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Newsletter
Volume 12 Issue 9
May 2015
CROW Comments
Inside this issue:
Providers Page
2
Literacy Page
3
Parenting Page
4
Parenting Page
5
Songs/fingerplays 6
Playgroups
7
Workshops
8
www.crowlanark.com
Children’s Resources on
Wheels (CROW)
programs include :
Ontario Early Years
Centre
Licensed Home Child
Care
CROW is dedicated to supporting and strengthening
childcare, family life, child
development and
community links in Lanark
County
We Believe:
That programs and services for families should be
open to everyone
STAR - Sing Talk And Read is a partnership between the Smiths Falls Public
Library and Children’s Resources on Wheels. This is a six week interactive program, based on the “Every Child Ready to Read” program, starting on Friday,
May 22 for six consecutive Fridays. This program will introduce the six primary
skills necessary to build a strong foundation for later learning. This program is for
parents and their children ages birth to 3 years. You must pre-register. Call 613283-0095 ext 300.
Licensed Home Child Care is currently looking for child care providers throughout Lanark County. For more information please visit our website at
http://crowlanark.com/childcare/provider-page/
Did you know…
Did you know no two cornflakes look the same.
Did you know rabbits like licorice.
Did you know birds need gravity to swallow.
Tips for Two’s Workshop
Understanding and dealing with toddler behaviours can be very frustrating.
CROW is offering a workshop titled “Tips for Two’s” which may help you deal
with these behaviours in a positive manner. The workshop is May 28 at Carleton
Place Child Care Services 6:30 - 8:30 pm. You must pre-register by calling 613283-0095 ext 300
CROW was very busy in 2014 with programs and services. We have produced a
document called “2014 Year in Review”, to see highlights from our programs and
services please click on the following link: http://crowlanark.com/wp-content/
uploads/2014-Year-in-Review-2.pdf
Children’s Healthy Eating
Involve children in menu
planning and food prep.
Offer
nutrient-packed
fruits: kiwi, cantaloupe,
berries, peaches, apricots,
pears and oranges. Mince
vegetables and add them to
How can I make sure a spaghetti sauces, burgers,
fussy eater eats enough of muffins and breads.
the right things?
For some children, fussy Should I encourage an
eating is a normal part of obese child to lose
growing up, particularly weight?
from 18 months—5 years. Research shows the longer
Most children have definite a child remains obese, the
likes and dislikes. Some more likely she/he will
may refuse to eat all but one become an obese adult.
or two foods for awhile. But children come in all
Take a calm, easy-going shapes and sizes. Focus on
approach to these behav- healthy eating and exercise
iours to avoid mealtime be- habits. Build self-esteem
coming a source of negative around being active.
Offer a wide variety of
attention.
Serve a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits and
food. Try interesting shapes whole grain foods. Fat is
and finger foods. Ensure an important energy source
children are hungry at for children. Lower fat, but
mealtimes. Allow children not low fat, meats and
to take their time, but set a dairy products can be
served. Use margarine,
reasonable time limit.
Serve small portions. Make butter, mayo and salad
sure eating is associated dressing sparingly.
with success (I ate a whole Encourage regular physical
carrot!) rather than failure. activity, appropriate to a
Never pressure a child to child’s age and ability.
eat. Don’t use food, bever- Don’t use food as a reages and desserts as bribes ward. Try stickers or a big
hug instead.
or punishment.
Offer children plenty of What can I do about a
choices. Carrots or peas? child who rejects new
Ketchup on or beside? Let foods?
children serve themselves. Introduce new foods, one
Allow children to feed at a time, when a child is
themselves as much as they most hungry. Encourage
can - with or without uten- your child to experience
sils!
food using all five senses.
Healthy eating concerns us
all. Here are a few common
questions and answers about
children’s eating to help
make mealtime a positive
experience.
For a child, food is
something to explore,
enjoy and share with
others.
Page 2
Make games of trying new
foods.
Establish the “one bite” rule
for new foods. Let children
know it is OK to not like
something, but that it is important to try it before making
up their minds. Praise a child
who takes that bite!
Follow the one bite rule yourself! Be a positive model. Be
honest if you don’t care for
something and explain your
reasons.
How can I help make
mealtime a more pleasant
experience?
For a child, food is something
to explore, enjoy and share
with others. Sing songs together. Share stories about your
day. Play games like I Spy.
Compare the smell, feel, look
and taste of different foods.
Children love to master new
skills and take charge! Assign
duties like setting and clearing
the table, and helping to pass
the food.
Encourage and praise children
for saying “please” and “thank
you”.
Establish guidelines
such as hats off at the table,
chew with your mouth closed
and talk with your mouth empty. These will make mealtime
more pleasant for everyone.
—adapted from Canadian Child Care
Federation Resource Sheet #54
Literacy Page
Let’s Get Writing!
