EARLY CHILDHOOD - SANTA FE PRESCHOOL
PLAY TIME BY SHA REINS “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller NMSD’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) department, embracing the spirit of Helen Keller’s famous quote, regularly holds biweekly playgroups for students, families, teachers, and professionals. These playgroups provide precious opportunities for families to connect with their children and other families as well as with ECE staff and professionals. Families, ECE teachers and professionals are invited to participate in workshops (including Positive Discipline, Loose Parts, Nutrition, and Reggio Emilia), information and experience sharing, hands on activities, games, and more. Families also join school activities, like Pep Rally, Visiting the Superintendent house, Knowledge Fair, and Trickor-Treating. We’ve also shared fun hands-on activities such as making pinch pots, weaving, yoga, and sculpture. Martha, a preschooler parent enthused, “It’s a great way to experience the culture and community that your kids experience all day!” It’s also a great way to come together and explore! Exploration hour includes investigations into Loose Parts, Wires, Wood, Wax, Winter Wonderland, Wool and Our Bodies. During this time, families are able to get a glimpse into the many things their children explore on a daily basis, such as the Reggio Emilia approach in the classroom. They are able to take these ideas home. Families also experience how their children interact with each other. For families that are new to ASL and Deaf culture, they can get assurance and support from other families and staff. Jenny, a preschooler mother adds, “I like the communication, and that parents come together and see how the children interact with others.” The playgroup is open to any family members with Deaf or Hard of Hearing children. It is often a struggle for hearing families of Deaf / Hard of Hearing children to build relationships with the Deaf community. Playgroup is an opportunity to support families in becoming more comfortable with their children’s hearing losses, and understand the importance of full language access. We hope we can continue to build communication through play!
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Top right: Parents having fun weaving with yarn through recycled CD's! 2nd from top: Rebecca Funk and Jesse Jimenez creating a body silhouette with blocks around Daniel Mendoza. 3rd from top: Daniel Mendoza, Liam Mohan-Litchfield, Lupe Lucero, and Angel Sanchez making stories come alive using wood, wire and wax during the “loose parts” themed playgroup. Bottom right: Arlene Galindo, mom Carla Guillen, and Gabriella Rodriquez practice math patterning through play. Bottom left: Uriah Costner, sculptor in training, gets a hand from his dad, Sam Costner.