NOVEMBER 2018
Dressing for the Weather
Craft:
Necktie Snakes
Give Back this Holiday
Season
This Month at Playworks…
The weeks leading up to the holidays are often a time of excitement, anticipation, and joy for children. Kids are excited to see their family, get a break from school, and eat a few extra sweets. However, the holiday spirit often leaves adults and children alike thinking of the many gifts they hope to receive throughout the holidays. This year, if you are able, take time to celebrate another holiday—Giving Tuesday. Unlike the many “holidays” that have popped up around Thanksgiving time, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday does not focus on consumerism. Giving Tuesday is about giving time, money, or gifts to the charitable organizations that help those less fortunate throughout the holiday season.
important dates November 2:
Playworks Picture Day Playworks LINK Event Center
November 14:
Parents and Pie 4:30-6pm • Playworks LINK Event Center
November 22:
Thanksgiving, Playworks Closed
November 27:
Giving Tuesday
On November 27, make an effort to get involved this year around your community! Setting an example for your child and teaching them about the power of giving is one of the best gifts you can give them this holiday season. You can learn more about how you can get involved on Giving Tuesday at givingtuesday.org.
Educare Early Learning Classrooms
Suggested Reading
Clothing
Argyle by Barbara Brooks Wallace
This month, our Playworks students will dive into the interesting study of clothing! Clothes come in all shapes and sizes, and each piece of clothing serves a different purpose. Whether an item is worn for style, comfort, or the weather, it’s important for children to become familiar with what they’re wearing and why.
Dan’s Pants: The Adventures of Dan, the Fabric Man by Dan Boltz, Fran Boltz, and Merle Good Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
Children become very interested in clothing at a young age. Babies may tug at their clothes (especially socks!) before they can even crawl, toddlers play with their buttons, zippers, and snaps, and older children love to pick out their favorite attire. Kids like to try on different clothing while they learn to dress themselves. They’ll put on clothes and pretend to be somebody else—like moms, dads, or teachers. They will also develop preferences in what they like to wear—some kids may prefer thicker fabrics, while others like to be cool and comfortable.
The Jacket I Wear in the Snow by Shirley Neitzel Knitting Nell by Julie Jersild Roth
A child’s interest in clothing is a great foundation for learning about different kinds of fabrics and specialized purposes for different garments, such as boots, raincoats, and gloves. As we experience another seasonal change, be sure to talk to your child about why it’s important to dress for the weather! Learn more about seasonal clothing on the next page.
Parent-Teacher Conference Schedule November 5-9
Infant A and Toddler A Classrooms
November 12-16
Infant B and Toddler B Classrooms
November 14
Infant and Toddler Classroom
November 15-16
SMSC’s Children’s House
November 26-30 Young Preschool A, Preschool A, and Prekindergarten A Classrooms December 2-6
BUILDING CONNECTIONS:
I Love You Ritual
Based off of the well-known nursery rhyme “Jack Be Nimble,” this month’s I Love You Ritual is titled “Jack Be Noodle.” With a focus on silliness and fun, this rhyme helps foster the relationship between adult and child.
SAY THE VERSE
DO THE ACTION
Jack be noodle,.............................................................Extend and wiggle arms Jack be stiff,....................................................................Stiffen arms outward Jack come over and hug me quick...................Run over to mom, dad, or a grandparent and give a big hug
Young Preschool B, Preschool B, and Prekindergarten B Classrooms
J ack Be N ood le
Dressing for the Weather Although it may not feel like it some years, the Midwest experiences four full seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall. With temperatures that are often fluctuating, it’s important to be prepared for the weather and wear clothing that is appropriate for different conditions.
Whether you’re preventing something serious, like hypothermia or dehydration, or just looking to stay dry while walking in the rain, clothing choices can make all the difference in your level of comfort! Learn how Spencer, Brittany, and Adam dress for the seasons below.
Spencer Spencer dresses for comfort in layers during the fall and spring A sweatshirt or light jacket and jeans keep him warm enough to enjoy the outdoors He carries an umbrella and wears proper shoes in case of rain Weather changes often in the spring and fall, be sure to check the daily forecast.
Brittany Brittany wears a hat, gloves, a scarf, and a thick jacket to stay warm in the winter She wears a comfortable shirt under her jacket so she doesn’t get too hot indoors Waterproof boots and thick socks keep her feet warm, since toes are very susceptible to frostbite Remember: You can always wear extra layers and take them off later!
Adam Adam enjoys summer in his tank top, shorts, and sandals Sunglasses keep harmful UV rays out of his eyes His clothes are made out of breathable fabrics, keeping him cool throughout the day Remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen!
Mittens Tank top
Sweatshirt
Spring
Stocking cap
Summer
Raincoat
Fall
Shorts
Winter Rain boots
Sandals
Bathing suit
Jeans
Winter Coat
Warm boots
Draw an arrow from each article of clothing to the season(s) it is often worn in! Remember, some clothing is appropriate for more than one season. If you’re having trouble, try matching the color of the article name with the color of the season name!
