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Statutory Holidays
New Year’s Day
Monday January 2, 2017
Family Day
Monday February 20, 2017
Good Friday & Easter Monday
Friday April 14, 2017
Monday April 17, 2017
Mark Your Calendar
child development dayhomes January 2017
TimeSavr Lock Date
Wednesday January 25, 2017
Please enter estimated hours for
the remainder of the month
before midnight
January 25, 2017
www.childdev.com Volume 17 Issue 01
“Mighty Learners” nurturing children’s dispositions to learn
Join us for an informative evening
to learn more about
the five main dispositions to learn
and the importance of responding to and acknowledging
each individual child’s disposition to learn
by creating a responsive care, play and learning environment
that encourages and nurtures the many ways
that children explore and create.
Facilitator: Heather Pollard
Thursday January 26, 2017
7:00—9:00 pm
2115 Urbana Road NW
Foothills Mennonite Church
RSVP 403 230-2233 to let us know you are coming
Child care space is limited and only for those who have no other options.
Child Care Cost is $10.00/child
Page 2
Congratulations To providers and staff
celebrating their “Anniversaries”
with
Child Development Dayhomes
1 year
Syeda N.
Estela R.
2 years
Victoria T. consultant
3 years
Satwinder K.
4 years
Kari B.
Syeda H.
5 years
Jelena B.
6 years
Beena A.
8 years
Naomi B.
19 years
Elsie H. consultant
Welcome New Providers
Rhea L.
Neelofar M.
Mubashira B.
Ghazal K.
page 2
www.childdev.com
Happy Birthday To all of our providers and staff
celebrating their birthdays this month
Crystal A. January 28
Perveen A. January 15
Aklima A. January 1
Basma A. January 9
Kari B. January 24
Anandamayee C. January 1
Carol Lynn F. January 1
Syeda H. January 1
Pamela H. January 5
Nusrat J. January 7
Zaineb J. January 16
Chandrani J. January 14
Rhea L. January 15
Meagan P. January 28
peace of mind
With our hearts open wide,
we join hands with you
to create a better world.
Family Child Care Training Program
Congratulations
Claudia G. Upon completion of Module 1 of the
Family Child Care Training Program
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
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page 3 child development dayhome
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
www.childdev.com
Congratulations
Nermin, Murad, and big brothers Hesham
and Ahmed
on the birth of
Saleh. He was born November 29, 2016
and weighed 8 lbs 4 oz.
Congratulations
Marivic, Melvin, big brother Taylor
and big sister Jillian
on the birth of
Kieron. He was born January 1, 2017
and weighed 7 lbs 14 oz.
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 4 child development dayhome
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
www.childdev.com
Dear Parent;
Most Dayhomes are closed on the following Statutory Holidays. Please check with your
Provider to confirm which Statutory Holidays will be honored. If your Provider chooses
to provide care on a Statutory Holiday please be advised that the Provider may charge
an additional fee to be paid directly to the Provider.
Child Development Dayhomes office will be closed on the following days:
New Year’s Day (Jan 1) Monday January 2, 2017
Family Day Monday February 20, 2017
Good Friday Friday April 14, 2017
Easter Monday Monday April 17, 2017
Victoria Day Monday May 22, 2017
Canada Day (July 1) Monday July 3, 2017
Heritage Day Monday August 7, 2017
Labour Day Monday September 4, 2017
Thanksgiving Day Monday October 09, 2017
Remembrance Day (Nov 11) Monday November 13, 2017
Christmas Day Monday December 25, 2017
Boxing Day Tuesday December 26, 2017
New Years Day Monday January 1, 2018
If you have any further questions regarding Statutory Holidays
please contact the office at 403-230-2233.
Statutory Holidays for Dayhomes
No matter when you celebrate…
Wishing you much success, joy and well-being in the New Year
From all of us at Child Development Dayhomes
Chinese New Year—January 28, 2017
Persian New Year—March 20, 2017
Balinese New Year—March 28, 2017
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 5 child development dayhome
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
www.childdev.com
Alberta Family Child Care Association Calgary Region
25th Anniversary
You Make a Difference...
Featuring Hall of Fame Speaker:
Steve Gilliland
A Conference for Family Child Care Professionals
March 4, 2017 Mark Your Calendar!
more information coming soon
Make a Difference
Making a Difference™ is an eye-opening and heartfelt
keynote detailing how your positive influence impacts the
lives of others. This Presentation focuses on three
empowering dynamics:
Purpose—it drives you
Passion—it fuels you
Pride—it defines you
Event Location:
Glenmore Inn
Calgary
EarlyBird: $145.00
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 6 child development dayhome
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
www.childdev.com
For Kitty We had the pleasure of first meeting Miss Kitty when we enrolled our son in her
dayhome. As new immigrants we were very much apprehensive about how will our
son adapt here. Miss Kitty was very instrumental in this transition. It didn’t take
our son, or us, long to realize that he was in very safe hands, her home is always clean and child proof.
