October 18, 2013

Autumn 2013

I N S I D E

Brought to you by

Family Meals–Eating Together ....................... 9 Let’s Talk Toys ............... 11 ParticpACTION is Back .. 18

Helping all children succeed for life

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Carlson’s School of

dance

Cowichan Kids

Is Reading and/or Writing a Problem For You or Your Child?

“Inspiring Generations of Dancers since 1955” 4 Studios offering Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Boys’ Hip Hop, Zumba, Zumbatomics for Kids 2 year old Parent & Tot Classes

We teach a unique multi-sensory method of learning to encode and decode words, which are the skills required for reading and spelling.

Classes for all Ages and Abilities

Tel: 250-746-6456 www.carlsons.ca Registered Teachers with R.A.D., A.I.D.T. & I.S.T.D.

Building independence, strengthening people and nurturing relationships.

D&G Literacy and Counselling Phone 250-701-3996 Q3 – AUGUST – 2013 – CANADA

It’s a Bold move.

1/4 lb GrillBurgers

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Mushroom Swiss Bacon Cheese

FlameThrower®

Your Best Friend is our Best Friend!

ASK THE EXPERTS!

Your Veterinarian… your other Family Doctor New Clients Welcome

951 Canada Ave.

250-746-1966

Insert sale dates 250-746-6841 Insert store location 328 Trans Canada

Highway, Duncan

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autumn 2013 Client: International Dairy Queen

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Issue: 2013

Cowichan Kids 3

Cowichan Kids

Contents

4 Introduction 5 Message from Success By 6 Coordinator Laura Court

6 It’s Time – Parent Gathering / Workshops 8 Mother Goose Bonnie Potter

9 Family Meals – Eating Together Christine Thomson

10 Find A New Favorite Picture Book Kristen Rhumour

11 Let’s Talk Toys Terri Stanko

12 Community Calendar 14 7 Secrets of Highly Happy Kids 15 Children’s Play And Discovery Centre 16 Kids Corner – Healthy Foods 17 Seeking Child Care In The Cowichan Valley Myna Thompson

18 ParticipACTION is Back Delta McDonell

20 Winter Wilderness Wonderings JoHannah Knight 21 cowichankids.ca is your family resource 22 Community Resource Guide

CONTACT US –WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Parents we would love to print your favourite photographs! For comments, information on submissions of articles, community events calendar or resource directory please contact cowichansuccessby6@shaw.ca autumn 2013

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Cowichan Kids

Introduction

Cowichan Kids is published in the Cowichan Valley by Success By 6 and is distributed three times per year to over 22,000 businesses and households across the Cowichan Region. Additional copies can be found at many child and family agencies.

Cowichan Kids continues to support the vision that all children receive the nurturing and care they need in the first six years and that they are ready to learn and succeed as they enter school. The articles, information, photos and resources in this publication are from the Cowichan region and reflect the voice of our unique community.

For more information on this publication or future publications of Cowichan Kids please contact Laura Court at cowichansuccessby6@shaw.ca. We welcome your photos and articles!

Your Donations Make a Difference

Success By 6 supports the funding of many local programs for children and families. 100% of all donations go directly to programs in the Cowichan Valley. For more information or to make a charitable donation to Success By 6®, visit your local United Way or Credit Union or go to www.successby6bc.ca . Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $10.00.

Today I want to do crafts, sing, learn, ...have fun!

Discover at QMS

Currently welcoming applications for our enriched Preschool Program for three-year-olds, September 2014.

Call us for a tour...

www.qms.bc.ca

T 250 746-4185 ext.223 | admissions@qms.bc.ca

Tst Lhit’ut Mukw’Stem! – We Share Everything!

By Robert Munsch Aboriginal Success By 6 would like to acknowledge the partnership and all the efforts of Mr. Robert Munsch - Author, Alice Kedves – Chemainus Secondary, and Dan Norman – Curriculum Coordinator For Aboriginal Education School District # 79 Cowichan Valley. – Xe’xe’ Smun ‘eem, in helping to make this project a success.