Playworks Spotlight: Playworks Café Formerly known as “Pixie’s Café,” Playworks Café is a convenient place to pick up a number of classic dishes that will blow you away. Whether you’re eating on the go or enjoying a snack during playtime, call 952.445.7527 or visit the front desk between 10:30am-6pm to order an assortment of appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas, and kids meals.
Playworks Café also offers: •
BBQ pulled pork sliders, a guest favorite
•
Soups, salads, wraps, and fruit
•
A variety of sweet treats, including floats, ice cream, and mini donuts
•
Discount for SMSC employees and team members.
Recipe:
Cookies
Given this month’s curriculum on clothing, it’s the perfect time to bake up a pan of cute little Button Cookies with licorice laces. This easy-to-make sugar cookie recipe is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
¾ cup butter 1 cup powdered sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2½ cups flour ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon salt Pull-and-peel licorice Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Soften butter and combine it with powdered sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract and beat until mixed well. In another bowl, whisk flour, cardamom, and salt. Add dry mixture to creamed mixture. If you’d like to color your cookies, divide dough into portions and tint each portion with your selected color(s). Refrigerate covered dough for two hours. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly flour a surface and roll dough until thin, around ¼-inch thick. Cut cookies out of dough with round cookie cutter and place 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Use a plastic straw to cut four holes in the middle of each cookie to resemble the holes in a button. Cool and lace licorice through the holes of each button.
Family-Friendly
TASTE of
SMSC
EVENTS
November 14
Parents and Pie
4:30-6pm Playworks LINK Event Center (2200 Trail of Dreams, Prior Lake)
Enjoy a slice of something sweet with other Playworks families at Playworks’ annual Parents and Pie! This year’s event will include art projects and a story told by Playworks staff. No RSVP is required. For more information, please contact Teresa Wessel-Taylor at 952.496.6809.
November 17
the
TRADITIONAL
VENDOR
HOLIDAY SAMPLES
FARE
MAKE-AND-TAKE
DIY ITEMS
GIVEAWAYS AND
Turkey Trot and ½ Mile Kids Fun Run
GOODIE BAGS
8am The Meadows at Mystic Lake (2400 Mystic Lake Boulevard, Prior Lake)
Earn those holiday treats this year by signing up for the Turkey Trot 5K and ½ Mile Kids Fun Run, held annually at The Meadows at Mystic Lake. Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned pro, this race offers a fun-filled, family-friendly way to get some fresh air and exercise before winter sets in. Register today at dakotahsport.com. For more information, call 952.445.9400.
Holidays 952.233.9140 • mazopiya.com 2571 CREDIT UNION DRIve, PRIOR LAKE, MN
ACHIEVE your FALL fitness GOALS
Free T-Shirt*
Learning Compassion at a Young Age at Dakotah! Sport and Fitness Compassion is an important emotion for children to learn and understand at a young age. Compassion is the sympathetic pity or concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. In other words, compassion is a child’s (or adult’s) ability to understand and feel sorry for others when they’re going through a tough time. To help your child become more compassionate, try teaching these four strategies below: •
Support others—encourage your child to be a shoulder to lean on and a friend for those in need
•
Listen to others and don’t make assumptions—teach your child not to judge other children and get to know them instead
•
Put yourself in their shoes—ask your child to consider how they would feel if they were experiencing difficult circumstances
•
Use words, not anger—tell your child that people respond better to thoughtful conversation than blind emotion
November 1-30 $24 Initiation Fee $199 Value!
Visit the front desk to sign up today!
*One free T-shirt for individual membership. Two free T-shirts for couple and family memberships. 952.445.9400 • dakotahsport.com 2100 Trail of Dreams, Prior Lake, MN
GROUP TRiPS Bring your group to Playworks for two hours of nonstop fun and adventure! We offer food, entertainment, and excitement—all you have to focus on is having a good time.
BOOK TODAY!
952.445.PLAY (7529) • playworksfun.com 2200 trail of dreams, PRIOR LAKE, MN
Craft:
Necktie
Snakes Create your own stuffed, scaly reptile that your child can slither around the house. This Necktie Snake craft will allow you to make use of old (or possibly ugly!) neckties in a fun and creative way.
Materials: Necktie Cushion filling
Pencil Scissors
Felt Craft glue
Googly eyes
Directions: 1. Stuff the necktie with filling. Use a pencil or a ruler to push the filling all the way to the end of the tie. 2. Cut felt into the shape of a tongue, about one inch long. 3. Glue the tongue and googly eyes to the head of the snake (where the tie is the widest). 4. Tie knots at the tail end of the tie to resemble rattles.
E
R A C EDU
& event
parents pie
November 14
4:30-6pm
Playworks LINK Event Center Join us for an afternoon of family fun!
Enjoy a slice of pie, create art projects, and listen to stories read by a teacher.
No RSVP required.
Contact Teresa Wessel-Taylor with any questions at 952.496.6809 or teresa.wessel-taylor@playworksfun.com
952.445.PLAY (7529) • playworksfun.com 2200 trail of dreams, PRIOR LAKE, MN