Creative Capers

April 2012

Over 50 years of Early Childhood Education - Founded 1956

Director’s Note

The only thing that remains constant in our lives is change. You experience this phenomenon first hand, on a daily basis with your children. It seems just overnight, a new skill is mastered like being able to peddle a bike, throw a ball, or skip across a room. It also might be the wonder of recognizing that individual letters comprise a word…and all at once they can read! Seeing the pride they feel when they have mastered a new skill is priceless.

Change can also be of the more challenging variety. Some children have a difficult time adapting and coping with large changes in their life, like a new baby or a move to a different house. Providing simple explanations explaining the change can be beneficial for children, and helps them understand cause and effect.

I have found that children will look for cues from adults to let them know how to respond. They may need help sorting out their feelings, and is not unusual for sadness or anger to be displayed when children experience uncertainty. Acknowledgment of their feelings and letting them know you understand and respect their feelings can help soothe and alleviate the stress. Encourage children to work through change and recognize there are positive effects (as well as negative). As a parent, I support my children while they work through difficult moments, because I recognize the value of resilience. We all have to learn how to adjust to changes in our lives.

One significant change that is occurring over this summer is the retirement of our pastor, Rev. Ben Shinn. Ben will be retiring from WHUMC on July 1^st. We are sad for us and happy for him. I am certain his family and his golfing buddies, are looking forward to his increased availability. WHUMC has completed their search for a new pastor and Rev. Andy Stoker will be joining our community. Many staff members had the opportunity to meet the Stoker family this past week when Andy and his wife Megan came to tour our school. It is very likely their son Wesley will be enrolling one of the 4 year old classes. Please take a moment and visit his website at andystoker.com.

This week brings Palm Sunday and in chapel the arrival of Jesus on a donkey into Jeruselum was discussed. Pastor Pat shared that the waving of the palms symbolized both “victory” and “goodness.” It is a simple message, easily remembered by children and adults alike.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter!

Lyndel Doran