May Flowers + Summer Hours

The change from the first day of school to now is nothing short of remarkable. Throughout this year, our classrooms have been a garden of constant growth, where we have watched "I can't" transform into "I did it!" Our young learners have not only grown taller but have blossomed in their independence, empathy, and curiosity. From the first hesitant steps into the classroom to the confident way they now navigate their daily routines and friendships, every milestone—big and small—has been a reason to celebrate. It has been a joy to witness their unique personalities shine brighter with each passing month, and we are so proud of the resilient, kind, and capable individuals they are becoming. Here is to an adventurous summer, Early Learning Center Families!

The Green Room has been busy exploring the fascinating world of insects! As part of their study, students used loose parts to design and create their own insects. Using materials in creative and intentional ways allowed children to demonstrate what they know and understand about insect body parts, patterns, wings, legs, and other unique features. This hands-on experience encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and scientific thinking while giving students an opportunity to represent their learning through play and exploration. We are so proud of the thoughtful details and rich conversations that emerged during this engaging project!

The Orange Room has been digging into their gardening study with lots of hands-on exploration and discovery! Students have been planting, growing, and carefully observing plants as they learn what living things need to thrive. Through daily observations, children have noticed changes over time and engaged in meaningful conversations about growth and nature. They have also created beautiful observational drawings of flowers, taking time to notice details such as colors, shapes, petals, and stems. These experiences help strengthen scientific thinking, creativity, and close observation skills while nurturing a love for the natural world.

Our Red and Teal Classrooms welcomed a very special guest expert this week —a postal worker (Ms. Emily's mom)! As part of our study of roads, transportation, and tools, students had the opportunity to learn how mail travels from place to place and the important tools postal workers use each day. Children explored mailbags, sorting materials, stamps, and delivery routes while asking thoughtful questions and making connections to the roads and vehicles they see in their community. Experiences like these help bring our studies to life through hands-on, meaningful learning and real-world connections. Thank you to our guest expert for helping inspire curiosity and learning in our classrooms!

The Teal Room’s dramatic play area was transformed into a busy post office filled with meaningful learning and imagination! Students sorted packages, weighed and measured boxes, and explored how mail moves from one place to another. Children engaged in meaningful writing experiences as they created letters and cards to mail to friends and classmates. The space also encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world connections through authentic play experiences. One especially fun detail was the “Employee of the Month” display, which added excitement and helped children take pride in their important post office roles!

Our Blue and Yellow Classrooms enjoyed a wonderful community field trip to the Youth Hope! Students participated in an engaging interactive read aloud and had the exciting opportunity to choose a book to take home and enjoy with their families. Children also explored a variety of fun activities including games, rock climbing in the gym, and quiet table activities for those who preferred a calmer choice. The visit provided meaningful opportunities for movement, literacy, choice, and community connection while creating joyful memories together. We are thankful to the staff at Youth Hope for welcoming our students and creating such a positive experience!

Students in the Violetta Room spent time learning about Earth Day and ways we can care for our planet. As part of their exploration, children created beautiful 3D representations using air-dry clay and watercolors. Through this hands-on artistic experience, students expressed their ideas creatively while strengthening fine motor skills and observation skills. The project encouraged thoughtful conversations about nature, the environment, and the importance of taking care of the Earth while allowing children to represent their learning in meaningful and imaginative ways.

Students in the Purple Room explored shaving cream and paint. Sensory experiences like this support fine motor development, language growth, social interaction, and scientific exploration as children describe textures, experiment with mixing materials, and share their discoveries with others. These joyful hands-on experiences help children learn through curiosity, creativity, and active engagement while making learning both meaningful and memorable.

I Love You Rituals: The Power of Connection

These are short, playful interactions—like modified nursery rhymes—that use eye contact, touch, presence, and playfulness.

• Why they work: They release "joy juice" (oxytocin and dopamine) in the brain, which physically strengthens the bond between you.

