DECEMBER 2020
EXPLORING
WINTER THE SEASON OF
GIVING RECIPE POPCORN SNOWBALLS
THIS MONTH AT
L
Playworks
et it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Wintertime is upon us, and this month at Playworks, students will be celebrating the holiday season and all that comes along with it. From exploring the snow outside and enjoying festive crafts inside to learning about and participating in the season of giving, there is much to look forward to this December! • In the spirit of Wówauŋsidaŋ, the Dakota value for caring and compassion, the holidays are a great time to teach children what it means to
bring. Thank you for choosing to be care for others through acts of kindness part of our Playworks family—we wish and giving, especially to those less you all a happy holiday season! fortunate. As in years past, Playworks will be partnering with Toys for Tots to deliver a message of hope to children in need around the United States this holiday season. See page 7 for more information on how your family can participate. December also wraps up the 2020 calendar year. As we reminisce about the past year, we are immensely grateful for all of our Playworks families—and for the patience and resilience demonstrated during a time of uncertainty. We look forward to 2021 and all that it will
Suggested Reading dakota value •
Wówauŋsidaŋ Caring and Compassion Do all things with kindness, compassion, and integrity, and you shall be blessed beyond measure. Love and care for one another in a good way—especially for the family, the elderly, the young ones, the orphans, and those in mourning, coping with illness, or working for the people.
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PLAYHOUSE / DECEMBER 2020
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes
important dates DECEMBER Monthlong Virtual Holiday Concert DECEMBER 1 National Day of Giving DECEMBER 1-15 Toys for Tots Drop-Off DECEMBER 24-25 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Playworks Closed DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day Playworks Closed
EDUCARE EARLY LEARNING CLASSROOMS: CREATIVE CURRICULUM
Investigating Winter
B
rrr! Winter is on the horizon, and Minnesotans know that means our coldest season of the year is nearly upon us. Children are especially curious about the world around them, and in turn, they want to know what winter is all about. Is it a season? Is it a type of weather? During this month’s study, we will begin exploring winter and answering these types of questions. Students will investigate what happens outside in winter, including the weather, cold temperatures, snow, and ice. We will look at the types of clothing we wear during this season, and why it is important to bundle up and keep warm. We will also learn about winter sports, both outdoor and indoor. Lastly, our classrooms will investigate which winter animals stick around in the cold, which ones migrate, and which ones hibernate. An investigation of winter offers a meaningful way for children to use literacy, mathematics, the arts, and technology to investigate and represent their understanding of important concepts related to physical development, science, and social studies. This month, try to point out winter animals in Minnesota or talk about outdoor activities you can do in the snow—you might be surprised at what your child already knows!
CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE FOCUS:
POWER OF UNITY This month, we will be focusing on another one of the Seven Powers within the Conscious Discipline curriculum: the Power of Unity. The belief that we are all in this together, we are all connected. This is the core of the School Family model. When we learn this power, we can access the skill of encouragement— to encourage children, each other, and ourselves. As humans, we tend to have negative messages about ourselves that play over in our minds. The skill of encouragement and the Power of Unity is helpful in the practice to encourage ourselves and rid our minds of negative messages. What we offer to others, we strengthen in ourselves. When we help children shift their mindset from “what do I get if I am good” to “how do I give of my goodness to others,” it helps them to be more compassionate and allows them to practice the Power of Unity.
To learn more about Dr. Becky Bailey’s methods and research related to Conscious Discipline, visit consciousdiscipline.com. PLAYWORKSFUN.COM / PLAYHOUSE
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Craft Painted Snowflakes The weather is getting chillier by the day, which means it’s time to bust out some indoor fun for the little ones. With this easy-to-make winter craft, kids can work on their fine motor skills and practice following multiple step directions—while having fun in the process!
MATERIALS: • • •
Blue construction paper Scissors Craft glue
• • •
Silver, white, and light blue paint Paper plate Cotton swabs
As Minnesotans, we know that driving in winter can be stressful, especially when Mother Nature delivers her famous snowstorms. Here are some tips on prepping your vehicle for the coming months and safely navigating snowy, icy conditions:
DIRECTIONS:
• Clean snow and debris off your vehicle before driving
1. Start by cutting the paper into strips.
• If applicable, use low gears on hills
2.
• Allow for ample slowing/stopping distance between you and other vehicles
Place a small amount of glue on the center of one strip of paper; then lay the middle of another strip of paper on top, being careful that the strips are placed perpendicular to one another, rather than running parallel.
3. Continue gluing additional strips of paper with a dab of glue between each layer until they fill the blank space and form a snowflake.
• Don’t risk it—stay home if possible • Be extra mindful of black ice, which is often invisible on roadways • If your vehicle is sliding, use the skid and slide recovery technique:
4. Place a small amount of each paint color on the paper plate.
• Take your foot off the pedals
• Steer gently
5. Dip one end of a cotton swab into the paint and decorate, adding your own artistic flare!
• As your vehicle regains traction, gently apply the brakes or the accelerator
6. Allow the painted snowflake at least 30 minutes to dry. 4
Winter Driving Tips
PLAYHOUSE / DECEMBER 2020
Fun Winter
Activities to Enjoy During
M
A
ore than nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic, it can feel like it’s hard to find any fun in our day-to-day routine. Finding winter activities that bring you joy may be even more of a challenge as temperatures drop, when it’s not as easy to get together with family and friends safely because of the weather and the pandemic. But don’t worry—you won’t need to stay inside your home for the duration of the season. There are great ways to get out and actually enjoy the cold weather much closer to home than you might expect. Instead of hiding out under the covers at home waiting for the snow to melt and the beach weather to return, strap on your snow boots, put on some gloves, grab your hand sanitizer, and take advantage of the change in season by making the most of the winter months with these pandemic-friendly things to do.
