The month of September marks a significant period of transition and learning opportunities within our preschool program. As we welcome a new group of families and children into our program, we also welcome their differences and similarities that enriches our classroom environment.
Welcoming new friends also means welcoming new emotions! Preschool 1 room has experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from tears at drop off time in the morning to overwhelming moments throughout the day, and excitement at the end of the day at pick up time. All different kinds of emotions that we share, and help overcome with one another. Emotions can sometimes be challenging to navigate with our Preschoolers, which is why we have established various opportunities for the children that will help support them sail through their emotions. One of which is having a “calming corner” in our classroom which our Preschoolers have learned to use during difficult moments throughout the day, the calming corner is used when they are feeling upset, angry, overwhelmed or a lot of times when they just simply need space from everyone else. Inside our calming corner, we have visuals of “calming yoga” and different representations of how some emotions can look like— all of which help in understanding their big emotions in their little bodies. Our Preschoolers have also been working hard on vocalizing for themselves phrases such as “are you okay?” or “do you need a hug or a high five” are often used in our classroom, which allows them to build their socio-emotional skills and co-regulate with one another.
In the midst of this big transition in our Preschool room, our older Preschoolers have become role models, friendly guides, and some became a “safe space” to some of our new and younger friends. We have observed how some of our new friends would follow their older peers and hold hands with them as they walk around the playground, or how they would ask if they can sit with their “new friend” all of which can be comforting especially when they are in a new environment. Our older Preschoolers have also shared their knowledge in our classroom environment, and they’ve helped their new peers with routines throughout the day. One of which is guiding them during tidy up time. Our older Preschoolers show their new friends where they can find certain toys and how to put them away. These opportunities allow to help build their self-confidence and support their sense of belonging with one another through big or small moments experienced during the day.
As the Preschoolers learn more about one another and their environment, we also face challenges along the way. It is through these experiences that we build resilience and our classroom culture, making sure that each child feels understood and supported. It is just the beginning of a beautiful journey that we are embarking on together with the children and their families, full of opportunities for growth, discovery, and a rollercoaster ride of emotions! Some days will be easy, and some will be chaotic, but there will always be beauty in everyday we spend in our classroom.
