September is characterized by visions of change and new beginnings as well as the anticipation of the unknown. For both children and parents, September embodies another benchmark in their family schooling experience; for educators, it is the time for planning and goal setting. Laying academic foundations are important but not as significant as laying Biblical foundations in the hearts of our school families. Our priority at ACSI is to ensure that our Christian world view permeates all we do every day and that it is noticeably different than what goes on in the secular world. This also needs to be reflected in our support and partnership with other Christian organizations so that can strengthen our collaborative approach to advancing God’s Kingdom through Christian education. Much creative energy is directed at planning our themes and achievement levels for each group, but are we as intentional in our spiritual goal setting for the children, families, teachers and staff in our child-care and school community? Are we as proactive as we could be in this area or do we just pray and hope that it’ll happen because we are part of a Christian organization? As we plan for the new school term, we need to simultaneously prepare for ways we can work with others to share the Gospel. Do we intentionally pray for opportunities to join with others for regular prayer and worship times? What opportunities do you provide for the community to engage together in these times of fellowship?

A publication of ACSI Eastern Canada – Early Education Division

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Early Edition

Autumn Issue-2017

Spiritual growth cannot impact anyone if it is static and assumed; we must actively nurture and continuously feed it so that it will always grow, mature and spread its roots. What are you doing about it today? Dr. Stephanie Ling Early Education Division ACSI Eastern Canada

To keep you current and well informed, join us on Fridays at 10:00 A.M. on the following dates:

November 17, 2017 February 9, 2018 April 27, 2018 (Friday: Conference Prep Day) April 28, 2018 (Saturday: Impact Conference Day) May 25, 2018.

Set these dates aside so that you can join us for fellowship, onsite workshops, discussions on current issues for childcare, support for your team, resources and guest speakers……a great way to stay connected with each other !

Stay tuned for exciting news about our annual conference coming up on Saturday April 28, 2018. Book that time now with your staff as it promises to be a great day of professional learning and spiritual renewal together. We will focus on learning how to implement the new criteria in terms of program planning, assessment and reflective practices not only to meet compliance regulations but to filter it through a Christian world view.

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Autumn Issue 2017 Early Edition Early Education Division

In laying down our foundations, we need to fully understand the need to begin developing this formation early with our young students. What Research Says about the Value of Spiritual Formation in Young Children…

“In study, after study, after study, children who actively engage in a faith community on a regular basis are rewarded with SIGNIFICANTLY reduced likelihood of life problems and risky behaviors, and stand to significantly improve their odds of a happier, healthier, and longer life. These studies show the same results for adults as well.

In addition, numerous surveys, including the latest 2009 Survey by the Barna Research Group, continue to show a strong statistical connection between being active in the church as a child and staying active as an adult. Furthermore, Barna's recent research indicates that even "being involved at least a few times a month is correlated with nearly the same sticking power as weekly involvement – especially among teenagers." (Read Barna's 2009 survey on the long term effects of active participation).

But here's the thing... you can't wait. According to a Barna Research Group study, if a child is not regularly active by the age of 12, the odds of them getting active DROPS DRAMATICALLY in their teen years and beyond. Indeed, Barna's research indicates that adults who attended church regularly as children -are nearly three times as likely to be attending a church today as their peers who avoided church during childhood (61% to 22%, respectively). In other words, parents who truly want the best for their children should get their children involved at church now and regularly. The old proverb was right on: "Raise up a child in the way they should go," and the odds are they won't depart from it.

We need to stimulate the intellectual, social and spiritual development of children through long-term caring relationships and the teaching of self-less values at the core of faith. This substantiates the value of teaching about God’s Truth at a young age”.

Quickly fading, this attitude needs to be renewed

with vigor. The excerpt below is from “I am Special”

series by Jean and Paul Plum on Early Childhood

Education: “Teaching young children about

Christian attitudes and actions is an important part

of religious education for early childhood. The word

“attitude” is commonly defined as a way of acting,

feeling, or thinking that shows one's disposition,

opinion, or mental set. Adding the qualifier

“Christian” to the word “attitude” adds a new and

specific dimension, namely, to be Christ-like in the

way we act, feel, and think.

During their early childhood years (ages 3-7) young

children are very impressionable and open to

attitude formation. Because of their dependency,

young children are strongly influenced by their

family and by their interaction with other children

and adults. In the process, young children are

forming attitudes about themselves and others that

will contribute to their future thinking, feelings, and

actions. At this age, effective modeling (good

example) of Christian actions contributes toward

their positive attitude formation.

At the same time, effective modeling along with

planned activities can also help motivate the

children to learn positive attitudes through their

experiences of showing love for others. These

practical experiences include listening, waiting,

taking turns, sharing, giving, caring, and helping.

