child development dayhomes
January 2016
www.childdev.com Volume 16 Issue 01
Check Your Stress
Join us for an informative evening with Dr. Janet Miller,
counsellor and professor at Mount Royal University,
and become more aware of your stress levels
and how to manage stress effectively.
If you feel like you don’t have time to come to this workshop,
your stress levels might be too high.
Take the time to take care of yourself and join us.
Parents are always welcome!
Facilitator: Dr. Janet Miller
Professor and Counsellor at Mount Royal University
Wednesday January 20, 2016
6:45—8:45 pm
e
not ime
e
s
a
tt
Ple star
r
lie
ear
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
Statutory Holidays
Mark Your Calendar
New Years’ Day
Friday January 1, 2016
Attendance Records
Due
Friday January 22, 2016
before 9:00 am
When emailing attendance records
please send to
cheryl@childdev.com
Family Day
Monday February 15, 2016
Good Friday & Easter Monday
Friday March 25, 2016
Monday March 28, 2016
Page
page
22
child development dayhomes
Happy Birthday
Welcome New Providers
To all of our providers and staff
celebrating their birthdays this month
Crystal A.
Perveen A.
Yasmin A.
Aklima A.
Basma A.
Kari B.
Chailla C.
Carol Lynn F.
Syeda H.
Pamela H.
Nusrat J.
Zaineb J.
Chandrani J.
Hester L.
Megan P.
Saima S.
Laura W.
January 28
January 15
January 5
January 1
January 9
January 24
January 14
January 1
January 1
January 5
January 7
January 16
January 14
January 17
January 28
January 6
January 15
Jennifer C.
Manoshi D.
Lisa K.
Anipher M.
Tanya M. Pamela S.
Sheila S.
Congratulations
To providers and staff
celebrating their “Anniversaries”
with
Child Development Dayhomes
1 year
Nusrat J.
Victoria T. consultant
2 years
Satwinder K. Hester L.
3 years
Kari B. Syeda H.
Wishing you much
success, joy and happiness
in the New Year
From all of us at
Child Development Dayhomes
4 years
Jelena B.
5 years
Beena A.
7 years
Naomi B.
9 years
Shaista K.
18 years
Elsie H. consultant
With our hearts open wide,
we join hands with you
to create a better world.
January 1, 2016
Chinese New Year—February 7-13, 2016
Persian Ne w Year—March 20, 2016
www.childdev.com
Page 3of mind
peace
page 3
On A Positive Note
Family Child Care Training
Congratulations
Humaira K. Jobie O.
upon completion of Module 1
of the Family Child Care Training Program
Congratulations
Tracey P.
upon completion of Module 2
of the Family Child Care Training Program
Congratulations
Rose L.
upon completion of Module 3
of the Family Child Care Training Program
For Nicoleta
Thank you so much for the wonderful care that
you give Josh and Inara. We are so bleseed to
have you in our lives. Your hard work and
dedication is wonderful to see. We have been
completely happy with the care you provide.
Thank you for all that you do to make the
holidays so special, and for the joyful care you
provide every day.
Deanne
Congratulations
Andrea, Giovany and big sisters Violeta and Elena on the birth of
Gabriella
She was born October 27, 2015
and weighed 4 lbs 5 oz
www.childdev.com
child development dayhome
page 4
Follow us
Open the links 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.
Check out our website
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
Parents and Providers we’d love to hear
your ideas and suggestions.
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Parent Survey
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an importantProvider
part of adding
Survey
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.This is just one of many
informative
links
for parents and
Microsoft
Publisher
includes
thousands
of
clip
art
images
from page.
providers on our Pinterest
which you can choose and import
Click here
into your newsletter. There are
go you
directly
toto
also severalto
tools
can use
draw shapes
and symbols.
33 Winter
Activities
Once you have
chosen
an image,
for
Toddlers
place it close to the article. Be
www.childdev.com
peace of mind
page 5
Jackie
has beenServices
and
Alberta
Health
is wonderful to our
Alberta Health Services offers many family.
free sessions
at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and at
Our son
various sites throughout the city. Check
out
their
website
Austin, who is turningfor details:
13 in February went
fcrc.albertahealthservices.ca
to Jackie’s dayhome
as a little boy. He
Kids Have Stress Too
Parenting a Child with a Disability
still has fond
Thursday January 21, 2016
Wednesday January 27, 2016
memories of his time
6:30—8:30 pm
6:30—8:30 pm
Mitford School
Alberta Children’s Hospital
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.
“Elephant”
Women’s Health
Resources
calgarywomenshealth.ca
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
The
forand
“elephant”
draw sign
shapes
symbols. uses a flat hand to show the
trunk.
