Media is Changing Childhood...Did You Notice?

WCS Parents, We enjoyed an important parent discussion at school recently and many of you mentioned your interest in the notes. I have many to share upon request. The resources are so immense it would be helpful to let me know what you are most interested in. Students should have brought home a color copy of the most important elements of media management in their school folders. I hope you will keep it handy for reference when thinking about the pros and cons of screen time, entertainment, apps etc... With holiday purchasing on the horizon, you will be making technology decisions and I know you will appreciate the guidance. I highly recommend Common Sense Media as the premier resource for all technology related parenting issues. Children deserve our careful attention to this important matter. If you have a few minutes I know you will enjoy this information from Common Sense Media. Please let me know what you want to learn more about.

An exciting opportunity for our community

Hello Parents, Sept. 14, 2018 We are excited to be leading our children in a focused study of developing character and community this year. Each month will have a featured virtue. Early childhood is using activities from The Virtues Project and Lower School is using The Big Idea Experience. It is our goal to build virtuous characteristics within the hearts of our children from age two to ten years-old. Along this journey we are excited for the impact this effort will have on all of us. We would like to invite our parents to experience this with us. Raising children to be healthy, compassionate and responsible members of society is a big task and parents can easily feel overwhelmed. It happens to all of us all from time to time. We will be posting encouragement and inspiration for parents around campus and via Seesaw. We believe in the power of community and want to provide ways to build relationships among our families. In addition, the Early Childhood and Lower School teachers are reading the book The Power of Kindness, The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life by Piero Ferrucci. We welcome you to read along at home. This book is a treasure and we believe you will enjoy it as much as we do. The virtues focus has inspired many new ideas that we will need help to implement at school. We would love to have a group of parent volunteers to help us along the way. Some projects will involve creating graphics and designs for digital messages and printed posters. Other tasks might involve framing artwork, laminating and cutting, or researching inspirational quotes. If you are interested in learning more about ways you can help please let us know. We will schedule meeting times once or twice a month for parents to work together on the tasks of the month. Our first gathering will be Tuesday, Sept. 18th at 8:15am. If you are interested in being a part of this group, please reply to Becky at rohearn@wcsks.com or Heather at heubank@wcsks.com. Here’s to a great year of working together to become the best parents and teachers we can be for our children. Gratefully, Becky O’Hearn, Heather Eubank and Jennifer Hearne

Welcome to WCS 2018-19

Welcome Early Childhood Parents, I am excited to begin this wonderful year of learning with you and your children. The start of each school year brings great anticipation and excitement for what is to come. At Wichita Collegiate School the children are the center of all we do. Those of us fortunate enough to teach, understand the growth the children experience during each school year. We love teaching because we love watching children discover how capable and talented they are. It’s a special privilege to experience this transformation with so many children each year. Next week we will begin again with 225 bright, eager faces from age two to six. We love them already and feel honored to be a part of their early education. Our summer has been a busy one. In addition to teaching 10 weeks of summer classes our faculty has voluntarily participated in two book studies. These books have led to greater understanding of best practices in reading instruction and the value of a knowledge-based sequential curriculum like ours at WCS. These books are “Language at the Speed of Sight” by Mark Seidenberg and “Why Knowledge Matters” by E. D. Hirsch Jr. Summertime is also a time for extensive professional development. On campus 44 WCS teachers completed a three-day training on Learning Profiles: Making Connections. This intensive workshop stems from the All Kinds of Minds Framework which defines learning into eight neurological constructs. As the teachers learned to identify the observable behaviors associated with the learning constructs, they developed tools and strategies to help facilitate growth in all learners from preschool to adult. These tools will help our teachers individualize their work with each child. Here is a link to more information: https://www.allkindsofminds.org/learning-framework. Eight of our EC and LS teachers are finishing a week-long workshop today in Portland, Oregon learning to implement The Scottish Storyline Method of integrated, active learning. Storyline is a structured approach to learning and teaching that was developed in Scotland. It builds on the key principle that learning, to be meaningful, has to be memorable, and that by using learner's enthusiasm for story-making, the classroom, the teacher's role and learning can be transformed. Storyline is a strategy for developing the curriculum as an integrated whole. It provides an opportunity for active learning and reflection as essential parts of effective learning and teaching. At the same time it develops in learners a powerful sense of ownership of their learning. – a quote from the Scottish Consultative Counsel on Curriculum. We are excited to see the creative ideas the teachers bring back from this highly specialized professional development. This summer, through the generosity of our families, we have been able to rejuvenate the beautiful features of our natural outdoor classroom back to its original glory. It is one of our greatest teaching assets in the EC division. Its beauty and function provides our littlest learners a place to explore, create, socialize, exercise and learn while benefitting from the calming effects of nature. It looks fabulous and I cannot wait to see the children playing on it again. One of the things we are most excited about is our school-wide focus on character education this year. Through an integrated approach all teachers, support staff, and student leaders will infuse character development into all we do. In early childhood we will focus on a virtue each month using literature, activities and spontaneous teachable moments to bring each virtue to life. We will help our little ones experience values in action as much as their young minds can absorb. Teachers will share stories and videos of what we witness in the children as they learn to practice patience, kindness, acceptance, resilience, cooperation and self-control. I am certain these moments will fill all our hearts with joy. Another exciting addition will be the use of a new online communication platform, Seesaw. Through the Seesaw app teachers can share text, photos and videos of classroom happenings directly with parents in real time. The Lower School has been using Seesaw for two years with great success and we are excited to begin. Parents will learn more at the upcoming Preschool Orientations and Parent Night for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. An important part of what makes our community strong are parents working together to support the school to raise healthy, well-rounded future citizens of the world. In this partnership the school strives to support and educate parents on a variety of topics relevant to each age group. In early childhood, we will host parent education sessions on the topics of behavior management and the effects of media and screen time on a child’s social and emotional development. We hope you will plan to join us for one or both sessions. Attached you will find the list of important dates which gives the details for the parent meetings mentioned above. http://files.constantcontact.com/c3c3d142101/2146998c-d525-4491-92ea-7d79a22ed987.pdf I look forward to a wonderful year together with you and your child. If I can assist you in any way this school year, please let me know. I am devoted to each child’s success. For the children, Becky O’Hearn

