Back to School Guide 2012 by Susan Bojahra

kanagan4Kids is so excited to provide you with its first annual Back to School Guide. We know that fall is a busy time for families and our eguide will provide you with all the information you need right at your finger tips. We hope you enjoy it!

Visit us online at www.Okanagan4Kids.com any day of the year to find:  Local event calendar

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Give your child bonus educational opportunities at home through play! Preschool Directory One small step for mom, one giant leap for kid! Public School Directory Back to School - Keeping your kids back up to the task Private/Specialty School Directory Fresh ideas for school lunches Outdoor Learning Opportunities Everyone is born musical

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nhancing the learning that your young child will be engaged in when they begin their school career is a wonderful support you can provide your child. Below are some ideas, categorized under a child’s 5 developmental areas: Social, Emotional, Physical, Intellectual and Creative Development: Social Development A child’s social development is particularly crucial in the early years of their life (birth to age 7). The opportunities they are given to develop their social skills can have an impact on their future success in school. Giving language for taking turns, losing gracefully, waiting patiently for their turn and helping them to give a description to how they feel (frustrated, frightened, upset, confused, etc.) are all beneficial aspects that can happen when parents play educational games with their children at home, on weekends, perhaps in the evenings. Emotional Development Making friends, having gentle hands and kind words, along with playing fairly and telling the truth are some of the many emotional developmental tasks your young child will engage in while at school. Early childhood can be a very stressful time for children, especially with the emphasis on physical appearance being so much more prevalent in today’s society. Allowing your child the time to express how their feeling about any bullying that may be happening at school, while encouraging their acceptance of others, is an important role that parents play in a child’s life. Providing lots of opportunity for discussion, during play with your child, is important to remember during hectic family schedules. Physical Development Children really become aware of their own bodies during early childhood. Recognizing the difference between male and female, as well as understanding that everyone comes in different sizes, colours and shapes are other developmental milestones for young children. Being

aware of their own bodies (and the exploration thereof!) is another aspect of a young child’s life that some adults find uncomfortable. Explaining that being curious about your own body is healthy and allowing a child to ask questions and to explore themselves is important – just remind them that some things are meant to be private. A game that parents can play with their children, to encourage learning of body parts and proper names, is Simon Says – so much fun! Intellectual Development Read every day!!! Whether it be books at bedtime, pointing out street signs on the way to school, menus at a restaurant, or playing a card game are all things parents can ensure become part of the family routine. Finding time after dinner and on weekends to play with your children provides opportunity for conversation with your child, keeping dialogue open. Playing games that involve numbers, such as something that uses die, encourages counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. There are many educational games involving early math available for children. Creative Development Opportunities for being creative at home are important for a child’s creative development. Providing scissors, glue, construction paper, pencil crayons and old magazines on a shelf near the kitchen table are simple things that are easily accomplished. As well, hanging pictures on the fridge or a special place on the wall that your child made at school develops a child’s self esteem, encouraging their emotional development, as well! Jodi Quibell is a licensed Early Childhood Educator with a specialty in Infant and Toddler Care and Education. She is also an Educational Consultant with Discovery Toys, an educational toy company. She has two young boys and has been working with children for nearly 15 years. She can be found at www.discoverytoyslink.com/ learningthruplay.

Creekside Montessori Children’s School 7322 Grant Road, Vernon 250.545.7150 Little Miracles Preschool & Kindergarten PO Box 1945 Stn Main, Vernon 250.503.2220 www.littlemiraclespreschool.ca North Okanagan Childcare Society 2711-38th Street, Vernon 250.558.9963 www.noccs.ca Tiny Tots Licensed Preschool Centre 3310-37th Avenue, Vernon 250.545.6035  Vernon Christian Preschool 6890 Pleasant Valley Rd, Vernon 250.545.7345 ext. 11 www.vcs.ca

Blossom Progressive Montessori 10300 Sherman Dr., Lake Country 250.808.GROW (4769) www.blossom-montessori.ca Building Blocks Educational Childcare Ltd. 1521 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna 250.860.6199 www.buildingblockseducare.com Cameron House Waldorf Preschool 2339 Richter St., Kelowna 250.763.6794 Chief Tomat Preschool 3365 East Boundary Rd., W. Kelowna 250.768.2850 Clubhouse Child Care Centre 839 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna 250.860.4393 Early Years Learning Centre 940 Belgo Rd., Kelowna 250.765.4224

