This October, our Preschool Pals celebrated Book-O-Ween! This special holiday is when our very special friends get to dress up as one of their favorite book characters and have a party in the classroom. This year, they feasted upon spooky snacks like ghost & bat chips, monster strawberries and bananas, and washed it all down with spider milk.
Naturally, no event could ever be complete without a dance party! Our friends got to enjoy music followed by some spectacular spider art, and they wrapped the day up with a monster movie. It was a mighty adventure!
Preschool Pals Has Begun!https://waytogrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/7-e1569876126350.jpeg756549Angelique McDonaldAngelique McDonaldhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e741fdafe889c563adfa7aa27c4a15a6?s=96&d=blank&r=g
This September, our preschool in North Minneapolis, Preschool Pals, held their first Parent-Child class for the school year. Preschool Pals hosts Parent-Child classes throughout the year, with near-perfect attendance by families. Each class centers around a theme that impacts families every day. This class focused on nutrition.
Lead by our preschool staff, the class was facilitated with the help of University of Minnesota Health & Nutrition Program Educator, Ms. Selah Michele. She spoke to parents about helping children try new foods and keeping them engaged with their food choices by including them in snack prep. She also gave parents tips for providing healthy snack options and answered personal questions from the families.
The class concluded the session by making their own snack: fruit salsa with cinnamon chips. Parents then went home with a few recipes that they could try with their children. Yum!
Summer at Way to Grow is always an exciting time. Read on to hear about our recent 3rd Grade and Early Learner Graduations, and don’t forget to check out all those great smiling faces below!
3rd Grade Graduation
In June, we honored over 60 third graders and their families as we celebrated their graduation from our Great By Eight program. For some, it was bittersweet as they said goodbye to Family Educators that had worked with them since infancy. Yet for many others it was a time to say “see you soon,” knowing their younger siblings would keep their Family Educators busy for years to come.
Families were invited to a fun night of games, crafts, food, and celebration. Each child was presented with a certificate, goodie bag, and a book, and parents and caregivers were recognized for all the work the entire family put in to getting their kids set up for success. It truly takes a village.
Congratulations, 3rd graders! We have loved having you in our program and know you will go on to do amazing things in this world!
Early Leader Graduation
One month later on July 28, over 100 preschoolers graduated from our early learner program. With over 500 people in attendance, we had a blast as our preschoolers walked across the stage, families ate a meal together, and everyone played games, made crafts, and put temporary tattoos everywhere!
This event is always a highlight of the year because it truly reminds us of the importance of the work that Way to Grow does every day. For these children, this is the first of many graduations and it inspires families to keep working towards a brighter future. We are so incredibly proud of the work these families have done so far and cannot wait to see how they continue to grow in the years to come!
We want to extend heartfelt thanks to all who made these wonderful celebrations possible:
Thank you to all the Way to Grow parents and guardians for your work and commitment to your child’s education. To our Way to Grow Family Educators and staff, thank you for all your hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication. None of this could happen without you. Finally, thank you to our volunteers, the Way to Grow Board of Directors, and our funders for your continued support.
A special thank you to Books to Grow and Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club for providing books for our graduates and families!
On his first day of preschool, Daniel could barely speak a word. A nervous child and unsure of his surroundings, Daniel didn’t play or interact with any of the other children. His only method of communication was guiding his teacher to what he needed, and often he would burst with frustration. “Imagine being in a busy and new environment where you can’t verbally communicate your needs,” says Ashley Saupp, then the Lead Teacher of Way to Grow’s Preschool P.A.L.S. “As an educator, I knew that the best environment and people for him would be those who supported him from where he was at the time, not from where he needed to be.”
“When Daniel first started preschool, he hardly spoke,” explained his mother Berenisce. “I was afraid to send him, thinking that couldn’t tell me what was happening at school, or communicate with his teacher and classmates.” Her oldest son had recently graduated from Preschool P.A.L.S., and even though she was apprehensive, she trusted that Way to Grow would be able to support Daniel and his unique needs.