Start
near your
nose and then move downward
Once you
have chosen
an image,
and outward.
place
it close to the article. Be
Check out this great Alberta Health
Services website on health education
and information for women. Register
for classes that provide information
on your physical health, your social
and emotional health, your nutritional
health, and managing a chronic health
concern.
Call 403-944-2260 for information
on other services, or to book an
appointment.
 Counselling - free short term
counselling with a psychologist
 Health consultation with a Clinical
Nurse Specialist or Dietitian
 Library resources for women's
health
to subscribe to Bloom e-newsletters
and for course information go to
calgarywomenshealth.ca
www.childdev.com
page 6
child development dayhomes
Statutory Holidays
Dear Parent;
Most Dayhomes are closed on the followingJackie
Statutory
Holidays.
has been
and Please check with your Provider to
confirm which Statutory Holidays will be honored.
If
your
Provider chooses to provide care on a
is wonderful to our
Statutory Holiday please be advised that the
Provider
family.
Our may
son charge an additional fee to be paid
directly to the Provider.
Austin, who is turning
in February
went
Child Development Dayhomes office will be13
closed
on the following
days:
to Jackie’s dayhome
New Year’s Day
Friday
January
as a little
boy.
He 1, 2016
Family Day
Monday
still has
fond February 15, 2016
Good Friday
Friday
25, 2016
memories ofMarch
his time
Easter Monday
Monday March 28, 2016
Victoria Day
Monday May 23, 2016
Canada Day
Friday July 1, 2016
Heritage Day
Monday August 1, 2016
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Labour Day
Monday September 5, 2016
Selecting pictures or graphics is
Thanksgiving
Day
Monday October 10, 2016
an important part of adding
Remembrance Day
Friday November 11, 2016
content to your newsletter.
Christmas
Day
(Dec
25)
Monday
December 26, 2016
Think about your article and ask
yourself if the picture
supports
or
Boxing
Day (Dec
26)
Tuesday December 27, 2016
enhances the message you’re
New Years Day (Jan 1)
Monday January 2, 2017
trying to convey. Avoid selecting
images that appear
to be
out of
If you
have
any further questions regarding Statutory Holidays
context.
please contact the office at 403-230-2233.
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.
Alberta Family Child Care Association
Calgary Region
You Make a
Difference...
Once you have chosen an image,
place it close to the article. Be
Featuring:
Carol McCloud
Carol McCloud a.k.a. the
“Bucket Lady” has captivated
people of all ages and
encouraged them to become
daily bucket fillers. Her
passion for bucket filling led
her to publish her world
renowned book in 2006 “Have
you Filled a Bucket Today? A
Guide to Daily Happiness for
Kids”
www.childdev.com
A Conference for
Family Child Care
Professionals
More Information Soon!
March 5th 2016
Mark Your Calendar!
Event Location:
Glenmore Inn, Calgary, Alberta
Early Bird: $125.00
visit the AFCCA website
www.calgarychildcare.org
peace of mind
page 7
Circus Animals from Around the World
Wonder together…
TalkJackie
about has
the been
animals
andand acts in a circus. Many countries have
a circus
troupe that
travels from place to place and even from
is wonderful
to our
country
to
country
performing
their circus acts. Ask your
family. Our son
children
if they
have
ever been to the circus and what kind of
Austin,
who is
turning
animals
they
have
seen
13 in February wentat the circus. The circus can be a
springboard
to dayhome
a variety of activities about animals, physical
to Jackie’s
activity,
balance,
as a little boy.dance,
He strength, agility, training and
performing….
still has fond
Ask children questions about the circus memories of his time
 I wonder where the lions came from?
 I wonder where the animals live?
 I wonder what it’s like to travel on a circus train
This
story
cananimals?
fit 75-125 words.
with
the
pictures
or kind
graphics
Selecting
I wonder
what
of iscircus act you would like to
anperform?
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.
Elephants
An elephant goes like this and that,
(pat knees)
He's terribly big,
(hands high)
And he's terribly fat;
(hands wide)
He has no fingers,
(wiggle fingers)
And has no toes,
(touch toes)
But goodness gracious,
What a long nose!
(curl hands away from nose)
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 more elephant songs and rhymes
click here
www.childdev.com
child development dayhomes
page 8
Image of the Child
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
Messy… mischievious... curious... creative... What words would you use to describe your image
of the child. When you view the child in the photo above, are your feelings negative, neutral or
positive. Why is it that you feel this way about this child?