She has a very nurturing personality and amazing understanding of how to relate to children and how to
facilitate their cognitive growth and development. She is a firm believer of raising an independent,
competent and capable child. She not only teaches them good manners at the dayhome but is also
interested in the child’s behaviour and routine at home. Miss Kitty also works with the parent in shaping
a well-mannered child as that is foundational for their future. She loves all children with no bias towards
any one in particular. She has a structured program which I am very pleased with and have definitely
noticed a difference in my kid.
At work also it is so comforting to see the happy pictures and videos of kids doing different activities,
having meals and enjoying the day in her care. She offers educational activities indoor and outdoor as
well as healthy meals. She is so energetic, empathetic and approachable.
On many occasions she has guided us personally whenever I asked for her help or opinions she was always
encouraging. All the parents and everyone who knows her always speak very highly of her. Miss Kitty has
my highest recommendation as a Childcare Provider. We love her a lot and extend very best wishes for
her future. May God bless her. We are moving to a new province with a heavy heart and a lot of fond
memories of her. I am very grateful to her as she has played a very significant role in the overall
progress of my son. Thank you
Unnati
For Christal M. We love Christal! I was very nervous about going back to a dayhome after having been in a daycare for a
few years but Christal calmed all my fears instantly. I sometimes forget to pack Kailyn a spoon for her
lunch or a water bottle and Christal always sends her with one from her stash! I have no worries about
her getting to school on time or getting lost in the shuffle in the school yard. Kailyn often "gets mad" at
me when I show up to take her home, even though she's usually one of the last to be picked up she almost
never wants to come home because she's always in the middle of a craft! I could go on and on but we are
very happy where we are and now just hoping that a spot opens up so that our son can get in there too
when he starts Kindergarten!
Jennifer
For Maricel M. My Dayhome Provider, Maricel is wonderful and our son adores her. She is flexible
with my schedule, attentive to my child and always has a fun activity planned or craft
accomplished for us to take home. She has a big heart and a great attitude. I so
appreciate her efforts chasing young kids around and feel blessed she’s in our lives to
care for my child.
Sophia
On A Positive Note
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
For Venus
We are thrilled with Venus! Logan loves his time with her, and his new friends at the Dayhome! Venus is
a happy, energetic, and wonderful person! She truly seems to love her time with the kids! Venus ensures
the kids have fun activities and delicious meals and snacks every day! They have made so many adorable
crafts, and Venus always sends pictures of all the fun things they do during the day! Whenever we drop
off our son in the mornings, we get a quick kiss goodbye and then he takes off to go and play with Venus
and his friends! When we pick him up at night, he's always laughing and having a great time! Knowing how
happy Logan is while in Venus' care has made the transition back to work after my maternity leave so
much easier. We couldn't be happier with Venus and Child Development Dayhomes!
Sincerely,
Jenn & Steve
page 7 child development dayhome
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
www.childdev.com
Infant Mental Health Promotion (IMHP) is a Canadian organization
that provides a collaborative, informed and passionate voice for
infants and children up to age 3 years, families and caregivers.
Check out their website for parent and educator resources.
http://www.imhpromotion.ca/Resources.aspx
On A Positive Note
One of the resources offered through IMHP are the Comfort, Play & Teach materials,
originally created by “Invest in Kids” These resource sheets translate the science of
early childhood development into activities and experiences that are practical, easy-to
-understand, and easy to do to help support a child’s development. Compelling research
evidence consistently emphasizes that when parents and Early Learning Educators
comfort, play with and teach their children in a positive manner it enhances children’s
development. Knowing a child’s typical skills and emerging skills can help you provide
appropriate experiences to enhance development. Comfort, Play & Teach is just the
place to start.
Click here to access Comfort, Play & Teach resources
Infant Mental Health Promotion
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 8 child development dayhome
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
Open the links below and “like” or “follow” us.
Check us out on Pinterest:
Parents’ Corner, Fun Activities,
Sensory Play, Playroom Inspirations,
Winter Fun, Science and much, much more...
www.childdev.com
Check out the 5-day Challenge from our
Pinterest Parents’ Corner.
Click here to read more about the challenge or click here
for a free printable of the 5-day Challenge
Check out our
website
www.childdev.com
Parents and Providers
we’d love to hear
your ideas and
suggestions.
