Forest Grove StrongStart

Learning in the Spirit of Wonder And Joy

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Sensory Play from Anita Olson

Anita Olson (she/her) ECE, BA, MEd

Early Childhood Community Consultant

 

As I have mentioned before, sensory play is not only super fun for children, it’s also crucial for brain development, motor skills, language, encourages problem solving and involves practice in mindfulness. Here’s a simple two ingredient recipe for Soap Silly Putty keeping those learning little hands busy.

Mix together

o   2 tablespoons of Cornstarch

o   1.5 tablespoons of Dishsoap

If the putty mixture is too runny, add a little more cornstarch – if adding food colour, a drop will be plenty. Make as many batches and colours as your little one enjoys the exploration.

 If you have any questions, concerns, or curiosities about your little ones – I will be in the doxy room for one on one consultations today between 3-4 pm; just click https://doxy.me/earlychildhoodcommunityconsultant and wait for me to let you in! If this time isn’t convenient to you – let me know and we can schedule a different time that does work for you. See you soon!

Be sure to check out our blog for more ideas and information!

Enjoy your day!

Anita

Anita Olson (she/her) ECE, BA, MEd

Early Childhood Community Consultant

T 604 525 9144

M 604 723 9548

3rd Floor – 321 Sixth Street, New Westminster BC V3L 3A7

www.fsgv.ca

ECCC_NewsletterBanner2

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We acknowledge the majority of our programs are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and Sel ̓ íl ̓ witulh (Tsleil Waututh) Nations. Huy ch q’u. Please note: FSGV is prohibited by policy from including names or initials of clients in our email correspondence. This e-mail message and any attachments thereto are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and contains information that is confidential and may be privileged and exempt from disclosure. Any distribution, copying or disclosure is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by return email and delete the message unread without making any copies. Thank you.

Talking to children about corona virus

This is a gentle reassuring tool for parents that also has some strategies to assist in answering difficult questions. I like it because it reminds us to be age appropriate in our answers so as not to cause further concerns for our little ones
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, many parents are wondering how to talk to children about the impacts of the virus in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be. Here is some advice from the experts at the Child Mind Institute.

For link click here 

Picture from a StrongStart child

 

I am so excited to receive this photo from a StrongStart friend. Just look what they made!! I hope my stick people can meet this one, one day. What bright colour clothes it has on. I really like the leaf accessory!

I’m wondering if this stick person has a name?

I wonder what adventures it will go on?

What does it like to eat?

Where does it like to sleep?

 

 

When you send me your pictures let me know if you would like me to add your child’s first name only to it

 

 

Stay safe

 

Ms. Roz

Family Services of Greater Vancouver

May 8, 2020

  RESOURCE NEWSLETTER

Good Morning

It’s going to be a beautiful week-end!

  • Mother’s Day is this Sunday and although we are still taking care to be safe and healthy during the pandemic we can still honour our mother’s and celebrate their work! Our celebrations and rituals may feel a bit different during this time but if this is a ritual you like to celebrate – celebrate on! I’m sure you have your own way of celebrating but here’s a couple more super simple ideas for you and your family that can easily be done during social distancing and maybe even become yearly rituals.

o   Create a picture slide show from the past year

o   Virtual bake offs with your mom

o   Create a mother’s day playlist (or mixed tape!)

o   Plant some seeds or a flower with your little one

o   Selfie series with the kiddos

 

  • If you have any questions, concerns, or curiosities about your little ones – I will be in the doxy room for one on one consultations today between 3-4 pm; just clickhttps://doxy.me/earlychildhoodcommunityconsultantand wait for me to let you in! If this time isn’t convenient to you – let me know and we can schedule a different time that does work for you. See you soon!

Enjoy the sunshine and summery weather!

Anita

Anita Olson (she/her) ECE, BA, MEd

Early Childhood Community Consultant

T 604 525 9144

M 604 723 9548

3rd Floor – 321 Sixth Street, New Westminster BC V3L 3A7

www.fsgv.ca

Family Services of Greater Vancouver

FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER VANCOUVER AND BURNABY FAMILY LIFE

Offers lots of support to families. Many of you will remember Anita Olson, the Early childhood consultant that would come in to visit us at strongstart. She is currently offering zoom sessions. If any of you are interested in having a virtual coffee with her and I please let me know and we can schedule something. If you would rather meet her more privately her contact information and website information is as follows:

Anita Olson (she/her) ECE, BA, MEd

Early Childhood Community Consultant

T 604 525 9144

M 604 723 9548

3rd Floor – 321 Sixth Street, New Westminster BC V3L 3A7

 

RESOURCE NEWSLETTER

Tips on how to talk to our kids about covid-19 Poster click Here

I hope everyone is doing well. Today I have attached a little poster from Fraser Health giving tips on how to talk to our kids about covid-19 – the seven tip are below but take a look at the poster for more of a description. 