Why?
Learning to write involves
much more than forming
letters.
Learning to write involves much more than
forming letters. Children need to understand
that what we say can be
written down and how
we use print in our everyday lives. They also
need the strength and
coordination to form
letters. Take advantage
of everyday opportunities to help your child
learn about print and
writing in a fun way.
paper and chalk boards.
All of these offer slightly
different writing experiences and encourage
your child to experiment.
Encourage his/her efforts. Talk about the
marks he/she makes and
show how excited you
are about his/her drawing and “writing”. Ask
your child to tell you
about his/her picture.
Write his/her words on
the picture and read
them together.
with family members
through drawing and
writing.
Learning More Than
One Language
Communicate, read to
and teach your child in
the language you speak
best (Mom speaks
French and Dad speaks
English). Strong first
language skills make it
easier for children to
learn another language.
Find ways to expose
your child to the lanStarting at birth:
Let your child see you guage(s) you want them
Share books with your write. “I’ll write a note to learn (attend OEYC
baby every day. Touch to tell Dad we are going playgroups, community
to the park.” or “Before or library programs, prothe pages and point to
we go to the store we
vide CDs and books).
some words so he/she
need
to
make
a
grocery
will begin to understand
Adapted from Building Lanthat we read the words. list. Let’s write down
guage and Literacy at Home what we need to buy.”
a project of the Sudbury ComBuild little muscles. Let
munity Emergency Literacy
Committee Tip Sheet #8.
your baby play with toys Additional Tips for
Kindergarten
Chilthat build the muscles
dren:
needed for writing
(blocks, shape sorters,
Let your child help
rattles, playdough…)
with writing jobs. Look
Additional Tips for
Toddlers and Preschoolers:
through flyers and make
a grocery list together or
have your child sign her
name on a birthday card.
Provide writing materials. Include nontoxic
markers, pencils, crayons, greeting cards, construction paper, lined
Have a family message
board or post messages. This gives your child
a way to communicate
Page 3
Parenting Page
Give yourself a break! Head outside!
Children need to be
outside exploring the
natural world
Page 4
The title of this article either
makes people smile or shudder
in fear. If you are in the first
group, you have probably already experienced the changes
brought on by being out in nature. Dr. Michael Cheng, a child
and family psychiatrist at
CHEO, says “a connection with
nature is essential for healthy
emotional and physical health.”
I’m in that first group. When
I’m out in nature my body relaxes, my breathing slows, I have
much more patience. In short
I’m happier, just by being there.
If you are in the second group,
chances are you didn’t grow up
in a way that helped you connect
with nature in a positive way.
Many of our children aren’t getting a chance to make that connection either. A disorder called
“Nature Deficit” is on the rise.
They are just fancy words meaning our children aren’t outside
exploring the natural world and
reaping the benefits. Life is busy
and it’s much easier to explore
nature through our computers
and tv screens. No bugs, sunscreen not needed and a lot less
clean up. It’s not the same experience though and we are short
changing our children and ourselves.
Just what does being out in nature give us? “Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce
stress and increase attention
spans. When a child is out in
nature, all the senses get activated. He is immersed in something
bigger than himself, rather than
focusing narrowly on one thing,
such as a computer screen. Outside he's seeing, hearing, touching, even tasting. Out in nature,
a child's brain has the chance to
rejuvenate, so the next time he
has to focus and pay attention,
perhaps in school, he'll do better.” says Richard Louv, author
of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from NatureDeficit Disorder. When I was
involved in Scouting I was always amazed at the transformation in our cub pack when we
headed outside. Grumpy, noncooperative kids no longer
cooped up inside became engaged and happier, and even
worked together as a team. It
didn’t solve all our behaviour
problems but it certainly lessened them! Space, fresh air,
room and being allowed to run
gave everyone release.
But that’s not my kid’s reaction
say some of you. There is a
learning curve for kids who
aren’t used to being outside.
Rebecca P. Cohen, author of “15
Minutes Outside” suggests easing them in by spending just a
few minutes outside at first.
Maybe it’s a walk to the mailbox, eating snack on a blanket or
blowing bubbles. As the time
gets longer make sure you have
some “tools” to encourage them.
Keep a box of buckets, shovels,
sticks to draw with, chalk, balls,
skipping ropes (anything they
are interested in) nearby. Go out
every day. As it becomes part of
the routine they’ll become more
comfortable. Part of your job is
to enjoy it as well. Remember:
You are modeling how you want
them to act!
Where can you go?
Your back yard, the local park,
playground or school yard, a
farmer’s field (with permission),
a pond, river, lake, beach or a
puddle. Water makes everything
better. A conservation area or
forest, a country road, soccer or
baseball field, a sugarbush, even
a cemetery! Open your mind and
be creative about where you can
go.
So what can you do outside?
Grab a bucket or a bag and go
for a walk. Collect things as you
go along.
