Wow it’s hard to believe that this school year is already coming to a close! I began working with your precious children mid October and have seen a tremendous amount of growth since then. In the beginning of the year I introduced the children to the concept of Kavod. It was a foreign concept to them as they were just starting to explore their own feelings of empathy. I’m so proud to see how they have taken the idea of kindness and respect  and applied it to their daily interactions with one another. It’s even more amazing to see them remind one another when they need to show Kavod to someone else. 

I’ve also watched their self regulation skills improve greatly. Even though they are still young and have really big feelings  they are now more equipped to calm themselves down when those big feelings arrive. Of course they still need to be reminded of the tools and techniques that they’ve learned sometimes. For example something I say to them when they are very upset or frustrated may be :

“You are okay, take some deep breaths."

"You are brave, and you are strong. You can do this.”

Try this at home and you may find it helpful.

It has been an honor to work with all of you and to be a part of each child's personal journey.  It's been proven that the first 5 years of a child's life are the most important. 90% of the brain develops in these precious years, and I thank you all for choosing me and CJP to help lay a solid foundation for your children.  All of us at CJP can't wait to see you at our annual Moving On Ceremony on Thursday, May 27 beginning at 11am. Thank you for an incredible year.

Shabbat Shalom,

Morah Maya