Angels Preschool and Learning Centre 946 Glen Street, Kelowna 250.869.0767 Archangels Children’s Centre 2547 Hebert Rd, W. Kelowna 250.768.3614 Bankhead Family Place 1280 Wilson Ave., Kelowna 250.762.4476 www.kelowna.cioc.ca/record/KNA0222

Edluen (Education Learning Universe) Lawrence Learning Centre 1370 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna 250.860.9788

Expanding Horizons Preschool 1920 Dunn St., Kelowna 250.862.2545 www.expanding.ca Garderie L’Escale 1580 Bernard Ave., Kelowna 250.868.4845 Glenwood Preschool 2090 Gordon Dr., Kelowna 250.860.4393 Helen Gorman Preschool 3230 Salmon Rd., W. Kelowna 250.768.1230 Heritage Christian Preschool 905 Badke Rd., Kelowna 250.762.9559 www.kcc.net  Highlands EduCare (McDuff, McBuff and McBean) 870 Francis Ave., Kelowna 250.762.9508 www.hecc.ca Imagination Way Preschool 700 Pearson Rd., Kelowna 250.765.0091 Kelowna Parent & Child Preschool 1580 Bernard Ave., Kelowna 250.762.8188

Kelowna Waldorf Preschool West Kelowna Learning Centre 492 Collett Rd., Kelowna 250.764.4130 3660 Brown Rd., W. Kelowna 250.452.6866 www.kelownawaldorf.org www.edleun.com

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society 442 Leon Ave., Kelowna 250.763.4905 www.kfs.bc.ca Lasting Impressions Preschool 2410 Ethel St., Kelowna 250.763.6525 Le Petit Hibou Preschool Society 125 Adventure Rd., Kelowna 250.765.4416 Little Gators Preschool 125 Glenmore Rd. N, Kelowna 250.762.3914 Little Owl Academy 5315 Main St., Kelowna 250.764.0122 www.littleowlacademy.ca Luna Park Preschool 657 Raymer Ave., Kelowna 250.762.7505 Mi Escuelita Preschool 2702 Boucherie Rd., W. Kelowna 250.769.3145 www.miescuelita.ca

Preschooler’s Playhouse 5486 Clements Cres., Peachland 250.767.2133 Room for Learning Preschool Ltd. 609 Dehart Rd., Kelowna 250.764.2277 Rutland Parent Participation Preschool 1875 Joe Riche Rd., Kelowna 250.491.9699 www.rutlandparentparticipationpreschool. homestead.com Shannon Lake Preschool 118-2220 Shannon Ridge Dr., W. Kelowna 250.707.3223 Sunny Bunny Preschool 2090 Sunview Dr., W. Kelowna 250.769.2665 TLC for Kids 104-2081 McDougall Rd., Kelowna 250.769.4855 Village Daycare 2663 Curts St., Kelowna 250.763.4991 www.villagedaycare.ca

Okanagan Montessori Elementary Preschool Westside Parent Participation Preschool 3131 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna 250.878.8128 2011 Daimler Dr., W. Kelowna www.members.shaw.ca/okmontessori 250.769.7274 www.westsidepreschool.com Precious Moments Preschool 4091 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna 250.764.3111 Westside Preschool 3718 Glenway Rd., Winfield 250.768.9575

Children’s Universe Montessori School 645A W Wade Ave., Penticton 250.770.8368 Concordia Lutheran School 2800 South Main St., Penticton 250.492.5902 www.concordialive.ca Inkameep Preschool Daycare Centre 27104 Camp McKinney, Oliver 250.498.3010 Kids Connection 145 Middle Bench Rd. S, Penticton 250.770.7690 Www.kidsconnectionpenticton.com Kinderplace Preschool 103-550 Carmi Ave., Penticton 250.492.0295 Learning for Little People Preschool 216 Hastings Ave., Penticton 250.493.2331 www.learningforlittlepeoplepreschool.com Little Triumphs Preschool 500 Edmonton Ave., Penticton 250.493.4244 Osoyoos Elementary Preschool 8507 68th St., Osoyoos 250.492.5814 Playshare Preschool 696 Main St., Penticton 250.493.5994

