APRIL 2021
CELEBRATE “WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD” ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
CRAFT:
MAGAZINE SPRING TREE
THIS MONTH AT
A
Playworks
pril has arrived, bringing with it the refreshing renewal of springtime showers and the promise of longer, warmer days ahead. At Playworks, we’ll be gearing up for a number of exciting happenings, including learning all about recycling and sustainability for Earth Day, and taking our spring class photos. We’ll also be celebrating the Week of the Young Child (WOYC), a fun-filled week (April 10-16) to honor early learning, young children, and their teachers, families, and communities. This year is particularly special, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the event, which is sponsored by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children. To find out how you can get involved, please visit naeyc.org.
Now, perhaps more than ever, we are looking forward to the bright, sunshiny days of summer and the many possibilities and activities that accompany it. As always, we thank you all for being a part of the Playworks family, and we wish you health, safety, and happiness in the month ahead.
important dates dakota value Wówaḣbada Humility The value of wówaḣbada teaches us that we all have a spirit, and that we are no better nor worse than others.
Suggested Reading Recycling Is Fun by Charles Ghigna
APRIL 2 Good Friday
APRIL 22 Earth Day
Recycle! A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons
APRIL 4 APRIL 30 Easter Arbor Day Playworks Closed
Big Earth, Little Me by Thom Wiley
APRIL 10-16 Week of the Young Child APRIL 21 Spring Picture Day April is Child Abuse Prevention Month To raise awareness, we will be passing out blue ribbons with information about child abuse.
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PLAYHOUSE / APRIL 2021
EDUCARE EARLY LEARNING CLASSROOMS: CREATIVE CURRICULUM
Reduce, Reuse, recycle
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rash and garbage are all around us. Children are fascinated by what is in garbage cans and often pick up trash against our wishes. This natural curiosity provides a good starting point for finding out what happens to trash after it’s thrown away, and exploring the concept of reducing, reusing, and recycling. A study of reducing, reusing, and recycling not only offers opportunities for children to explore a topic that interests them, but allows them to gather information, become more aware of the world around them, and solve problems. In this study, children will observe, gather data, learn new information, and propose solutions to problems.
CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE FOCUS:
POWER OF INTENTION AND THE SKILL OF CONSEQUENCES This month, Playworks’ Conscious Discipline program focuses on the power of intention and the skill of consequences. The power of intention states that mistakes are opportunities to learn. Each and every action we take is preceded by an intention. Our intention as we approach a situation will influence the outcome in profound ways. The skill of consequences teaches children to examine their behavior, reflect on the impact of their choices and make changes until they reach their highest goals. Effective consequences result in permanent changes and allows us to own our feelings and actions.
To learn more about Dr. Becky Bailey’s methods and research related to the Conscious Discipline methodology, visit consciousdiscipline.com.
PLAYWORKSFUN.COM / PLAYHOUSE
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RECIPE BACKYARD BUGS Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! You don’t have to dig in the dirt for these adorable (and tasty!) bite-size bugs.
ENJOY! INGREDIENTS FOR LADYBUGS:
DIRECTIONS FOR LADYBUGS:
• • • • • •
2. Cut grape tomatoes in half, and place two halves on the cheese and cracker.
Round crackers Cheese Grape tomatoes Black olives Candy eyes Icing gel
1. Top each cracker with a round piece of cheese.
3. Cut black olives in half, and place one piece on top of the tomato as shown. 4. Place two candy eyes on top of the black olive, using icing gel as an adhesive.
DIRECTIONS FOR BUTTERFLIES:
INGREDIENTS FOR BUTTERFLIES:
1. Rinse and cut celery stalks into 3-inch pieces.
• • • •
3. Insert two mini pretzels into the peanut butter to make butterfly wings.
Celery stalks Peanut butter Mini pretzels Candy eyes
2. Spread peanut butter in the middle of each piece of celery. 4. Place two candy eyes in the peanut butter, toward the top of each stalk.
