Hi Strongstart families,

The weather this November has been rainy, cold, cloudy, at times sunny, windy, stormy and sometimes all rolled in one. It is important to remind ourselves that it so beneficial for children to spend time outside in all kinds of weather.  Here is from our community partner Anita Olson:

Being outside can help our children and ourselves feel calmer, healthier, and kinder.  Some experts have even declared time in nature an essential part of a “balanced diet” of childhood experiences due to its positive effects on children’s development and well-being (source: Heart-Mind Online and AppetiteToPlay.com). Learn more @ www.feelingsfirst.ca

What can you do to introduce outdoor play at an early age?

  • Outdoor discovery. Reach up, crouch down, crawl, touch, run, and lie down in the grass to encourage outdoor interactions at a young age.
  • Nature-nastics. Find a soft outdoor play space to call out different moves related to nature, such as rolling like a rock or walking like a bear.
  • Scavenger Hunt. Call out things you see in your natural environment, then have your child explore their surroundings to find them.

Children learn and grow through all types of play, in all kinds of ways – from connecting with each other, to connecting with nature. Make time and space for play early and often, so your child can develop the social, emotional, mental and physical skills that are crucial for success later in life.

Today at Strongstart we made pine cone bird feeders. Here they are hanging from the tree, ready for hungry birds.

Here is what you’ll need to make a pine cone bird feeder:

For the instructions click here: https://preschoolinspirations.com/pine-cone-bird-feeders/

Please check out the information from the Early Childhood Development Table – you will find free family programing and links to registrations for this fall in Burnaby.

There many programs to choose from, make sure to take a look HERE!

Ms. Lillian