c i m e d n a P 1. BUILD A SNOWMAN OR SNOW ANGEL. Have fun plopping yourself into the snow, waving your arms and legs to create the perfect angel, or stacking big balls of snow on top of each other for a jolly snowman. 2. GO ICE FISHING. Bundle up, break out your portable seat, and spend a relaxing (albeit chilly) day fishing for your dinner. 3. KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL. Now more than ever, it’s important to remember what you are grateful for this holiday season and beyond. 4. HAVE A BONFIRE. Who doesn’t love sitting next to a warm fire pit when it’s cold outside? Gather your family for an exciting outdoor bonfire experience. Be sure to check local ordinances beforehand to make sure you’re following proper fire regulations. 5. MAKE A WINTRY CRAFT. Build a gingerbread house, cut paper snowflakes, knit a scarf, or learn a new craft. 6. GO TUBING OR SLEDDING. Find a snowy hill and take a fun ride down! 7. CAMP OUT IN THE FAMILY ROOM. Move the furniture out of the way and set up a pop-up tent right in the middle of the room. Grab your pillows, blankets, snacks, and any other fun activities to do as a family. 8. GO ICE SKATING. Put on your ice skates and glide along the rink. 9. HAVE A GAME NIGHT. Stay in for the evening, get cozy in your jammies, and have a game night marathon. 10. DO A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS. Random acts of kindness are some of the most fulfilling things you can do. Donate food, toys, clothes, or your time to a local organization this holiday season.
PLAYWORKSFUN.COM / PLAYHOUSE
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HIGHLIGHTED LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Skills of Encouragement and the Power of Unity
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s human beings we have a deep need for connection and a sense of belonging. The skills of encouragement, connection, and belonging help children in their academic achievement. The Power of Unity carries the belief that we are all connected and in this together. Parents and caregivers can help enhance these social-emotional skills by encouraging the following activities and behaviors:
•
Notices helpfulness through acts of kindness.
WAYS PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS CAN HELP ENHANCE THESE SKILLS
•
Commits to create unity and safety, e.g., “I am committed to keeping my feet on the floor to keep me safe.”
•
•
Helps in the classroom.
Create kindness “trees” and boards in the classroom to display kind and helpful acts.
•
Create a compassionate classroom by demonstrating unity through student activities.
•
Provide opportunities for students to be of service in their classrooms.
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE
y r r a B
OTLIGHT: STAFF SP
n a n g Lusin
How long have you worked at Playworks?
Describe yourself in one word:
1 year
Nice
What is your position at Playworks?
Favorite board game:
Bus driver
Hamburger Helper
Enjoy seeing the kids every day
Favorite color:
Walt Disney’s Bambi
PLAYHOUSE / DECEMBER 2020
Favorite food:
Favorite part of working at Playworks: Favorite children’s book:
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Monopoly
Brown Favorite animal:
Dogs
THROW A
feast
WITHOUT THE FUSS. Each year, Toys for Tots delivers a message of hope—and a little Christmas cheer—to less fortunate children all over the United States. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is proud to partner with the program as an official collection site. Through December 15, Playworks—as well as Mystic Lake Casino Hotel—is a designated Toys for Tots drop-off location for new, unwrapped toys. Consider donating a toy to the program and using this as an opportunity to teach your child about the power of giving this holiday season. Let’s stuff the boxes for those kids in need of a toy this Christmas! For more information about the Marine Toys for Tots Program, visit toysfortots.org.
952.233.9140 • mazopiya.com 2571 CREDIT UNION DRIve, PRIOR LAKE, MN
SHOP LOCAL SHOP NATIVE ART • BOOKS • UNIQUE GIFTS • JEWELRY APPAREL • CRAFT SUPPLIES • AND MUCH MORE!
HOĊ HO ĊOKATA TI GIFT SHOP WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY | 10AM-4PM
The Impact: Delivering Hope Since 1947
584 Million Toys Distributed to Date
265 Million Children Supported to Date
EXHIBIT AND GIFT SHOP OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
2300 Tiwahe Circle Shakopee, MN 55379 952.233.9151 shakopeedakota.org
OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
PLAYWORKSFUN.COM / PLAYHOUSE
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recipe
Popcorn Snowballs These ooey-gooey, sweet popcorn snowballs are the perfect wintertime treat—not to mention, they are a ball to make!
INGREDIENTS: • • • • •
2 bags of microwave popcorn, popped ¼ cup butter 10-ounce bag of marshmallows 1 teaspoon vanilla Blue and white candies, such as sprinkles or M&M’s
DIRECTIONS: 1. Pour the popped popcorn into a large bowl, and discard un-popped kernels. Set aside. 2. In a large pan, melt butter and then slowly add the marshmallows, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in vanilla and stir. 3. Pour the marshmallow mixture over popcorn and toss to coat. Let slightly cool and gently stir in colored sprinkles and candies. 4. Form popcorn mixture into baseball-size balls, and set popcorn balls on a sheet pan or inside paper cupcake liners, if desired. Let cool.
ENJOY!
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Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
has it all
RETAIL | FITNESS c ENTERTAINMENT | GROCERY c
Find a variety of holiday gift options at:
shakopeedakota.org/gift-guide