Holiday greetings

During this time of year we reflect on the many blessings in our lives and count each child a true treasure. The children who fill our classrooms bring us joy and fill our hearts with love. The early childhood faculty and staff say thank you and wish you Happy Holidays! Here is a link to Mrs. Johnson's kindergarten class singing Jingle Bells.

Eat, Sleep and Be Happy

From the Parent Discussion Group October 17th, Parenting Picky Eaters and other parenting topics:

Excellent parenting goals give perspective

I read many articles on parenting advice weekly and this one stands out. This article from Forbes.com summarizes my favorite ideas. It is a quick read and worth your time. I hope these ideas will support you on your journey of preparing your child to be a self-motivated, caring and responsible adult.  Enjoy!

Things mentally strong parents don't do.

Conscious Discipline Parenting Support

September 13th a large group of parents attended Jennifer Hearne and Beth Reeder's presentation.  At WCS, Conscious Discipline guides our classroom management strategies and supports social and emotional growth in our young learners. When parents and teachers speak the same language and share common expectations the children are more successful regulating their emotions and behavior and ultimately have more focus on learning. We captured this wonderful presentation on video. You can view it here in four 15 minute segments We also have copies of the corresponding book "Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline" by Dr. Becky Bailey in the EC office if you would like to purchase a copy for $11.
I hope you enjoy learning more about Conscious Discipline!

WCS Parent meeting CD part 1

WCS Parent meeting CD part 2

WCS Parent meeting CD part 3

WCS Parent meeting CD part 4

When joy multiplies

This week I want to celebrate one of our school's greatest resources, the parents. I asked a few parents to consider helping our teachers create some artwork for an upcoming school event.  I knew that this group of parents would help if their schedules would allow. I knew that they would be organized and creative. I was confident that they would make adorable pieces of art with our little ones. What I did not anticipate was how much joy they would create in the process. As this photograph shows, the parents had as much fun as the children. I am in awe of the respectful, kind, generous way these loving ladies brought joy into each others lives and made lasting memories for all 230 children in our school.  My heart is overflowing with happiness and gratitude.
The artwork will be ready for display soon and  I can hardly wait to see the joy on the children's faces when they show it to their parents.

Welcome to my blog

I have designed this blog with parents and teachers of young children in mind.  I hope you will find this blog helpful as you enjoy the journey of the early childhood years. I have spent my life working with young children and I have walked in your shoes as a parent. Please use this blog as a resource and a place to share ideas with others. Our collective wisdom and experiences shared will be the 'village' of support we long for in raising healthy, happy, productive citizens of our world. 

Blessings to you and your family, 
Becky O'Hearn
Head of Early Childhood 
Wichita Collegiate School

Brains at Work Through Play

Young children flex their brain 'muscles' through play.  I hope you will take 5 minutes to watch this gem about the important brain development we work on each day at WCS.  This video explains the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instruction, juggle multiple tasks successfully, set and achieve goals, and control impulses.  Thanks to Harvard University for sharing this with us.

Executive Functions: Skills for Life and Learning

Enjoy!

