Preschoolers Benefit from Pet Ownership A common topic of conversation with a preschooler is pets. It’s one of the reasons our curriculum, Creative Curriculum, developed a long-term study about them. Children who have pets love to talk about them and children who don’t like to discuss which kind they would like to get. Pretending to have pets or even being the pet are play scenarios that we see often. In short, the subject of pets is a popular one in preschool classrooms. But what about the act of actually owning a pet? Not children who care for them. surprisingly, the benefits are plentiful and include gains in social-emotional, physical and cognitive X They provide a connection to nature. development. According to the American Academy of X They can teach respect for other living things. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, pets can serve the Though the benefits are numerous, pet ownership following purposes for children: should not be taken lightly. Young children should X They can be safe recipients of secrets and private always be monitored around pets to keep from being thoughts. Children often talk to their pets, like they overly rough or aggressive. They cannot take on a lot do to their stuffed animals. of the responsibility, but can take on small jobs to help X They provide lessons about life, including with the care and feeding. reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death and As long as parents are serving as responsible role bereavement. models, children will gain invaluable skills by having a X They can help develop responsible behavior in the pet in the house.
Spirit Week Features Seuss Activities
LCCAA Head Start’s Dr. Seuss Spirit Week begins March 1 with a series of events and fun activities.
On Tuesday, classes will read Fox in Socks and students are encouraged to wear crazy or mismatched socks. Wednesday is Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Day. Students are encouraged to wear their shirts backwards or create crazy hairstyles and will enjoy the book Wacky Wednesday.
Students will explore future careers on Thursday by dressing for the jobs they hope to have. Classes will read Oh, The Places You’ll Go. Green Eggs and Ham is both a favorite book and a fun food. The book helps students practice rhyming words and learn that trying new foods can be fun. Students are encouraged to wear green and will be offered green eggs and ham at lunch.
Book of the Month: The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss February is Dental Health Month and Head Start is WILD about good dental health!
Students learn about how to property brush all the surfaces of their teeth using an oversized mouth model and have dental books and activities in the classroom available during free choice time. Dr. Seuss’ The Tooth Book is a silly book that shows that people and animals have - or do NOT have - teeth and why they are so important.