Easing the transition from preschool into Kindergarten

arrying a brand new backpack that looks too big for him, the little boy with blond cropped hair keeps his hand safely in his mom’s. They are walking down the concrete path towards the elementary school’s entrance on the first day of school. For the bigger kids running past them, it is back to reality. For him, it is the first day of an exciting, yet unfamiliar adventure. Parents and educators alike view the transition from preschool into Kindergarten as a most important phase in a child’s life. Colleen Edgar, Kindergarten teacher at Coldstream Elementary, gives valuable advice for parents who would like to help their children prepare to have a positive Kindergarten experience.

1. Don’t do everything for your child. “The kids that really struggle are those whose moms do everything for them.” Do help your child to be as independent as possible in personal activities. “For the teacher, the biggest thing is that the child has to have the independence to be away from parents – tie their shoes, pack their backpacks, make sure they’re fully toilet trained.” Edgar says that parents should prepare their children for the 1:20 ratio of adult to children. “The child needs to have some experience away from his parents – whether attending preschool or being taken care of by a babysitter.”

2. Don’t over-structure their after school activities. Do allow your child to have free time. Let your child play!

3. Don’t put too much pressure on your child. Don’t expect too much in any particular area. Edgar gives the example of a child who is shy - a common concern for parents - but points out that, that might be just who the child is. Do focus on your child’s strengths.

4. Don’t compare. Each child learns at his own tempo and use his own learning style. Yes, a few children will fluently and silently read chapter books by the end of Kindergarten. But most will be able to identify basic phonics or read simple text. Do be true to who your child is. Let him be who he is.

5. Don’t be overly concerned about the recent move to compulsory full day Kindergarten in British Columbia. According to Edgar, teachers have been pleasantly surprised by how well it went during the first year this was implemented. In her experience, the children fared well academically, but also played more and did well with the consistent routines. Do know that that the schedule for gradual entry into Kindergarten may be flexible. The school’s schedule does not necessarily have to be followed and parents with younger children or of those with special needs should communicate with the teacher about this. Most school districts would like to see all Kindergarten students attend the full day, everyday program by after Christmas. Hold your child’s hand, but know to let go when he enters his Kindergarten classroom.

Contributed by Tia Steyn, a freelance writer and mother of two elementary school-aged children.

Head Office 1401 15th St., Vernon 250.542.3331 www.sd22.bc.ca Alexis Park Elementary 4205 35th St., Vernon 250.545.7289 Ă&#x2030;cole Beairsto 3302 27th St., Vernon 250.542.8524 B.X. Elementary 5849 Silver Star Rd., Vernon 250.542.4013 Cherryville Elementary 108 North Fork Rd., Cherryville 250.547.6163 Coldstream Elementary 10104 Kalamalka Rd., Coldstream 250.545.0597 Ellison Elementary 2400 Fulton Rd., Ellison 250.260.4176 Harwood Elementary 4320 20th St., Vernon 250.542.5385 Hillview Elementary 1822 Francis St., Vernon 250.542.5465 J.W. Inglis Elementary 2287 Shuswap Ave., Lumby 250.547.9231

Kidston Elementary Casorso Elementary 12101 Linden Dr., Coldstream 250.542.5351 3675 Casorso Rd., Kelowna 250.870.5135 Lavington Elementary 9715 School Rd., Lavington 250.545.1710 Mission Hill Elementary 1510 36th St., Vernon 250.545.0639 Okanagan Landing Elementary 7322 Grant Rd., Vernon 250.542.1181 Silver Star Elementary 1404 35th Ave., Vernon 250.545.4409

Head Office 1940 Underhill St., Kelowna 250.860.8888 www.sd23.bc.ca

Chief Tomat Elementary 3365 E. Boundary Rd., W. Kelowna 250.768.6628 Chute Lake Elementary 5240 Lark St., Kelowna 250.870.5139 Davidson Road Elementary 2115 Davidson Rd., Winfield 250.766.2381 Dorothea Walker Elementary 4346 Gordon Dr., Kelowna 250.764.8181 Ellison Elementary 3735 Parkdale Rd., Kelowna 250.765.8104