DIRECTIONS FOR CATERPILLARS:
INGREDIENTS FOR CATERPILLARS:
1. Rinse grapes and pat dry.
• • • •
3. Using the icing gel, add two candy eyes to the head of the caterpillar. Don’t forget to draw a smile!
Green or red grapes Wooden skewers Icing gel Candy eyes
TLIGHT STAFF SPO
2. Carefully thread about 10 grapes onto each skewer.
AL KATIE DUG
How long have you worked at Playworks? 2 years What is your position at Playworks? Environmental Services Favorite part of working at Playworks? Watching students grow up Favorite children’s book? One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss 4
PLAYHOUSE / APRIL 2021
Describe yourself in one word: Joyful Favorite board game: Operation Favorite food: Curry Favorite color: Pink Favorite animal: Dogs
teaching L A T N E M N O kids ENVIR about SUSTAINABILITY FUN ACTIVITIES TO INVOLVE AND EDUCATE THE WHOLE FAMILY
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ntroducing your kids to the concept of sustainability is more important than ever before, but it can be challenging to know where to begin. To help make the concept approachable and fun for children of all ages, give one of the following hands-on activities a try! You’ll be helping to instill positive lifelong habits for the betterment of Mother Nature while enjoying a fun bonding experience with your little ones.
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2.
PLAY A GARBAGE SORTING GAME
3.
MAKE A CRAFT FROM RECYCLED MATERIAL
4.
TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS
PLANT A GARDEN
With warm weather right around the corner, there’s no better way to learn about the earth than by getting your hands dirty planting a garden! Ask your kids to help pick out seeds and walk them through the ins and outs of growing your own (organic, locally grown) veggies, fruits, and/or herbs.
5.
Test your family’s knowledge of what items belong in the trash vs. the recycling bin. Bonus points if you introduce compostable items in the mix!
Turn a plastic bottle into a bird feeder, make bowling pins out of empty soup cans, or use old magazines to create a fun collage. Check out page 8 to find out how to make a crafty upcycled paper tree!
Introduce your kids to nature early and often, and you’ll find that they begin to develop an appreciation and respect for the natural world, and the value in protecting it. Bonus points if you pick up any litter you find along the way!
WEAVE SUSTAINABILITY INTO STORYTIME It’s not difficult to find plenty of engaging children’s books that boast an earth-friendly theme, whether that’s recycling, saving the whales, or cutting down on unnecessary purchases. See page 2 for some suggested reads to get you started!
Playworks Supports Sustainability! Did you know the rain gardens surrounding Playworks and the Playworks LINK Event Center prevent stormwater runoff and provide a habitat for butterflies and other pollinators? In the outdoor play area, gardens are cared for by the students all summer long. Playworks also composts students’ food scraps, and provides each student with a lunch bag and reusable water bottle to further reduce paper and plastic waste. Learn more by visiting smscnativegreen.org!
PLAYWORKSFUN.COM / PLAYHOUSE
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Child Pickup (Departure Only): Playworks staff will contact the child’s classroom, and a teacher will bring the child to the lobby to meet the adult. Adults will remain in the lobby. No visitors or pets are allowed at Playworks during this time. In addition to our health and safety policies, Playworks has implemented the following: •
Staff members are screened daily before they are able to work.
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Random temperature checks are taken throughout the day.
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Staff are remaining six feet apart from each other, and students are encouraged (with staff assistance) to remain socially distanced and utilize small groups when necessary.
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No more than 10 children are allowed in a group setting. The teacher-to-child ratios will remain the same based on the age of the children.
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All students and staff must wash their hands upon entering classrooms. Hand-washing is required every 15 minutes for staff and students. Staff and students must also wash their hands during every transition or use hand sanitizer if hand-washing is not available.
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Individual activities are provided to students, and Playworks is spreading students out as much as possible. When a child leaves an activity, that activity is removed until sanitized. Sensory tables are closed. If students play with play dough or other sensory items, they will be kept in individually labeled bags with their names on them or thrown away after each use.
•
Sanitizing is conducted every hour. Toys are rotated throughout the day so that they can be cleaned after each use.