Dig in the garden or paint with
water.
Go on a magnifying adventure.
Look at ordinary and extraordinary things through a magnifying glass!
Go hunting with your camera.
Play in the mud! Splash in the
puddles! Pour water.
Build a village out of twigs,
leaves and rocks.
Be chemists or bakers and mix
up potions and mud pies.
Run, jump, climb, hop, howl and
laugh. Spin in circles or roll
down hills.
Go on a critter crawl. Catch
frogs, bugs, ants, butterflies and
then let them go!
Ride your bikes, scooters, wagons (yes they can be pushed,
pulled, scooted along and ridden
down hills).
Lie back on the grass and watch
clouds.
LET KIDS PLAY! Give unstructured time to just do. Have
some suggestions in your back
pocket if encouragement is
needed but soon they’ll just
play! Sometimes it takes experience for freedom to be freeing.
Follow your child’s lead and
join in the adventure! You’ll
both reap the benefits!
By Jane Paul, Parent Education
Coordinator
Parenting Page
Gardening Together
Children are natural
gardeners.
People who grow up on
farms know we need to look
after the earth because that’s
where our food comes from.
If your children think their
food comes from the store,
maybe it’s time to introduce
them to gardening.
Children are natural gardeners. They’re curious, like to
learn by doing, and love to
play in the dirt. In a garden,
children observe the cycle
of life first hand and experience the satisfaction that
comes from caring for
something over time.
What to plant
When you decide what to
grow, remember children
will be more interested and
more satisfied if they are
getting good results. Choose
plants that grow relatively
quickly and easily and that
children will have fun harvesting. Here are some suggestions:
Sunflowers - Plant just
one or two since they take a
lot of room. Be sure to
choose the type grown for
food, so you can roast and
eat the dried seeds in the
fall.
Lettuce - Plant leaf lettuce
and in about a month your
children will have leaves
they can put in their salad.
Radishes - Radish sprouts
poke up through the earth in
3-10 days and are ready to
eat in 3-4 weeks.
Snow peas - Snow peas are
a quick growing crop, fun
for kids to eat right off the
vine pod and all.
Cherry tomatoes - Buy
little plants and you’ll
have tomatoes in 50-75
days, just the right size to
pop in the mouth.
Carrots and potatoes Root vegetables teach patience since they take
longer to mature and the
edible part is hidden.
Pumpkins - If you have
room, pumpkins are a
must. Seeds can be dried
to eat, the flesh used for
pies and the pumpkin for
carving at Halloween.
Tips for gardening with
children
If possible give each child
their own space, but remember to keep it small.
Let them use real tools
instead of the cheap plastic ones. In this way you
acknowledge the importance of the work they
are doing.
Involve children from
start to finish. Let them
help to pick and prepare
their crop for the table, no
matter how small the harvest. They will learn that
gardening, as well as being fun, gives them a
chance to contribute to the
family’s well-being.
As much as possible,
start from seeds. Children will learn more about
the growing process by
caring for their sprouting
seeds and nurturing the
young seedling.
Depending on the age of
the child, you may need to
help behind the scenes.
You may have to go out in
the evening and pick a
few slugs off the lettuce,
or move the sprinkler.
They don’t have to know
about all the help you offer, the main thing is they
feel the plot is theirs.
If children’s attention
wanes, help them build a
scarecrow. This activity
still contributes to the gardening effort and adds
interest to the garden scene.
When friends visit, be
sure to point out the children’s garden. Take a
photo of their harvest and
send it to the grandparents. The attention you
give to their work motivates children to stay involved with a project.
Other ways
If you don’t have access
to a garden plot, don’t let
that stop you.
Many
plants (cherry tomatoes,
lettuce, radishes) can be
grown in containers. Just
remember to water them
often.
Share the wonder of nature with your children
and connect with the earth
that nourishes us all.
—adapted from
www.parentsmatter.ca
Page 5
Crafts
Submitted by Linda Cybulski
Coffee Filter Rose
Children can try making this pretty coffee filter rose for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day - it's so pretty, who wouldn't be happy to receive it!
You will need: 3 coffee filter papers, red paint, Green pipe cleaners
Instructions: Water down the paint (approx 4 parts water to one paint). Paint the filter papers. Let dry (you can
speed things up by drying out in the oven on a very low heat for a few minutes).
Trim two of the filter papers so you have three different sizes. See photo below.
Fit the smallest two paper filters inside the largest. Open out into a cone shape and twist the bottom to form a point.
Wrap the pipe cleaner around this to hold the papers together. Leave the other end of the pipe cleaner loose to be
the flower stem.
Some craft fun for Mother’s
Day.
Love My Mommy - Sung to "Up on the Housetop"
I love my mommy, Yessiree!
She is very good to me!
She makes me cookies and yummy treats,
That's my mom and she's real neat!