George Pringle Elementary Anne McClymont Elementary 3770 Elliot Rd., W. Kelowna 250.768.5146 4489 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna 250.870.5133 Glenmore Elementary A.S. Matheson Elementary 960 Glenmore Dr., Kelowna 250.762.3209 2090 Gordon Dr., Kelowna 250.860.2525 Glenrosa Elementary Bankhead Elementary 3430 Webber Rd., W. Kelowna 1280 Wilson Ave., Kelowna 250.763.2603 250.768.5181 Belgo Elementary 125 Adventure Rd., Kelowna 250.765.8900 Black Mountain Elementary 1650 Gallagher Rd., Kelowna 250.765.1955

Helen Gorman Elementary 3230 Salmon Rd., W. Kelowna 250.768.7250 Hudson Road Elementary 1221 Hudson Rd., Kelowna 250.769.4666

MIDDLE SCHOOLS North Glenmore Elementary 125 Snowsell St. N, Kelowna 250.762.3535 Oyama Traditional School 15525 Greenhow Rd., Oyama 250.548.3783 Peachland Elementary 5486 Clements Cres., Peachland 250.767.2686 Pearson Road Elementary 700 Pearson Rd., Kelowna 250.765.8855 Peter Greer Elementary 10300 Sherman Dr., Winfield 250.766.2104 Quigley Elementary 705 Kitch Rd., Kelowna 250.870.5134 Raymer Elementary 657 Raymer Rd., Kelowna 250.762.4823 Rose Valley Elementary 1680 Westlake Rd., W. Kelowna 250.870.5146 Rutland Elementary 620 Webster Rd., Kelowna 250.765.9771 Shannon Lake Elementary 3044 Sandstone Dr., W. Kelowna 250.870.5132 South Kelowna Elementary 4176 Spiers Rd., Kelowna 250.861.1122 South Rutland Elementary 200 Mallach Rd., Kelowna 250.765.7785 Springvalley Elementary 470 Ziprick Rd., Kelowna 250.860.4526 Watson Road Elementary 475 Yates Rd., Kelowna 250.762.6633

Constable Neil Bruce Middle 2010 Daimler Rd., W. Kelowna 250.769.7343 Dr. Knox Middle 121 Drysdale Blvd., Kelowna 250.870.5130

Queens Park Elementary 330 Power St., Penticton 250.770.7680 Trout Creek Elementary 5811 Nixon Rd., Summerland 250.494.7876 Uplands Elementary 145 Middle Bench Rd. S, Penticton 250.770.7678

Glenrosa Middle 3565 McIver Rd., W. Kelowna 250.768.1889 West Bench Elementary 1604 West Bench Ave., Penticton KLO Middle 250.770.7698 3130 Gordon Dr., Kelowna 250.870.5106 MIDDLE SCHOOLS Rutland Middle 715 Rutland Rd., Kelowna 250.765.2988 KVR Middle 300 Jermyn Ave., Penticton 250.770.7600 Springvalley Middle 350 Ziprick Rd., Kelowna 250.862.3274 McNicoll Middle 1213 Debeck St., Penticton 250.770.7683

Head Office 425 Jermyn Ave., Penticton 250.770.7700 www.sd67.bc.ca Carmi Elementary 400 Carmi Ave., Penticton 250.770.7697

Skaha Lake Middle 110 Green Ave., Penticton 250.770.7674 Summerland Middle 13611 Kelly Ave Summerland 250.770.7685

Columbia Elementary 1437 Allison St., Penticton 250.770.7676

Cawston Primary 517 School Rd., Cawston 250.499.5617

Giants Head Elementary 10503 Prairie Valley Rd., Summerland 250.770.7671

Oliver Elementary 10359 356th Ave., Oliver 250.498.3468

Kaleden Elementary 152 Linden Ave., Penticton 250.770.7692 Parkway Elementary 225 Kinney Ave., Penticton 250.770.7686 Naramata Elementary 3660 8th St., Naramata 250.496.5225

Okanagan Falls Elementary 1141 Cedar St., OK Falls 250.497.5414 Osoyoos Elementary 8507 68 Ave., Osoyoos 250.495.7248 Tuc El Nuit Elementary 36850 79th St., Oliver 250.498.3415

