For the Bridgeport United Methodist Church Preschool, learning is about so much more than just the curriculum.   Teaching the whole child, in their philosophy, includes developing a strong self-image, good social skills, creativity and, above all, the understanding that they are blessed by God.  One way to instill these messages is to stress kindness and community service at an early age.

 

The preschool recently celebrated the Week of the Young Child, a national initiative that focuses public attention o the needs of the children, their parents, and early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.  Throughout the year, students and families have been collected pull tabs from aluminum cans to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.  “Children helping others is a wonderful way to share our blessings,” says director Polly Steele. 

 

As a group outreach project, students hopped along to the “Bunny Boogie” last week to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  They will also continue their tradition of having each child plant a flower in the Preschool Flower Garden in front of the church.  The Week of the Young Child also inspired creative play that focused on friendship and kindness.  Artwork from the students was displayed at the Bridgeport McDonald’s and participating students were given coupons for free meals. 

 

This year, the students had a “Bubble Blowing Extravaganza”, where they blew bubbles and watch them soar.  The bubbles represent their dreams and the staff’s confidence in just how far they will go in the future.  This year, however, there was an additional message.  The bubbles also represented prayers for preschooler Jack Rollins who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Neuroblastoma.  “Team Jack” will continue to support him throughout his treatments and they plan to make paper chains that will join together to show how much they miss him in preschool.  “Jack loves superheroes,” says Director Polly Steele, “ but to us, he is the true Super Hero!”