Jones Early Childhood Development Center 01/2026 Newsletter (2)

Important Dates

Ms. Rhonda's Tip Keep singing! Keep your child’s brains engaged with learning through books and songs!  For example, check out the book 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed at the Emporia Public Library and then change the rhyme: 5 happy snowmen riding on a sled (wiggle five fingers) 1 fell off and bumped his head (hold up 1 finger) Frosty called the doctor and the doctor said (hold up hand to ear like a telephone) No more snowmen riding on that sled!  (shake 1 finger, then continue counting down the snowmen)    Singing boosts your child’s literacy development!  Check out this link for more ideas:  https://preschooleducation.com/songs/winter-songs-for-preschoolers/ Call, text, or email Ms. Rhonda, Mobilizing Literacy Family Liaison, at 620-412-8231 or rhonda.beatty@usd253.net. Happy Singing!

News from the Hive:

This month, we’re focusing on the Capturing Kids’ Hearts character trait of Responsibility! At school, we teach children that responsibility means owning your thoughts, words, and actions.

You can support this at home through small, everyday moments. Invite your child to handle simple tasks like putting their shoes in a special spot, tidying up toys, or helping carry something light to the table. These little routines help children understand that their choices and actions matter.

We also practice being responsible with our words. Encourage your child to use kind, truthful words—like asking for help with a calm voice or saying “I’m sorry” when needed. You can remind them, “Your words belong to you, and you can choose to use them kindly.”

Daily habits—such as brushing teeth, picking out clothes, or placing their backpack by the door—give children a sense of control and pride. Each time you notice and praise their effort (“You remembered to put your shoes away—that’s responsibility!”), you strengthen their confidence and help them build this important life skill.

Home Activity Ideas

The holidays and perhaps colder weather is upon us. Here are 3 simple, play-based activities that build literacy skills and make sweet memories that you can do while at home. 

1. The Blanket Fort

 A classic for a reason. Grab chairs, pillows, and blankets, and let your kids take the lead in building their masterpiece.

Why a blanket fort? As children move furniture and gather the supplies they need, they're actually strengthening the big muscles needed for handwriting, building body awareness, and sparking rich language through conversation and pretend play.

2. The Great Sock Hunt

 Dump out that laundry basket and make it a matching game. Play music, race to find pairs, or toss socks into the basket for extra fun.

Why a sock hunt? Matching builds visual discrimination (spotting patterns, colors, and shapes), which is the same skill that helps children tell “b” from “d.”

3. Giant Paper Drawing Space

 Cover your table, floor, or even a wall with a big sheet of butcher paper. Set out stickers, markers, crayons, and toy cars. Invite children to draw anything they want. Bring in toys as they wish to extend the play!

 Why giant butcher paper? (or think about cheap wrapping paper rolls to use) Big, whole-body movements build fine motor strength, spatial awareness, and storytelling skills as children “narrate” what's happening in their drawings.

And here's a bonus: hanging the paper on the wall for vertical writing helps strengthen shoulder and arm muscles, the very ones children need for controlled pencil movements later on.

Ideas taken from Stacy Benge, author and motivational speaker.

https://www.stacybenge.com/