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SusanandMichelle
 

ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Going outdoors is an important part of our day at EFC. It gives the children a chance to stretch large muscles, breathe fresh air, take in the sunshine, and enjoy the freedom of space.

 

Going outdoors is not only fun, it contributes to the children's overall development. It gives them a chance to explore with all their senses, practice gross and fine motor skills, develop social skills, and begin to appreciate and respect other living things. Here are some examples:

 

When your child does this...

*crawls through the grass

*climbs on the equipment

*picks up a pine cone to put in a bucket

*watches a squirrel climb a tree

*rolls a ball to another child

 

Your child is learning...

*to explore with all senses

*to use gross (large) motor skills

*to use fine (small) motor skills

*to appreciate nature

*social skills and dexterity


 

THANK YOU!

On behalf of our teaching staff, we would like to thank all of the families that participated in the teacher appreciation luncheon. Everything was delicious and very much appreciated! Also, thank you to those who took the time to complete the note cards-we all treasured your kind words.

  May Happenings

happymothersday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MUFFINS FOR MOMS

We will be hosting a "Muffins for Mom" event on Friday, May 8 from 7:45-8:30 a.m. Come and have a special muffin with your child or grab one on your way out. All mothers and special women in your child's life are welcome. We hope to see you there!

 

CONFERENCES

We will be holding conferences for infants, toddlers and preschoolers during the month of May. Please watch for sign-up sheets outside your child's classroom. The conferences will be 20 minutes in length, and we do our best to keep to our schedule. We hold conferences twice a year to keep you informed on your child's progress as well as to discuss any questions that you may have. Please be aware that children should not attend these conferences. This is a time for teachers and parents to meet. We look forward to seeing you!

 

FIELD TRIP FOR EXPLORERS & FIVES

On Friday, May 15, the Explorers and Fives will be going to Pump It Up for a morning of jumping fun. The bus will leave at 10:20 and return by 12:00. Please sign the field trip log located on the classroom door. If you would like to be a parent volunteer, please let your child's teacher know.               

 

EFC CLOSED

In our commitment to provide time and opportunities for staff to grow professionally, EFC will be closed on Friday, May 22 for a staff in-service day. We will also be closed on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend!

May Highlights


Getting out in the garden

Spring is a time for observing and enjoying the budding life around us. Gardening is a wonderful way for children to learn new skills, develop an appreciation for the environment and even expand their food horizons. Check out the blog for a video and resources on gardening with children. 

 

>> Read more on the blog 

 

 

Twin Cities Family Events 

 

Now-5/31 Sid the Science Kid:  The Super-Duper Exhibit! Minnesota Children's Museum

Now-6/21 Peter Pan The Musical, Children's Theatre 

4/30-5/3 Festival of Nations

St. Paul RiverCentre

5/2 Walk for Animals, Golden Valley

5/9 Dash it for Baskets, Eagan

5/15-5/17 Art-A-Whirl, NE Minneapolis

5/15-8/30 Nature Connects Lego Exhibit, MN Arboretum, Chanhassen

5/25 Challenge Hearts and Minds 5k, Como Lake, St. Paul


 
Find many more local family activities on MN Parent's calendar here
   Especially for Parents

PriscillaWilliamsEFCPres

STILL WORKING TO "GET IT RIGHT"

After years of teaching, raising our own children and overseeing the development of Especially for Children, I'm now being put to the test in my role as "Grandma Lala." The test is totally self-imposed. Our three grandchildren, soon to be four, aren't the problem. The issue is that having immersed myself in the field of early childhood education for most of my life, I have the expectation that I should be able to "get it right" as a grandma. All those things that I have learned throughout the years should come together in my new role, and I shouldn't ever have to second guess myself or feel that I could have done it better.

 

What I find is that the things that come naturally for me are easy to do.

 

I love to sing songs, read stories, participate in imaginary play. I'm fascinated with how our grandchildren learn. I look forward to helping them develop new skills and listening to what they say. When they are babies, I relish the time I can hold them, talk to them and help them feel secure.

 

But, even when I know better, I struggle with certain things. For me, setting limits and being consistent with behavior guidance are challenges.

 

I'm getting better at it, but I have to consciously remind myself that how I respond is giving lifelong messages to our grandchildren. I know that self-regulation is a skill they will need to succeed in school, jobs, and relationships.

 

I also hear myself over-praising and saying "Good job" way too much. I totally believe the research that shows that when you want children to develop authentic self-esteem, you should acknowledge and celebrate, not praise, their efforts and achievements. I want children to be self-motivated, excited to learn, not working to please.

 

Another thing I am working on is encouraging independent play and exploration. I write about it. It's the basis of The Creative Curriculum. Children learn through discovery. Why, then, do I so often think I have to orchestrate the situation?

 

I'm sharing these things with you to encourage you in your role as parents. The challenges are part of the experience. And the nature of the challenge differs from person to person. Try not to get overwhelmed. Celebrate the parts of parenting that come easily for you. And face head on the things that are difficult. Your child will thank you later!

 

 
   Program Highlights

STEP UP TO SOCCER

This summer we will be offering the Step Up to Soccer program again for preschoolers. You can register online at www.childrenslearning.com-our password is EFC-70. Classes will be held on Monday mornings, beginning June 15, with the first group starting at 8:30. Registration deadline is Tuesday, May 5.

   Parent Reminders

SUMMER SCHEDULES  

We are excited for our summer program "Minnesota for Mini-Sotans" to kick off in June. If your child's schedule will be changing for the summer, please e-mail us at [email protected].


Especially for Children
5015 W. 70 St
Edina MN 55439
(952) 946-9971

Center Director:
Susan Wilson
Assistant Directors:
Michelle Botz

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