“Teaching is not about answering questions but about raising questions – opening doors for them in places that they could not imagine.”
– Yawar Baig
Is there any feeling quite like making a difference? We argue that there is not! For the teachers, staff, parents, and friends of The Children’s Center, May is a time of year when we are more aware than ever of the incredible difference The Children’s Center makes in the lives of children and families.
We just held a beautiful graduation ceremony for our 2023 graduates and are so excited about all they are going to do in the future. We know they are prepared not only for kindergarten but have the social and emotional tools they need to thrive in life. If you missed the graduation livestream, you can watch it here!
Our 3rd Annual Tot Trot fundraiser begins TOMORROW! The Tot Trot is The Children’s Center’s annual peer-to-peer fundraising event. What makes this event unique? We’re glad you asked! This is the ONLY event where funds are completely raised online which means family members and friends from all over the country (or even the world) can learn more about the important work The Children’s Center does and can donate to a classroom of your choice!
This year we are raising funds for classroom enrichment such as reading materials, classroom supplies, and music education! Our total fundraising goal is $18,000! Thank you for donating to The Children’s Center!
This month we spent a week celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week! While we can never thank our teachers enough for the incredible investment they make in future generations, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to let them know how much we love them. Next time you see one of our teachers, make sure to let them know how grateful we all are for them!
We had help celebrating our teachers thanks to our friends at New York City Pizza, JAVA Burrito Company, and One Hot Mama’s who provided catered lunches during Teacher Appreciation Week as well as SERG Restaurant Group and Coastal Restaurants And Bars who provided gift cards for each of our teachers. Thank you for supporting The Children’s Center!
DID YOU KNOW, fresh foods are a part of the mission for food service at The Children’s Center? One of our goals is to offer fresh and seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables at breakfast, lunch, and snack time each day. Thank you to our amazing team in the kitchen who whip up delicious and nutritious meals daily, like this fun nacho bar! We appreciate you!
Art classes are back with Mr. Allen leading the charge! We are so excited to be able to provide children an opportunity to express themselves creatively while acquiring some important developmental skills in the process.
This brings us to this month’s blog topic. Why is art education so important for preschoolers? How can you encourage creative expression in your child(ren) at home?
The Benefits of Art for Preschool-Aged Children
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh outlines some proven benefits of art for preschoolers. Here are a few:
Physical Benefits: When making something with their hands, children learn fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are used when doing things that are more detailed and involve smaller movements such as dipping a paint brush in paint and making small lines or drawing facial features on a stick feature. These are the same skills children will use as they grow older to tie their shoes or to play an instrument. Additionally, children form new neural connections as they engage multiple senses.
Cognitive Benefits: Looking at and creating art teaches children about symbolism, abstraction, and the relation of parts and wholes. It also develops critical thinking skills as children problem solve and seek to understand and interpret their world through art.
Social-Emotional Benefits: Children learn to share and to work collaboratively when creating art with peers and/or teachers. They also boost their self-esteem as they master skills and exchange ideas. Art is also a wonderful space for children to view the world through the eyes of others and to begin to understand complex topics like diversity. Art also provides wonderful space for free play letting their imaginations free and can serve as an important outlet for emotional processing.
As a parent or guardian, how can you nurture the creativity in your little ones? Here are a few ideas:
- Take them to visit art museums and exhibits! Experiencing art provides important exposure for children on their own creative journey. Many art museums also offer free creative activities for children. For example, The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry provides loads of interactive experiences for children.
- Take a family walk around the neighborhood and see what art you can make out of the pinecones, leaves, or other objects you find on your journey! All it takes is a little creativity (and maybe some glue or tape)!
- Try one of these preschooler-friendly art projects!
Staff Spotlight
We’d like to extend a huge welcome to our new Development Manager Ginger Kennedy! Ginger was born and bred in New Jersey and has had a love for the Lowcountry since marrying her husband in 2001 at the Dune’s house. Holding multiple degrees in Early Childhood Education, Business, and Technology she has the drive, knowledge, and passion to serve the children and families of The Children’s Center. She is a mother of two young men, Quinan & Aidan, and two raucous dogs, Skittles & Chuck. When she is not investing in future generations, she enjoys skiing, surfing, volunteering, and cheering on Notre Dame’s football and lacrosse teams. Welcome to the team Ginger!
As always, we are grateful to provide the best possible early education to Lowcountry children daily, and we simply could not do it without YOU! THANK YOU to everyone who makes The Children’s Center a wonderful place to be.
Do you want to make a difference? We are looking for full-time and part-time employees! E-mail resumes to info@thechildrenscenter.org
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