The Weekly Update #4

🌟 Special May Highlights

🌸 May Day Flower Surprise (May 1st)

Make small paper flower bouquets and secretly leave them on neighbors' doorsteps. A lovely way to teach kindness and generosity!

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta (May 5th)

Celebrate Mexican culture by making simple tissue paper flowers, listening to mariachi music, or trying out kid-friendly quesadillas or guacamole. Practice a few Spanish words together like "gracias" (thank you) and "hola" (hello)!

💐 Mother’s Day Craft-a-thon (May 12th)

Make homemade cards, coupon books (“1 Free Hug,” “Help with Dishes”), or a handprint flower bouquet for the amazing moms, grandmas, and caregivers in your lives.
Bonus idea: Interview your child with questions like “What does Mommy love to do?” and write their sweet answers in the card.

⭐ Military Hero Thank You Cards (Armed Forces Day – May 18)

Help your child make thank-you notes or drawings for soldiers or veterans. You can send them to a local VA center or service organization — a great way to practice gratitude!

Memorial Day Family Flag Parade (May 27)

Hold a mini backyard or driveway parade! Make patriotic windsocks, flags, or hats using red, white, and blue crafts. Talk about the meaning of Memorial Day and why we remember our heroes.

🚴 Bike Adventure Day (National Bike Month)

Plan a family ride (even trikes and scooters count!). Decorate bikes with streamers or balloons and end the ride with a picnic snack. Don’t forget the helmets! 🛡️

📚 “Get Caught Reading” Challenge (All Month Long)

Snap a photo of your child reading in silly or unusual places — under a table, in a fort, with a pet! Make a collage or slideshow of your reading adventures.

🎨 Sidewalk Chalk Masterpieces

Create a giant hopscotch, a nature mural, or “driveway zoo” with sidewalk chalk. Use painter’s tape to make cool geometric designs!

🐣 Visit a Farm or Spring Fair

May is a perfect time to meet baby animals, pick fresh produce, or enjoy hayrides. Ask your child to name their favorite animal and draw it when they get home!

🏕️ Backyard Campout Night

Set up a tent or blanket fort outside. Roast marshmallows, stargaze, and tell silly stories. Bonus points if you spot a shooting star!

🎭 Puppet Show Time

Use socks, paper bags, or even spoons to make characters from your child’s favorite story. Put on a living room performance — invite stuffed animals as the audience!

💧 Splash Day! Water Play at Home

Warm day? Set up a sprinkler, fill a bucket with sponge balls, or do water painting on the sidewalk. Water play is a hit for all ages!

🍓 Berry Picking & Strawberry Treats

Find a local berry farm and gather strawberries together! Later, make strawberry shortcake, freezer jam, or just enjoy them fresh and juicy.

🌿 Family Kindness Tree

Each time someone does something kind, add a paper leaf to your tree (use a wall or poster board). By the end of the month, you’ll have a full “forest” of kindness!

💬 Have a Yes Jar

Make a “Yes Day” jar! Fill it with little slips of fun things your child can request — a dance party, story time in the backyard, breakfast for dinner. Let them pick one a week!

🧠 1. Read Together Every Day

Make reading a cozy routine — even just 10–15 minutes a day.

Ask your child to predict what might happen next, retell the story, or point out sight words.

Read a mix of fiction and nonfiction books.

✏️ 2. Practice Writing in Fun Ways

Let them write letters, lists, signs for toys, or notes to family.

Use sidewalk chalk, sand, or shaving cream to make it playful.

Work on writing their first and last name clearly.

🔢 3. Make Math Part of Daily Life

Count snacks, toys, stairs, etc.

Practice simple addition and subtraction using objects or fingers.

Play board games that involve numbers, dice, or counting (like Chutes & Ladders or Uno).

🗓 4. Set Routines for Independence

Have a consistent bedtime and morning routine.

Encourage them to dress themselves and pack their backpack with help.

Use a visual schedule so they can start managing daily expectations.

🧩 5. Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

Use scissors, play dough, LEGOs, or beads to build hand strength.

