compassion through acts of caring and kindness toward others. Throughout the unit, children will have opportunities to apply these values to their relationships and interactions with others.
• Thoughtfulness: consideration for the needs of other people
• Generosity: act of giving or sharing what one has with others, including time and attention
• Politeness: having or showing good manners or respect for other people
• Helpfulness: giving assistance when someone is in need
Pre-k
The goal this month is to help the children understand that demonstrating kindness toward others makes people feel happy and appreciated. They will understand that kindness can be shown to others through thoughtfulness, generosity, helpfulness, and politeness.
• Thoughtfulness: showing consideration for the needs of other people
• Generosity: giving or sharing what you have with others, including your time and attention
• Politeness: having or showing good manners or respect for other people
• Helpfulness: giving assistance when someone is in need