Jones Early Childhood Development Center 02/2026 Newsletter

Important Dates

Ms. Rhonda's Tip Remember Home Habit #1 from last month?  Find out what interests your child and check out similar book topics!  Home Habit #2:  Limit screen time at home and on the go! At home, try to reserve adult screen time until after the children go to bed.  While out and about at the store or in the car with children, invite your child to notice letters, numbers, or colors around them.  Try playing I Spy! For example, I spy with my little eye… something red!  This way one is having fun while building foundational learning skills of observation, conversation, and regulation skills!  Call, text, or email Ms. Rhonda, Mobilizing Literacy Family Liaison, at 620-412-8231 or rhonda.beatty@usd253.net.  Enjoy your children!

News from the Hive:

This month, our Capturing Kids Hearts’ character trait is kindness. At school, we practice being friendly and compassionate! A great book to explore at home is Fill a Bucket: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Young Children by Carol McCloud and Katherine Martin, M.A., illustrated by David Messing.

Teaching Kindness at Home
Encourage your child to be a "bucket filler" by doing kind things that make others—and themselves—feel good!

• Share a smile: Teach your child to smile and say hello to a neighbor or family member. Talk about how their smile can brighten someone’s day.

• Help with small tasks: Let your child carry napkins to the table or pick up toys. Explain that helping shows care and fills buckets.

• Make a "kindness hug" coupon: Draw a heart on paper with your child. They can give it as a promise for a big hug, filling both buckets with love!

After each act, ask, "How do you feel after filling someone’s bucket?" to connect kindness with joy.

Thank you for sharing your child with us!

Fun at Home

Are you or your child going stir crazy with the cold weather, snow and ice? Here is an article with indoor activities categorized by age group, birth to 3 year olds, 3-5 year olds and 5-8 year olds. Perhaps you can find a new activity to keep your child busy while supporting their development.

https://www.erikson.edu/blog/winter-play-19-indoor-activities-to-support-development-in-your-young-child/