April, 2016 Potluck of books

Parents as Teachers Visit us at www.berrienresa.org/pat for Playgroup schedules and information about the Parents as Teachers program. Follow Playgroups on Pinterest under Berrien RESA Early Education. Join Berrien RESA on

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Parent Connection: Get READY! Get READY! As parents and guardians of young children you have already begun the wonderful journey of preparing your child for success in school and in life. We know that you are your child’s first and most influential teacher. Your child’s success begins with you! From day one, a child begins to learn about the world around them. Your interactions with your child shape those impressions. There are intentional experiences that you can offer your child early on to help them be successful. Currently, the Great Start Collaborative of Berrien County has worked with local preschool professionals to create The Get READY Guide. It lists specific school readiness indicators and tips for achieving them. Kindergarten has changed a lot since today’s parents attended school. The Get READY! Guide is a way to help parents work with their children to meet specific goals before the start of school. You will want to keep it readily available so that you can measure your child’s development as they reach school age. You will find a copy of the guide at the sign-in table. Materials can also be found at www.greatstartberrien.org.

Upcoming Playgroups May READ AROUND THE COUNTY! 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Niles- May 10th St. Joseph- May 11th

Summer Playgroups We will host:  4 playgroups in the park.  A field trip to Sarett Nature Center  A field trip to Fernwood Botanical Gardens  2 water fun days! Feel free to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery following each event.

Remember to thank your local principal for hosting this Playgroup!

Playgroup Activities

Homemade Bubbles Ingredients:

Sensory Activity:

 1 cup water  2 tablespoons light karo syrup or 2 tablespoons glycerin  4 tablespoons dishwashing liquid

Playdough

Discovery Bin: Corn and Paper play

Gross Motor: Parachute

Dramatic Play: Pretend Picnic

Art: Finger Paint

Mix all ingredients together and have fun! Try making your own bubble wands from things you find around your home such as: -

Wire hangers A group of straws bunched together with a rubber band. Pipe cleaners Cut the bottom of a water bottle off and put a sock over the opening. Dip the sock in the bubbles to make bubble snakes.

Infant Activity: Snack:

To prevent the sharing of germs, all toys and mats are sanitized following each playgroup. Feel free to use the wipes provided in the infant center to wipe toys that have been in a child’s mouth.

Water and animal crackers will be provided. Please eat snack at the table.

We also use Surface aide for further protection. See staff for more information about this non-toxic antimicrobial barrier.

Block Play

Read, Play, Sing, and Talk to your child every day!