Young children need to feel welcomed in their family, in your class, in the community, and to be loved “unconditionally.” The children's formation of a positive sense of self-worth is the first major step toward the development of Christian attitudes.

The next challenge for parents and teachers is to affirm and build upon the children's self-worth and, then, to guide them to interact with others with the

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Autumn Issue -2017 Early Edition Early Education Division

Here is a good framework for teaching values:

Compassion & Empathy: an acknowledgement of other people’s feelings and a desire to help them.

Cooperation: combining our energies to work with others towards a common goal; sharing the work.

Courage: enables us to face difficulties in a way that allows us to maintain some control.

Determination and Commitment: is our pledge and promise to stick to our goals as well as the ability to achieve them.

Fairness: to treat others equitably as we ourselves would like to be treated.

Helpfulness: the act of assisting others as well as looking for ways to make a contribution.

Honesty and Integrity: speaking truthfully and being honest with ourselves (moral values)

Humor: ability to perceive and appreciate laughter in our world and in ourselves.

Independence and Self-reliance: exercising our personal competence and being able to make our own decisions in a responsible manner.

Loyalty: remaining faithful through difficulties.

Patience: ability to wait calmly.

Pride: having the sense of our own self-worth.

Resourcefulness: ability to think creatively in handling new or difficult situations.

Respect: treating others with courtesy and politeness.

Responsibility: being trustworthy & dependable.

Tolerance: the ability to accept and appreciate differences in others and ourselves.

Plan your program so that each one of these values can be addressed each month. These values do not change over time; only its application and society’s expectation of one’s behaviour changes. Character education is a worthwhile focus for any environment. For more ideas, refer to “The Values Book” by Pam Schiller and Tamera Bryant ($24.99) ISBN 0-87659-189-6.

same kind of positive attitude and love that the children have for themselves. This focus outward (away from themselves) often begins with their desire to please their parents, teachers, older siblings, and playmates. Then, when offered positive reinforcement for pleasing actions toward others, young children are further motivated to help, listen, take turns, and share in ways similar to Christian actions they have seen or experienced.

Besides adult modeling and reinforcing positive self-concepts, dramatic role play can also foster the development of positive attitudes. During play experiences in a non-pressured atmosphere, young children can assume the character of someone else — mom, dad, or teacher. Then, while pretending to be that character, they can have an opportunity to begin to understand that other people have feelings and needs much as they do. For example, role-playing the mother or father in a house-keeping scene with a young son or daughter refusing to come in from playing when called for lunch, can help the child-character to experience parental concerns when a child in the family is reluctant to respond to their call. Granted these experiences may only spark a slight awareness, nevertheless, they stimulate the attitude-learning process.

As a teacher, it is important to remember that you are a role model for the students. When you talk to your class about God's love for them and then show love and concern, the children will often identify and measure God's love for them by your actions.”

The most valuable gift you can give another is a good example. Take care of your character and your reputation will take care of itself.

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YEAR ROUND TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR FAMILIES GET READY IN THE MORNINGS !!

Sometimes we need to help our school families understand how they can work together to avoid the frenzy of leaving the house every morning for school. Help your parents realize that they need to establish specific and consistent routines to follow each morning. The following provides some helpful suggestions: 1. Relaxed Atmosphere: music can often help children, as well as adults, avoid the

hectic morning syndrome. Play a soothing music tape and ask children to be dressed and ready by the time the song is over.

2. Energized: Plan ahead for making sure that a healthy and nutritious breakfast is available for everyone in the family. This increases concentration and energy for the day. Much can be prepared the night before to avoid the rush.

3. Connected: Having a positive and engaging conversation about the school day helps children to feel that you care about what they are going to do. Ask then to share about what they are looking forward to or what they are afraid of facing. You can prompt this time with specific questions as well.

4. Preparation: reviewing and studying the day’s lessons each evening is a good habit to develop. Take time to help your child choose a specific time each day to do the review.

5. Rested: A specifically set bedtime each night brings continuity and consistency in the life of a young child. If there is resistance, suggest that you child can get into bed 15 minutes early to read, make up stories or just to have a quiet conversation time with you. Ending the day with prayer is always a good ending !

Autumn Issue 2017 Early Edition Early Education Division

& 1 Wenden Court, R.R.#2, Minesing, ON L9X OG7 Phone: 705-728-7344 Head Office: E-mail: acsiec@sympatico.ca

Early Education Division: Dr. Stephanie Ling, Associate Director E-mail: ling@cornerstoneprep.ca

….Remember….if you can help your families get their children to school on time each day by following a good workable routine, then you will also be able to maximize their child’s learning for the day ! You will also help their parents have a better day too!