Here are a few helpful tips to remember before starting school:
When students begin at TerraNichol Academy these will be beginning skills.
1. Students do not need to be potty-trained to begin school at TerraNichol Academy of the Arts. For students who are using the bathroom your child will need to be able to use the bathroom independently. Ensure that they know how to use the toilet properly, how to clean up after themselves, and how to wash their hands correctly.
2. Your child will need to be able to carry their own lunchbox, open all containers, set up their lunch space with mat, napkins, and utensils and open their own drink cup or container. During life skills such as getting water throughout the school day from water stations, your child will be pouring his/her own water and drinking out of a regular drink cup. During yoga workshop students will be pouring and drinking hot/cold tea out of regular size tea cups. During garden workshops, your child will be haveresting and washing vegetables, cutting them up, and preparing them for small group tasting.
3. Your child will need to be able to make up their nap cot at naptime and pack up their nap bag and put it away.
4. Our program thrives on children exploring the world around them and that can sometimes get messy! Please dress you child in comfort clothes that you won’t mind if they get messy.
5. Children make connections with new information based on their background experiences, so take advantage of living in Florida and provide new experiences for your child by visiting museums, new places, and interacting with people.
6. We hope to create an active parent teacher partnership during the school year. Think about how you would like to be involved in the program.
7. Remember the first family project is the “All About Me Family Collage” and framing a 5x7 family photo to be hung in the hall. “The All About Me Family Collage” will be added to our book in the learning environment. The book is a resource to the students to learn more about one another and for children to have a little piece of home when they are missing home. Missing family is natural for children.
What can you do to prepare for school?
At school your child will be encouraged to make choices for him or herself. Here are a few ways to foster independence at home.
Let your child walk places with you and in the school-there’s no need for stroller.
Let your child feed themselves with utensils.
Let your child dress themselves including putting on their own shoes by themselves.
Let your child learn to make decisions for themselves.
Let your child help with lunch and deciding what they would like to pack in their lunch for the next day.
Check out books or music from the library that they are enjoying at school. Making a connection from school to home.
Encouraging your child’s independence at home will go a long way in promoting healthy self- image and self-esteem. You will be amazed at all your child can do!
Engage in meaningful conversations
Community is all about making connections with others. In the learning environment our days will be filled with conversations. To get your child ready for this engage in a lot of talk! Talk about the things you notice around town, talk during mealtimes, engage your child in dialogue each day. Also, help your child use his/her words to express feelings when they are upset. Children need models to learn how to use their words to express their needs, feelings, and ideas.
Read often, play often, and watch TV less.
We are lucky to live near many wonderful libraries so visit them often and find a world of great books to read and enjoy. Along with reading each day, encourage imaginative play throughout the day. And remember T.V. should be limited each day as it is no substitute for conversation, reading and/or play.
Note: Students within the development of Nido Nest 18mos-2 yrs old will be working towards beginning self help/life skills, and mastering goals through consistency, repetition, guidance and support by parents and teaching team members.