Hello, fellow educators!

We are now nearing the end of September and approaching the beginning of Fall. We have almost conquered yet another month in the year 2020, and we're all still standing. I have to commend all of you for being essential through it all.

To be totally transparent and honest, the last 6 months have been mentally and physically draining for me, but it’s definitely been a learning experience. It’s been really hard for me to not see the kids during story time. On some of my “not so great” days, their smiles and hugs would be just what I needed. 

One lesson I’ve learned from the last 6 months is that we have to first be our very best selves before we can be anything to anyone else…mommy, teacher, caregiver, etc. Self-care is so important and relevant everyday, but especially right now. Sometimes, we forget about ourselves.

Yes, we have little people who rely on us at work and family who rely on us at home, but how can we be nurturing, efficient, and effective while also being exhausted, drained, and stressed? The answer is we can't.

I have given you resources on how to speak with the children about current issues already. Here are just a couple resources that I’ve found to be helpful for me as an adult that may help you also. I’ve met some wonderful people through the years from doing outreach, I think of you all as family. 

Link 1 | Link 2

In other news, Ms. Alexa and I have been focusing on print concepts for our early literacy blogs and videos this month. I would just like to go over a couple of ideas and tips we discussed and why it’s important especially with preschoolers.

Print Concept is the ability for emergent readers to recognize and distinguish certain features of print and how it works.

• Such as layout of text (left to right and top to bottom) on the page. 
• Connecting the words to the pictures 
• Encouraging play with print
• Reading Big Books is great 
• Label areas in your classroom or house. Ex: Kitchen, puzzle center, puppet center 
• Go on a nature walk and talk about symbols and signs in the environment Ex: STOP sign

Here’s a great link for other print concept tips and ideas:

Concepts of Print in Preschool

Great books to teach print concepts:



I’m so happy that we’ve started back up with safely dropping books off at some of your facilities. I realize it’s not our normal routine, but also feel that we are headed in the right direction. If you have not set up a time with me to get materials dropped off at your facility you can reach me at shannon.keaton@co.iredell.nc.us or call (704) 878-3090 ext. 3097.  Please contact me with any questions, ideas or concerns.

With Love,
Ms. Shannon