Keeping Your Kid’s Back Up to the Task id’s today are carrying a heavy burden. We expect a lot from them in and out of school, from academics and sports to music and fine arts. They are involved in everything! Unfortunately, all these activities are starting to add up. Back pain, which used to be virtually unheard of in children, is becoming more and more common. Although there are several possible factors at play, backpack burdens are often the easiest to amend. Carrying a heavy or unbalanced pack puts additional strain on a child’s growing muscles and bones. This can lead to poor posture, back, neck, or shoulder pain, and headaches. Pain can affect a child’s ability to concentrate during class and put their best foot forward during their extracurricular activities.

Here are my top 5 tips to help you and your child head back to school without a pain in the back. 1. Purchase the Perfect Pack Choose a pack made of lightweight material with wide (2”) padded straps. Strap should be adjustable and the pack should be the appropriate size for the child. Packs with hip or waist straps or wheels can provide extra relief. 2. Pack it Properly Place the heaviest items closest to your body. Make sure the weight is distributed evenly. Lighten your load! The pack should weigh no more 10-15% of the child’s bodyweight. If your child is 50lbs, their pack should only weigh 5lbs. If they are 90lbs, it should not be more than 14lbs. Try actually weighing your kiddo and their pack on a scale for the first few mornings until you get a good idea of what their pack should regularly feel like. Pack only what they really need. 3. Pick It Up & Put It On If your pack is on the ground, squat down to pick it up. (This goes for you too mom!) Bending over to pick up a pack with legs straight and back bent puts a lot of strain on your discs. Squat and lift with your legs. Better yet,

pack your bag on the table or countertop and then put it on from there. No lifting necessary! 4. Wear It Right Always wear both shoulder straps. Placing straps only over one shoulder creates uneven mechanical stresses that a growing spine has to work extra hard to compensate for. The pack should be centered high on your back, not dragging down by your bum. 5. Be Proactive Ask your child how they feel. Children do not always experience pain and discomfort the same way that adults do. Don’t assume that they would be whining if there was an issue. Encourage an open line of communication between you and your child and be sure to take any complaints seriously. Talk to teachers and coaches. Ask them if they have any suggestions for minimizing the amount of stuff that needs to be lugged to and fro. Consider acquiring two copies of a text book (one for home and one for school) so they don’t have to lug it back and forth every day. As with most issues, back pain and headaches are most easily ameliorated when caught early (and best when avoided all together through prevention). Altering backpack habits can be an easy fix if the heavy load was a major contributor to your child’s pain. Back pain and headaches can also be warning symptoms of something more serious. If pain is persistent, worsens dramatically, or if there is any associated weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, be sure to check it out with a trusted health professional. And don’t forget your lunch box filled with nutritious food for building a strong, healthy body! Dr. Amanda Stevens is a chiropractor and nutritionist who focuses on families. She has specialization training in holistic pediatric and maternity care. Her passion is to empower the families of the Okanagan as they journey toward optimal health. Dr. Amanda works at the Valeo Health Clinic on Sutherland Avenue with an interdisciplinary team that includes massage, acupuncture, a sports/movement specialist, and a very friendly four-legged greater dog.

Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School 950 Academy Way, Kelowna 250.491.1270 www.aberdeenhall.com École Entre Lac de Penticton 1077 Nelson Ave., Penticton 250.770.7691 www.entrelacs.csf.bc.ca Kelowna Waldorf School 492 Collett Rd., Kelowna 250.764.4130 www.kelownawaldorf.org Okanagan Montessori Elementary & Preschool 3439 East Kelowna Rd., Kelowna 250.860.1165 www.member.shaw.ca/okmontessori

Holy Cross Elementary School 1298 Main St., Penticton 250.492.4480 www.holyc.com Immaculata Regional High School 1493 KLO Rd., Kelowna 250.762.2730 www.immaculatakelowna.ca Kelowna Christian School 3285 Gordon Dr., Kelowna 250.861.5432 www.kcschool.ca Okanagan Adventist Academy 1035 Hollywood Rd., Kelowna 250.860.5305 www.okaa.ca

