1. Art and Diseño

Airport Learning
Tree
P
February 2015
Director: Penny Haakinson
Assistant Director: Ru Coyne
Front Desk: Debbi Alger & Deby Waldner
Mothering Heights by Penny Haakinson
Contents
Mothering Heights
1
The Gift of Sleep
Upcoming Events
1
As we head into February our thoughts go to the gifts and surprises that we will
Front Desk News
2
give to our loved ones. You’ll probably be thinking about how you can surprise your
Snuggle Bunny News 3
Wobbly Lambs News 3
little ones with special treats. I know that we are getting ready for lots of fun
making hearts and sending Valentines here at the daycare.
I would like you to consider a different type of gift. The gift that I would like you
Tiger Cubs I News
4
Tiger Cubs II New
4
Fuzzy Duck News
5
Bouncy Bear News
5
Kangaroo News
6
Panther News
7
personal best.”
Family Matters
8
I have watched many young families that have followed Dr. Weissbluth’s advice in
Menu
Attachment
Our Theme This
Month
Live, Laugh, Love
Upcoming Events
2/13 PNO Hosted by
Deby & Ru
2/19 Scholastic Book
Order Due
to give your children is earlier and more consistent bedtimes.
According to Dr. Marc Weissbluth, “Sleep is the power source that keeps your
mind alert and calm. Every night and at every nap, sleep recharges the brains’
battery. Sleeping well increases brainpower just as weight lifting builds stronger
muscles, because sleeping well increases your attention span and allows you to be
physically relaxed and mentally alert at the same time. Then you are at your
his book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, with great success. Young children
should be getting 11-13 hours of sleep per night. Throughout Dr. Weissbluth’s book
he emphasizes a number of components to healthy sleep habits for children.
One of the most important factors is catching the right time for each child. If a
child is fussy at bedtime we might think he/she is not ready for bed. The opposite
might actually be true. Dr. Weissbluth advises trying 15 minutes earlier each night
until the optimum time is reached.
Another important factor is to keep the bedtime routine consistent, relaxed, and
fun for the child. A bath, quiet reading and the same routine as you leave the room
are all important.
My daughter has followed this book from the very beginning and her children get
more than 12 hours of sleep every night and even her 18month old lets her know
when he’s ready for bed. The routine is followed and as they leave the room, the
child is ready to lie down and peacefully begin his/her great night of brain
recharging.
Page 2
Front Desk News
February Newsletter
Dear Parents…
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is quickly
approaching and our teachers are
busy planning all the fun activities
that come with this lovely holiday.
Keep an eye out for sign-up sheets
outside classrooms for class parties.
When purchasing treats to bring for
our parties, keep in mind that we do
have some students with severe
allergies to peanuts. Additionally,
please talk to your child’s teacher
about how they are handling
Valentine’s cards. Some of the
younger classes may not want you to
put names on them, so that the
children can place them in the card
holders, while the older classrooms
may want the names so that they
can match them to the correct
holder. As some of our classes learn
about the mail system, help us make
this a learning experience by
watching for mail that may be
coming to your house.
Immunizations
Thank you for all your help in making
sure your child’s immunizations are
current!
Year End Tax Forms
Year end tax statements are now
available. Please ask the front desk
for your copy.
Communication
It is very helpful to us when
families call to let us know when
children aren’t going to be in on
days that we are expecting them.
Often time, one or two children can
make a huge difference in staffing.
Sicknesses
As we’re sure you are aware, there
are some nasty colds and flus going
around, and we have
seen quite a few sick kids in the
center, as to be expected this time
of year. While we are doing our
part to keep hands washed, toys,
door handles, phones, keyboards
etc. sanitized, there are some
things you can do to help us to
minimize the spreading of sickness.
As written in our Parent Handbook,
we cannot admit or retain in care,
except with the written approval of
the local health officer, a child
who: has a fever over 101.5,
diarrhea, vomiting or severe cough.
These are the main symptoms we
are seeing, but there are others
listed. If your child has any of
these symptoms, they need to stay
home. Additionally, your child needs
to be free of these symptoms for
24 hours prior to returning to the
center.