“There are hundreds of different images of the child. Each one of you has inside yourself an
image of the child that directs you as you begin to relate to a child. This theory within you pushes
you to behave in certain ways; it orients you as you talk to the child, listen to the child, observe
the child and plan activities for the children. It is very difficult for you to act contrary to this
internal image.”
excerpt from “Your Image of the Child Where Teaching Begins” by Loris Malaguzzi
To become more aware of your personal “image of the child” it might be helpful to take a look at
your own childhood. What were your childhood experiences? What did you value as a child? How
does the culture you grew up in influence your image of the child?
If you would like to read more on the Image of the Child
click here for an article by Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach
“Your Image of the Child Where Teaching Begins”
www.childdev.com
peace of mind
page 9
Infant Discovery Activity
Ramp Play with
Balls,
Baskets
Jackie
has been
and and a Box
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
www.childdev.com
child development dayhomes
page 10
Exploring Emotions with Clean Mud
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
Recipe for Clean Mud
Mix:
3 cups baking soda
1 cup water
Photo and recipe submitted by Nina K.
www.childdev.com
peace of mind
page 11
Snow Emotions
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
Collect materials outside to create faces in the
snow. Ask the children to choose an emotion
and then make a face to match the emotion.
Photos submitted by Jessica S.
www.childdev.com
child development dayhomes
page 12
Winter Dressing Routine
Jackie has been and
In my dayhome we get dressed to go outside twice a day, so it is a transition we are constantly working
is wonderful to our
on. Here’s the most successful way I have found:
family. Our son
 to keep everyone on track,
Austin, who is turning
 to help them learn self help skills
13and
in February went
 to learn the order of getting dressed.
to Jackie’s dayhome
a little
boy.
Heyou really try, you can do it if you really try,
If the children say they can't do it, we singas
"you
can do
it if
still
but you have got to try, try, try, try, you can
do has
it iffond
you really try" usually by the end of this song, I can
memories of his time
help the next child. So everyone is getting help where needed, but they are also encouraged to do it
themselves.
To set it up, I lay out the children's clothing in order and we sing this song.
Thiscan
is how
we put
on our pants, put on our pants, put on our pants,
This story
fit 75-125
words.
thispictures
is how or
wegraphics
put on isour pants so we can go outside
Selecting
an important
part
of
adding
(so we can go to school/so we can all stay warm/so we can play in the snow).
content to your newsletter.
Everyone puts on their pants and I help as needed.
Think about your article and ask
Then
I askif them
whatsupports
we put or
on next:
yourself
the picture
enhances
message
you’re
Thisthe
is how
we put
on our coats, put on our coats, put on our coats.
trying to convey. Avoid selecting
This
how we
put
images
thatisappear
to be
outonofour coats so we can go outside.
context.
Hats, boots and finally mitts.
Microsoft Publisher includes
Submitted by
thousands of clip art images from
Michelle R.
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
www.childdev.com
Click here to listen to this 2 minute
Fred Penner video and learn the song
“You Can Do It If You Try”
peace of mind
page 13
Tell Me What To Do
Instead of What Not To Do
Jackie has been and
is wonderful
to our
Tell a child what to do instead of what not
to do
family.
Our
son
Show the child by modelling or using a picture of the action
Austin,
whoto
is do
turning
Clearly and simply state what you expect
the child
13
in
February
wentbecause they do not understand the
Remember young children may use inappropriate behaviour
to Jackie’s
dayhomeapply what they are in the process of
social rules and/or because they are unable
to consistently
as
a
little
boy.
He
learning
stillunderstand.
has fond Young children may not understand a word
Talk to young children using language they
memories
histhey
timemay not know what the “negation” of
like “don’t” because it is a short word for
“do not”of
and
Communication is the Key





the word means
 Encourage the child in a way that lets her know that she is exhibiting the desired behaviour. Use
positive descriptive acknowledgement while the child is making an effort or is doing the desired
This
story can fit 75-125 words.
behaviour
Selecting
Some children
willgraphics
respond
pictures or
is better to more subdued expressions and acknowledging them in a
an
important
of adding
“matter
ofpart
fact”
way might be more effective
content to your newsletter.
 For the most part, be enthusiastic and generous with encouragement. Most children can never get
Think
about your article and ask
enough!
yourself if the picture supports or
enhances the message you’re
trying to convey. Avoid selecting
Avoid
Say/Model
images that appear
to be out of
context.
Don’t run!
Examples
Positive Descriptive Acknowledgement
 Walk
 You’re holding my hand! That’s so
respectful
 You walked across the room. You made a
safe choice
 You are walking beside me and keeping me
company. That is so friendly!
Microsoft Publisher includes
 Use walking feet
thousands of clip art images from
Stay and
withimport
me
which you can choose
into your newsletter.