Expectations and Emotions Effect Learning

On Monday we had the privilege to learn from Dr. Judy Willis for our professional development day at WCS.  Dr. Judy Willis is a board certified neurologist from Santa Barbara, California who has been fascinated with how the brain learns.  She was so highly interested in understanding the impact emotions and expectations have on learning that she embarked on her own research.  In the process, to inform her research she felt compelled to become a classroom teacher.  She wanted to see first hand how students respond to instruction in a school setting.  I quickly realized how lucky I was to get such valuable information on a typical in-service at my school. I thought I knew quite a bit about the brain and her presentation would be a review, but, oh was I wrong. There is so much more I have yet to learn. I was fascinated the entire six hours of Dr. Willis's presentation and I left with my brain full but wanting more.
 If you are a 'learning and brain research junkie' like I am I think you will enjoy hearing her speak. I have added a video clip from one of her presentations a few years ago. This clip is 25 minutes long, so grab a snack and take a break while you watch.  Dr. Judy Willis TEDxASB

 Dr. Willis has authored many books and the next one on my reading list will be How the Brain Learns Best.  Here is more information about Dr. Willis if you want to learn more:
https://www.edutopia.org/users/judy-willis-md

I am very thankful for the wonderful opportunities for professional development I have at Collegiate.
Gratefully,
Becky

Early Childhood Physical Education: Dad's Day 2016 is out of this world!

Kathy Wagner and the EC team did not let the rainy weather spoil our special day on Friday.  Thank you Kathy for providing extra activities when we had to move Dad's Day inside last Friday.  These photos show the joy on the faces of the children and their dads!

Early Childhood Physical Education: Dad's Day 2016 is out of this world!: Click here to view pictures in the above slide show. Even though "the force" seemed against us for our Early Childhood &quot...

Thank you for joining our school family

School is off to a great start and the teachers, staff and I want to commend you parents on a job well done. You have prepared your child for a successful transition to school. I imagine you are feeling as proud and relieved as we are.  Getting young children ready to make a major change to their daily routine can seem overwhelming, but you all did it beautifully!  For your efforts I give you my gratitude and appreciation. We will work diligently as a team throughout the year for your child's optimal school experience. One of the tenants of our philosophy is to develop a sense of belonging in each child.  This sense of belonging, like in a family, will develop empathy and motivation in each child.  These emotional and social skills will lay the foundation on which optimal learning occurs. There are a myriad of other benefits as well which we will discuss in more detail at our parent discussion groups.  Here is a link to a brief video of the Conscious Discipline basics by Dr. Becky Bailey.  Please take a minute to watch this video to learn more about our approach to classroom management and join us on Sept. 21st at 8:15am to learn more. Video: Conscious Discipline Basics
Gratefully,
Becky and the WCS early childhood team

I love this time of year

I love this time of year.  It has been a joy to see the children make a successful transition from home to school. School started smoothly this week with great energy and positive expectations for the experiences we will share together. I especially appreciate the support and affirmation the parents offer the teachers as we embark on this special journey. Teaching is a unique profession in that every year one gets to start over from the first day of school.  The teachers have worked diligently to prepare their classrooms and curriculum. They have planned every detail from the first minute of the first day to ensure that the classrooms flow smoothly and every child feels at home.  We are a school family and all are welcome here.

Parenting Perspective Brings Peace of Mind

Over the past week I have been reflecting on the enormous impact mothers have on the children I serve.  At Mom's Day on Friday I witnessed over 200 children sharing nature-inspired activities with their mothers. I enjoyed watching the special moments each mother and child experienced together and the unconditional love shared. Collectively when looking at the entire group I noticed the beauty of diversity. I was reminded that the relationship between mother and child is uniquely designed by the family culture each stems from.  There is not a magic formula to be a good mother or one right way to parent a child. The mothers I know work hard to be a great mothers.  They love their role as mother and put much thought and energy into taking great care of their children.  If I could do one thing to help moms, I would help them understand that their child needs nothing more than their time. If you are a mom please hear this: "You are perfect just the way you are! Stop reading parenting blogs of the 'super moms', stop comparing your life to a 'pinterest perfect' image and just be you! You are all your child needs to be a healthy, well-adjusted human being. Trust yourself as a mother. I do!"
With love and gratitude,
Becky

Please enjoy this article from Tedtalks on this topic.
Reflecting on Parenting Around the World

Raising Kids Who Care

I found this today and want to share it with you.  Our work with children each day are full of these opportunities.  Teachable Moments: Three Great Tips for Raising Kids Who Care

Spring-like weather brings excitement!

Warm weather in February makes me smile, big, grinning from ear-to ear smile! I have been dreaming of what the first growing season would look like on our new outdoor play environment and it is almost here!  Each day as I walk across the campus I admire the beauty of the new space and say a quiet word of thanks to everyone who made it possible. I am thankful to the teachers, the designer, the builders, the landscaping team, the committee, the givers and the doers! Each one played an irreplaceable part in the successful completion of the project.  I am in awe that this wonderful space was built in record speed and with such beauty and purpose. I am reminded how special it is each time I tour with a new family and it takes their breath away.  I love telling the story of how it was designed to inspire children to love nature and to love learning. Soon, on our March 11 professional development day, I will meet with the teachers and staff to start planning our first planting season. There are so many possibilities and the best is yet to come. As with all things in nature gardens, the mysteries of spring will delight our senses as new life grows from the barren winter landscape.  I can hardly wait!

