Last month I spoke about the R.I. Early Learning Standards, we at St. Paul’s Nursery School follow. I also spoke about the importance of Play and that play is the first goal in each of the eight domains in the RIELS. Since play is such an important component in the learning process, I want to elaborate on play this month.

Play Is Learning: “Young children learn best by doing” (National Association for the Education of Young Children). Unlike adults who are able to learn from memorizing facts, very young children learn about the world around them by using their senses – by seeing, touching, tasting, smelling and hearing. Preschool children discover for themselves how things work by experimenting, using their imaginations and their bodies, as well as by interacting with others. Through play children acquire important mental, physical, and social skills which prepare them for later learning. Children learn through: Physical Play, Pretend Play, Art, Music, Books, Blocks, Puzzles and Toys -- Playing is fun!

Speaking of fun, I would like to thank the St. Paul’s Church Seniors for inviting us to sing at their Christmas Luncheon on Dec. 8th. The children truly enjoyed singing and making ornaments for their Christmas tree. Thank you for the delicious goodie bags that were given to each child.

I would like to thank all who participated in our annual basket raffle, the nursery school parents, who donated items for the baskets and the many people who purchased tickets. It was a great success. A special thank you goes to Heather Lee and Elisabeth Hallene for wrapping the baskets for us and making them so attractive. And the winners are: Lois Bennett, Italian Basket; Dan Lamond, Chocolate Basket; Tina Browning, Pamper Yourself Basket; Lisa Hunter, Garden Basket; Caroline Rumowicz, Christmas/ Holiday Basket; Laurie Campfield, Arts & Crafts Basket; Karen Lu Lapolice, D.J. Certificate.

I would also like to thank our wonderful parents at St. Paul’s “Weekday” Nursery School for donating the numerous pairs of pajamas for the “Cool Kid’s Need P.J.’s” drive and for all the donations of food for the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s Christmas Baskets. You are teaching your children valuable lessons through your examples of kindness and generosity.

We continue to take registrations for next year’s preschool classes 2012-2013. If you know of a 3 or 4 year old who is ready for preschool, have them give us a call (295-7320).

Blessings,
Linda