There
are
 Hold my hand
also several tools you can use to
draw shapes and symbols.
Once
you have chosen an image,
Don’t
stand
Sitarticle.
on the
place it close to the
Bechair
on the chair!  Chairs are for sitting
 Do you need something up high?
 Let’s find a safe way to reach it.
 You are sitting on the chair. What a
careful girl
 You were responsible when you sat in the
chair
 You stood on the stepping stool. You
chose to be safe
Adapted from Creating Teaching Tools
for Young Children with
Challenging Behaviour
www.childdev.com
child development dayhomes
page 14
Transform Your Play
Click here to check out Day 8 of 30 Days to
Jackie has been Transform
and
Your Play. This isn’t a series about
is wonderful to our
creating play experiences for your child; we all
family. Our son have Pinterest for that. This is a series about
Austin, who is turning
using that inspiration and creating play
13 in February went
experiences and play spaces which appeal to
to Jackie’s dayhome
the interests of your child; connecting
as a little boy. He
experiences so your child can further their
still has fond
interests and deepen their play.
memories of his time
Day 8
Rethinking Art for Children
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
Protecting and nurturing our children’s
individual creativity is more than having a child
(and eventually an adult) who can draw or paint.
Protecting their creativity is about having a
child who has ideas, who sees possibilities, who
tries different ways of solving problems, who
tinkers, who thinks and who dreams.
So how can we protect our
children’s immense creative
potential?
We need to offer our children art experiences
which encourage discovery and exploration;
experiences which:
 honour the child’s process
 empower the child to feel confident in their
individual expression
 respect the child by offering quality art
materials
 do not require the child to create according
to a predetermined design
Tasks:
 Take a look at your weekly rhythm and make time for art; as often as possible
 Encourage daily art by having sketch books and drawing materials in your child’s play area
 Take an inventory of your art materials and replenish
 Collect materials from outside… even in the winter you can find pinecones, sticks and dried plant
material under evergreen trees
 Introduce new materials and observe to see which ones the children really enjoy using
www.childdev.com
peace of mind
page 15
Taking Care of You
Things You Can Do Today to Attract Positive Energy
from www.outofstress.com
Jackie has been and
Every moment you have a choice – to be at peace
or to betoinour
resistance. When you are at peace you
is wonderful
attract positive energy and when you resistfamily.
you create
vibes that reflect back on your being.
Ournegative
son
It’s a simple choice and yet most people unconsciously
to live in negativity.
Austin, whochoose
is turning
13 in February went
It’s not your boss, colleagues, parents, your children, your spouse or the traffic, but your own
to Jackie’s dayhome
perception that creates stress and negative energy. Circumstances are neutral. You will generate
as a little boy. He
positive vibes when your inner state is one of alignment and congruence, instead of being resistant.
still has fond
memories
his time
Here are a few tips to help you stay in touch
with yourofinner
peace and stillness.
Start Your Day With Meditation
Any form of meditation is helpful but it’s best to keep it simple. Just practice the meditation of
becoming
aware
your words.
presence. You don’t have to sit in any strident posture, just relax and feel
This story
can fitof
75-125
your presence in the midst of the thoughts and emotions. This is a very powerful practice that
Selecting pictures or graphics is
creates
a positive
vibe
throughout the body.
an important
part of
adding
content to your newsletter.
Treat Everyone the Way You Want to be Treated
Think about your article and ask
A day
is easily
when you
yourself
if the ruined
picture supports
or start holding
enhances the
message
you’re When you see others as
resentment
against
someone.
trying to convey. Avoid selecting
yourself you will not harbour negative feelings and in
images that appear to be out of
turn
your attitude will attract positive energy from
context.
theMicrosoft
people around
Publisheryou.
includes
thousands of clip art images from
Seewhich
the you
Positive
in Every
Situation
can choose
and import
into
your
newsletter.
There
are
Know that good and bad are just perceptions created
also several tools you can use to
in the
mind. When you see every situation with
draw shapes and symbols.
innocence, it will reveal its grace to you.
Once you have chosen an image,
place
it close toAbout
the article.
Stop
Worrying
theBeFuture
Worry has not served any purpose to this date for
anyone. There is nothing you can or will achieve by
worrying about it. In fact what you worry about will
not even happen most of the times. So why waste
energy dwelling on worries? You are unconsciously
creating a lot of negative energy inside you which is
harmful to your whole being. Just plan practically and
leave the rest to life.
Observe Nature
If you want to attract positive energy just look at
nature for a while. A tree or a flower, it just rests in
stillness and moves with the wind. There is a peace
that radiates from their being. This peace will ignite
your own inner true nature of stillness.
www.childdev.com
child development dayhomes
page 16
Eat Together
Jackie has been and
is wonderful to our
Enjoy each other’s company while sharing meals
family. Our son
together.
