in Hillsboro, OR
A Note from Our Principal
Summer is in full swing, and we are soaking in the fun! From spending time outdoors and having fun with water to playing games with friends and participating in new learning experiences, we’re creating a summer to remember! We can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds. Additionally, July is a special month as we get ready to participate in our summer giving initiative.
Sincerely,
Courtney Selin
Kids Helping Communities
Every summer, we participate in our Kids Helping Communities initiative to give back to communities in need. This year we will be partnering with Rose Haven’s back to school drive.
Donate School Supplies
A Friendly Reminder to Re-enroll for Next School Year!
Thank you to our families who have already secured their re-enrollment for the upcoming school year. Our classrooms are filling quickly and our teachers have already started to plan exciting new activities for next year. For those who have not yet registered, we urge you to complete the re-enrollment process as soon as possible to guarantee your child’s spot.
School Age Summer Camp
It’s not too late to join the adventure this summer! There is nothing that compares to watching your child’s confidence grow and seeing them have fun and make friends. By enrolling, you’re giving them a summer they’ll never forget. Stop by the front desk to learn more!
Important Dates
July 4 – CLOSED for Independence Day
July 31 – End of Month folders go home
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https://www.facebook.com/TouchstoneSchool
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New On Our Preschool Blog
Supporting Social-Emotional Growth Through Summertime Moments
Summer is a season filled with sunshine, adventure, and fun activities to do outside. From backyard playdates to outdoor festivals, summer is filled with everyday opportunities for preschoolers to practice important life skills like sharing, problem-solving, managing emotions, and showing empathy.
Here are some common summer experiences that help nurture social-emotional growth, along with simple ways to guide your child through them:
Practicing Patience and Flexibility Whether it’s waiting in line for ice cream or sitting through a long car ride, summer often requires a little extra patience. These moments help preschoolers learn to manage frustration and adapt to changing plans. If your child is getting restless, try naming the feeling: “I see that you are frustrated because we’re waiting. I wonder what we can do while we wait.” Then offer a calming strategy like deep breaths or a quick guessing game. When your child is ready, invite them to suggest ideas to encourage problem-solving skills.
At our school, we often use redirection when children lose patience or interest—this could mean asking them to help with a task or sparking a conversation about something they enjoy. It helps them stay regulated while learning positive ways to cope.
Learning to Share and Take Turns Whether they’re splashing in the sprinkler or playing in the sandbox, summer activities for preschoolers often involve sharing toys and space. These situations can be tough, especially for preschoolers who are still learning how to express themselves respectfully. If your child is having trouble taking turns, gently guide them: “It looks like Olivia wants a turn with the shovel. Would you like to give it to her when you’re done, or should we use a timer?” Giving them a choice helps them feel more in control.
Building Independence and Responsibility Summer is a great time to give preschoolers small responsibilities that build confidence and independence. Packing a bag for the park, carrying their own water bottle, or cleaning up after a picnic are simple ways to encourage social development through self-awareness and accountability. At school, we might ask our students to help clean up the chalk after outdoor play or pack up their belongings after water play.
Talking About Feelings in Real Time Big summer fun can come with big feelings. Maybe your child missed a nap, dropped their popsicle, or had to leave the park earlier than they wanted. These situations are valuable chances to help them name and work through their emotions. Try using calm, clear language:
“You seem really sad that we had to leave.” Then offer reassurance: “It’s okay to feel that way. Let’s take a minute to calm down, and we can talk about it together.”
Encouraging Empathy and Kindness From sharing a bubble wand to thanking someone for a snack, summer is full of small moments where children can practice kindness. These acts may seem simple, but they help children learn empathy and strengthen their relationships with others. When you notice a kind action, point it out: “That was really thoughtful of you to share your toy. Look how happy that made Evan!” Over time, they’ll begin to notice and repeat those moments on their own.
By encouraging patience, independence, kindness, and emotional awareness, you’re helping your child develop essential skills. These small, intentional moments add up to big learning, and some sweet summer memories, too.
To learn more about how we develop social-emotional growth over summer, and throughout the year, contact us/find a school today!