said parents should always say goodbye to their kids, never just sneak away. Once they have left, she said it’s better they don’t come back into the classroom. Also important, said Foulkes, is to make sure parents’ facial expressions match what they are saying to their child. “If you’re telling your child that it will be okay but you look like your going to cry, the child can pick up on that,â€? she said. “(So) say goodbye with confidence and a smile ‌ and reassure them that mommy and daddy are coming back.â€? At the beginning of the year MacDougall said she doesn’t bring in all the kids at once. She starts off with smaller and shorter sessions to help get kids into the new routine. Because of this, she said she rarely sees kids crying or throwing tantrums. “Kids all deal with it differently,â€? said Foulkes. “Some get angry, some get sad and others are happy to join the class.â€? Her staff keeps a close eye on all the children to make sure they are really ready for school. “There is a line where you don’t want to give them an experience they will remember in a negative way,â€? said Foulkes. For many kids it all becomes very familiar. “Ultimately children have to learn to be part of a group and be away from mom and dad,â€? Foulkes said. “Being able to overcome this obstacle gives them confidence and independence.â€? Nicole Miller
photo courtesy yes i can! nursery school
BUBBLY: Janet MacDougall of Yes I Can! Nursery School, above, has what she calls a “bag of tricks� containing items like bubbles and blowers to help kids cope during difficult times.
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WINTER 2010 EDUCATION GUIDE Town Crier
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