FRIDAY FOLDER: july 24

Highlights of the Week:

 North Tustin campers have a great week with dancing, bingo, and bottled tornadoes!

Anaheim Hills campers show off their crazy hair and silly sunglasses!

Historic Anaheim campers play a live board game created by Counselors-In-Training!

What an exciting week of summer camp! During week seven, campers made Rice Krispy sculptures, enjoyed Swim Day, created sand art pictures, and traveled to Raging Waters theme park in San Dimas!

Next week will bring a whole host of new activities, including Turtle Roll Techies, Wipe Out Nachos, Nerd Day, an offshore talent show, and a field trip to Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park!

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools 

FAIRMONT FIVE: teaching good manners

All parents want their children to be well-behaved in social settings. The best way to help your child succeed in this area is to teach him or her proper etiquette and manners. Encouraging courteous behavior will help ensure your child respects peers and authority figures such as teachers and coaches.

Understandably so, “kids will be kids.” However, teaching them that there is an appropriate time and place for proper manners is important. Below is a list of five essential manners and ideas for encouraging each:

1. “Please” and “Thank you” - Teaching children to say “Please” and “Thank you” before and after receiving something is no easy feat. However, by incorporating these words when talking to your child, he or she will being to see the pattern and corresponding reaction. When your child asks for something and does not use the “magic words,” remind them of “Please” and “Thank you.” Wait until they have asked correctly to give the reward. Also, do not forget “Excuse me” and “Sorry.”
2. Proper Table Manners - When you child forgets to say “Excuse me” after a burp, or begins to chew with his or her mouth open, gently remind the child of the proper behavior. Being a model of good table manners is one of the best ways for children to learn how to behave while eating.
3. Turn Off Electronics - Today’s children are tied to technology. There is a time and place for technology, but Christmas dinner at a relative’s house is not it. Let your child know that there are times to play on the iPhone, and that there are times to engage in conversation with others.
4. Telephone Etiquette - Children listen to adults take calls all the time and will be a quick study when learning how to answer the telephone. When your child becomes old enough to take phone calls, provide opportunities to practice a friendly phone demure.
5. Spreading Kindness - Letting your child know that it’s important to demonstrate kindness to everyone is an important step. Opening doors for others, saying “Please” and “Thank you,” and using polite words are all simple ways that children - and adults - can show kindness to others.

Being conscientious of others lies at the root of all societal manners and etiquette. When we are conscious of the feelings and preferences of others, we demonstrate respect for those around us. The most effective approach to instill good manners in your child is by being an example of proper etiquette yourself. Cultivating good manners takes time, but the rewards of a respectful, well-behaved child are endless.

For more tips and ideas about teaching manners, check out these great articles:

6 Tips on Raising a Well Mannered Child

Manners Matter: 10 Manners Every Child Should Know

It Still Matters: How to Teach Good Manners

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools 

Image by RoomToGrow.co.uk

FRIDAY FOLDER: july 17

Highlights of the Week:

 

Campers and counselors play games during free time!

Preschoolers visit with Captain Karl and his sea creatures!

 

Campers enjoy a pirate show at Pirate's Dinner Adventure!

 

As week six comes to a close, it's time to look back at the fun and high adventure of Fairmont Summer Programs! This week campers made their own doughnuts and dressed up in their best pirate regalia! Campers also took a special trip to Pirate's Dinner Adventure in Buena Park for a scrumptious lunch and an adventure on the high seas!

 

Get ready for week seven as campers will take a trip to Raging Waters theme park of San Dimas and dress up for Crazy Hair and Sunglasses Day!

 

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools  

CHALKTALK practicing academic skills during the summer

During brief intervals of summer fun and rest, it is wise to devote some time for your child to practice their academic skills. The benefit will be apparent when they return in the fall refreshed and rested without losing a beat when it comes to reading, math, and writing. Here are some helpful tips to keep your children sharp in the educational essentials. Please note, adding some fun to these activities helps motivate initiative!

Reading:
Children should be encouraged to set time during the week for reading their favorite books. For young children, not yet able to read on their own, parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children every night before bedtime.  

Math:
For retaining and refining math skills, children should be offered opportunities to practice their grade-appropriate math facts. Effective tools to help exercise these valuable skills include flash cards, computer-based games, apps, and practicing math facts out loud.

Writing:
Summer is a great time for children to practice their writing skills. They can dabble in creative writing styles such as poetry and short stories. They can also keep a summer journal to record their adventures during vacation. Children also make excellent scribes or reporters for documenting activities while traveling and visiting relatives. 

Practicing these academic skills will help children pass the time productively while traveling.

