Ashley Read '05, Head of Early Childhood

 

September 19, 2025

Dear Families,

Our students have been practicing a new communication strategy in large group settings: raising their hand to share a comment. We've been working with them to understand the difference between wanting a teacher's attention and needing it. We've emphasized that safety concerns always warrant immediate attention, even if that means interrupting an adult. We know it can be challenging for young children to wait their turn or accept that they may not always be called on. This is why we're focusing on developing the essential life skill of patience.

BOOK OPTIONS: 

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

Ivan the Terrier by Peter Catalanotto

Ruby Sings the Blues by Niki Daly

Babushka’s Doll by Patricia Polacco

Executive Function: Did you know that many of the differences we see in young children, such as the ability to pay attention, the ability to stack blocks, or the ability to switch from one task to the next, are related to their executive functioning skills? According to The Education Hub, “Executive function is a set of skills that stems from the coordination of three cognitive processes: cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control.” These skills begin to develop in infancy and help individuals to plan, focus, remember instructions, and complete tasks. At Oakridge, we take the time to incorporate activities and experiences that help our students refine their executive functioning skills. Children’s first teachers are their parents and other important adults in their lives, so how can you help your child develop these skills at home?

• Play games that involve planning and strategy: Games like "Red Light, Green Light," "Simon Says," or simple board games require children to follow rules, remember instructions, and plan their next move.
• Encourage imaginative play: Provide open-ended toys and props that allow children to create their own stories and scenarios. This helps develop cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
• Give age-appropriate responsibilities: Tasks like tidying up toys, setting the table, or helping with simple chores teach children to follow instructions and complete tasks.
• Provide opportunities for problem-solving: Instead of immediately stepping in to solve a child's problem, encourage them to think of solutions on their own. Ask questions like, "What do you think we could do?"
• Limit screen time: Excessive screen time can hinder the development of executive functioning skills. Encourage engaging in activities that require focus and interaction.

Homecoming Spirit Week:
At this point, you should have received information about Homecoming Spirit Week, which will take place during the week of September 29 - October 3. Click here to view the Homecoming packet, which includes the daily themes and the run of events. We invite you to join us on October 3 at 10:00 a.m. for the annual Homecoming Parade and hope that you will come back to the O.A.C. (Oakridge Athletic Complex across the street) for the football game that evening. Purchase Homecoming t-shirts by September 23, 2025. Proceeds from t-shirt sales go toward the fireworks show after the game. Students can wear their 2025 Homecoming t-shirt to school on Friday, October 3.

 

Warm regards,

Ashley Read, Oakridge Class of 2005
Head of Early Childhood