Surrounded by colorful pictures, toys for interactive play, and stacks of books, Preschool P.A.L.S. is a haven for fun, growth, and social interaction. Yet while the other children happily played and learned together, Daniel struggled to communicate and connect. Determined to help this new preschooler grow to his full potential, Ashley made sure every day was treated as an opportunity for growth. By utilizing a picture communication system combined with speech therapy, over the course of many months, Daniel learned how to communicate and convey his thoughts and needs. “He used to throw his shoes, hide underneath the table, and scream when he was frustrated that he couldn’t get his point across. In time, he relied on me to self-regulate his behavior, and eventually he was able to do it himself,” Ashley explains.
Taking awhile to become interested in interacting with the other children, Daniel leaned on his teacher for support. During playtime, Ashley would have him sit directly next to her, and after awhile they started inviting other kids to play with them. Over time, Ashley was able to slowly move away and allow Daniel space to play with his new friends all on his own. Ashley laughs, “It was almost like I had to wean him off of me!”
If Daniel’s first year at P.A.L.S. was all about change and adapting to new surroundings, his second year was about personal growth. During year two in Ashley’s classroom, Daniel’s spirit and energy came alive as he gained the confidence to participate in class and grew in his language development. He developed friendships and became even more comfortable in the classroom. Having grown so much in his two years of preschool, Daniel’s family placed him in kindergarten the following fall.
However, Daniel and his family quickly learned that elementary school was a very different environment than his former preschool classroom, and the transition proved to be very difficult. “It did not go well,” explains Ashley. “He just was not emotionally and academically ready.” Although not the traditional route, Berenisce knew that Daniel needed a little more time, so he returned to his former classroom for one more year. According to Ashley, “You cannot rush child development. You can guide it, but you cannot rush it.”
Upon returning to Way to Grow’s preschool, Daniel’s third year focused on readiness. By giving him flexibility and more time to learn kindergarten expectations, Daniel adopted a new level of emotional maturity and exhibited a true yearning to learn. As Ashley describes, Daniel had truly transformed: “Our last day together was graduation in front of hundreds of people. What on his first day would have completely scared him, was a huge moment of celebration. He walked across the stage on his own and received his preschool diploma to the cheers of his family and new friends. I was so proud of him.”
Today, Daniel is in 1st grade at Seward Montessori School. He can count to 100, speaks Spanish and English, and is especially interested in reading, writing, and animals. “Daniel is doing so well in his school,” notes his mother enthusiastically. “He likes all of his friends and gets along with everyone!” Given his love of animals, it’s no surprise that Daniel already wants to be a veterinarian when he grows up.As Daniel moved on to kindergarten, Ashley also moved forward. She now leads both our NAEYC-accredited preschools as Way to Grow’s Manager of Education Programming. Looking back at their time together, Ashley is reminded that while children are the focus of any classroom, their teachers learn right alongside them. “Often it’s the case that we think about what our role is and what our impact was on our children, but it shouldn’t always be like that,” Ashley reflects. “Daniel gave me so many experiences and taught me so many lessons that I will use to help other children facing issues like his. We grew together, and that truly speaks to our mission and what we do in the community.”
People to Look Up Tohttps://waytogrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/KJO_0072-scaled.jpg25601708Ken StoryKen Storyhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/97953452264113cc14bb44f35b738fc1?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Many a day for the past nine years, a little white bus has rumbled through the streets of Minneapolis carrying precious cargo to and from preschool. Billowing with energy and enthusiasm, the man behind the wheel is more than a bus driver—he is a caretaker, a friend, and a role model to each and every child that boards his bus.
Described as “humble” by his colleagues and “fun and interesting” by the children, Mr. Willie’s unique and special flare makes him a very special and incredibly important part of the Way to Grow team. Transportation is a hardship for many of our families, and Mr. Willie works four days a week to help eliminate that barrier, always with a smile and wave, a story, and laughter.
Often the first and last Way to Grow employee our preschool students see, Mr. Willie makes it a point to be not just a driver, but an integral part of their lives every day. “My first priorities are the safety of the kids and making sure they get to school on time, but in that hour that I have those kids, I take advantage of any opportunity to engage with them. Engagement is education in and of itself, and that is important,” Mr. Willie shares. “We bond because I listen to them. Sometimes they have problems, sometimes they have concerns, and sometimes they just want someone to talk to.”
When asked about his favorite part of the job, Mr. Willie easily replies that it is the children who fill those seats. “Each child is different, and they are so intelligent and energetic. When I look at our bus, I see that we have the makings of future lawyers, doctors, politicians—almost every type of position that will contribute to our community in the future,” he expresses.
