Dirty Days at Day Care

WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES HOME MESSY.....

Red paint in the hair? Blue paint on the jeans? Sand in the shoes?

Peanut butter on the favorite shirt? White socks that look brown? Sleeves a little 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 repetitive tasks that are too babyish

do worksheet tasks 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 that the caregiver isn't paying enough attention to your child

THE CAREGIVER probably...

Was aware of your child's needs and interests

Spent time planning a challenging activity for the children

Encouraged the children to try new things

Put smocks on the children

Was worried that you might be concerned  

*Try to remember your favorite activity when you were four years old.

Was it outdoor play with water, mud, dress up clothes, with friends?

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". The caregiver made sure your child was fed, warm, took a nap, washed hands after toileting and before eating, and also planned messy fun things to do because that's how young children learn!

Send your child in clothes that can get dirty! Keep extra old clothes at the play site for times when the child gets wet or really messy. If you need to take the child out, bring the dress up clothes and allow time to change. Keep calm. Remember in a few years, teenagers will use your shampoo, mirrors, and most of your towels to be clean. But young children need time to be kids. If you have concerns, talk to your child's caregiver about active play.  

 

“There's Nothing In Your Bag Today?"

Today I did my math and science,
I toasted bread.
I halved and quartered.
I counted, measured, used my eyes,
and ears and head.
I added and subtracted on the way,
I used a magnet, blocks and memory tray.
I learned about a rainbow and how to weigh.
So please don't say, anything in your bag today?
You see I'm sharing as I play.
I learned to listen and
speak clearly when I talk,
to wait my turn, and when inside to walk.
To put my thoughts into a phrase,
to guide a crayon through a maze.
To find my name and write it down,
to do it with a smile and not a frown.
To put my pasting brush away,
So please don't say, what, nothing in your bag today?
I've learned  about a snail and a worm,
remembering how to take my turn.
Helped a friend when he was stuck,
learned that water runs off a duck.
I looked at words from left to right,
agreed to differ, not to fight.
So please don't say, did you only play today?
 

                

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