Week 6 Term 3

 Hi families,

Fridays Mission Market/Feast Day was an absolute success!! Luckily the weather held off for us so the kids could enjoy an amazing day of fun. There were lots of smiles and some very happy kids after spending time with their buddies 'shopping' and engaging in some awesome activities.

Book week

On Wednesday the 21st of August, we will be celebrating Book Week with a Parade to showcase our favourite books and authors. On Wednesday, please send your child dressed in their book week costume ready for a school parade, which will be held in the morning. We will also be participating in an afternoon of activities with our Buddies. 

Kimochi Communication Key 2: 'Use a Talking Voice'

This week, your child will learn the second Kimochis® Key to Communication: Use a Talking Voice. This key helps children stay aware of how they use the tone and volume of their voice. Sometimes when we have upset feelings, it is easy to yell or use a tone of voice that makes the situation worse instead of better. The lesson this week teaches your child how to use a Talking Voice rather than a defensive, aggressive, or Fighting Voice. When we feel upset and are able to use a Talking Voice, we raise the odds that others will want to understand our feelings and resolve conflicts. Your child will also learn how to pay attention to the tone of voice of others as a way to understand the emotion behind the words.

During Daily Activities

• Before play, remind your child to use a Talking Voice. “When Jane comes to play, remember to use a Talking Voice when you choose toys.”

• Guide children to use a Talking Voice. When you hear a Fighting Voice, name it by saying, “Oops, use a Talking Voice. Thanks.” Tell your child how you keep a Talking Voice when you feel upset. “Right now, I had to remind myself to use my Talking Voice because I am frustrated.”

• When you hear a child using a Talking Voice, acknowledge the effort by saying, “I can see that you are feeling mad. I admire how you are using your Talking Voice!”

• Admire people who use a Talking Voice regularly. “I appreciate the way Daddy is patient with me by using a Talking Voice when I make mistakes.”

 

Kimochi Feeling:    Happy: Sharing

Kotowaza: "Have a Happy Heart"

This week, your child will learn about happiness and the Kimochis® kotowaza—or Japanese proverb—that accompanies this feeling: “Have a happy heart!” This means we can say and do kind things that fill hearts with happy feelings. Sharing makes everyone feel happy, but young children are just learning how to share. Children who are 3 to 4 years old are developing the skills of sharing. However, because they are still figuring how to get their own needs met, they will struggle to share with others and will need adult guidance. Children who are 4 to 5 years old are able to share more easily. There may be some minor arguments that occur over possessions, especially favorites. It is best to guide children through these conflicts. Sharing is an important pro-social skill. In one study, the ability to share appropriately predicted positive social behavior later in adolescence. Your child will be given the tool to say, “Remember, we share” when someone does not share. We also like to use the phrase, “He/she forgot to share.” This helps remind everyone that young children are practicing skills in sharing and have not quite mastered them yet!

Thanks

Kristie and the PPT team