Parent Survey
Provider Survey
Follow us
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 9 peace of mind
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
“Eat/Food”
Make the sign
for eat by taking you
strong hand, with
the tip of your
thumb touching the
tips of your fingers
and tapping it on
your mouth. (The
universal sign for
eating) The same
sign is used
for food.
www.childdev.com
Alberta Health Services
Alberta Health Services offers many free sessions at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and at various sites
throughout the city. Check out their website for details:
fcrc.albertahealthservices.ca
Let’s Talk Toddlers & Tantrums
Thursday January 19, 2017
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
South Health Campus
Early Language in Children
Friday January 30, 2017
10:00-11:30 am
Alberta Children’s Hospital Also available as webinar
Click here to
see
instructional
video for “eat”
or click here
for 35 minute
fun musical
video with
toddlers signing
Quick Meals Made Easy!
Are you rushed to make healthy meals for
children? Use these tips to help on busy days.
Think ahead. Plan simple meals for busy days
Save time with foods like fresh pre-cut
vegetables, frozen or canned vegetables,
bagged salads, shredded cheese or canned
beans
Keep these foods on-hand to build healthy
meals: whole grain pasta, brown rice, potatoes,
lentils, dried or canned beans, canned fish,
eggs, canned or frozen vegetables and fruit,
cheese and spices
Prepare some of the foods before meal times.
Wash and cut up vegetables, grate cheese or
boil eggs ahead of time. Precook your meat or
poultry, then portion and freeze to reheat for
the meal
Cook extra food one day to use in a different
way the next day. For example, if you have
chili one day, use leftover child for a taco salad
the next day.
Click here to visit Alberta Health Services
“Healthy Eating Starts Here”
for more great tips
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 10 peace of mind
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
www.childdev.com
Infant Discovery Activity
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 11 peace of mind
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
Laraine’s Corner
www.childdev.com
Snow, Snow, Snow
Talk about all the things you can do in the snow, such as sledding, ice skating and building a
snowman
Talk about how to make a snowman
Ask the children if they have ever helped build a snowman
Talk about why snow melts
Show the children the motions for the following fingerplay and invite them to say the words and
do the motions with you.
“Five Little Snowmen Fat”
Five little snowmen fat (hold up five fingers and then hold arms out in front like a fat snowman)
Each with a funny hat. (hold hands on top of head to represent a hat)
Out came the sun and melted one. (hold arms above head to represent sun)
What a sad thing was that. (make a sad face)
Down, down, down. (move hands down each time down is said)
Four little snowmen fat… (hold up four fingers)
Three little snowmen fat… (hold up three fingers)
Two little snowmen fat… (hold up two fingers)
One little snowmen fat… (hold up one finger)
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 12 peace of mind
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
Play, Participation, and Possibilities:
An Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum Framework
www.childdev.com
Play, Participation, and Possibilities: An Early Learning and Child Care Framework is a guide for Alberta
Early Childhood Educators to use in their everyday work with young children and their families. It builds
on early learning and child care frameworks that have been developed in other parts of Canada and around
the world. The project began in 2012 and Child Development Dayhomes Calgary and Edmonton have been
involved in the pilot.
The Alberta Framework recognizes, appreciates, and values: the practice of relationships among
educators, children, and families that make visible the uniqueness of each child care centre and family day
home in Alberta.
An Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum Framework is different than a traditional curriculum. In early
childhood, curriculum is focused on broad holistic goals rather than specific outcomes for each subject
area. Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum Frameworks embrace children’s everyday experiences as
the sources of curriculum meaning making.
Early Childhood Educators use the goals in the Curriculum Framework to describe and interpret children’s
everyday experiences. In early childhood, curriculum content is integrated, emerging from children’s
fascination with the world. When educators notice children’s interest in exploring nature, people, places,
and objects as well as print, stories, numbers, shapes, and patterns, and when they name the connections
between these experiences and early literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, music, and art, they
are co-constructing early learning curriculum with young children and making the curriculum visible to
others.
To view Play, Participation and Possibilities:
An Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum click here
Early childhood curriculum is
embedded in children’s daily
experiences with their families and
in local communities. These
experiences inform the care
routines, play, learning, and
developmental experiences in early
learning and child care programs.
They are reflected in the
curriculum decisions that Early
Childhood Educators are already
making. These decisions inform
their interactions with each child
and family and are revealed in the
selection of play and learning
materials, design of the care, play,
and learning space, and organization
of daily routines.
excerpts from childcareframework.com
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 13 peace of mind
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
Gift Wrap Discovery Bin
www.childdev.com
Create a discovery bin
with used gift wrap,
ribbons, bows, cookie
tins, chocolate boxes,
paper tubes and more...
