A Little Heart for the First Days

Starting a new school year is a big moment for any child. In our Preschool classrooms, the first weeks have been filled with new routines, new friends and plenty of opportunities to discover that school can be a place where they feel safe, supported and ready to explore.

One story helped make that transition a little more comforting.

Our Preschool students read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, a story about a young raccoon who feels hesitant about his first day of school. To help him feel connected to his mother while he is away, she shares a special secret: a kiss placed in the palm of his hand that he can carry with him throughout the day.

The story resonated with our young learners, who are experiencing their own first days at school.

After reading the book, each child received a small paper heart to place in their hand as their own special “kiss” from home. It was a simple gesture, but one that gave the children a tangible reminder that their families are with them, even when they are apart.

These small moments are an important part of the Preschool experience at CFIS. Through stories, play and shared classroom experiences, children are building relationships, finding their routines and developing the confidence to take their next steps independently.

It is the beginning of a wonderful journey, one small heart at a time.