Playworks Playhouse November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

ALL ABOUT

CLOTHING NATIONAL

ANTI-BULLYING

WEEK

CRAFT:

SOCK PUPPET PARTY

THIS MONTH AT

I

Playworks

t is officially autumn, and we are celebrating all things related to this foliage-filled season! Our gardens have produced their last bit of harvest for the classrooms, and the students are beginning to talk about the upcoming holidays and what exciting things lie in store for them.

In the month of November, we are busy, busy, busy at Playworks!

We are an active participant in the National Anti-Bullying Week campaign, giving notice to what we can do as individuals and as a collective to help

dakota value Wówicaka Honesty/Truth Honesty is more than not lying; it is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving.

put an end to bullying. Upcoming, we will also participate in Toys for Tots and a food drive as a meaningful way to give back to our communities.

In the coming months, our teachers will be incorporating more of the Conscious Discipline curriculum in the classrooms so families will begin to see more of a focus on learning objectives, lesson plans, and family focuses related to the curriculum topics.

To help protect our staff, students, and families, Playworks is continuing to focus on health and safety protocols as well as remaining mindful of any new

Suggested Reading Shubert’s BIG Voice

by Dr. Becky A. Bailey and Leigh Ann Burdick Leaf Trouble

by Jonathan Emmett Mouse’s First Fall

by Lauren Thompson

2

PLAYHOUSE / NOVEMBER 2020

changes that are put forth. Particularly in fall, we know that we tend to see other illnesses arise, and we encourage everyone to keep safe by continuing to be diligent about hand-washing, wearing face coverings, staying home when sick, and getting the influenza vaccine.

We want to continue to thank all of our Playworks families for being a part of our school family—be well and stay healthy!

important dates NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH! NOVEMBER 16-20 National Anti-Bullying Week NOVEMBER 26 Thanksgiving (Playworks Closed)

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE FOCUS: EDUCARE EARLY LEARNING CLASSROOMS: CREATIVE CURRICULUM

studying clothing

C

hildren are interested in clothes from a very young age. Babies tug at their clothing (especially socks), and toddlers study buttons, snaps, and zippers. Children love to try on different clothes while learning how to dress themselves and also pretending to be mommies, daddies, community service workers, and teachers. Dress-up play allows children to use their imagination and encourages kids to think outside of the box. This month, students will learn about clothing and how it plays a significant role in the process of development, such as confidence, independence, communication, and motor skills.

Additionally, learning about clothing helps children begin to develop preferences in what they want to wear—colors, fabrics, and styles. They start to focus on things like pockets and what can be put in them. Beyond improving communication skills, studying clothing helps children build their daily vocabulary. Children’s interest in clothing can be the foundation for learning about different kinds of clothes, a variety of fabrics, and the specialized purposes of some garments, such as uniforms or winter jackets.

THE POWER OF ATTENTION In November, we will be focusing on one of the Seven Powers within the Conscious Discipline curriculum: the Power of Attention. What we focus on, we get more of. By leaning into this power, we can support our learners in creating safety through predictability and structure. When we do this, we can access our skill of assertiveness—think of assertiveness in relation to boundaries and setting healthy boundaries. It is the voice of no doubt. When we mean what we say, it conveys safety. When children don’t like something and throw a fit, it gives adults an opportunity to help them practice the Power of Attention (and assertiveness) when the world is not going their way.

To learn more about Dr. Becky Bailey’s methods and research related to Conscious Discipline, visit consciousdiscipline.com.

PLAYWORKSFUN.COM / PLAYHOUSE

3

health and safety:

tips for driving in the dark On the first Sunday of each November, daylight saving time comes to an end. As Minnesotans set their clocks back by an hour on Sunday, November 1, this year, daylight turns to night skies earlier in the evening, and parents find their— usually sunny—commute home may now be in the dark. With an increase in nighttime driving—and early morning driving before the sun comes up—it is important to take appropriate safety precautions. Check out the following safety tips for driving in the dark:

ADDITIONAL TIPS FROM THE AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION:

GENERAL TIPS: • Aim headlights correctly, and make sure they are clean • Dim dashboard • Look away from oncoming lights • If glasses are worn, they should be anti-reflective • Clean windshield to eliminate streaks • Slow down to compensate for limited visibility and reduced stopping time

• • • •

Have annual vision exams Reduce speed Take a driving course Minimize distractions (e.g., talking with passengers or listening to the radio) • Discuss side effects of prescription drugs with a physician • Limit driving to daytime hours if necessary

OTLIGHT: STAFF SP

n i t s u a robelia How long have you worked at Playworks?

