Love to Laugh!

 

Happy Holidays Valley View Families!  It is that magical time of year when we think of others and spread good cheer to all. Have you ever thought about how often you laugh? Research shows that children laugh up to 100 times a day! Adults laugh less than 10 times a day.  That is unfortunate for adults because a good laugh relaxes tense muscles, speeds more oxygen into your system, and lowers blood pressure. No wonder children are so healthy and have so much energy! As we teach children reading, writing, and arithmetic, let’s also teach them that it’s important to have a sense of humor.  Let your children see you smile and laugh.  Write down funny things they say and share them with your friends and family.  Read humorous books.  Watch funny movies now and then.  Learn to laugh at yourself when you make a mistake.  Remember: “You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.” ~Michael Pritchard

Has 2011 moved quickly for you? Will you sit down to your holiday dinner and marvel that, so soon, the New Year, 2012, is upon you? Or will you breathe a sigh of relief and say, “ At last…”  It’s strange how time moves at different speeds for different people in different years.  Of course it all has to do with the challenges we face.  You may wonder how time has slowed to a crawl or maybe you wonder why time moves so quickly.  Whatever way time is flying for you this year, take time to relax, enjoy your family and friends, and remember that the holidays don’t have to be picture perfect to be warm and enjoyable.

            It is tempting to think of holiday breaks as vacation time rather than as opportunities for learning.  Nothing is quite as nice as family and fun during the winter holidays.  These breaks offer children the freedom to try new experiences outside of the structure of the school curriculum.  The trick to helping your child get the most out of these breaks is planning. For kids, new experiences can be more relaxing and refreshing than staying home.  Discuss with your children what areas of interest are most attractive to them.  Use the Internet to find learning opportunities, and plan ahead.  There are hundreds of art, outdoor, music, technology, travel, and other interesting opportunities out there. I encourage you to take advantage of these special times to break up the monotony of the school year with challenging and exciting experiences for your child.

May your family experience true abundance during this holiday season. The entire staff joins me in extending well wishes to you and your family for the holidays and the new year.  During this special time we pause to remember and share goodwill, joy and happiness with others.  Cherish the moments of the season of joy with your children, family and friends. These are the experiences that give richness and meaning to our lives and are to be treasured and fondly remembered in years to come.  Enjoy your family time together during our winter break and return in 2012 rested, healthy, and ready to continue on our educational journey together.

“Giving is the secret of healthy life. Not necessarily money, but whatever a person has of encouragement, sympathy, and understanding.”

 ~John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Warm Wishes,

Mrs. Carla Walker