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear…
Evalyn
Alix
Kaysa
Max A.
Malik
Kayliana
Desi
JD
Jasper
Eliel
Teacher Kayla
and Teacher Caitlin
Happy Birthday to you!
Page 3
February Newsletter
Classroom News
Snuggle Bunnies loved by Char & Joy
Happy one year birthday to Ellie and Kaysa! They are very busy and Ryker is right behind them keeping
up with the big kids! We have had quite an influx of new babies joining us. Welcome to Preston, Kate,
and Ella who joined us in January. A big congratulations to our new crawler Faben and Mason is not too
far behind her. Troy and Skylar have mastered sitting up. This means there are a lot of different
levels in the room making it a dynamic classroom. We have all sorts of things going on.
As always, we are working on tummy time, practicing pulling ourselves up on soft cubes, and encouraging
those ready to take a few steps. Everybody is moving and interacting. With all this interaction between
our babies, please make sure you are cutting your baby’s nails. We love having the kids interacting with
one another but don’t want anyone getting hurt. Thank you for your cooperation.
Wobbly Lambs loved by Jan & Denae
Here
we
are
in
February
we form the words. They are
already! The first signs of
at
the
perfect
age
for
spring are coming soon! We
learning.
They
soak
up
have gone outside and heard
everything they see and hear.
the sweet sounds of the song
Their communication skills are
birds!
recent
fair
improving
allowed
the
forward to watching them
babies to play outside. They
continue to grow and learn.
love it.
Every day there is something
This
weather
has
We have been playing with
colors and numbers and will
continue our focus on these
this month. We will also be
practicing
words
and
repeating them over and over
with the babies watching how
daily.
We
look
new and our little buds are
quickly blooming into beautiful
little boys and girls.
Classroom News
Page 4
February Newsletter
Tiger Cubs I loved by Jen & Terrie
We had a great January in
have about 24 toddlers that
outside every day, but if it is
Todds. We have gotten back
come throughout the week. If
nicer out, we like to get the
into a regular routine after the
that’s too many Valentine’s, 12
kids outside for some fresh
holidays. We also enjoyed many
for Todds I only works.
air. Additionally, don’t forget
nice days outside. One of our
favorite moments was eating
worms in dirt (gummy worms,
chocolate pudding and cookies).
Some of the kids devoured it
and others wouldn’t touch it.
We look forward to February
and celebrating Valentine’s Day.
We will have our class party on
Thursday, February 12th, in the
afternoon. You may bring in
Valentines
marked
to
“my
friend.” If you don’t come on
Thursday, you may bring them
anytime that week. We actually
This month we will be learning
about the letters E, F, G, and H.
Elephants will be the topic the
first week. Then we will talk
about fish and frogs. For letter
G, we learn about giraffes and
gorillas.
The
last
week
in
February will be about Hippos,
to take your child’s blanket
home to wash. We wash sheets
every week and when soiled,
but
blankets
are
your
responsibility. Lastly, we ask
for two packages of wipes
every month for each child –
unscented please.
Horses, and Hearts.
Just a few quick reminders,
please go through your child’s
art folder at least once a month.
Also, make sure your child has an
appropriate jacket for outside
play. We aren’t currently going
Tiger Cubs II loved by Kim & Caitlyn
January has come and gone and we had a wonderful start to the New Year. We learned
about bugs, did some fun cooking projects, and have been taking advantage of the warm
and sunny days by playing and running outside.
For the month of February, we will be learning the letters E, F, G, and H and the numbers
5, 6, 7, and 8. We’ll be doing a lot of fun Valentine’s crafts. We’ll also be having a
Valentine’s Day party where the kids can exchange cards and treats. Make sure to keep
an eye out for a sign-up sheet if you would like to bring something for the festivities.
Last, with our unpredictable Oregon weather, please make sure to bring your child
appropriate clothing and jackets. It’s important to have outside play when the weather
permits and we want kids to be warm and comfortable while they play.