1 year

4

PLAYHOUSE / NOVEMBER 2020

ADEQUATE SLEEP ALSO PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN DRIVING SAFETY. THE NATIONAL SLEEP FOUNDATION OFFERS THE FOLLOWING TIPS: • Get seven or more hours of sleep each night • Those awake for 16 hours or more should refrain from driving • Stop every two hours to rest • Pull over to nap at a rest stop if drowsy • Travel during usual waking hours

Favorite children’s book:

Magic Tree House series

by Mary Pope Osborne Describe yourself in one word:

Compassionate Favorite board game:

Monopoly Favorite food:

What is your position at Playworks?

Chinese

School-Age Teacher

Favorite color:

Favorite part of working at Playworks:

Favorite animal:

Building relationships with the students

Tiger

Blue

d e t i un t s n i aga

Bullying has become an increasingly prevalent issue amongst youths and young adults, and it is only natural that parents, teachers, and caregivers worry about the harmful effects that it can have on young people today.

To help bring awareness to the worldwide issue of bullying, Playworks will be recognizing Anti-Bullying Week during the week of November 16-20. Through shared efforts and ambitions, students, parents, teachers, and caregivers can all be part of the solution by responding to and helping prevent bullying.

g n i y l l u b

Effects of Bullying

Common Types of Bullying

The harmful effects of bullying can result in physical injury, social and emotional distress, self-harm, and even death. Bullying can also increase the risk for anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and lower academic achievement.

PHYSICAL—hitting, kicking, punching, spitting, tripping, and pushing VERBAL— teasing, name-calling, inappropriate sexual comments, and verbal or written threats

Those bullying others are often being bullied too; these children and young adults are likely to suffer the most serious consequences, and are at greater risk for mental health and behavioral problems.

SOCIAL— excluding someone, spreading rumors, and making embarrassing comments

Resources If a crime has been committed or someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 911.

What to Do About Bullying Parents and caregivers play a key role in helping to prevent bullying by responding to it. Here are a few tips to help address concerns:

If someone is feeling hopeless, helpless, or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK (8255).

• RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS. There are many warning signs that may point to a bullying problem, such as unexplained injuries, lost or destroyed personal items, changes in eating habits, and avoidance of school or other social situations. Often kids don’t ask for help, so it is important to know what to look for. Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation.

• FIND OUT WHAT HAS HAPPENED. If bullying is suspected, find out what event(s) have occurred and never assume a situation is harmless teasing. Understanding what happened can help determine what next steps are appropriate.

• INTERVENE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. All questionable behavior should be addressed immediately to keep a situation from escalating.

• GET PROFESSIONAL HELP. Be careful not to give advice that should come from a professional. If there are underlying and/or unresolved issues, seek guidance.

Be knowledgeable about bullying. Visit stopbullying.gov for more information and resources.

If someone is acting differently than normal, such as always seeming sad or anxious, struggling to complete tasks, or not being able care for themselves, find a local counselor or mental health provider.

Source: stopbullying.gov

Ta l kin About Bu lg lying It is important to discuss with children w hat bullying actually is. That way they can identify it in ev eryday life and understand why it is wrong.

