Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood

 

September 27, 2024

Dear Families,

Big feelings are a normal part of early childhood development, but when you are 3, 4, or 5, it can be overwhelming and tough to handle feelings like sadness, anger, or frustration. Often times their brains immediately move to “fight or flight” mode without registering the emotional state they are in. Everybody gets mad or sad sometimes, but there are healthy and not-so-healthy ways to express our feelings. The good news is, we can train our brains to manage our emotions better. For some kids, their brains haven't learned how to react properly yet, so they might have tantrums, scratch, or even hiss! This week in school, we've been practicing recognizing our emotions and controlling our brains. Sometimes all it takes is deep breaths, a walk, or reminding ourselves, "My brain controls my body... I can train my brain!"

Supporting your child’s emotions:

• Acknowledge their feelings: Let your child know it’s okay to feel upset or angry. Try this, “It is okay to feel angry. I feel angry sometimes, too. It is not okay to hit. Instead, when you feel angry take 10 deep breaths.”

• Create a “Calm Down Corner” at your house: include sensory items such as fidget spinners, textured items, pop-its, mirrors…

• Talk it out: Help your child express their feelings by asking open ended questions. “How are you feeling right now? It looks like you are angry because you didn’t get the toy you wanted. Is that correct?” “Yes!” “It’s okay to feel impatient. While you wait, would you like to play magnatiles or dolls?”

• Offer comfort: Many children are sensory children and simply need redirection and a tight hug. Count to 10 while you hug then re-evaluate. 

• Offer patience: When your child is in the state of anger or frustration, wait until he/she has calmed down before you talk about the behavior. By providing a hug, space, or calm down corner first, you are allowing him/her to get the frustration out. Once they are regulated, then talk through the experience. If you try to talk through the experience in the moment, you will find the anger or frustration rising. Also, don’t forget to show patience for your own emotions. It’s okay to say, “Mommy is feeling frustrated right now. I am going to take a few deep breaths then we will talk.”

Book options:

Mean Soup by Besty Everitt
Baby Sister Says No by Mercer Mayer
When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry Lee Maclean

Trike-A-Thon: During the week of October 7, the ECC will partner with St. Jude for our annual Trike-A-Thon. Please see the flyer below for more information about Trike-A-Thon. Please note, that students are asked to bring a riding toy and a helmet to school on October 10.  If you’d like to volunteer your time or send snacks, please click here. This special event is truly one of my favorite memories throughout the year. We hope you can join us!

What is happening around campus?

We hope to see many of you at the Oakridge Varsity Football game tonight against Houston Christian.

 

Join OPC! What is the OPC?

The OPC is The Oakridge Parents’ Club or Oakridge’s version of a “PTA.” Our OPC consists of Oakridge parents and grandparents who donate their time to events around campus such as our Fall Festival (“Owlfest”), Teacher Appreciation lunches, the Book Fair and much more. Please consider joining. If you join at the $75 level, your child(ren) will receive a non-uniform dress day.

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Best regards,

Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005
Head of Early Childhood