Contributed by Doug Fleischli, Fairmont Private Schools
Image by PBS 

CHALK TALK: preparing your child for kindergarten, part 5 - playing well with others

As your child becomes more social with other children, it’s important to help him or her learn to engage positively with peers. Providing the child with the right tools to handle different social situations will help reinforce values related to playing well with others. Here are some tips for this important life lesson:

• Play-dates - Whether it’s a parents-of-preschoolers group or signing your child up for a sports or dance class, there are plenty of opportunities in your community to help children socialize. The more opportunities for children to play together, the faster they will develop the necessary social skills needed in the classroom.
• Golden Rule - Teaching children to treat others as they want to be treated is an important step towards explaining the abstract concept of respect. Remember, your child doesn’t have to like everyone, but he or she does need to show respect to everyone.
• Team Activities - Involving your child in team activities will help foster his or her ability to work collectively with others. Including your child in household chores and projects, establishing a weekly game night, or enrolling him or her in a sports activity, allows your child to engage with others to accomplish a specific task, which helps them learn the value of connecting with others.
• “I Need a Break” - Let your child know that it’s okay to say “I need a break” and to walk away from frustrating or hurtful situations. What to Do When Your Child Won’t Play Well with Others states that “[w]hen kids are frustrated and feeling like they want to lash out at others around them, this simple sentence can be a way for them to back out of the situation and signal to the adults around them that they need a little time alone.”
• Kind Words - Encourage proper manners and the use of “Please,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me,” and “Sorry” when your child is interacting with others. These simple practices in etiquette will take your child far as he or she begins to make friends.

How to Help Your Child Make Friends notes that leading by example and inviting your friends over for activities is a good way to demonstrate social skills and the importance of friendship to your children. Visit Fairmont’s Early Childhood Education Pinterest board to find more great resources for preparing your preschooler for kindergarten!

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools

Image by Aprendoyeduco.Com 

CHALK TALK: preparing your child for kindergarten, part 4 - building oral language skills

Being an effective communicator is an important component to everyday life, which is why helping your child build oral language skills is vital to their development. Teaching little ones to effectively communicate verbally is an important step in growing up. Below are several benchmarks for children entering kindergarten:

1. Politely converse with peers and initiate conversation with adults
2. Show a steady increase in vocabulary
3. Use adjectives in conversation
4. Communicate specific needs, such as “I am hurt” or “I need to use the restroom”

Though there are many communication skills for children to learn, incorporating some of these activities will aid their progression:

• Read, Read, Read - Reading to your child is an excellent vocabulary building exercise. Encourage your child to ask questions about words that he or she does not understand. Be sure to take time to pause while reading to ask critical thinking questions such as “Do you think that character made the right choice?”
• Be the Example - Remember that when you communicate with others in front of your child, you are setting an example. When children observe adults following the rules of conversation (taking turns talking, speaking in calm tones, not interrupting), they will imitate.
• Incorporate New Words - Children are constantly absorbing new words and phrases. Use these new words in context during a regular conversation. This repetition, along with providing examples to show how the word is used in a sentence, will not only help your child commit the word and its definition to memory, but will also encourage your child to use new words when talking with others.
• Play “I Spy” - Playing “I Spy” with your child will help him or her develop spatial awareness and learn to describe location, color, and size. Encourage your child to add more details to the game by listing certain attributes such as “I spy something green on the floor near the table.”
• Talk About Feelings - When your child is upset, ask him or her to describe their feelings. Helping to identify specific emotions and learning to handle them is a very effective communication tool for children and adults alike.
• Tell Stories - Set aside some time to tell stories with your child. Begin by telling your own short, imaginative story, then encourage your child to do the same. Ask questions once the story ends, like “What color was the giant fish?,” or “What would have happened if this character did this instead?” Asking questions will help your child focus on recalling specific elements of the story and providing more clarification.

As children progress through their education, the ability to clearly articulate ideas becomes more prevalent and follows them into adulthood. All children learn at their own pace, but be sure to encourage their learning and growth by taking some time each day to help foster these communication skills.

Visit the Fairmont Early Childhood Education Pinterest board for more great ideas for your young learner!

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools

Image by Karate of Mansfield   

FRIDAY FOLDER: june 26

Highlights of the Week:

Watch as Josiah G. announces "Play ball!" before Wednesday's Angels game!

Watch Activities Director Jonna Powell throw out the first pitch!

This week our campers enjoyed watching the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim beat the Houston Astros 2-1 at Angel Stadium! Every year, campers attend one Angels game, but this year's game was particularly special because the opening honorary traditions of throwing the first pitch and announcing "Play ball" were conducted by Fairmont camper Josiah G., and North Tustin Activities Director Jonna Powell! Campers cheered from the stands as Josiah and Mrs. Powell represented Fairmont on the field!

Next week, campers will travel to the Sky Zone and Sky High trampoline parks, as well as enjoy the weekly Swim Day, and show their patriotism with Red, White, and Blue Thursday Theme Day! As a reminder, there will be no summer school or camp on Friday, July 3rd due to the Fourth of July holiday!

