November 2016
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In This Issue:
mainGross Motor Activities: Locomotor Skills
Creative Movement photo
Learning how to travel in space, whether it's by walking, running, skipping, or jumping, is an important skill for young children to learn. Locomotor, or travelling skills, teach children about body awareness and encourages them to practice skills that they will use in a variety of activities as they get older.

For specific ideas to encourage locomotor movement, check out the following:

SeasonalEating for the Season: Winter Squash        
      
Many varieties of winter squash are available this time of year. Winter squash (unlike summer squash), are harvested at the end of summer, have a thick, inedible skin, and have a long shelf-life after harvesting. Popular varieties of winter squash include acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash.

How to Select and Store Butternut Squash
Exploring Spaghetti Squash (recipe included)

PLAYVIDEOPLAY Video Series: Hand Dribble
This month's PLAY video focuses on dribbling (using hands), a skill that teaches children hand-eye coordination and body awareness. Most children start dribbling with two hands. Remember to praise the progress children make when learning this skill.

Training
Professional Development
North Dakota Training
Consider the following online courses:
Promoting Wellness Module 1: Activity and Movement
Promoting Wellness Module 2: Movement Activities

Minnesota Training
Anytime Learning (ATL) Courses:
- Building a Healthy Plate: Cooking with Whole Grains
- Supporting Breastfeeding in Early Childhood Programs
- Designing Positive Mealtimes for Child Care Providers
- Child and Adult Care food Program (CACFP) in Minnesota
Anytime Learning (ATL) trainings are online, self-paced courses that can be taken at any time. Register for ATL courses at www.developtoolmn.org  or  www.eagertolearn.org.
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