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 14 peace of mind
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
Exploring Light & Paint
www.childdev.com
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 15 child development dayhomes
Valentines Poem
Today we’re making Valentines
with scissors, paint and glue.
When yours is dry and ready,
I’ll be sending it to you!
I’ll put it in an envelope.
I’ll write your name in red!
I’ll sign it hugs and kisses
From your very best friend!
Transform Your Play
Click here to check out Day 23 of 30 Days to
Transform Your Play. This isn’t a series about
creating play experiences for your child; we all have
Pinterest for that. This is a series about using that
inspiration and creating play experiences and play
spaces which appeal to the interests of your
child; connecting experiences so your child can
further their interests and deepen their play.
Day 23
Keeping An Ideas Book
An Ideas Book is a very simple concept and
something which can really help to make your child’s
thoughts, plans and ideas more visible.
An Ideas Book is different than a diary. It is a book
for sketching, planning and dreaming. It is a book
for making lists, writing questions, documenting
interesting findings and creating stories.
How often does your child come up with a great idea
but it’s just not something you can work on at the
moment? If you’re anything like here, lots! This is
where the ideas book comes in. The children draw
their ideas in their very own ideas book.
All these wonderful plans and ideas that your child
has can be investigated with an Ideas Book. They
are documenting their thoughts and in keeping the
book readily accessible, we are validating their ideas
and encouraging them to pursue them more deeply;
to wonder, to plan, to design and test, and to find
answers.
An Ideas Book is also hugely beneficial to you, as
the parent or Family Child Care Educator. Together,
you and your child use the ideas book to find books
at the library, look up videos on Youtube, collect
recyclables for inventions; it’s all there documented
already in his/her own words and drawings.
www.childdev.com
Task:
Pick up a coil bound book with blank pages (not
lined) for each child at the dollar store.
If it has a plain cover, then each child can
personalize it with a handprint or drawing
Keep it in the playroom with some writing
materials – make it visible and on hand
Introduce it to your child as their special ideas
book – different than a sketchbook
Encourage your child to draw their ideas and
thoughts when they ask questions
Reflect on their drawings and use that
information to guide you when you are planning
activities, explorations or field trips
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
family. Our son
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
still has fond
memories of his time
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be
page 16 peace of mind
Program Planning Related to Children’s Interests ...ask the children for their ideas...
...use their ideas...expand on their ideas...
Children’s Interests
What are the children talking about?
What have you observed?
Light
Giving
Receiving
Resources
YouTube
Books
Children
Imagination
Art/Creative Activities
Make a giving tree with
green hand prints
Make beaded cheerio
necklace to give as a gift
Paint on the lid of your
discovery light bin or on
the window (see page 14)
Pretend Play/Dress Up
Gift making shop
Aprons to wear while
making gifts
Materials to make gifts
such as tape, scissors,
string, ribbon, hole punch,
little tools, recycled
materials, little boxes,
cookie tins, lids, string,
wrapping supplies, and
other odds and ends
Outdoor Activities
Trace shadows
Observe shadows, see
how they change
Play shadow tag
Play a give and receive
game with balls, toss
them back and forth
Nature walk, talk about
what nature gives to
the animals…
What do animals give to
us...
Parent/Community/Field Trips
Invite families to bring in a gift
for the food bank
Take items to a local drop off
location—most grocery stores have
a drop off bin for the food bank
Diversity
What kinds of gifts
does your family give?
When do different
families, cultures give
and receive gifts?
Books/Stories/Finger Plays
Read “The Giving Tree”
by Shel Silverstein
Read “If you Give a
Mouse a Cookie” by
Laura Numeroff
Sensory/Science/Discovery/
Exploration
Sensory board with bows and
ribbons…
Create a cut paper discovery
bin… get the children to cut
up used wrapping paper and
ribbon, old gift bags into tiny
pieces
Purchase some glow in the
dark stars
Explore light and darkness
with a flashlight
Music/Songs/Movement/Games
Star Light Star Bright click here
to listen to this nursery rhyme
Play a giving game. Have children
make something in your gift making
shop and then give it to another
child in the dayhome
Questions to Ask
I wonder how you feel
when someone gives you
a gift?
I wonder how you feel
when you give someone
a gift?
I wonder why it feels
warm when you sit in a
sunny spot?
Play Space Set Up
Put up some fairy lights
Use some Christmas
lights to make a light
discovery bin
Have gift bags, tissue
paper, ribbon, bows,
gift tags available to
wrap things
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