Austin, who is turning
13 in February went
Meal time is a chance to help kids learn to make
good dayhome
to Jackie’s
choices about what and how much to eat.
as a little boy. He
still has fond
It’s also a chance to slow down, relax and connect
with of his time
memories
one another.
Kids learn by doing
Encourage
everyone to help prepare, serve and clean up.
This story can fit 75-125 words.
Give little ones small jobs to do like washing veggies,
Selecting pictures or graphics is
mixing
food or putting
dishes away.
an important
part of adding
content to your newsletter.
Focus
on about
the meal
and each
other
Think
your article
and ask
yourself
if
the
picture
supports
Turn off the TV and put asideor
phones and electronics.
enhances the message you’re
Make
mealtimes pleasant and relaxed for everyone.
trying to convey. Avoid selecting
images that appear to be out of
context.
Let kids make choices
Microsoft Publisher includes
Set thousands
a table with
healthy foods and let everyone, including the kids, make choices about how much to eat.
of clip art images from
which you can choose and import
newsletter.
Talkinto
toyour
each
other There are
also several tools you can use to
Talkdraw
about
happy
things
and ask about what they did during the day.
shapes
and
symbols.
Once you have chosen an image,
place it close to the article. Be
Cook Together. Eat Together. Talk Together.
Click here for more information on Healthy Eating Starts Here
www.childdev.com
peace of mind
page 17
Program Planning Related to Children’s Interests
...ask the children for their ideas...
...use their ideas...expand on their ideas...
Jackie has been and
Sensory/Science/Discovery/
is wonderful to our
Resources
Exploration
Our son
 family.
Pinterest,
 Fill discovery bin with colored
 Austin,
Google, who is turning
cotton balls and pompoms,
in February went
 13
YouTube
pretend it’s a circus cotton
Jackie’s dayhome
 to
Books
candy machine
as
a little boy. He
 Children
 Use blunt tweezers or tongs
has fond
 still
Imagination
to pick things up like an
memories of his time
elephants
Books/Stories/Finger Plays
 Read “Curious George Goes
can fit 75-125 words.
to This
the story
Circus”
 Read
“Harold’s
Circus”
or is
Selecting
pictures
or graphics
an
important
part
of
adding
“Olivia Saves the Circus”
content to your newsletter.
 Listen to “Horton Hears a
Thinkby
about
article and ask
Who”
Dr.your
Seuss
yourself if the picture supports or
enhances the message you’re
trying to convey. Avoid selecting
Diversity
images that appear to be out of
 Talk
about different
context.
Children’s Interests
What are the children talking about?
What have you observed?
animal noses. How
Microsoft Publisher includes
are
they the
same
or
thousands
of clip
art images
from
which you can choose and import
different?
into your newsletter. There are
 Why do elephants
also several tools you can use to
have
noses?
drawlong
shapes
and symbols.
Circus
Elephants
Once you have chosen an image,
place it close to the article. Be
Parent/Community/Field Trips
 Plan a family event to the Royal
Canadian Circus, coming to
Calgary May 20 to June 5, 2016
 Ask parents to bring in large
boxes to make a circus train
Music/Songs/Movement/Games
 Click here to view Cosmic Kids
Story Yoga “Lulu the Baby
Lioness”
 Pin the tail on the elephant
 Click here to learn the song
“One Elephant Went Out to
Play” by Sharon, Lois & Bram
Outdoor Activities
 Jump through pretend
“flaming” circus hoops
 Pretend to fly on a
trapeze
 Balance balls while
walking on a “pretend”
tight rope
 Make elephant sounds
while you make
elephant foot prints
in the snow
www.childdev.com
Play Space Set Up
 Set up circus tent
 Use round table cloth on
floor for a circus ring
 Set up obstacle course
with hoops...to step in,
over or through
 Use masking tape on the
floor for a tight rope or
balance beam
Art/Creative Activities
 Make circus animals out of
recycled materials
 Paint lion’s mane with a
fork
 Make handprint elephants
 Make paper plate elephant
Questions to Ask
 I wonder what animals
perform at the circus?
 I wonder where the
animals live when
they’re not under the
big circus top?
 I wonder what
elephants love to eat?
 I wonder what
elephants use their
trunk for?
Pretend Play/Dress Up
 Make circus show tickets
 Travel on the circus train
 Dress up like animals or
clowns or the circus ring
master
 Put on a circus show
 Build an elephant home
 Put boots on your hands and
feet and stomp around like
an elephant