We Share Everything has been translated into the local First Nations Language – Hul’q’umi’num’. The translations were done and completed

by Florence James from Penelukut and Danny Norris from Halalt did the voice for the book.

For an interactive electronic version of this book in H’ul’q’umi’num’ visit http://abed.sd79.bc.ca/curriculum-resourcess/robert-munsch-project/ We cannot sell these books for a profit, but we can request a small fee to cover the printing cost of the book, which is $10.00. If you would like a copy of one of the books please send an email to ada.mawson@csets.com

Ada Mawson Aboriginal Success by 6 Coordinator 1-888-811-3919

AUTUMN 2013

Cowichan Kids 5

Message from Laura Court, Coordinator Cowichan Success By 6

Council of Partners Ellisha Blackburn

Community member and new mom

Leslie Cochrane Laura Court Wendy Erickson Betty Exelby Jason Horn Jennifer Jones Phil Kent Bill Macadam Kate Marsh Ada Mawson Delta McDonnell Brenda Reed Laurie Sheftel Adrianna Soler Carol Stenberg Joy Stott Peter De Verteuil Chris Waddell Leslie Welin

Ts’ewulhtun Health Coordinator Cowichan Success By 6 SD 79 Early Literacy Early Childhood College Professor Community member Ts’ewulhtun Health Chair Sby 6 -Mayor of City of Duncan Publisher Cowichan News Leader Pictorial Municipality of North Cowichan Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator Sundrops Centre for Child Development SD 79 Early Literacy School District 79 Learning Links Parkside Academy Cowichan United Way Vancouver Island Health Authority City of Duncan Representing Island Savings Credit Union Community Member

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Working as the coordinator for Success By 6 has helped me get connected with families and businesses throughout the Cowichan Valley.

I have experienced great support from local businesses and families as Success By 6 has partnered with other community members to bring Play Lot Creative Times to various events, participated in Duncan Days Children Festival and more recently partnering with Networking For Families to celebrate the importance of Family Meals.

As a parent with two teenage boys, I know how challenging it can be for families to dine together. After-school activities, late workdays and long commute, its no wonder that families find it hard to balance time to eat dinner together. Research shows that the family dinner hour is an important part of healthy living. Families that dine together tend to eat more vegetables and fruits and family mealtime is a great time to bond over conversation, to catch up on the day.

In celebration of family, Success by 6 is thrilled to be hosting our third annual family gathering called, “it’s Time” on Saturday, October 26th at the Island Savings Centre to celebrate parents and acknowledging them for the important job that they do each day. Come join us and connect with other parents, participate in a day of free interactive workshops and connect with community resources. We will inspire parents, families and our community to build the best environments for early childhood development.

I look forward to connecting with you at various events in the upcoming year. If you have any ideas, suggestions, and questions or even if you want to share your ideas or stories with me, I can be reached by email at cowichansuccessby6@shaw.ca or by phone at 250-701-3647.

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Cowichan Kids

Presents

Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Early Childhood Professionals

It’s Time…..

Saturday October 26th, 8:00 am-­ 4:30 pm Island Savings Centre

JOIN US FOR: -­‐A day of interactive and educational workshops

….to talk ….to play ….to sing ….to read

Register Today!

No Cost Pre registration is required

-­‐Browse through displays and learn about resources in your community -­‐Great door prizes

Includes: 4 workshops, lunch, all snacks and refreshments, child care (limited spaces), door prizes and take home resources!

Contact Laura Court at cowichansuccessby6@shaw.ca or call 250-­‐701-­‐3647

Quality child minding available

Or Ada Mawson at ada.mawson@csets.com

Registration forms at www.cowichankids.ca or register in person at Clements Centre-­‐ 5856 Clements Street, Duncan

Deadline to Register: Monday October 21st

AUTUMN 2013

Cowichan Kids 7 • General Family Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Zoom whitening • Crowns, bridges and dentures • New Patients Welcome • Emergencies seen same day

Tel: 250 743 1952

Fax: 250 743 1615

Email: shawnigandental@shaw.ca

Website: shawnigandentist.com

Hours: Mon 8.30am – 4.30pm Wed 8.30am – 4.30pm

Tues 7.30am – 6.30pm Thurs 8.30am – 4.30pm

Open specific Fridays after bank holidays.