• How to use them: When things are calm, try a ritual like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" while touching your child’s cheeks or palms. Doing this daily builds a "connection reserve" that makes your child more willing to cooperate when things get tough.

We use Conscious Discipline breathing techniques primarily for active calming and self-regulation. Taking three deep breaths signals the brain to shut off the "fight or flight" stress response, shifting the body from a state of upset to a state of composure. This physical shift allows both children and adults to access the higher, problem-solving centers of the brain to handle conflicts more effectively.

As we get ready for lots of together time during the summer months, family routines can help children feel secure, connected, and successful. While summer often brings a more relaxed schedule, young children still benefit from predictable routines and clear expectations.

The Positive Solutions for Families resources from the Pyramid Model remind us that routines help children build independence, confidence, and social-emotional skills. Simple routines for mornings, meals, playtime, cleanup, and bedtime can reduce stress and make family time more enjoyable for everyone.

Here are a few ideas to support positive summer routines:

• Create a simple daily schedule with pictures or drawings
• Keep consistent meal and bedtime routines
• Build in outdoor play, reading, and family conversation time
• Give children small responsibilities and choices throughout the day
• Celebrate positive behaviors with encouragement and praise

Do you find certain routines more challenging than others? Transitions, mealtimes, bedtime, or getting ready in the morning can sometimes be difficult for young children. The Positive Solutions for Families Routine Guide can help families think more deeply about challenging behaviors, understand what children may be trying to communicate, and provide practical strategies to support success during everyday routines.

Summer is also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships, explore new experiences, and enjoy meaningful moments together. Whether it’s a trip to the park, helping in the garden, or reading books before bed, everyday routines help children feel safe and connected.

Thank you for partnering with us to support children’s social-emotional growth at home and at school. Wishing your family a fun, relaxing, and joyful summer together!

What a way to end a great year! Our Expedition Everywhere was our first annual ELC Multiculutral Event. We hope our famlies enjoyed it as much as we did. We had such a great turnout, even though the weather was not very promising. Our cultural acts included Ms. Karina representing Mexico, Irish Dancers, Togolese Dancers, and a Natie American storytime. We also had many cultural activities set up in classrooms. All in all our final destination of the 2025-26 school year was a success! We couldn't have done it without the support of our amazing families and ELC staff. Thank You!

Join us for chalk fun, a bag of summer materials, and KONA ICE!

This family fun event will be held right here at the Early Learning Center!

If you know an Early Childhood Educator that has been a Champion for your child, consider recognize them!

We LOVE feedback! Please fill out this brief survey if you attended one of our events, to offer suggestions/celebrations/concerns, or anything else you would like to share with us!

If your family's SNAP benefits are being affected by the current government shutdown, please click the image below. This resource guide will provide local area food pantries that you are able to access if need be.

If you are experiencing a hardship or need a little extra help, please email tschofield@emsd37.org.

If you would like to be a guest reader for our Lending Library contact Ms. Tara

📚🎒 Looking for local community events and activities? The EMSD Digital Backpack is your go-to spot for community happenings!

Click the QR code to view this month's breakfast and lunch menus

May 15th- Ms. Vallejo's (Green Room) Field Trip

May 25th- No School: Memorial Day

May 27th- Chalk the Walk- Summer Send off Bag pick up

May 28th- Last Day of School and Field Day

May 29th- No School: In Service for Staff

July 1st- Online Registration for 2026-27 School Year opens

July 28th- In person registration help at the ELC 11:00- 7:00

Aug. 5th- Online Registration Closes

Enjoy your summer Little Panthers!

Do you have younger children? Bring them in for a developmental check-up! Open to EMSD residents with children aged 0-5 years old. Call our secretary, Lindsay, to schedule an appointment for a screening. Currently enrolled students do not need to be screened.

Important contacts:

Main Office: 309-865-6900

Lindsay Hill, Secretary (lhill@emsd37.org)

Tara Schofield, Family Educator (tschofield@emsd37.org)

Melissa McCullough, Principal (mmccullough@emsd37.org)