Making memories

We had our Lessons and Carols program this morning and it was wonderful. Our children sang in front of hundreds of parents and loved ones. I witnessed instrumental solos, teared up at Silent Night, and shimmied to a fun Jingle Bell Boogie song. I feel very lucky to be a part of a community that can talk about faith, wonder about faith and celebrate faith. 

As you gather with friends and family this holiday season your child will be making beautiful memories. What are some fun ways to help your little one journal their experiences?

Our youngest learners use a program called Writer's Workshop. Students are taught that we are all writers and writers edit. All you need are some markers and paper. Stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end. To journal a fun holiday experience you could start with one picture. Ask your child, what happened next and have them draw it. I once read a story about a child who lost a tooth in the backseat of a car - it was so wonderfully suspenseful as I turned the pages! 

Once your child has command of some letters they can add a letter beneath their picture, then perhaps the full words. Your child's fine motor will strengthen as they draw the pictures and write those letters. Why don't we use pencils? We feel that if they are truly writers they will edit a document - not erase their work. We love how our students take more risks with the knowledge that they are merely creating a draft on their way to making a final product. 

Hopefully you will also have some time to read some new books with your child over the holiday! Our Lower School Librarian will be speaking on January 14 at 10 a.m. about raising a book lover. All community parents are welcome. She will discuss the benefits of read alouds in developing vocabulary, suggest new authors and books to build fluency, and share how to best weave technology into literacy. I hope to see you there - we will be meeting in Lloyd House on the Lower School campus. 

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Katherine 

Originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she attended an independent school from preK-12th grade, Katherine Carbo earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a law degree before returning right back to the independent school world. With experience at four different schools from coast to coast, she writes insights and observations from the front line of independent school admissions.  Mrs. Carbo is the Director of Lower School Admission at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.