Need Childcare?

Taking care of children?

Cowichan Valley Child Care Resource & Referral can help you!

Ph. 250-746-4135 Ext 231 Email ccrr@clementscentre.org A program of the Clements Centre, funded by the Province of BC

● Full & Part time enrollment ● Children 30 months- 5 years old ● Preschool style curriculum ● Located at New Life Church ● Open 7:30–5:30 Mon-Fri ● $35 day- $600 Month Check out our photos and staff bios at pathwayschildcarecentre.com

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autumn 2013

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Cowichan Kids

Find A New Favorite Picture Book!

Press Here by Hervé Tullet – If your child struggles to sit through a whole picture book then Press Here is the books for you. The words on each page are simple instructions that make magic happen on the next page. You press dots and they multiply on the next page. You shake

Sometimes we have a great routine with reading as a family, and sometimes we fall into a rut. If you are in a rut, the library is here to rescue you. If you are in a happy routine or just starting to read with your children, we are here with a few great books to try. These books are some of my go-to favorites. They are fun to read, make it easy for your children to help out, and get children excited about books.

Two Little Monkeys by Mem Fox – Everything Mem Fox writes is wonderful.

In this story Cheeky and Chee, two little monkeys, try to outsmart a cheetah. It is fun because children can help read the story, even if they aren’t sounding out words yet. Each line is repeated, once about Cheeky and once about Chee, so when I read it to children I say the line for Cheeky, and they say the next line for Chee.

Shadow by Suzy Lee – Not every picture book needs words. Suzy Lee has lots of wordless picture books and they are a great chance to make up the story as you go along. You can make up a story yourself, or ask your child to tell you a story with the pictures. You could also take turns playing I spy with the pictures: “I spy a bicycle on this page, can you find it?”. If you have so much fun playing I Spy that you don’t get through the whole book, that’s okay. You can always look at it again later.

Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett – In Monkey and Me, a girl and her monkey try to act like all the animals they see at the zoo. There is lots of repetition in this book, so children get the hang of the words really fast. I usually read the first page, and get the children to say the rest.

Children love guessing which animal the girl is imitating.

Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown – Children Make Terrible Pets will tickle an adult’s funny bone as well as a child’s. Reading is an important skill to learn, but it should also be fun for everyone involved, children and adults, so don’t be afraid to pick a book that you think is funny. Children don’t get all the jokes in this story, but they still enjoy it.

And you’ll be laughing out loud.

the book and the dots scatter. You tip the book to one side and they slide to the end of the page. Even the wiggliest child will be excited to follow the instructions. And don’t forget to give them a chance to guess what will happen!

From Head to Toe by Eric Carle – Books don’t always have to involve sitting still.

From Head to Toe introduces your child to new animals, and encourages them to try out the animals moves. This might not be a great pick for a bedtime story, but it is a fun one when everyone is feeling silly and a bit wiggly.

And make sure there is lots of space while you practice kinking like a donkey!

Pop by the library to give these books a try. If someone has beaten you to them, ask and we’ll help you find something you’ll love! If you don’t already have a library card for your child, bring along your ID and your child’s care card or birth certificate and we’ll make them a card of their very own.

Submitted By: Kristen Rumohr, BA, MLIS Children and Youth Customer Service Librarian Vancouver Island Regional Library

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Cowichan Kids 9

FAMILY MEALS: Families Eating Together, Eating Better

10 Top Reasons to Eat with your Family:

Taking time to eat with your family is one of the most important things you can do for your children. Once a staple of family life, today the family mealtime is often brushed aside by sports practices, music lessons, meetings and other extracurricular activities. Now research is validating the importance of families sitting down together to eat.

Benefits of Family Meals: Eating together provides an opportunity for parents and children to connect and find out how each other is doing. Family Meals are a chance for children to become grounded. It is where family traditions are passed along, where children learn table manners and develop conversation skills.

Eating family meals together improves family communication, and creates stronger family ties and a greater sense of identity and belonging for children and teens.

