Around the Kinder Campfire

First-Day Jitters: Preparing for the Big DayIn this episode of Around the Kinder Campfire, the Chadwick School Kindergarten Team helps families prepare for the first day of school. We cover practical first-day logistics and welcome Village Counselor Ms. Marisa Ryan for a conversation about supporting children—and ourselves—through the emotions of this big transition.In this episode, you'll hear about:Getting Ready for the First DayPreparing for the WeatherCarpool & DismissalFirst-Day Jitters with Ms. RyanVillage Counselor Marisa Ryan, LCSW, joins the kindergarten team to talk about the emotional side of starting school.Drawing from her experience in schools and her background in trauma-informed care and diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ms. Ryan discusses:Why first-day anxiety is completely normalDifferent ways children may show anxiety, including tummy aches, headaches, and repeated questionsThe importance of parents checking in with their own anxietyHow children can "borrow" confidence from their parentsPreparing as much as possible the night beforeResponding to children's worries without unintentionally making the anxiety biggerCommunicating confidence while acknowledging that something new can feel trickyReminding children that there are safe, supportive adults at schoolBuilding a Bridge Between Home & SchoolMs. Ryan introduces the idea of transitional objects—small reminders that help children feel connected to home while they're at school.The First-Day GoodbyeOne of the biggest takeaways from the episode:Keep the goodbye short, predictable, and confident.The team discusses:Why lingering can sometimes increase a child's anxietyWhat to do if your child criesTrusting teachers to support children through difficult momentsGiving children a confident message that they are safe and capableRemembering that a messy or emotional first day does not mean you've done something wrong as a parentThe team also explains an unusual feature of the first day at Chadwick: kindergarten families will have two goodbyes—one at the classroom door and another after the dolphin-hat exchange.Coming Up NextEpisode 3: Starting Our Story in KindergartenThe team will explore how children begin their kindergarten journey and how Camp KINDergarten sets the stage for the year ahead.CreditsAround the Kinder Campfire is recorded on Chadwick School's beautiful 45-acre campus on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.Theme music: The Chadwick School Core Values Song, written by Jasmine Love, arranged by Charla Gae, orchestrated by Richard Babcock, and performed by Abishai Smith.Special thanks to Abishai Smith for sound engineering assistance.We're so glad you're part of our Camp KINDergarten journey. Until next time, keep growing your story.

Welcome to Camp KINDergartenWelcome to the first episode of Around the Kinder Campfire, the podcast from the Chadwick School Kindergarten Team. In this episode, the kindergarten teachers introduce themselves, reflect on meeting students at Begindergarten, and share what families can expect as the school year begins.In this episode, you'll hear about:Meet the Kindergarten TeamJocelyn Smith, Kindergarten Lead TeacherAmanda Hartigan, Kindergarten Lead TeacherAdriana Estrada, Kindergarten Associate TeacherVeronica Whitlock, Kindergarten Associate TeacherA Partnership Between School and HomeThe kindergarten team shares its belief that education is a partnership.Families are invited to stay connected with the team throughout the year as children begin their kindergarten journey.What's AheadA preview of the next episode, focused on dealing with first-day jitters and helping both children and parents navigate the beginning of school.Meet the TeamJocelyn Smith is a kindergarten lead teacher who joined Chadwick in 2018. Her educational background includes child and family studies, educational media and technology, school librarianship, and elementary education. Her professional experiences have included working with children and families and advocating for children's educational needs.Amanda Hartigan is a kindergarten lead teacher beginning her 24th year in education and her 11th year at Chadwick. Her teaching experience includes kindergarten, first grade, multi-age K–1, and Montessori education. She has taught kindergarten at Chadwick for 10 of her 11 years at the school.Adriana Estrada is a kindergarten associate teacher with more than 10 years in education and eight years at Chadwick. She holds a multiple subject credential with BCLAD certification and has experience working with English language learners and in special education.Veronica Whitlock is a kindergarten associate teacher in her sixth year at Chadwick and 11th year in education. She previously taught as a first grade associate and spent five years as a Montessori preschool teacher.Coming Up NextEpisode 2: Dealing with First-Day JittersThe team will talk about what children—and parents—may experience on the first day of kindergarten and how families can prepare for the transition.CreditsAround the Kinder Campfire is recorded on Chadwick School's beautiful 45-acre campus on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.Theme music: The Chadwick School Core Values Song, written by Jasmine Love, arranged by Charla Gay, orchestrated by Richard Babcock, and performed by Abishai Smith.Special thanks to Abishai Smith for sound engineering assistance.Thank you for joining us around the Kinder Campfire.