Start Of The Year Room Ideas - Welcome Packs

[catchmeifucan]

Back at work week after next and I've been thinking of ways to start off the new year. Don't have to do programing for awhile so I have time to get my room setup and get to know new group of children. Trying to rack my brain of a new ideas to start the new year off:

Some ideas so far include:

- welcome pack to parents

- kids library

- 1st day of care individual photos

- child busy bags

Not too sure what else but it's a start so far! Just want to make sure I'm organized for the busy year ahead.

[Lorina]

Hi Nat,

Nice ideas! I particularly like the 1st Day Photos and the Welcome Packs for Parents. Its a good way to introduce yourself to all the families starting in your room... What are you going to add to the Welcome Packs?

Regarding the 1st Day Photos how are you going to do them? I was just thinking you can use a small chalk board and with coloured chalk write something like "1st Day Of Preschool" (or whichever room) and add the date. Each child can hold it and you can take a photo of them holding it. Nice contrast to have also with the "Last Day of Preschool" using the same method.... Great end of year gift idea (yes thinking way ahead here)!

Which room are you working in for 2014? Don't party too hard for New Years Eve!

,
L.A

[catchmeifucan]

For the welcome packs:

-- intro letter about myself and other staff in the room

-- index card for parent to fill in their names, contact numbers and email. (we do have it on file in the office but I like to keep a copy for my room which I file in a business card holder)

-- input forms from portfolio templates: family life, all about my child and our weekend to be filled and returned

-- small intro explaining portfolios

-- business card with my name, centre number and centre email address

-- cardboard picture frame which they return with a family photo (they decorate with child at home)

I'm adding all these in a plastic sleeve and I did a page to go in the front " Welcome to Natasha's Room for 2014"!

Thats all so far what do you think?

For the first day of care photos your suggestion is neat! I'm going to do it. I have those chalkboards at work that kids use so I can use em with the preschoolers for 2014!

I am wanting to do a sign in/out area for my group for name recognition. Have you done this before?

Still working out what to include in the busy bags.

btw, wish you, your hubby and Maya a Happy New Year! I am just having a quiet night with my man this new years eve. The parties are so overrated especially in Sydney and besides I know who I want to kiss at midnight!

[Lorina]

I love your welcome packs! I don't think there is anything else to add... not that I can think of anyway... Such a great idea to share with the parents! I'm stealing this idea from you.

While in the preschool room I had a daily sign in/out area for the children. At the beginning of the year I laminated each child's photo with their name underneath and each day they transferred it to a "who's here today" part of the wall. Once children began to recognize their name, I removed the photo and children had to select only their name. This was set-up next to their lockers so it was easily accessible for the children. I used Velcro spots on the wall to stick these up and the children could easily remove them from the wall too. This worked well for me and it was quick and simple. I would preferably do a theme rather than have each child's names laminated such as "under the sea"....

I have tried having a binder with children's names that they write in an attendance book once they arrived but this takes too long, especially during peak hour drop off...

Hope you had a nice new year and you got your midnight kiss!

,
L.A

[fchaudari76]

love all your ideas they sound wonderful, may have to steal some lol

[cate8]

What fantastic ideas So much time and effort going into those plans too!

[Smiley]

Name Recognition:

Name stones on a small table at front door. Child collects name stone on arrival adds to a hanging basket in writing area. Use this 4 name recognition throughout the day. Children put name stone back on table at front door when leaving. Buy stones cheaply from dollar shop. Use liquid paper 2 write child's name.

[monkeychic]

I am yet again in the 3-4 room next year and planning to do Welcome Packs for my families, I really hope the Parents enjoy these

[Lorina]

I am yet again in the 3-4 room next year and planning to do Welcome Packs for my families, I really hope the Parents enjoy these

It's a great idea! I'm currently designing Welcome Packs for educators to distribute to families when services begin opening up again... I'll let you know when they are available to download...

,
Lorina

[linsaa fdc]

Lots of great ideas...... can't wait to see what you will create this year Lorina

[Lorina]

Lots of great ideas...... can't wait to see what you will create this year Lorina

Hi Linsaa!

Hope you're enjoying your break! Busy at the moment organising templates, writing articles and planning for next year... I've got a long list and I just have to prioritise what I need to do first... Seriously there is not enough hours within the day!!

,
Lorina