Studies show that Family Meals improve academic performance: The conversations that occur at family meals teach children more vocabulary. With improved vocabulary students become better readers who do better in school. Research at the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that a greater percentage of students who eat meals with their family 5 or more times each week get A’s compared to students who eat family meals 2 or less times per week.

Research also shows that teens who eat dinner with their families at least five times a week are less likely to feel depressed or take drugs. Another study found that teens who ate dinner with their

autumn 2013

families 6 or 7 times per week are less likely to smoke cigarettes or marijuana or drink alcohol than teens who ate dinner with their family two or less times per week. Children who eat with their family at least once a day eat more nutritious foods and have higher intakes of vegetables and fruit, protein, iron, calcium containing foods and fiber. The EAT project (eating among teens) at the University of Minnesota found that family meals were associated with improved intakes of the above nutrients plus Vitamins A,C,E, B6 and folate and lower intakes of soft drinks and snack foods. This project also found that girls who ate meals with their families more often showed less disordered eating.

Getting Started: Make family time a priority. Schedule family meals the same way you schedule extracurricular activities. Begin with once a week, Sunday dinner for example, and increase from there. If dinner doesn’t work, schedule a family breakfast, lunch or snack. The important thing is to share food together. Family meals don’t have to be fancy. Begin with what you are eating now and eat it together. Later you can offer new and different foods. Family meals don’t have to be at the table: a picnic in the park or the backyard counts too!

Create a positive atmosphere. A Family Meal is a time when members can share what happened today, a time for food and pleasant conversation. Leave discipline issues and report cards for another time. Turn off the television and come away from the computer. An answering machine for the phone helps keep the meal undisturbed.

Children/Teens: • Perform better at school • Have fewer behavioural problems • Communicate better, have a stronger sense of belonging • Have improved vocabulary • Eat healthier food • Have positive peer relationships • Are less likely to smoke, use drugs, drink alcohol or attempt suicide • Are less likely to have sex at a young age Parents: • Save money • Have happier children and a happier family • Parents are children’s most important source of information and influence about food and eating.

Family Meals provide an opportunity for parents to model healthy eating.

For more information see: Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family by Ellyn Satter www.bettertogetherbc.ca/ Submitted by: Christy Thomson R.D. Community Nutritionist Margaret Moss Health Centre.

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Cowichan Valley Mother Goose Community Collaborative “Roly poly, roly, poly, up, up, up..” On any given day, in a library, church or school in the Cowichan Valley, adults and older students may walk by a room and hear these words being sung. If those walking by stopped and peeped in, they would see a group of adults sitting in a circle and singing, listening or playing finger games while reciting rhymes new and old.

They’d see babies being cuddled, babies lying on the floor, while a finger mouse runs up their tummies, babies sleeping, babies giggling and maybe babies feeding.

Toddlers might be in the room as well.

They might be sitting in a dad’s lap, head buried, too shy to look at anyone; or they might be wandering around the room, or they might be enthusiastically HOPPING up as the sleeping bunnies were woken up!

If you were the one looking in, mesmerized by the cute children, the smallness of everyone, the rhymes you remembered, or not, you’d be watching a session of ParentChild Mother Goose, brought to you by the Cowichan Community Collaborative.

Just about everyone has heard of Mother Goose. She’s the one who flew through the air when she wanted to wander. Many of us associate Mother Goose with impossibly old, scary and meaningless nursery rhymes. If you are one of those you are partly right.

But, Parent-Child Mother Goose Canada has another connotation as well. It’s the one about snuggling up to your Grandma, Dad or Mommy, and saying “Sing me a song! “or “Tell me a story” and then the magic begins. This is the magic of imagination and music all from the comforting voice of someone you love, and whose love for you knows no limits. That voice holds the child, caresses the baby and transports them to a world where nothing matters except the next phrase or line or sentence. What will happen next? Or else the child knows what comes next and joins in with the singing and telling. Songs, rhymes and stories are the great equalizer.

Cowichan Kids No fancy toys are needed and none are used to show off or break. Any adult and child can enjoy this activity together, and it can be adjusted according to the age of the child.

So why attend a Parent-Child Mother Goose program in the Cowichan Valley?