Classroom News
Page 5
February Newsletter
Fuzzy Ducks loved by Deby, Amber, Stacey, & Dennise
What a wonderful January we
we were sitting in. It’s quite
In class, we will be exchanging
had! The weather towards the
amusing for the teachers to
Valentine’s. If your child would
end of the month was so good
watch.
like to participate, they can
to us. We spent a lot of time
outside, some days we were
even able to take our coats off.
We also welcomed two new
friends,
Mason
Simpson
and
Alexander. They have fit right
in and it’s been great to get to
know them. When we weren’t
outside playing, we had a lot of
fun in the classroom. We made
Gak that was white and had
glitter in it! We had fun pulling,
stretching, forming, and feeling.
We played with it for several
days. We also made our very
own snowmen out of doughnuts.
We had mini chocolate chips for
mouths and eyes, Twizzlers for
a scarf, and dried papaya for
his nose. We also played our own
version of musical chairs. Once
the music stops, we always seem
to race to get back to the chair
Looking ahead to February, we
will celebrate ground hog day by
reading a poem and making a
puppet. We will also celebrate
Dr. Seuss at the end of the
month when we read The Cat in
the Hat, One Fish, Two Fish,
bring Valentine’s but no need to
write a name. Our colors for
February will be pink and red,
our shapes will be heart and
rectangle, and our letters will
be H and V. We will also make
Jell-O hearts.
Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Green
Please be sure to check your
Eggs and Ham. We will make our
child’s art file at least once a
own green eggs which will be
month. Also, make sure your
deviled because the kids love
child has extra clothes and a
deviled eggs. The main focus for
blanket that’s big enough.
February will be Valentine’s Day
and the post office. One of the
highlights of this theme will be
when we make our own Valentine
and send it to our home. We will
take a walk to the mail box and
each put our letters in the mail
box. Please help us out with this
by taking your child to your
mailbox to check for their mail.
Bouncy Bears loved by Dennise &
This New Year has brought new learning to our classroom! Teacher Kayla has joined us and has brought
Kayla
a lot of fun for all of us! We have started focusing on learning our ABC’s and being able to recognize
letters when they are written. We are looking forward to next month and the fun that February
brings. We will be having a class party on February 13th at 3pm. We will be exchanging cards, so please
send your child with cards to share! We will also have a sign-up sheet for treats starting February 9th.
Although the sun has been shining, it is still cold outside. Please make sure your child has warm enough
clothes and jackets so they can play outside.
February Newsletter
Classroom News
Page 6
Kangaroos loved by Ru & McKenzie
We had another great month in
when we got outside. The kids had a
exciting week in kindergarten! We
Kindergarten and are ready for
blast stretching out their yarn to
will read plenty of Dr. Seuss books,
February! January brought us two
see how long their whale was and
learn about Dr. Seuss himself, do
weeks
trying
string
some Dr. Seuss themed crafts, and
followed by two weeks of ocean
represented which whale. Finally, we
have a read in. A read in is a special
fun. Having two weeks to focus on
put
and
day in kindergarten where we wear
a theme was really exciting as we
measured how long a Blue Whale is -
our pajamas, bring our stuffed
felt like we really dove deep into
the largest creature on Earth. The
animals, blankets, and pillows, read
the topic. Each day of our weather
length of our playground wasn’t
A LOT of books, and relax all day.
weeks, we had a different student
quite enough and we had to continue
It’s a great day to show the kids
practice
weather
onto the little side. We all had a
how fun reading can be! Keep an
reporter. This involved peeking out
really great time seeing just how
eye out for a note with more
the
the
long whales are! We also had an “A-
information coming home towards
current weather which was a very
ha” moment during a math lesson
the end of February.
exciting responsibility for us. We
one day during ocean week. We’ve
also
been
of
exploring
being
back
door
used
weather
the
to
sentence
check
strips
to
to
our
guess
strings
working
on
which
together
addition
and
practice as a whole group reading
different strategies to use. So far,
the sentence “Today the weather
in addition to just knowing the
is ____.” and we would put a
answer, we can draw a picture and
picture of the current weather to
use our fingers. On this particular
read.