St. Joseph Elementary School 839 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna 250.763.3371 www.stjosephkelowna.ca  Vernon Christian School 6890 Pleasant Valley Rd., Vernon 250.545.7345 www.vcs.ca

BC Online School 250.980.5622 www.bconlineschool.ca Heritage Online School 905 Badke Rd., Kelowna 250.862.2376 www.onlineschool.ca

Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School 2547 Hebert Rd., W. Kelowna 250.768.9008 SenPokChin School www.olol-bc.com International Christian Online School RR3 Site 25 Comp. 1, Oliver 250.498.2019 250.980.5628 North Okanagan Junior Academy www.icos.ca Sensisyusten House of Learning 4699 Grandview Flats Rd., Armstrong 1920 Quail Lane, W. Kelowna 250.768.2802 250.546.8330 Kleos Open Learning www.noja.ca 3070 Benvoulin Rd., Kelowna 778.478.0293 www.kleos.ca Penticton Christian School First Lutheran Church & School 102-96 Edmonton Ave., Penticton South Central Interior Distance Education 4091 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna 250.764.3111 250.493.5233 School (SCIDES) www.flcs.ca www.pentictonchristianschool.ca 1.800.663.3536 www.scides.ca Heritage Christian School 907 Badke Rd., Kelowna 250.862.2377 www.heritagechristian.ca

Pleasant Valley Christian Academy 1802 45th Ave., Vernon 250.545.7852

Vernon Virtual Education 250.542.0249 www.vlearn.ca

t's time to start thinking about school lunches again. It can be challenging to create lunches that are healthy, well -balanced, and something that your kids will enjoy eating! In the morning rush, it may be tempting to quickly throw a lunch together with pre-packaged foods, however the majority of pre-packaged foods are loaded with artificial colours, sodium, sugar and ingredients we can't even pronounce. Your kids will have a much more successful day at school if their bodies are filled with fresh healthy foods instead! Here are a few suggestions for packing fresh healthy lunches: Make a Meal Plan: Come up with a simple lunch menu for the week, incorporate leftovers from dinner to make life easier! Then put together your shopping list before you head out to the grocery store. This way you'll have everything you need for 5 days of school lunches. Prep Time: Get everyone in family to help wash and prep fruits and vegetables. It's much easier to put together a quick lunch when everything has been washed, chopped and is waiting in the fridge! Cutting up fruits and vegetables into to smaller pieces makes it easier for kids to eat them. Fruits & Vegetables Everyday: Fruits and veggies are a must have for healthy lunches! Here's where you can get creative...make fruit or salad kabobs, include delicious

dips, use mini cookie cutters and most importantly Think Rainbows! By eating a rainbow of produce your kids will benefit from the wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Eating a Rainbow is a fun and easy concept for kids to understand. Balancing Act: Try to incorporate a good variety of proteins, grains, and produce for every lunch. Keep things interesting by switching between sandwiches, pita pockets, wraps, rolls…that way you won’t get stuck in the same old rut day after day! If you feel that it’s important to include a sweet snack, just be sure to keep it very small and remind your child that it’s to be eaten after everything else! Don't Forget Water: There really isn't a better drink for your child than water. Having a "cool" water bottle might help you convince your kids to switch to water! Fill their water bottle half full the night before and put it in the freezer. In the morning fill the rest of the bottle with water. By lunchtime they'll be able to enjoy a very refreshing bottle of water. Putting together a healthy school lunch can be easy with a little planning and creativity! Happy Healthy Eating, Kia Kia Robertson is a mom, children's book author and the creator of the Today I Ate A Rainbow kit; a tool that helps parents establish healthy habits by setting the goal of eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter @eatingarainbow to get great ideas on how to get your kids eating a rainbow!

e all know that there are physical, emotional, and intellectual benefits to be gained from time spent outdoors. Children, like the rest of us, need access to natural green spaces and time to discover the world around them. What better way to encourage an appreciation of nature, and combat our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, than venturing with the family into a Regional Park near you!

Roads in Kelowna, or along Deep Creek in Hardy Falls Regional Park off Hardy Road in Peachland.