Draw, color, and practice cutting along lines.

Let them help with things like zipping up jackets or buttoning clothes.

🧍 6. Practice Social Skills Through Play

Set up playdates or practice taking turns and sharing during games.

Teach polite phrases: “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and how to ask for help.

Talk about feelings and how to handle frustration or disappointment.

💬 7. Build Listening & Following Directions

Give two- or three-step instructions like: “Pick up your book, put it on the shelf, and then come sit at the table.”

Play listening games like “Simon Says” or “Red Light, Green Light.”

🧃 8. Encourage Responsibility with Little Tasks

Have them set the table, feed a pet, or help fold clothes.

Let them carry their own backpack and remember things they need for school.

Praise effort and progress, not just perfection!

🗣 9. Talk About First Grade Positively

Read books about starting first grade or talk about what might be different and exciting.

Visit the new school/classroom if possible or talk about routines like lining up, lunch, and specials (art, music, PE).

Let them share what they’re excited or nervous about.

🌈 10. Keep Learning Fun and Pressure-Free

Use educational apps or websites in moderation.

Cook together and measure ingredients.

Go on nature walks and talk about what you see.

Make time for play — it's how they learn best at this age!

As spring arrives, many families experience a variety of weather conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds. For some children, these weather changes can cause anxiety. If your kindergartner struggles with weather-related fears, here are some tips and resources to help ease their anxiety:

1. Talk About the Weather

Understanding what’s happening during storms or rainy days can help reduce fear.

• Discuss Weather Patterns: Use simple language to explain why storms happen (e.g., "The thunder is just clouds bumping together, and the rain helps flowers and trees grow!").
• Predict the Weather: Help your child feel in control by learning to forecast the weather together. There are apps or simple weather charts that can make it fun!

2. Create a Safe Space

Having a designated area where your child feels safe can be comforting.

• Comfort Items: Encourage them to keep their favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or calming sensory toys nearby during storms.
• Relaxation Tools: Practice deep breathing together or play calming music to distract from the sounds of the storm.

3. Routine and Reassurance

Maintaining a consistent routine during weather events can help your child feel secure.

• Stay Calm: Children are great at picking up on their parents' emotions. Reassure your little one with a calm, confident voice.
• Affirmations: Reassure your child by telling them that storms are just temporary and that they are safe. You can say something like, “The storm will pass, and we are safe inside.”

4. Use Books and Stories

Books are a wonderful way to help children understand their feelings and fears. Here are some books you can read together:

• "Thunder Cake" by Patricia Polacco – A sweet story about overcoming fear of thunderstorms.
• "The Storm" by Akiko Miyakoshi – A calming story that shows how a storm can be scary but also exciting and temporary.
• "Oh No, George!" by Chris Haughton – While not directly about weather, this story about overcoming challenges can be empowering for kids.
• "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" by Judi Barrett – This silly story about wacky weather can help kids see weather in a fun and lighthearted way.

5. Weather Anxiety Coping Strategies

You can help your child cope with anxiety through simple coping techniques:

• Breathing Exercises: Help your child learn deep breathing techniques, such as "smell the flower" (inhale deeply) and "blow out the candle" (exhale slowly).
• Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment with your child. Have them describe what they see, hear, and feel to help distract them from their anxiety.
• Create a Weather Diary: Let your child draw or write about their feelings before, during, and after a storm. This can help them express their fears and see that they are okay.

By offering your kindergartner a safe, reassuring environment and using these resources, you can help them navigate their fears and build confidence when facing weather changes. If you ever need support, please don't hesitate to reach out – we are here to help!

Hobart is all about helping the community! If you ever need any resources or support, please feel free to reach out and I will do my best to help find you the resources you need!

The Early Learning Center does a weekend food assistance program! Your child should have gotten a paper copy of this in their folder. If you need returned the form back to the school, then you are all set! If you haven't filled it out and would like to participate, please fill out the link below and we will make sure your child is added to our program!

