Now that I am feeling better and Kaili is pretty close to 100 % I have been spending some time going through some of my preschool lessons. Since Kaili will be a “toddler” soon I am going to start incorporating more “learning” into our weeks. Anyhow, I came across this poem. I gave this out every year at the beginning of school to parents and I wanted to share it with you. It’s a good reminder to always send your child to school in clothes that can get dirty, even on picture day.

Red paint in the hair? Blue paint on the jeans? Sand in the shoes? Peanut butter on a favorite shirt? White socks that look brown? Sleeves a bit damp?

YOUR CHILD PROBABLY….

worked with a friend

solved a problem

created a masterpiece

negotiated a difference

learned a new skill

had a great time

developed new language skills

YOUR CHILD PROBABLY DIDN’T….

feel lonely

become bored

do a repetitive task that is babyish

do worksheets that are too easy

do sit down work that is discouraging

YOU PROBABLY….

paid good money for those clothes

will have trouble getting the red paint out

are concerned the caregiver isn’t paying enough attention to your child

YOUR CAREGIVER PROBABLY…. was aware of your child’s special needs and interests

spent time planning a challenging activity for the children

encouraged the children to try new things

was worried you might be concerned

Young children really learn when they are actively involved in play…not when someone is talking to them. There is a difference between “messy” and “lack of care.”

Your caregiver made sure your child was fed, warm, offered new skills and planned messy fun things to do because that’s how your children learn! Send your child in clothes that can get dirty! Keep extra clothes at the site for the times when the child gets really messy. But remember, your children need time to be kids. ~~~Author Unknown~~~