All Regional Parks offer trail systems for self-guided hikes and walks. Every twist and turn of a park trail offers new opportunities for young and old to discover local flora and fauna. Visit the EECO (Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan) at 2363A Springfield Road in Kelowna for more information on park trails and pick up a 2012 Regional Parks Guide. The Parks Guide is also available to download on the Regional District website, www.regionaldistrict.com/parksguide. The EECO is open Tuesday to Friday 11am to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday Regional Parks Services offers many park programs for 11am-6pm. While there, sign out a Discovery Backpack school groups and community groups of all ages. Maybe and explore nearby Mission Creek Regional Park. your son or daughter has already visited a Regional Park with his or her class on a scheduled school tour, or maybe And never underestimate the teacher already has such an outing planned for this the importance of school year. Programs in Regional Parks include Kokanee unstructured free play as Salmon: Something’s Fishy, Walking Nature’s Way, What a way for children to Lies Beneath, The Power of Habitat, and A Look Back at learn about natureGellatly Nut Farm. Each program is designed to get encourage them to students outdoors with a Regional Park Interpreter so explore, get dirty, and they can learn firsthand about specific aspects of park create their own games and activities in the great ecology. Often, simply being outside in the fresh air in a outdoors! natural setting is the highlight of the program! Inquire about the outdoor learning opportunities planned for Regional Parks Services offers many public programs, school your child’s class this year. programs, and special events throughout the year. The Regional Parks system offers year-round opportunities for outdoor learning Time outdoors doesn’t need to be scheduled or planned- and exploration. Learn more at www.facebook.com/ grab the family and head outdoors to explore your regionaldistrict, and follow us on Twitter @okreparks.

nearest Regional Park or green space! Kokanee salmon spawning season is almost here and presents a great occasion for a family outing - from late August to early October landlocked Kokanee salmon from Okanagan Lake swim upstream to lay their eggs in stream rock beds. Your family can experience this phenomenon by visiting two prime spawning viewing locations: the spawning channel at Mission Creek Regional Park, at Springfield and Durnin

urturing a child's budding interest in music as early as possible is very important. To enhance the commitment to music and to continue strong musical traditions, children's contact with music should ideally begin before the school years. However, it is never too late to begin learning, and this goes for children and adults alike. Children learn most things through play so it is essential that learning musical skills is fun. Active music making helps children acquire the mental, physical and social skills needed for future intelligence and well-being. Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child's learning and lead and help without pushing. Successful musicians from around the world have noted their parents encouragement and love of music to be the most important element in sparking their own interest in music. University of East London researchers found children who maintained an interest in playing an instrument had:   

started at an early age had a great deal of parental support began their studies with friendly and knowledgeable teachers

Music can build confidence – especially in Music for Young Children’s group lessons – through interacting with others. Music classes can be used as a tool for building leadership skills by placing children in positions of creative control and giving them reasons to play, negotiate and work together. Music lessons can have a dramatic positive effect on a child’s self-esteem by encouraging a sense of personal identity. Playing an instrument can help children channel negative or unexpressed feelings in a positive way.

Children given the chance to play with creative ideas will advance their social skills. Their sense of self-esteem will be stronger and their understanding that they are naturally creative will stay with them all of their life as a positive influence. Academic achievement is linked positively with musical achievement, especially critical reading and writing skills. Continued on next page...

Celebrating its 31th anniversary, Music for Young Children© is one of the world’s leading music-learning systems. Children ages 3-10 years can start in group keyboard lessons. The classes are highly structured and follow a carefully worked-out series of increasing complexities. The hour-long classes include rhythm ensembles, singing, ear-training, sight-reading, note-reading, theory and composing techniques. Music classes are also offered for children 0-3 years of age. These 30 to 45 minute long classes include use of a variety of rhythm instruments, movement, singing, stories and games to learn about various musical concepts. “The Music for Young Children program has to be counted as the dominant force in the musical training of young children in Canada today.” Marc Widner, Chief Examiner emeritus, Royal Conservatory Music Examinations In addition to teaching MYC© classes, most teachers also offer private piano lessons. For more information please contact your local MYC© teacher today! Grace Beauchamp has been a pianist for more than 25 years and has been classically trained through the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She is the owner of Grace Note Music Studio located in Kelowna, and currently teaches private piano lessons and Music For Young Children© classes.