While most people dread the beginning of the work week, Mr. Willie is the exact opposite. “I can’t wait until Monday. I love my job.”
Way to Grow is at Sommerfest!https://waytogrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_4438-scaled.jpeg25601920Maren NelsonMaren Nelsonhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1946f97a3dbf0bf6337d9a9209ee8dd6?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Way to Grow is excited to announce our participation in the Minnesota Orchestra’s summer concert series, Sommerfest. Celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday, Sommerfest “explores musical expressions of peace, freedom and reconciliation in a celebration of Nelson Mandela’s Centenary.” It is in the spirit of ubuntu, or “I am because we are,” Way to Grow and other nonprofits and fair trade businesses were invited to install art and engage with Orchestra patrons and the wider community throughout the entire multi-week series.
To celebrate our Way to Grow community community, three preschool classes have combined forces to create a representation of our homes and neighborhoods as seen through the eyes of a child. Each box has been creatively decorated by a Way to Grow child and added to the whole, representing the truth that we are all part of one community promise. The preschool “city” will be on display from July 14–August 1 and is on view on the Balcony B Lobby of Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis. The lobby is open to the public two hours before every concert so stop by and explore!
A huge thank you to the Minnesota Orchestra for allowing us to be apart of this amazing event!
A Snapshot of our Preschools this Yearhttps://waytogrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_4472-scaled.jpg25601707Ken StoryKen Storyhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/97953452264113cc14bb44f35b738fc1?s=96&d=blank&r=g
From a pajama- piñata party to food bazaars, from balloon parties to buildings, our preschoolers have expanded their minds and horizons all while exploring their imaginations. While these moments are now memories, and some of these children are graduates, we wanted to take a trip down memory lane and share with you a few wonderful moments from our two preschools this past school year.
Music with Ms. Nora from MacPhail (North Preschool)
Making up a session that was missed because of weather, Ms. Nora came in with a purpose. Our teachers had informed her that the class was going to the zoo later in the week, so she came prepared with songs about animals and going to the zoo. The children played with different animal toys that she brought, sang different animal songs, and moved around the classroom pretending to be animals. To round out their last session with her for the school year, they played with sand blocks, drums, and maracas.
Music is an important and wonderful part of education and we are so grateful for Ms. Nora and our friends at MacPhail Center for Music!
Advocacy Day at the Minnesota State Capitol
Turning momentum into action, our preschool children accompanied their parents and Way to Grow staff to the Minnesota State Capitol to rally for early education. After boarding the bus and singing songs, a flood of yellow Way to Grow t-shirts entered the rotunda, where parents heard from education professionals and advocates while the children got to sing songs and were read to by legislators. Way to Grow Parent Champion Mina Thao even took the stage to share her story on how access to early education programs like Way to Grow have positively impacted her and her children’s lives.
“Witnessing their parents being active on any front leaves a positive impression on a child,” said Way to Grow Program Director Megan McLaughlin. “It was a great opportunity for the families to learn and experience the State Capitol in very different ways.”
Our families were then taken downstairs, where they were able to enjoy a snack, do some activities, and experience one-on-one time with legislators. We knew it was a long day because on the bus ride back to the preschools, a few of the children fell asleep. Who knew advocacy could be so tiring!
“Building” a Foundation of Learning (South Preschool)
It is always amazing to see the learning epiphany in children when they discover that just about everything they learn can be a career. For example, something as simple as building blocks can lead into a conversation about buildings and structures.
The South Preschool classroom was transformed into a cardboard workshop with boxes and supplies, and our children went from curious to becoming hands-on engineers! They were able to focus their skills individually and also cooperatively working with others to create some incredible structures.
This is a great reminder to always look for opportunities to learn in places you wouldn’t expect them and take action on them!
THE Trip to the Como Zoo
Even though the first zoo in the world was established in 1500 B.C. in Egypt, zoos remain wildly popular in the world and a driving force behind that are children’s interest, curiosity, and love for animals. Our Way to Grow children are no different, and after weeks of learning, singing, and pretending to be animals, there was no better way to finish the school year than a trip to the Como Zoo. We also invited their parents because you are never too old to go to the zoo!
Even though some parts of the zoo were under construction, the children were able to see all the animals they wanted to see on a list they made prior to their visit. From reptiles to mammals, the children got to experience and learn about the animal kingdom first hand. They also got to snack on animal crackers, which was intentionally planned by the teachers.