Parents attend with their children to learn songs, rhymes and stories that they never knew or have forgotten. It’s easy, sometimes, to remember the first line, but you can’t fool a two year old! So parents join a PCMG to learn the entire song or verse. Facilitators teach all the verses, all the actions and all the words. They also teach what to do when you forget –how to fake it! Our biggest kept secret in the CVMGCC is that the facilitators aren’t all great singers! And neither do the parents have to be. It isn’t being in tune that matters to the children–it’s your voice.

Is it lively, enthusiastic, and quiet in the

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right places. The facilitators will show you, the parents and grandparents, how to be a little dramatic in your stories and how to add a little sparkle to your rhymes.

Everyone can learn that.

Then there’s literacy. Sure, that’s important too. Rhyming helps with cognitive development. The sound of a mother’s voice singing to a newborn creates a bond that stimulates brain development. The PCMG groups support social interactions for adults and children. Research exists and there is a lot of it. Check it out, starting with http:// nationalpcmgp.ca/. Yes, it’s literacy; literacy with love from your child’s best teacher –you.

For more information or to register in program call Bonnie Potter at VIHA 250709-3050.

THANKS TO SD #79 AND Success x 6 for funding for this collaborative.

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Autumn 2013

Cowichan Kids 11

Let’s Talk Toys

My name is Terri and I’m an Infant Development Consultant with the Sundrops Centre for Child Development. Yes I know that is quite a mouthful. I work with families who have children birth-three years old, helping optimize their development. What this means is that I get to spend a lot of time playing with young children and toys. I’ve been in this field for 18 years and I’ve played with a lot of children and a lot of different toys. Parents often ask about toy selection. “What’s the best toy to buy?” That is a hard question to answer. I do have my favourite toys and over the years this changes. When you go to the toy store, it’s overwhelming. How do you know which toy is best for your child?

A few things to consider when choosing toys; safety First! child’s interests, personality, likes, and dislikes age or skill appropriate; if the toy is too hard for your child to master he will become frustrated, if the toy is too easy for your child, he will become bored quickly A co-worker of mine, Judith Oldfield, developed one of the best toy ideas I ever heard of. It’s the B-Bag! The B-Bag includes the following….

• Blocks • Baby or Bear • Books • Bubbles • Ball • Bag What’s great about the B-bag? Well…it covers a lot of different play skills.

Blocks: tower, line up, create building, make ramps…etc. Talk about all these things.

Baby: imaginative play (feeding, putting to bed), labeling body parts, etc Books: language skills (talking about what’s in the book), listening skills, fine motor skills (turning pages), etc Bubbles: language skills, motor skills (popping, chasing), oral motor skills (blowing), social interaction (bubbles are very high interest and engaging) Ball: motor skills, language skills, cooperative/interactive games, etc Bag: imaginative play, hiding games (object permanence), concepts of “in and out”, etc These are just a few ideas. I’m sure you could think of many more.

The other great thing about the B-bag is that the ideas grow with the child. When the child is one year old the book is a picture book, the ball is lightweight, the blocks are simple. As the child

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ages, the items can grow with them. For example blocks become duplo, which becomes lego, which becomes mechano.

When I was growing up I did a lot of babysitting. I would have loved to have this bag of tricks. This could be a babysitter’s best friend. With the child’s age in mind pack these things and take along to your babysitting job. Keep this B-bag in the playroom and you will always have something to turn to for play. Just have fun figuring out all the play ideas the B-Bag has to offer.

Think about what a toy has to offer and then….PLAY! “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” - Fred Rogers Submitted By: Terri Stanko, Infant Development Consultant Sundrops Centre For Child Development.