day we practiced using manipulatives
During our exploration of the
ocean,
we
started
out
by
brainstorming creatures that live
in the ocean. We kept this poster
posted in the room so we could go
back and add to it as we came
across
more
the kids! It was so great to see
them all excitedly and easily solving
addition problems. Hopefully this is
a strategy they will use in the
future.
classroom into a post office and
have another section of the room
devoted
to
writing
Valentine’s
notes and letters. If you have any
stationery,
envelopes,
colored
stickers
paper,
etc.
laying
around the house that you would be
willing to donate, we would love to
put them to good use! This writing
area will give us the opportunity to
practice writing our friends’ names
as well as some common words. We
while
Looking forward to February, we will
will also be sending letters home
reading books or doing activities.
have the following themes: “Five
when we discuss the post office!
We
really
Senses,” “Valentine’s Day,” “Space
Finally,
extensive list! We also headed
and Robots,” and “Dr. Seuss.” We
Valentine’s Day party so be looking
outside with some yarn to measure
will also finish up our letters as we
for a sign-up sheet. We will send
how long whales are. We had four
learn R, X, Y, and S. Our “Five
home
premeasured yarn lengths and had
Senses”
quick
classmates’ names on it so if your
to figure out which one belonged
introduction as it will only be a week
child would like to bring Valentine’s,
to which whale. Our options were
long. We will test our senses by
they can address them to their
Gray Whale, Beluga Whale, Killer
shaking plastic eggs to guess what is
friends. This is a great opportunity
Whale,
Whale.
inside of them, touch things around
for us to practice our hand writing
Before going outside, we looked at
the classroom to find different
and reading! Thank you in advance
pictures of each of the whales and
textures, and use our ears outside
for all your support this next
tried to compare their sizes. This
to see what we can hear. The
month! It’s always an exciting one,
gave us a pretty good idea for
celebration of Dr. Seuss is always an
but it will go by very quickly.
ended
and
creatures
and the strategy just clicked for all
We will also be turning part of our
up
with
Humpback
a
week
will
be
a
we
a
will
note
be
with
having
all
of
a
our
Page 7
February Newsletter
Classroom News
Panthers loved by Robin, McKenzie, Alicia, & Shirley
January was a great month in the
into. We also discussed the
program to be delivered by the
school-age classroom. We have
importance of eating a balance
post person of the day. It will be
started
diet as we created a nutrition
quite exciting!
swimming
again
on
Wednesdays! For most of us, we
mobile
are really excited to be getting
sticks, and yarn. This was a
back into the pool. A few of us
great visual for the kids of
are still unsure about swimming
what a “balanced diet” means.
but hopefully we will all be
Some
other
enjoying it very soon. Swimming
things
we
has been a nice balance of some
included making magic wands out
lesson time and some free swim
of
time which we really love! In the
classroom – popsicle sticks, pom
classroom, we were busy learning
poms, yarn, etc., and we each
about nutrition. We turned our
made our own play dough. We
kitchen into a really extravagant
sure were busy and are looking
restaurant which included take
forward to what next month
out
brings.
containers,
menu
sleeves
that we could put our own menus
into, flower vases to go on our
tables, a chalkboard to write
daily specials on, a tray for
sorting
silverware,
and
customers (teachers and other
students). Also while discussing
nutrition, we made sure to chat
during
each
meal
about
the
different foods we were eating
and which food group they went
with
various
food
pictures,
miscellaneous
did
in
things
January
in
the
For the month of February in
the school-age classroom, we
will be having a lot of fun with
our post office learning center.
The children will be learning to
address envelopes and learning
about stamps. The children will
be
sending
friends
and
letters
siblings
also
to
in
our
February
of
course
brings
Valentine’s month so everything
will be hearts. We will also be
learning to say I love you in
different languages. Please feel
free
to
come
guess
which
language our signs say “I love
you” in. Just flip it up and you
will see on the back. There are
lots of languages to guess. If
there is a language we do not
have and you would like to see it,
come let Teacher Robin know.
Finally, this next month brings
the Chinese New Year on the
19th. This year is the year of the
goat. We will be learning about
the Chinese New Year and about
all the traditions that come along
with that celebration. Some of
these traditions include dragon
dancing, handing out money in red
envelopes to children, hanging
red lanterns, singing songs, and
eating lucky foods.