A huge thank you to our friends at the Como Zoo for hosting our families – and for everything they do for the Twin Cities community!
Sharing and reflecting on all these wonderful memories already has us looking forward to the next school year, we cannot wait to share with you what is to come!
What is it about eating that brings us closer?https://waytogrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/food-2.jpg960640Ken StoryKen Storyhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/97953452264113cc14bb44f35b738fc1?s=96&d=blank&r=g
These past two months, our preschools and our families have been talking about food. The children’s interest in food started when they read Bunny Cakes, The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza, and then a conversation about how they all ate rice but in different ways. They were perplexed, they were hooked, and we loved every minute of it.
The children came up with things that they wanted to know and learn about food such as “What is healthy food?” and “What are the foods that are good or bad for our bodies?” The preschool pretend centers were transformed into a grocery store where the children could buy and sell food, and they filled their libraries with fiction and non-fiction books about food.
These activities all built up toward both preschools throwing their own international food bazaar day, where parents and staff were invited in to bring in cuisines from their cultures to share. So, surrounded by decorations made by the children, our Way to Grow families “broke bread” and had an amazing time together.
So again, what is it about eating that brings us closer? We learned that food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.
A Visit from Allina Health’s Nurse Marisolhttps://waytogrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2.jpg22001650Susan CossetteSusan Cossettehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24aa069c9fd073ee93b24f6e7a844a41?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Good morning, everyone! Are we ready to talk to Ms. Marisol?
Mr. Eka, head teacher at Way to Grow’s Preschool Pals center-based school greets his class and introduces a special visitor to the classroom. While March is National Nutrition Month, the teachers in our two preschools incorporate nutrition education into the curriculum each and every day. However, last week, our early learners were fortunate to have a special visit from Ms. Marisol. Ms. Marisol is a nurse who works with Allina Health—and is also the Mom of our teacher’s aide Daniela!
Prior to her visit, the children compiled some questions for her:
Why do doctors give you a check-up?
Why do doctors and nurses give you shots?
Why do we have to eat vegetables and fruits. . . all the time?
Why do fruits and vegetables make us strong?
Do you do check-ups on animals?
Ms. Marisol was ready to answer them all, and to talk more with them about healthy eating. Our children have been learning about food all year, and today we reviewed the food pyramid and each of its components. Ms. Marisol talked about the importance of a balanced diet, and together we made a fun arts and crafts project with our own balanced diet plates.
The children loved Ms. Marisol, and we hope she will come and visit again in the future. Thank you for being a part of our classroom’s day!
So, What Exactly is an IGDI?https://waytogrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IGDI-scaled.jpg25601707Susan CossetteSusan Cossettehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24aa069c9fd073ee93b24f6e7a844a41?s=96&d=blank&r=g
IGDI [ig – dee]
IGDIs, or Individual Growth and Development Indicators, are frequently discussed here at Way to Grow.
“The IGDIs are next week.”
“Don’t eat those snacks in the fridge; they’re for the IGDIs!”
“When do the IGDI results come in?”
More than an third of America’s young children lack the skills crucial to school success. This means that every year, over a million children enter kindergarten behind on Day 1 in literacy and numeracy development. Meanwhile, research shows that these early years of education can be directly linked to odds of long-term success.
This is where the IDGIs come in, and why we use them in our work at Way to Grow.
Individual Growth and Development Indicators (IGDIs) are brief, easy-to-use measures of early language, literacy and numeracy designed for use with preschool children (ages three to five). Part of a long line of research at the University of Minnesota (and elsewhere), IGDIs focus on general outcome measures of educational and developmental growth. Teachers, parents, and others can use these measures to monitor children’s progress in important areas, identify children who need additional support or interventions, and track the effects of these interventions over time.
All of the children enrolled in Way to Grow’s programming who will be entering kindergarten next year take the IGDI assessments three times a year: at the start of the school year, mid-way through, and then right before they begin kindergarten.
“After the IGDIs scores come in, we are able to engage with families individually and share areas where parents can work with their children to ensure they will be fully prepared for kindergarten,” explains Ashley Saupp, Way to Grow’s Education Manager.
This approach pays off: Last year, 87% of Way to Grow’s children were deemed ready for kindergarten!
