Download the May 2019 Home + School Connection Newsletter today for information on resources available through Montgomery County Public Libraries, end-of-the-year events, a thank-you to our parent volunteers, a look ahead to Fall 2019, art project ideas, and fresh new book recommendations from Mrs. Forcey.
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Fun Parks and Gardens to Visit Over Spring Break
Now that winter is finally drawing to a close, it’s time to start planning some activities to shake off that cabin fever! Check out some of these local venues that offer fun for families with young children:
Wheaton Regional Park, Georgia Ave. Entrance: Entering Wheaton Regional Park off Georgia Avenue — just south of Randolph Road — you will find a large picnic area with lots of play equipment, a miniature train, and a working carousel.
Weekends in April this year feature a fun “Eye Spy” experience on the miniature train. Riders will receive a card with characters to spot along the trip. Children under 2 ride free with a paying adult. The “Eye Spy” experience is available April 17 to 22 as well for MCPS spring break, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Pack a picnic and enjoy this free public park! More information is available at the Wheaton Regional Park website.
Brookside Gardens: Spring is a wonderful time to visit Brookside Gardens. This 50-acre public garden includes an aquatic garden, azalea garden, butterfly garden, children’s garden, Japanese garden (complete with koi pond), rain garden, a woodland walk, and more.
You’ll also find a picnic area and nature center near the parking lot. Admission to the gardens is free. Brookside Gardens also has a variety of classes and program for preschool-age children.
Information on both the park and child-friendly programs can be found at the Brookside Gardens website.
April GSLP Home + School Connection Newsletter
The April GSLP Home + School Connection Newsletter includes information about our partners at the Gaithersburg Judy Center (plus the upcoming Teacher Appreciation Book Drive to support our friends there!), ideas for honoring Earth Day with your child, awesome local parks to visit this spring, springtime activities, technology at school FAQs, and a preview of DinoRock, coming to GSLP on April 25 and 26. Plus, don’t miss our fresh book recommendations from Pre-K teacher Mrs. Forcey!
April Picture Book Recommendations
By Lori Forcey, GSLP Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
For our April Book Nook, we’re offering up a basketful of goodies — a little selection that touches on Pre-K’s Nature theme, and another choice that covers the EPK 2 and EPK 3’s construction-related themes. And finally, we finish up with an adorable Easter book, starring a favorite preschool character, from local author Janet Morgan Stoeke.
The Koala Who Could, by Jim Field: Alliteration and rhymes abound in this catchy story about Kevin the Koala. Kevin enjoys hanging out in his tree and minding his own business, even though his friends encourage him to come down and play. Then one day, Kevin is forced out of his tree and down to the ground, but what will happen when he gets there? Filled with cute illustrations and featuring native Australian animals that local preschoolers may not be familiar with, this audiobook is available in our lending library.
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, by Sherri Dudley Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld: This modern classic visits each of the construction site vehicles — crane truck, cement mixer, dump truck, bulldozer and excavator — as they finish their work for the day and snuggle down to sleep for the night. The rhyming words are so cozy and soft, you’ll feel yourself stifling yawns while reading it. Fair warning — save this little gem, which can be found at your local library, for bedtime!
Minerva Louise and the Colorful Eggs, by Janet Morgan Stoeke: Oh Minerva Louise! We check in on our favorite easily confused hen and find it’s springtime at the farm and Minerva Louise has a brand new hat (that looks suspiciously like an Easter basket). As she explores the farm she finds colorful eggs dotting the landscape — but where are the eggs’ mothers? The answer to this mystery can be found at your local library.
January 2019 GSLP Home + School Connection Newsletter Available
The January 2019 GSLP Home + School Connection Newsletter is now available! Download this issue for fresh picture book recommendations, tips on engaging in mindful breathing with your child, information on our upcoming Kindergarten Readiness Workshop, a look at the 2019-2020 class schedule, and more.