1. Don’t be afraid to talk about it.

2. Be age-appropriate.

3. Follow their lead.

4. Check yourself.

5. Focus on actions you can take.

6. Stick to a routine.

7. Keep talking.

  • The Psychology Foundation of Canada offers an interactive stress management tool on their website. This tailored tool takes your personal stressors and links strategies to help construct a plan to combat your stress. Check it out here https://www.stressstrategies.ca/ if this sounds helpful for you or pass it along if you know someone you think it may help! 

  • I’ve already been thinking about the weather this weekend is suppose to bring – and I bet some of you are as well. Here’s an idea to ready for some excellent weather – kite making! This site https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/kite-crafts-for-kids-4126872 has different home-made kite models from classic diamond shapes, paper plates and even plastic bags! For little kids, flying a kite usually requires a lot of running room, so find a wide open space for them to run wild with the wind.  

  • Burnaby Family Life is hosting a virtual parenting group for fathers, starting today! Check out the description below and sign up for the first session at 6pm this evening.

  • Fatherhood, a journey: A virtual group for fathers with an opportunity to connect with other fathers and also to learn about raising children in today’s world. Topics include modern parenting techniques, how to notice and provide encouragement, modeling affection through communication, and age-appropriate expectations. We will also look at some effective strategies for positive discipline and communication. Other topics may be included to meet the specific needs of the attending fathers. 

This 8 session group will be led by Roland Boutin, MA, CCC. 

When: May 6, 2020 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) 

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpdO6hqjwjH9dOb7WvCWp3hlvZA5KCTKnm 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Have a wonderful day!

Best to you and yours,

Anita 

Anita Olson (she/her) ECE, BA, MEd

Early Childhood Community Consultant

T 604 525 9144

M 604 723 9548

3rd Floor – 321 Sixth Street, New Westminster BC V3L 3A7

www.fsgv.ca

Answering Your Young Child’s Questions About Coronavirus

Answering Your Young Child’s Questions About Coronavirus

En español Mar 16, 2020

Here are some age-appropriate responses to the common questions a toddler might have about coronavirus.

Even if you’ve kept your toddler away from news about COVID-19 in the media or overhearing adult conversations, they are bound to have questions. Here are some age-appropriate responses to the common questions a toddler might have. Most importantly, remember to keep your answers simple and age-appropriate.

  • Why can’t I play with that little boy over there? “We have to take a break from playing with others so we can all stay healthy.”
  • Why can’t I have a turn with that toy?“We can’t play with other children’s toys right now, so we can all stay healthy.”
  • Why are we wiping down everything with wipes? “We wipe things down to keep them clean.” You don’t need to explain more than this—young children don’t understand germs or infection transmission yet.
  • Why is that person wearing a mask?“Sometimes people wear masks when they aren’t feeling well. When they are all better, they stop wearing the mask.” More on this question here.
  • Is the mask a costume? “No, sometimes people wear masks when they are sick. The mask just means they are not feeling well.”
  • Will I get sick? “Everybody gets sick sometimes. If you get sick, Mama/Dada will take care of you until you are all better. The doctors will help you, too.”
  • Why won’t Grandpa (or other loved one) kiss or hug me? Reassure your child that their loved one still loves and cares about them very much. Then you can explain: “When a grown-up has a cold, they can keep others from getting sick by not hugging or kissing for a while. When they feel better and are healthy again, the first thing they’ll do is give you a big kiss!”
  • Why can’t I see mommy (or daddy, grandma, etc.)? If an adult in a child’s life needs to be separate from them, children may feel confused about it. Don’t worry your young child by talking about sickness or quarantine. You can say, “Mommy needs to be away for a little while, but she will be back soon.” Consider ways to stay connected even when physically apart, like video between parent and child. Read more here on making the most of video chat.
  • Why can’t I go to child care/school?“Your child care is closed right now. Your teacher and your friends are home too, just like you. When child care is open again, you can go back and see your friends. I’ll tell you when.” Avoid going into details about illness so toddlers don’t develop fears about attending child care.
  • Why can’t we leave the house? Why can’t my friend come over to play? “Right now, there is a rule that families need to stay home for a little while and be together. That helps us and our friends stay healthy. I know it can be sad when we can’t see and play with friends. But there are lots of fun things we can do together at home! Would you like to play chase or do a puzzle?” Check out our activity guide for play ideas.

Even if your child is too young to ask these questions, you might notice that they still appear curious about all the changes happening around them. You can validate that something different is happening without going into detail. Explain that a change in routine is happening and what your child can expect instead: “You’re going to be staying home with Daddy for a little while, instead of going to child care. This morning we’ll go on a walk and then we’ll have a snack.”

Looking for more information? Visit zerotothree.org/coronavirus for our latest resources and updates for families.

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