Preschool Parenting Series

Parenting a preschooler is a joyous, exciting and challenging time.

Children are developing rapidly at this age, exploring their world, discovering who they are, and testing their independence. At Garrison Forest, we help our parents navigate this exuberant, wonderful time to learn more about just what makes their son or daughter tick--and how to help them build the very best foundation for all that lies ahead.

Led by Zibby Andrews, Head of Preschool and noted early childhood educator, the Garrison Forest Parenting Series offers parents of preschoolers the invaluable opportunity to delve into a monthly topic specific to the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of children ages 2-5. The Parenting Series is free and open to GFS parents and interested families; registration is not necessary. For more information, call the Preschool at 410-559-3221.

2012-13 Preschool Parenting Series

All seminars are held in the Parent Resource Room, Room 5, Moncrieffe (the Preschool building). Each program begins at 8:30 AM and includes coffee.

September 21:  “What’s Next?” Zibby Andrews, Head of Preschool, leads a discussion of procedures and options for a boy’s education after Pre-K at GFS.

November 2:  “What’s Next?” Zibby Andrews, Head of Preschool, leads a discussion of procedures and options for a boy’s education after Threes at GFS.

November 30: GFS Counselor Shondra Cowling and Zibby Andrews discuss the social-emotional development of young children.

January 14: Valerie Marsh and Marion Hawkins, Pre-K teachers, and Zibby Andrews, Head of Preschool, delve into the development of a four-year-old.

January 23: Louise Moran and Kathleen Harrington Pendergast '93, Kindergarten teachers, and Zibby discuss the development of a five-year-old.

February 6: GFS Counselor Shondra Cowling and Zibby Andrews discuss the guidance and discipline of young children.

April 26: Zibby Andrews and Shondra Cowling discuss the impulses and emotions of young children.

March 6: Preschool Directors Luncheon with Molly Pearre Schaeren '71, Lower Division Music teacher, and Zibby Andrews discuss the interplay of songs, rhymes and movement and their impact on early learning.

 

 “VOICES FROM THE FOREST” is the Garrison Forest parenting blog. More and more parents look to the internet for parenting information and advice. We hope this blog will become a primary source for you - and for others outside the immediate GFS community. The blog includes voices from our community and resources relevant to each topic. Visit gfs.org/voicesfromtheforest.

 

 

Moms' Group 2012-13

Join Zibby and Shondra Cowling, Lower Division Counselor, for a Friday morning mothers' group.  Loosely structured around topics of interest to you, we'll talk about children... something women do well. This is very informal--no PowerPoint and no commitment to a topic. The Preschool resource room will be open two or three Fridays a month from 8:15 to 9:15. Younger siblings are welcome. If you have a topic in mind, let us know and we’ll dig further into our resources.

Dates and possible topics:

December 14: Holiday stress, holiday giving
January 11: Sleep patterns and habits
January 25: Healthy eating and picky eating
February 8: Discipline, guidance and "saying no"
February 22: Physical development, the importance of exercise and moving, even when you don't want to go out!
March 8: How to "entertain" at home (on the last day before Spring Break)
March 22: How to “measure” progress (next week is Conference Day)
April 5: The power of music
April 19: Intergenerational challenges and communication (the week after Grandparents’ Day)
April 26: Impulses and emotions, avoiding tantrums
May 3: Discipline and guidance
May 17: Altruism and empathy
May 31: This could be a party to celebrate the meetings and plan for the summer!

Letters From Zibby