December 2023 Newsletter
Celebrating the Holidays at Woodside
It is the time of year that we as parents, teachers, and adults yearn to create a holiday season filled with love, laughter, awe, and wonder. It is easy to try to top our previous efforts and fill our days with endless excitement.
It is helpful to remember that even the simplest additions and changes to routine add to a child’s heightened emotions as they navigate the increased energy and excitement of the season. Our Woodside traditions reflect the beauty and peacefulness of the changing of the seasons and the special relationships we have with each other. The children enjoy continuing to learn through their play and interactions, as they enjoy traditions and a sense of community through joyful music, glittery decorations, and special foods and creations. We feel it is meaningful to learn about the variety of ways people celebrate, identifying common themes.
Please share a family tradition or a recipe with us!
Thank you for all the Ways you support Woodside
Some things our Wish List:
- Method Foam Soap/Tissues
- Matte board
- Legos
- Watercolor or Cardstock Paper
- Tissue Paper
- Pony Beads
- Loose parts (buttons, jewels, pompoms, etc.)
- Kitchen items for Outdoors
Our Favorite Reminders
The holiday season is a wonderfully busy time that will throw off routines. In the moments when this leads to heightened emotions and the need for extra support, we turn to our favorite mantras.
“We all need someone who understands.”
– Magda Gerber
“For a peaceful regulated household, prioritizing downtime is just as important as planning activities.”
– Respectful Parenting
“The activities that are the easiest, cheapest, and most fun to do – such as singing, playing games, reading, storytelling, and just talking and listening – are also the best for child development.”
– Jerome Singer
“If it requires my child to sit still and be quiet, I can’t come.”
– Unknown
“The lessons we hope to teach don’t happen when we’re correcting our children’s behavior, but in the connection that flourishes in each moment of frustration that’s met with empathy rather than force.”
– Lori Petro