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools 

CHALK TALK: preparing your child for kindergarten, part 2 - following directions

As discussed in the previous blog, a preschooler’s ability to actively listen and carry out instructions is one of the key indicators that the student is ready to progress to kindergarten. While it’s not uncommon for preschoolers to occasionally struggle with carrying out instructions, here are some great tips to prepare your child: 

• Use Keywords - If you find you’re having to repeat instructions, try using just one or two words to direct your child. Instead of saying “Please take your plate to the sink when you’re done,” try saying “Plate to the sink” in an encouraging tone when your child has almost finished eating. You may find that a one-word reminder will get your child’s attention quicker than repeating directions over and over. 
• Helping Hands - Ask your child for help in the kitchen or while doing other light chores. Giving your child simple directions about making a sandwich or sorting laundry will help foster confidence and knowledge, as well as encourage him or her to follow directions. It’s advisable to give your child no more than three steps to complete a task. 
• Treasure Hunt - Ask you child to retrieve specific items from around the house such as a yellow sponge or two blue shoes. The child will have to concentrate on the task for at least a minute, encouraging him or her to focus. For an added challenge, create a small obstacle course that your child must complete before bringing the item to you. This might include running three circles around the tree, hopping over the garden hose, then somersaulting. If you have more than one child, this treasure hunt can be turned into a fun race!

Helping your child learn to follow directions will help ensure a rewarding classroom experience. Following directions directly correlates with fostering independence. Once a child has mastered a set of directions, they can be trusted to complete the task on their own. This builds self-reliance and self-confidence, both of which are important as children grow and develop. Visit Fairmont’s Early Childhood Education Pinterest board for more great ideas and tips!

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools

 Image Contributed by Everyday Life

CHALK TALK: helping your child prepare for kindergarten, part 1 - developing good listening skills

How will you know when your child is ready for kindergarten? What skills are essential for succeeding in the classroom? This six-part series will help prepare your preschool student for kindergarten. Buckle your seatbelt and prepare for the rewarding road to elementary school!

Early childhood education teachers have observed six main skill sets that are common in children who have successfully transitioned to kindergarten. The first of these is the ability to be a good listener. Good listening skills are vital, and children who have developed this skill are more apt to follow directions, interact respectfully with adults and peers, and contribute to a positive learning environment. The good news is that listening is a skill that can be developed over time. Here are some activities to do at home:

• Play games such as “Simon Says,” “Red Light, Green Light,” and “I Spy” to help your child focus on listening and responding appropriately.
• Interactive reading will encourage critical thinking and gauge how much information your child is retaining. While reading aloud, pause and ask questions such as “What do you think will happen next?” or “Do you think that was a good idea?”
• Sit quietly outside with your child to identify sounds. This is a great way to teach children to be still and concentrate in order to listen properly.   

Another key to creating a good listener is by setting a positive example. Demonstrating active listening while your child talks will model what their response should be when adults or peers are speaking. Using proper eye contact, body language, and voice tone while conversing will help your child understand how to engage properly in a social setting.  

Incorporating games that encourage children to react with words or actions will help them develop a sense of what it means to be an active listener and encourage appropriate behavior in the classroom. Tune in next Monday to learn some handy tips for teaching your child to follow directions!

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools

Image by Sharon Skelton

CHALK TALK: decoding STEM

 STEM is a new buzz word in the education field. But what exactly is it? Simply defined, STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The STEM Education Coalition states that incorporating a STEM-based curriculum is critical if the United States wants to remain a global economic and technological leader.

The goal of this education initiative is to create a STEM-based curriculum for all students. However, Fairmont Private Schools is proactive in providing students with a STEM-rich curriculum. Fairmont currently boasts robust, competitive robotics clubs at the junior high and high school levels, as well as advanced mathematics programs, and the Advanced Science and Engineering Program (ASEP) for high school students. A total of 24 awards were earned by Fairmont junior high students at the 2014 Orange County Science and Engineering Fair. Fairmont students are also introduced to technology in the classroom, working with iPads and Interactive Whiteboards from preschool through high school.

Despite the national push for more technical training required for STEM-related jobs, it is important to maintain a balance between study of the humanities and study of the technological fields. During the 2011 release of a next generation iPad, Steve Jobs explained that “it’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough — that it’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our hearts sing.” Fairmont believes that both liberal arts and STEM focuses are important, thus, Fairmont students are enriched with opportunities to learn musical instruments, participate in theater productions, read classical literature, create wonderful works of art, and engage with curriculum that examines history, sociology, and more! 

After graduating from Fairmont Preparatory Academy, 87% of Fairmont seniors are accepted to US News & World Report’s list of top 100 American colleges and universities, many entering the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These successful outcomes result from a well-balanced education that enable students to flourish academically and artistically.    

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools

Image by Teacher Reboot Camp