Road Safety Authority “Beep Beep” Day

Eileen from the Road Safety Authority and our friends at Tralee Garda Station joined us at Sunflowers on Friday to go through the Safe Cross Code with the children and the importance of listening to their parents commands when they are crossing the road. It was hilarious watching all the children jump with fright when the nee-naw siren was played followed by “Again, Again”.

 

 

Mark Doe’s Cookery Demonstation

Mark Doe from “Just Cooking” in Firies came last Thursday and demonstrated some tasty quick healthy meals. We gobbled down Chicken Korma, Shepards Pie and Creamy Bacon with Pasta. Ok, the wine wasn’t healthy but was delicious with the food !!!! Thanks very much Mark for an enjoyable evening.

 

 

Getting Ready to Start Preschool

Here are some great tips from the websites, http://www.mommywithselectivememory.com and www.kindergartenbasics.blogspot.ie where they have put together 8 tips for preparing your child if they are about to begin their first experience away from home.

Teachers Advice

Preschool is often children’s first experience away from Mum. It can be scary for children and for parents. On the other hand, some children are ready and don’t even give Mum a second glance. Either way, here are eight ways you can help prepare your child:

1. Meet the teacher: If possible, take your child to a Meet the Teacher program or Open House and let her play on the playground before school starts.
2. Play dates: Try to enroll her in a class where she already knows some of the other children. If that’s not possible, ask if you can have the class list before your child starts school. You could offer to make your email available to the other parents so that you can arrange a play date before school begins. Perhaps several play dates can be arranged or you will meet someone who would like to exchange play time. Don’t be shy. The children will benefit from seeing a friendly face the first day of class.
3. Practice separation: Leave your child with others for short lengths of time so that they know you will return.
4. Backpack and lunchbox: Before school starts, help her be excited about starting school by empowering her to pick out a backpack. If she is staying all day, she’ll need a lunchbox. Keep in mind everything you have to fit in these items. In her backpack she may need pulls-ups, a special blankie or stuffed animal, pacifier, crib sheet and small pillow. You may need to put an ice pack in her lunchbox. Fill it with food you know she already likes.
5. Independent skills: If your child is staying all day, ask her to help you prepare her lunch. She can stand next to you on a stool while you give her choices such as grapes or raisins, Grape or Strawberry Jello, and orange or apple juice. That way, she’ll feel like she has some control and will also begin to understand what is really happening that day.
6. Focus on your child: Make the whole experience as fun as possible. Give your child your full attention on the way to school. Phone calls can wait. Tell her stories about when you were a little girl and how much you liked school. Sing songs. Try a spin-off version of “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands”. Make it, “If you’re excited to go to school, clap your hands!” Be excited, smile a lot, and be happy for her.
7. Communicate: Tell her it is okay to be afraid, but that there are always adults to help her and she can ask for help anytime. Promise her that you will pick her up in a few hours or after a certain activity at school – like when the teacher sings a certain song or reads the last book of the day.
8. Don’t linger: When it’s time for drop-off, keep your goodbyes short, sweet and simple. Give her a quick hug, tell her how much you love her, and leave her in the hands of the capable teacher. Even if she’s crying hysterically, she will likely only cry for a few minutes once you’re out of sight. But if you linger, the crying will probably last longer.

Overcoming separation anxiety and adjusting to school may be gradual. Give her your full attention at home whenever possible. Ask and answer questions. Listen and bond with books and play. Tell her that you are proud of her for going to school. Reassure her with hugs and often tell her you love her. Then you will hear the greatest words on earth, “I wuv u too, mommy.”

Dental Care

Dr. Rosemary Daly from Kerry Paediatric Dental Practice in Tralee came to talk to the children about proper tooth brushing and sugary foods than can cause tooth decay. Her funny friend “Cheeky” showed the children how he brushes his teeth. Thank you Dr. Daly. Picture – Kate Guerin, Dr. Rosemary Daly

Radio Kerry Visit

Elaine Kinsella from Radio Kerry, came to chat to the children and staff during our Health Promotion Week. Her radio piece on early childhood obesity is to be broadcast later this week. The children had great fun speaking into her super cool microphone. Picture left to right – Davena O’ Neill (Sunflowers), Elaine Kinsella (Radio Kerry) and Kate Guerin (Sunflowers).

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Chef Visit

Mark Doe from “Just Cooking” will be coming to Sunflowers in October to demonstrate family friendly healthy recipes to parents in an evening demonstration. Date and details to follow.

Our Teddy Bear Hospital

Guess who came to see us today. Fred the Teddy with his helper friends from the Red Cross Paramedics team. They arrived with their ambulance to Sunflowers and all the children got a chance to get their injured teddies fixed up by the professionals. Much better than Mum’s old needle and thread efforts !!!! Pic includes Majella and Linda.

The Ice Cream Van Arrived

Declan, the man with the van, came to give all the Sunflowers’ Children an ice cream cone to celebrate our graduation day. The children (and most of the staff) were all licking ice cream off their faces afterwards!

 

Our Graduation Day

Today our 2014 Sunflowers Graduates had their end of year show in front of their parents. A fun time was had by all. We wish them all success as they begin the next part of life’s journey in “big” school. To all the children, we say enjoy every second and to their parents, enjoy all that goes with it.