Tips to reduce holiday stress for families with young children

Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

December 2015

How to get started:

Understand the child’s stage of development.

Inventory the child’s strengths and weaknesses.

Focus on the child’s interest areas and strengths.

Calming activities

Children cannot turn down their energy level quickly. Help them with calming techniques: slowly lower your voice to a near whisper, make eye contact, dim lights, play soft music, show them how to breathe slowly, read to them, stretching exercises and joint pressure/rubs. Television during the holiday season can over-stimulate children more than usual because the commercials are geared to distract their attention and play on their emotions.  Less TV is best.

Set a playful tone

1.      Children learn best when they are relaxed and know they are loved.

2.      When you are having fun your child will also.

3.      Take time every day to laugh. It reduces stress and increases your overall health.

Shopping strategies: scavenger hunts and shopping lists

1.      Children love to hunt for things. This can help you when travelling, shopping or waiting for an appointment.

2.      Have children categorize/organize their hunts by interest areas or topics. (ie. vehicles types, animals, shapes, ABC’s, their favorite color, number…)

3.      Children can list or draw pictures of what they want to find on their hunt so they can record what they find as they go. This keeps them actively engaged along the way.

4.      Use a camera (real or pretend) for the child to take a photo of the items on their hunt.

5.      Collect interesting items (trash or natural) for creative projects.

Health, movement and exercise

1.      Children need 10-12 hours of sleep each day.

2.      Holidays are full of extra rich, high calorie foods. Provide your child with a simple, nutritious daily diet to give them the fuel their body needs.

3.      Children need physical outlets often. Take lots of breaks and burn energy in fun ways.

4.      Run, skip, hop, dance, stretch, isometrics (body weight resistance), lifting or pushing heavy things can be done in very limited space. Use your imaginations and get ‘double’ the benefit.

Mind games for quiet times

Imagine with your child some of his favorite activities. Encourage her to visualize a “picture in her mind” and describe it. Ask him what color, temp, flavor, size, shape etc…  Who else is there? ” Draw it.

Music

1.      Children listen more effectively when music is involved. Give singing instructions.

2.      Make music together often regardless of ability just for fun!

3.      Set your daily routines to a familiar tune and then sing yourselves through the day. “clean up, now it’s time to brush our teeth, get dressed, buckle our seatbelt etc..”

Art

Carry with you an art backpack full of art materials for instant open-ended creating. 

Dramatic play

1.      Children process information through dramatic play. Allow time for unstructured play every day. Watch and enjoy!

2.      Role playing/rehearsals for special events. If you want your child to behave in a certain way you must teach them and practice ahead of time.

Parents:

            Take care of yourselves too!  Be patient, kind and forgiving of yourself.  Count your blessings and be at peace with all that is your life…. even the messy, imperfect parts.  You are one-of-a-kind and the most important person in your child’s life. You are enough and all your child needs. 

Peace and love,

Becky

Musical instruments add art and inspiration to our new play space.

Exciting progress on the outdoor play and learning environment is underway.  Brian Maupin of Dallas, Texas installed the first two of 5 musical features. Brian exceeded our expectations with the creative design of the mushroom drums and xylobone fish.  Here are a few short videos of Brian explaining his designs. Thank you Brian for being a special part of our playground project.

Kudos go to the Simpson Construction crew who have worked through some of muddiest conditions imaginable for a summer project in Kansas. The pavillion looks fabulous.  The river and hill features are now complete with a beautiful blue coat of pour-in-place rubber, (Jack and Jill's hill and Row, Row, Row Your Boat). The photos below were taken mid-week. Each day the play space unfolds and the vision for the space is realized. It has been a joy to watch. 

Last Child in the Woods

My first break of the summer came this week with a 3 day stay in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico. The beautiful blue skies, breath-taking views of the diverse terrain and flora provided a much needed respite from my hectic, busy life in Kansas. I had time to read, reflect and recharge and it was so good for my soul.  I read the most fascinating book, Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv and it has compelled me to embrace a healthier lifestyle for myself and the children in my care.  Mr. Louv gracefully unfolds the realities American parents and educators struggle with in rearing the next generation of healthy adults, Due to our increasing fears about safety and over-scheduled lives childhood connections with nature are being lost for the majority of American children. I highly recommend this book as the #1 MUST read this summer.  It will truly transform your thinking about the decisions you make as parents. And, it will guide you to enjoy your summertime experiences with your children in new ways.  Here is a link to a short video for you to enjoy with Richard Louv talking about his book.
Last Child in the Woods with Richard Louv