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Greetings!
CENTER GARDEN
Our gardens are now planted and ready to grow! We have a raised garden bed on the both the preschool and toddler playgrounds. The children helped with the planting and will help take care of the plants by taking turns watering and weeding. We are growing tomatoes, green peppers, sweet peppers, strawberries, and cilantro. We look forward to trying our freshly grown vegetables when they are ready!
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HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
On
Thursday, June 13, we would like to honor all of the dads, grandpas or any special person in your child’s life with a special happy hour out on the playground. Starting at 4:00 we will offer a special treat to share with your child!
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SUMMER PARENT REMINDERS
*Please remember to bring in non-aerosol sunscreen that is labeled for your child. Now that the sun is deciding to shine, we will be going outside more with the children. Please apply in the morning and we will apply it as needed throughout the day.
*Occasionally we like to have “water days.” Your child’s teacher may ask you to bring in a swim suit and towel or change of summer clothes in case they spontaneously have a fun water day!
*Please send your child to school in sturdy shoes like tennis shoes or closed-toe sandals. We are requesting that the children do not wear flip-flops while at EFC. We know they are cute, but we want everyone to stay safe while at school.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Especially for Children will be closed on
Thursday, July 4,
in observance of Independence Day and
Friday, July 5
, as our floating holiday for the year. Enjoy your long weekend!
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STAR WELLNESS: WATERMELON PIZZA
This watermelon pizza is a fun little treat that everyone can enjoy! It’s healthy, easy to make and when we think of summer, we think of watermelon!
Instructions:
- Using a sharp knife, cut off a slice of watermelon right down the middle about 2-3 inches thick.
- Using a spatula, spread an even layer of your yogurt around the watermelon, leaving a bit of empty space at the top. (where your “pizza crust” is.)
- Layer your fresh fruit on top as you please. You can add as little of as many toppings as you like!
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a little extra sweetness if desired.
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THE VALUE OF TINKERING
My late uncle loved to tinker. At his beloved cabin you would most often find him in the garage amongst his tools, trying to figure out (often with success) how to repair any number of broken items: lawn chairs, doorknobs, kitchen utensils, and more. While he believed that something broken could and should be restored instead of thrown away, I also think that he simply loved to explore how things worked.
The definition of tinkering is to “attempt to repair or improve something in a casual or desultory way, often to no useful effect.” The last phrase of the definition is deceiving, however, because while the object that is being tinkered with may turn out to have no particular use, the process of tinkering is highly valuable.
For children, the opportunity to tinker with real-life materials can help them build problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Through tinkering, they develop fine motor skills by manipulating small objects. It can help them gain confidence by making them familiar with the physical attributes of various materials and by building an understanding of how things work. When done in groups, tinkering builds social skills and cooperation.
How can adults foster this valuable process (which is becoming more valuable in a busy and digitized world)? The answer is relatively simple. Children need time and real-life materials. Do you have an old VCR, DVD player, or even a computer that could be taken apart and used for tinkering? What about some cardboard, tape, and toothpicks? Or you could take the tinkering process outside, using natural materials such as sticks, rocks, and water, in combination with tools. Then, give your child a substantial amount of free, self-directed time during which they can tinker. While it may be tempting to help your child create something that has a function, it’s important to remember that tinkering is about the
process
rather than an end product with any useful purpose.
You can find inspiration and resources online on how and why to foster tinkering at your home. Here are a few places you might start:
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And if you are ready for a tinkering field trip, check out:
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Angie Williams
Director of Finance and Marketing
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TWIN CITIES
FAMILY EVENTS
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Especially for Children
5133 W. 98th St.
Bloomington, MN 55437
(952) 831-1435
Center Director:
Kathy Hane
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