Early Childhood at New London-Spicer Schools

05/07/2026

04/29/2026

04/27/2026

The Willmar Stingers and Woody's Trucking are proud to present Books & Baseball on Sunday, June 7th!

The first 200 families that register will receive a children's book, two tickets, and two concession vouchers good for that game.

Register today: https://bit.ly/3QyWQq0

04/21/2026

Distal finger control is important because it plays a critical role in fine motor skills—especially tasks that require precision, coordination, and control at the tips of the fingers.
WHY do we care about this skill?
1️⃣Distal control helps kids do things like:
+Button shirts
+Zip jackets
+Tie shoelaces
+Use utensils
+Manage coins or small objects

2️⃣Builds Handwriting Skills
+Proper pencil grasp
+Smooth letter formation
+Writing with appropriate pressure and spacing

3️⃣Promotes Efficient Tool Use
+Scissors
+Tweezers
+Paintbrushes
+Keyboards and tablets

4️⃣Reduces Hand Fatigue
When distal muscles are strong and coordinated, the rest of the hand doesn’t have to overcompensate. This means better endurance for tasks like coloring, writing, or using manipulatives.

5️⃣Builds a Foundation for Complex Motor Skills
Many manipulation skills, like tying knots or doing crafts, require refined, isolated finger movements. These higher-level tasks build from a solid base of distal control.

More activities and ideas for distal finger control: https://www.theottoolbox.com/distal-finger-control-exercises/

04/21/2026

The OT Toolbox

04/17/2026

Yes! 🙌 Here are developmentally appropriate play activities for preschool age: https://www.theottoolbox.com/preschool-activities/

04/14/2026

Early childhood is a time of rapid brain development when the foundations for future learning, behavior and health are laid. This week join us in celebrating our youngest residents and their amazing teachers, caregivers, families and communities who are helping them grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed April 11-17 the Week of the Young Child! See the proclamation at https://mn.gov/governor/assets/04.11.26%20Week%20of%20the%20Young%20Child_tcm1055-739430.pdf.

04/13/2026

A nap is not just a break from the day—it is vital work time for your preschooler’s brain. When children sleep in the early afternoon, their brains move new information from short-term to long-term memory. Research shows naps can help your child remember up to 40 percent more each day, building stronger focus and better problem-solving skills.

Missing a midday nap can make it harder for your child to hold onto what they learned that morning. The most powerful naps last about 60 to 90 minutes and happen before late afternoon. Shorter or late naps might not give enough time for deep memory work and can even disrupt nighttime sleep. That’s why regular naps support not only your child’s mood, but also their growing mind.

If your preschooler stops napping too young, their thinking skills and vocabulary may fall behind. Daytime sleep is how their brains protect and grow what they experience in the world. To help your child thrive, protect their daily nap. It is when small lessons become lasting knowledge."

04/02/2026

Due to icy road conditions, NLS will have an eLearning Day today, April 2, 2026. For more eLearning information, visit: www.nls.k12.mn.us/eLearning
Pals and Lil Pals is closed. All activities are canceled.

Stay safe,

NLS District Office