IMPORTANT
HEALTH AND Safety REMINDERS Playworks takes the health and safety of all our students and their families very seriously, and has worked closely with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Tribal Public Health team to devise and implement protocols for the protection of all involved. Please do your part by following the guidelines below! To limit the number of people entering classrooms and other areas at Playworks, safety measures and precautions will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Upon entering Playworks, all adults (staff, parents, caregivers, vendors, etc.) and school-age children must: • • • • •
Wear a cloth face covering (children are exempt) Practice social distancing and remain six feet away from each other Have his/her temperature taken—must be under 100°F to check in Wash or sanitize hands Remain at home if anyone in the household is sick
Temperature Policy: If an individual’s temperature reads 100°F or higher, he/she will not be allowed entry at Playworks until he/she has gone 24 hours fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medication. In addition, any other persons that live in the same household must remain at home for the same time frame. Playworks requires a doctor or medical provider’s note clearing all persons to return to Playworks. Staff will work with SMSC Tribal Public Health to determine protocol for each situation that arises. Child Drop-Off (Arrival Only): Playworks staff will contact the child’s classroom and have a teacher meet the child and parent/guardian in the lobby. The child and teacher will then proceed to the classroom. 6
PLAYHOUSE / APRIL 2021
These measures are in no way meant to be punitive. The continued health and safety of our Playworks family is our top priority, and our goal is to ensure that all children, staff, and families stay healthy. Our hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 6:30am-6:30pm (closed on weekends).
Making mealtime memories...
HIGHLIGHTED LEARNING OBJECTIVE DEMONSTRATES POSITIVE APPROACHES TO LEARNING BY SHOWING CURIOSITY AND MOTIVATION
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here are many ways that a child learns, but a positive learning environment is always crucial to a child’s development. A positive learning environment allows children to make their own choices, provides them with positive feedback, and challenges them to come up with solutions. Here are a few ways that you can identify your child’s progress and encourage a positive approach to learning.
One
, e l p m i s a l t hy t hegredient a
Shop Mazopiya Good, wholesome food for the whole family
i n i m e. at
952.233.9140 • mazopiya.com 2571 CREDIT UNION DRIve, PRIOR LAKE, MN
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE:
• Turns their head toward the sound of a caregiver’s voice • Continues stacking rings when the teacher says, “you’re putting the biggest ones on first” • Focuses on making a sign for a building while others are rolling cars down a ramp • Returns to block construction over several days, adding new features each time WAYS TO PROMOTE A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:
• Provide one or two toys at a time, exchanging them when the child’s attention diminishes • Support the child’s efforts during challenging tasks by providing specific, positive feedback or physical support while encouraging them to come up with solutions • Encourage your child to learn from their mistakes and to make predictions • Provide opportunities for your child to make choices from materials that are familiar and challenging
952.233.5533 • GOlFTHEMEADOWS.com 2400 mystic lake blvd, PRIOR LAKE, MN
PLAYWORKSFUN.COM / PLAYHOUSE
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CRAFT
MAGAZINE SPRING TREE Celebrate Earth Day and all of the colorful blossoming trees of the season with this spring tree craft using recycled materials. MATERIALS: • Card stock or construction paper • Magazines • Scissors • Glue DIRECTIONS: 1. Look through old magazines for pictures that have lots of spring colors (like yellow, green, and pink) and cut those pages out of the magazine. 2. Find and cut a brown photo for a rectangle tree trunk and glue it onto your card stock. Cut out smaller brown rectangles and glue them around your tree trunk to form branches. 3. Use other magazines to cut out colorful leaves and glue them all around your tree branches to create a beautiful spring tree. 4. If desired, cut a green strip out for grass and glue it to the bottom of your paper. Feel free to get creative and add flowers to your springtime masterpiece for an extra pop of color.
SMSC
Organics Recycling Facility
YARD WASTE
DROP-OFF
Open to the public Materials accepted daily during business hours. $20 per load for residents.*
*For commercial services and pricing, please visit smscorf.com.
SMSC Organics Recycling facility
952.233.9191 • smscorf.com 1905 Mystic Lake Drive S, Shakopee, MN