PLAYWORKSFUN.COM / PLAYHOUSE

5

:

es s n e v i t as ser f o io n s l t n e s kd il t t of a r an e w o the p BJECTIVE

RNING O HTED LEA

HIGHLIG

Craft:

sock puppet party

C

onscious Discipline objectives promote social-emotional skill building to help educators create optimal learning environments and help children build respectful relationships with themselves, peers, parents, and each other. One conscious skill, assertiveness, is timely in that it is often used to aid in bullying prevention and help kids learn the concept of healthy boundaries. Additionally, the power of attention typically means what you offer to others, you often experience in yourself—basically, whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

To help students learn these skills/objectives, here are some examples of structures in place in Playworks’ classrooms:

1. NAME, VERB, PAINT

(Child’s name) + (Verb) + (Paint a picture with words or gestures) Example: Johnny walks with his arms in the air.

2. NOTICING TO DESCRIBE AND ATTUNE

This gives the child’s brain the message of “I see you,” which helps build a sense of self.

3. VISUALS OF ITEMS

Examples such as the schedule, breathing techniques, rituals, and classroom jobs allows the child’s brain to seek patterns and supports predictability.

6

PLAYHOUSE / NOVEMBER 2020

With a few simple craft supplies, some old socks, and your creative thinking cap, you can be the host of your very own sock puppet party!

MATERIALS: • Old tall socks • Marker • Scissors • Variety of craft supplies, such as felt scraps, yarn, pompoms, ribbon, buttons, or googly eyes • Craft glue

DIRECTIONS:

Test out your puppet by putting the sock on 1 your hand to get an idea of where the puppet’s mouth will be—the mouth is created by the crease between your thumb and fingers.

a marker to indicate where the eyes will be 2 onUseyour puppet.

3 or accessories using your selection of craft

Carefully cut out pieces of hair, facial features,

materials—use your imagination!

With an adult’s help, use craft glue to attach 4 the pieces to your puppet. Don’t forget to give it a name!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY NOVEMBER 1

events

SEVER’S FALL FESTIVAL 10am-6pm $17 (Free for children under 3) SEVER’S FARM (3121 150TH STREET W, SHAKOPEE)

Come celebrate Sever’s Fall Festival’s 24th season and navigate paths in one of the largest corn mazes in Minnesota! Activities and attractions include the corn maze, jumping pillows, straw bale maze, obstacle course, Safari North exotic petting zoo, wildlife shows, magic shows, pig races, Tire Mountain, zip lines, live music, and more! Visit seversfallfestival.com to purchase tickets for the final day of the festival.

NOVEMBER 1-30 NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Learn about Dakota culture and join the SMSC in honoring and celebrating Native American Heritage Month—online— throughout the month of November. To join, follow the SMSC’s social media pages or visit shakopeedakota.org/heritage for videos, quizzes, and giveaways. The culturally rich content will include topics such as music, traditional Dakota games, arts and crafts, local history, culture, and more!

Events and activities subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm, or visit the website for the latest scheduling updates.

FOCUSED EXPERIENCE:

Creating with art

Art projects allow children the creative flexibility to explore the world around them—to ask questions and learn how things work. Participating in arts and crafts activities also encourages children to hone in on important social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

When your child…

Your child is learning…

Covers paper with paint Pokes a hole in play dough Tears paper for a collage Uses glue or paste

About cause and effect How objects can be used Hand-eye coordination Problem-solving skills PLAYWORKSFUN.COM / PLAYHOUSE

7

recipe:

mini doughnut turkeys Gobble, gobble up a scrumptious, turkey look-alike doughnut (or two)!

Easy to make, these colorful treats are sure to be a new November favorite in your household!

gob ble, gob ble, gob ble!

INGREDIENTS/SUPPLIES: • • • •

Mini glazed doughnuts Fruit O’s cereal Candy eyes Toothpicks

DIRECTIONS:

1.

1. Lay mini doughnuts on a tray.

2.

2. Place 4-5 toothpicks on one-half of each doughnut.

3.

3. Slide cereal pieces onto each toothpick, stacking until they reach near the top.

4.

4. Push one yellow cereal piece into the front of each doughnut as the beak.

5.

5. Push half of one red cereal piece into the front (next to each beak), to represent the wattle.

6.

6. Add two candy eyes above the beak and wattle.

enjoy!

Learn Play Party here.

2200 Trail of Dreams, Prior Lake, MN 952.445.PLAY (7529) • playworksfun.com