There is also a list of resources that can be beneficial to you as well! You can click on the link below and see what resources there are. If you don't find what you are looking for or have further questions, please reach out!

You can also go to www.findhelp.org for even more resources!

1. Building a Strong Foundation

Kindergarten is a critical year for your child’s development, where they begin to learn essential skills that will set the stage for future success. Each day in school is filled with important lessons—whether it’s learning to read, practicing math, or developing social skills—and missing even a single day can mean missing out on key concepts.

2. Social and Emotional Growth

In kindergarten, children not only learn academic skills but also important social and emotional skills. They are learning how to make friends, share, take turns, and communicate effectively. When students are absent, they miss opportunities to interact with their peers and practice these essential life skills.

3. Establishing a Routine

Kindergarten is often the first experience a child has with a structured school routine. Regular attendance helps children adjust to this routine and develop good habits, such as arriving on time, following schedules, and completing tasks. These habits are important for their overall success in school and beyond.

4. Building Confidence

Being present and engaged in class helps children feel confident in their abilities. When they participate in lessons, ask questions, and complete activities with their classmates, they gain a sense of achievement and pride. Missing school can lead to feelings of being left behind or disconnected from the class.

5. Teacher Support

Your child’s teacher is here to support their learning and growth, but they can only do so effectively if your child is consistently present. Teachers are better able to meet your child’s individual needs when they have regular interactions and can provide timely feedback.

What You Can Do:

• Make School a Priority: Help your child understand that school is important and that their presence matters.
• Keep Routine: Establish a bedtime routine to ensure your child gets enough sleep and is ready for school each day.
• Communicate with Us: If your child needs to miss school for any reason, let us know in advance

Hello! I’m Miss Taylor Louie, and I’m thrilled to be the school counselor here at the Early Learning Center. My role is to support students in their academic, emotional, and social development, helping them navigate the challenges of school and life with confidence and resilience.

I’m passionate about creating a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels heard and supported. Whether it's helping with academic planning, providing guidance on personal issues, or facilitating group counseling sessions, my goal is to empower students to reach their full potential.

If you or your child ever need someone to talk to, whether it's about school, friendships, or anything else, I’m here to listen and help. Feel free to reach out to me via email at tlouie@hobart.k12.in.us and let’s work together to ensure a positive and successful school experience!

Looking forward to a great year ahead!

Hello! I’m Ryan Williams, and I’m in my second year as the Behavior Interventionist at the Early Learning Center. My role is to support students in managing their behavior while promoting social and emotional growth through personalized strategies that foster meaningful opportunities for development.

Before stepping into this role, I taught middle school math for 17 years. I earned my master’s degree in School Counseling and am excited to serve the Hobart community in this new capacity. Having been a Brickie myself since kindergarten, I’m passionate about helping our young Brickies grow and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

If you’d like to discuss how we can partner together to support your child’s continued growth, I’d love to be part of that journey. Feel free to contact me at rwilliams@hobart.k12.in.us or 219-942-7263 ext. 8822.

Thank you, and I look forward to the great year ahead!

Hi, everyone! My name is Mrs. Lyndsey Deaton, and I am the Wellness Supervisor at the ELC. I work closely with Miss. Louie, the school counselor, and Mr. Williams, the behavioral interventionist. My goal is to help students form their own tools and goals necessary to help self-regulate their emotional and behavioral choices in a safe and positive way. This ensures a better learning experience for not only themselves, but those around them. A few examples of how I achieve this would be providing support within the classrooms, talking students through their emotions with calm down techniques, weekly goal checks and collaborating with teachers in weekly meetings. I am passionate about seeing students progress and grow throughout the year as they hit their behavioral goals and seeing the joy that it brings them. Feel free to contact me at 219-942-7263 x8818 or at ldeaton@hobart.k12.in.us for any questions or if you'd like to work together to ensure a positive school experience! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child's learning journey!

As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or need anything. I am here to help!

Take care,

Taylor Louie

tlouie@hobart.k12.in.us

(219) 942-7263 ext. 8804