Dakota Value
Link Classroom News
Caring & Compassion
F E B R U A R Y ,
2 0 1 5
Message from Ryan
I failed. I set a goal for myself, and I did not give the necessary effort to overcome the obstacles between myself and success. I knew that taking on a New Years’
Resolution like no television for two months was going to be difficult. My daughters
enjoy waking up in the morning to the glow of a television playing “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” My wife got hooked on the series “Sons of Anarchy.” The whole idea behind
the goal of no television was so that I would be able to spend more time with my family. In the end, I can humbly admit that I failed.
It is important when we set goals to evaluate the obstacles that stand between
us and our desire outcomes. Some obstacles seem insurmountable and some we do not
see until they are right in front of our face. In the first weeks of January, I would take
my oldest daughter into another room to read a book or play with newly unwrapped
Christmas toys, but this only lasted so long. I also began cleaning the house in my spare
time away from television, but this defeated my ultimate purpose. Perhaps my goal was
misguided. I figured less television meant more quality time.
INSIDE
THIS
ISSUE:
Pre-K Curriculum
2
Pre-K Mighty Minutes
2
Policy / Procedures
3
Monthly Topic—”I Love to 3
What did I learn from all of this? If I want something, I need to aim for the target. I want to spend more time with family. That is the goal with television being one of
many obstacles, but it can also be a tool. I did find in the last month that my daughter
likes to watch several Disney Junior programs, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and, of
course, Frozen. I can humbly admit that I failed this year, but I will take advice from a
famous queen as I strive to make each moment with my family impactful and great. I
will “let it go,” and ponder on what I will challenge myself to achieve next time around.
Upcoming February Events
Read Month
Recommended Reading
3
Children’s Dental Health
4
13th – Valentine’s Day – Red and Pink
Month
Pictures
6th – Wear RED Day
14th – Valentine’s Day Party in Atrium(3:00 – 6:00 pm)
19th— President’s Day
5
21st – Polar Plunge for Special Olympics MN
PAGE
2
Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum
Highlights:
The BALL Study had begun! We are having such a ball learning all about balls! 
One of the children’s favorite books right now is “Sometimes I like to Curl up in a
Ball”…they children even acted out the story by rolling up in balls!
We watched some clips on the smart board teaching us how tennis balls and
footballs are made.
The children practiced their scissor skills by cutting out circles or BALLS & decorating them with ball theme collage materials.
We hope to make our very own homemade bouncy ball…wish us luck!
PLEASE remember to bring in your child’s bathing suit on Tuesdays and Thursdays! 
Pre-Kindergarten Mighty Minutes
Mighty Minute:
“I’m Thinking Of….” (#18)
SAY, “Listen carefully to the clues I’m going to give you and try to figure
out what I’m thinking.”
Describe a familiar object and have the children guess after each clue,
e.g., “I’m thinking of something that starts with a /t/ sound. It
grows in the yard; it is brown and green; it stands up; it sways in
the wind.”
Repeat the game with other letter sounds and familiar objects that reinforce the study topic.
LINK
CLASSROOM
NEWS
FEBRUARY,
2015
PAGE
Monthly Topic
February is “I Love To Read Month”
Wild About Reading
http://wild.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=67348
10 Reasons You Should Read To Your Kids
https://www.earlymoments.com/Promoting-Literacy-and-a-Love-of-Reading/Why-Reading-to-Children-is-Important/
Reading Is Fundamental
http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/articles/reading-with-your-child.htm
Reading Aloud to Young Children Benefits Brain Development
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/infant-reading-aloud-young-children-benefits-brain-development/
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/content/early/2014/06/24/aapnews.20140624-2
Recommended Reading
For Pre-Kindergarten
“The Little Red Hen” by Bonnie
Dobkin
“Just like Josh Gibson” by Angela Johnson
For School Age
LEGO Hero Factory: Meet the Heros by
Shari Last
The Sabotage by Jeff Probst
I Totally Funniest; 3rd book in I Funny
Series by James Patterson
“Sometimes I like to Curl up in a
Ball” by Vicki Churchill
Policy/ Procedures Reminders

Please do not bring toys and electronics from home unless permitted by a teacher.

If your child brings in chap stick or hand lotion please label it
with their name and remind your child not to share with other
children

If your child brings in hair products/hair brush remind your child
not to share with other children.

Please keep socks, tennis shoes and an extra swim suit in your
child’s cubby in case of scheduled changes.

If an inhaler or medications are needed. Make sure the proper
forms are filled out and given to the teacher.
3
Playworks Mission Statement
2200 Trail of Dreams
Prior Lake, MN 55372
To provide quality education and care to children; build
cooperative partnerships with parents; and provide a viable,
fun quality entertainment source to families.
Classroom Phone: 952-496-6846
Transportation Phone: 952-496-6851
Manager Phone: 952-496-6811
E-mail: [email protected]
Health Consultant Info
Children’s Dental Health
 www.ada.org
 www.nidcr.nih.gov
 www.consumerreports.org
Tips for a healthy smile:
Children
• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a small
“smear” of fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss your child’s teeth once a day.
• Take your child to a dentist for regular visits.
• Talk to your child’s dentist or health care provider about fluoride varnishes and dental sealants.
Reminders:
General Exclusion Guidelines
Did you know that our exclusion policy was formed using the criteria set by Health Consultants for Child
Care Health and safety policies?
We are not a sick child care center and want to remind
you to pick up in a timely manner if your child is showing symptoms or illness. Also, please keep your child
home if they have excludable symptoms or illness—it is
greatly appreciated by all! We want to minimize the exposure of that illness to your child’s classmates and
teachers.
If you need a copy please ask!
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www.facebook.com\playworksfun