Jones Journal for Families january 23, 2026

Counselor Corner

Patience Is Key

Let's face it: No one likes to wait. There are several elementary students who haven't yet learned why patience matters. Nor have they developed the coping skills to be able to wait successfully. Still, teaching your child patience is important. They'll need it to be successful in school and in life. It's tough to say how patient you can expect your child to be at each age. Some kids are naturally more patient than others. That's why it's helpful for you to observe your child and understand that for some kids, waiting comes easily, while for others it's really difficult. That said, there is undoubtedly a difference between what you can expect from a three year old and what you can expect from a five year old. As your child's language skills develop and he gains more experience with waiting, you can expect him/her to be more patient. Whether your child is naturally patient or not, you can do a lot to help her learn by starting early. Even when they're just nine or ten months old, you don't always have to immediately fix everything for them. If you do they won't learn to hang in there during the struggle and eventually master challenges." For example, when your baby's ball rolls out of reach, don't retrieve it for them right away. Instead ask, "How can we get the ball?" and help her figure out how to do it. The same holds true as kids get older. If your child throws a puzzle piece out of frustration, say "Puzzles can be so frustrating. What if we try it together? Does that piece fit here? How about here?"

More Ways to Teach Patience

Learning to wait and to take turns are important elements of learning patience. Try these skill-building strategies: Model patience. Your child is always learning from you, so be aware of the words and body language you use when you have to wait for something. Instead of acting anxious when you're stuck in traffic, put on a relaxing song. Use reflective listening. Young children don't have the words to express what they're feeling, but you can help verbalize those emotions. In the checkout line, you might say, "I know it's hard to wait. This is taking a long time, but you're doing a great job waiting." If you acknowledge your child's struggle, they'll naturally try harder. Keep expectations reasonable. Asking your preschooler to wait an hour for food is just too long. At a restaurant, ask your server to bring bread or crackers as soon as you sit down, and have a book or quiet game handy to keep your child occupied. Help them develop strategies for waiting. When you must wait, help your child figure out what they can do to pass the time. Say, "What can we do while we're waiting? Should we sing songs or read a book?" Use a timer to help your child visualize the wait. If they're begging for a story, but you need time to finish what you're doing, set an egg timer for 5 minutes and tell them that when the bell rings, you'll read the book.

Save the Date💗February 12

Supporting Language Learning at Home

Personal Safety Workshop Jan. 29

Yearbooks for Sale!

This school year is flying! 👉🏽Order here using code 26548. Don’t miss out! 📚✨ ¡Este año escolar se está pasando volando! 👉🏽Haz tu pedido aquí con el código 26548. ¡No te lo pierdas! 📚✨

Volunteer Sign Up

Many hands make light work and we love our volunteers. We depend on our parents and volunteers to help make the best learning environment that we can for our kids. We encourage you to be an approved volunteer to help make a difference at school, sponsor fine arts events, chaperone field trips and work with students. All volunteers must submit an online application (every year) and upload a copy of your unexpired government-issued photo ID to the volunteer application.

Muchas manos facilitan el trabajo y amamos a nuestros voluntarios. Dependemos de nuestros padres y voluntarios para ayudar a crear el mejor ambiente de aprendizaje posible para nuestros hijos. Lo alentamos a ser un voluntario aprobado para ayudar a hacer la diferencia en la escuela, patrocinar eventos de bellas artes, ser acompañante en excursiones y trabajar con los estudiantes. Todos los voluntarios deben enviar una solicitud en línea (cada año) y cargar una copia de su identificación con fotografía vigente emitida por el gobierno en la solicitud de voluntariado.

Calling all Jones Dudes!

Looking to meet other dads, stay involved, and support your child’s school? Join the Dad’s Club—a space for connection, community, and fun with all the awesome dads and father figures in our school family! ¿Quieres conocer a otros papás, mantenerte involucrado y apoyar la escuela de tu hijo? ¡Únete al Club de Papás—un espacio para la conexión, la comunidad y la diversión entre todos los increíbles papás y figuras paternas de nuestra comunidad escolar!

Stay connected: Join our private WhatsApp group and Follow us on Facebook

Mantente conectado: Únete a nuestro grupo privado de WhatsApp y Síguenos en Facebook

Get involved, stay in the loop, and make a difference! ¡Involúcrate, mantente informado y marca la diferencia!

Upcoming Events

• February 6- Jones Dads Club Donuts with Dudes
• February 10- PTA Meeting & Gallery of Heroes Exhibicion
• February 12- Valentine's Kindness Parties
• February 13- Student Holiday/Professional Learning Day
• February 16- Student and Staff Holiday
• February 19- GT Showcase
• March 2-6- Read Across America & Book Fair Week
• March 5- Open House
• March 16-20- Spring Break