Page 8
February Newsletter
Just For Fun
Home Depot: Kids Workshop
When: First Sat., 9-12pm
Where:
Various
Home
Depot
Locations Description: Free, monthly
hands-on, “how-to” craft* workshops
designed for kids ages 5-12.
2/7 Learn How to Build a Heart Box
Lakeshore Learning
When: Every Sat, 11am –3pm
Where: Lakeshore Learning Store,
16901 SW 65th Ave., Lake Oswego
Description:
FREE
fun
craft
activities for ages 3+
Information:
503-620-9888
or
lakeshorelearning.com.
2/7 From the Heart Coupons
2/14 Uncle Sam’s U.S. Mask
2/21 Roar-A-Lot Lion Puppet
2/28 Hats Off Pencil Holder
$2 Days at OMSI
When: First Sun. of every month, 2/1
Where: OMSI
1945 SE Water St., Portland, OR
97214
Description: Enjoy discounted $2
admission to OMSI.
$4 Zoo Second Tuesday
When: Tue. Feb. 10th, 10am – 4pm
Where: Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW
Canyon Rd. Portland, OR 97221
Description: Enjoy all of the fun
wildlife and adventure at the Oregon
Zoo for a fraction of the cost with
$4 admission per person. Children 2
and under are, as always, admitted
free of charge. Ride transit and
receive an additional $1.50 off with
proof of ridership. There is a fee for
parking a well.
Wondrous Wednesdays
When: Wed. Feb. 4th 10am – 5pm
Where: World Forestry Center
4033 SW Canyon
Description:
Tour
the
World
Forestry Center for the discounted
price of $3 per person. Ride the wetfree rapids, try your smoke jumping
skills, and discover interesting things
about forests all over the world.
There is a fee for parking as well.
Guided Nature Hike
When: Saturdays, 10-11:30am
Where: Tyron Creek Park
11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd.
Description: Free guided nature
hikes exploring the forest and stream
ecosystems and natural history at
Tryon Creek State Natural Area.
Topics will vary from week to week
but will be appropriate for all ages.
Parents must accompany kids on all
hikes. No pre-registration required.
For more specific information or if
bringing groups larger than 10, call
(503) 636-9886 ext. 225.
2/7 Tryon Creek through the Ages
2/14 First Peoples in Tryon Creek:
The Seasonal Round Begins
2/21 A Story of Stumps: Tryon
Creek History
2/28 Oregon Owls
by a USA Roller Sports certified
instructor, and cool skating games
like "Dead Bug", "Roller Limbo" and,
of course, "The Hokey Pokey"!
Includes conventional skates.
Ages 0-10, with family. $6 per child,
grown-ups free. oakspark.com
Second Saturday at WREC
When: Sat. Feb. 14th, 1pm – 3pm
Where: Water Resources Education
Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way
Description: Second Saturdays at
the Water Resources Education
Center are not only fun, they're free!
Each second Saturday of the month,
from 1 to 3 p.m., kids and their
families are invited to explore a
different topic through hands-on
activities, games and stories. Families
can explore their creativity during
this fun Second Saturday event!
February’s Second Saturday is Love
Your Trees. February is a great
month to show your love for trees!
Trees are special – even those that
have lost their leaves for the winter.
Kids will enjoy making various crafts
from different parts of a tree.
PDX Kids Calendar
http://www.pdxkidscalendar.com/sum
Kids Morning Skate at Oaks Park
When: Saturdays, 10:30am - 12pm
Where: Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks
Park Way, Portland OR 97202
Description:
Get your family's
weekend rolling at Kids Morning
Skate! This session is specifically
designed for kids ten and younger and
features music chosen by kids for
kids, a 15 minute group lesson taught
Check out these great sources for
more family fun activities…
Multnomah County Library
https://multcolib.org/events/progra
ms
Metro Parent
www.metro-parent.com/calendars
Vancouver Family Magazine
www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com/ca
lendar.html
mer-fun-events/