Oh, oh, oh, who wouldn't know,
Oh, oh, oh, who wouldn't know,
I love my mommy and she loves me,
That's the way it's supposed to be!
Heart Shaped Bird Feeder
Take pipe cleaners and bend them in half forming a vshape and give them to the kids with Cheerios. Put
Cheerios on each side and bend them into a heart shape
twisting the two ends together in the middle. Link them
through each other and then hang them from the back
porch roof for the birds. (Use the # of hearts for each
member of the family :).
Page 6
Playgroups
Please Note: No playgroups on Monday, May 18. We will be closed in observance of
Victoria Day.
The STAR program will be held in the playroom starting May 22 at 10 a.m. Playgroup participants are welcome to participate in this program.
Day
Location
Time
Staff
Dates
Monday
Almonte - Holy Name of Mary School
9:30 am - noon
Linda
May 4, 11, 25
Monday
Carleton Place - Carambeck Community Centre
10:00 - 11:30 am
Issie
May 4, 11, 25
Monday
Smith Falls - Duncan J. Schoular School
9:30 -11:30 am
Andrea
May 4, 11, 25
Monday
Perth - Dance Studio
9:30 -11:30 am
Cindy
May 4, 11, 25
Tuesday
Almonte - Naismith School
9:30 am - noon
Linda
May 5, 12, 19, 26
Tuesday
Almonte - Holy Name of Mary School evening
6:00 -7:30pm
Linda
May 5, 12, 19, 26
Tuesday
Carleton Place - Arena, 75 Neelin Street
10:00 - 11:30 am
Issie
May 5, 12, 19, 26
Tuesday
Montague - Montague Centennial Hall
9:30 - 11:30 am
Andrea
May 5, 12, 19, 26
Tuesday
Perth - Taycare Senior Centre, 100 Wilson St.
10:00 am - noon
Cindy
May 5, 12, 19, 26
Tuesday
Smiths Falls - OEYC
9:00 -12:00 noon
Lori
May 5, 12, 19, 26
Tuesday
Smiths Falls - Trinity United Church
5:00 -7:00 pm
Lori
May 5, 12, 19, 26
Wednesday
Almonte - Holy Name of Mary School
9:30 am -2:00pm
Linda
May 6, 13, 20, 27
Wednesday
Carleton Place - Carambeck Community Centre
10:00 - 11:30 am
Issie
May 6, 13, 20, 27
Wednesday
Lanark - Maple Grove School
9:30 - 11:30 am
Andrea
May 6, 13, 20, 27
Wednesday
Perth - Perth & District Union Library
10:00 -11:30 am
Cindy
May 6, 13, 20, 27
Wednesday
Smiths Falls - Trinity United Church
9:00 - noon
Lori
May 6, 13, 20, 27
Thursday
Almonte - Naismith School
9:30 am -2:00pm
Linda
May 7, 14, 21, 28
Thursday
Carleton Place - Arena
10:00 - 11:30 am
Issie
May 7, 14, 21, 28
Thursday
Lanark - Maple Grove School
9:30 -11:30 am
Andrea
May 7, 14, 21, 28
Thursday
Smiths Falls - Trinity United Church
9:00 - noon
Lori
May 7, 14, 21, 28
Friday
Smiths Falls - OEYC
9:00 - noon
Parent Run
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Page 7
Workshops
Workshop—Pre-registration is
necessary— call OEYC ext 300
Date
Time
Location
Playdate with your Preschooler
Wednesday, May 6
10:00 - 11:00 am
Perth & Union District Library
Toddler Boogie
Thursday, May 7
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Lanark, Maple Grove School
STAR - Sing, Talk And Read
A six week program for ages birth to 3 yrs.
Fridays,
May 22 - June 26
10:00 - 11:00 am
Ontario Early Years Centre
Staff Directory
Ontario Early Years Centre
Ext
Licensed Home Child Care
Ext
Diane Bennett, Executive Assistant
313
Sherry Rodger, Accounting & Admin Support
301
Kathy Boelsma, Early Literacy Specialist
312
Janice LePage, Home Visitor
306
Emily Cassell, Data Analysis Coordinator
316
Sue Cavanagh, Executive Director
303
Linda Cybulski, Playgroup Facilitator
304
Jan Forsythe, Finance Manager
302
Cindy Goodfellow, Playgroup Facilitator
307
Linda Lalonde, Reception/Office Manager
300
Issie Mullen, Playgroup Facilitator
311
Jane Paul, Parent Education Coordinator
305
Andrea Snyder, Playgroup Facilitator
318
Janet Wheeler, Resource
311
Lori Wintle, Playgroup Facilitator
310
Children’s Resources on Wheels (CROW)
91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5L3
Phone 613-283-0095 or 1-800-267-9252
Fax 613-283-3324
Website www.crowlanark.com