If you would like more information about the Sundrops Centre for Child Development, please visit our website: www. clementscentre.org

Cowichan Kids

Family

Drop In Programs: for the Cowichan Valley

FREE OR LOW COST

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Healthy Beginnings 10:30 am –Kaatza Health Unit, Lake Cowichan for children 3 years old and younger Whales Tales, Story and Playtime – stories, songs and learning through play 10 am -2pm Village Green Duncan Mall Community Resource Books N’ Bubbles Bus Strongstart stories, songs and playtime aboard the bus Crofton El School 8:45 am – 11:45 am Parent-Child Mother Goose For children ages 0-4 yrs at South Cowichan Library in Mill Bay from 10:15 am – 11:45 am September 30th to December 2nd

Healthy Beginnings 9:30 am- children three years old and younger & 11:00 am children one year old or youngerShawnigan Lake Community Centre Breastfeeding Clinic 9:30 am-11:30 am Margaret Moss Health Unit, free, drop in, or call for appt 709-3050 Family Story time 10:30 am-11:00 am Duncan Library- drop in stories songs and rhymes for 0-5 year olds.

Older siblings welcome Community Resource Books N’ Bubbles Bus Strongstart stories, songs and playtime aboard the bus St Andrews Church Cairnsmore 9:30 am– 12:30 pm Triple P Mini-Series, 4 week program for parents of 18 month – 6 year olds November 7th – 28th, 2013, 10:00 – 11:30 at Khowhemun Elementary and Childcare provided January 9th – 30th, 2014, 10:00 – 11:30 at Khowhemun Elementary and Childcare provided March 6th – 27th, 2014, 10:00 – 11:30 at Khowhemun Elementary and Childcare provided May 1st – 22nd, 2014, 10:00 – 11:30 at Khowhemun Elementary and Childcare provided

Mothers Morning Out 9:30 am-11:00 am 246 Ingram Street –Free Drop in Program for mothers and children from birth to 5 years Healthy Beginnings 10:30 am Margaret Moss Health Unit, Duncan- Infants one year old and younger.

Breastfeeding Clinic 1 pm -3 pm Margaret Moss Health Unit, free, drop in, or call for appt 709-3050 Family Story time 10:30 am -11:00 am Duncan Library- drop in stories songs and rhymes for 0-5 year olds.

Older siblings welcome Eagles’ Nest Family Resource Program 0-5 yrs with Adult @ Chemainus Elem, 9:00 am-11:00 am (except school closures) Community Resource Books N’ Bubbles Bus Strongstart stories, songs and playtime aboard the bus Penelakut Island 10:20 am – 1:15 pm

Immunization clinic 9:00 am -11:30 am Margaret Moss drop in Whales Tales, Story and Playtime – stories, songs and learning through play 10:00 am -2:00 pm Village Green Duncan Mall Community Resource Books N’ Bubbles Bus Strongstart program stories, songs and playtime aboard the bus Malahat First Nations 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Parent-Child Mother Goose For children ages 0-4 yrs at Crofton Community School from 9:00 am – 10:00 am October 2nd to December 4th For children ages 2-4 yrs at Ecole Mt. Prevost – Bilingual from 9:30 am – 10:30 am October 2nd to November 20th For children ages 0-18 months at St. Andrews Presb. Church, Duncan from 10:30 am – 11:30 am October 2nd to November 20th Triple P Mini-Series, 4 week program for parents of 18 month – 6 year olds April 2nd to April 23rd, 2014, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Khowhemun Elementary and Childcare provided

Whales Tales, Story and Playtime – stories , songs and learning through play 10 am -2pm Village Green Duncan Mall Healthy Beginnings 1pm Margaret Moss Health Unit, Duncanchildren three years old and younger Immunization Clinic & Healthy Beginnings First & third Fri -9:30 am -11:30 am, Chemainus Elementary Community School Eagles’ Nest Family Resource Program 0-5 with Adult @ Chemainus Elem, 9:00 am -11am (except school closures) Community Resource Books N’ Bubbles Bus Strongstart stories, songs and playtime aboard the bus Lake Cowichan Saywell Park 9:00 – 12:00 noon Parent-Child Mother Goose For children ages 2-4 yrs at Alex Aitken Elementary from 9:00 am – 10:00 am October 4th to December 6th For children ages 0-4 yrs at Ecole Cobble Hill – Bilingual from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm October 4th to December 6th

Family Story time 11:00 am Duncan Library- drop in stories songs and rhymes for 0-5 year olds. Older siblings welcome Parent-Child Mother Goose For children ages 0-4 yrs at Lake Cowichan Country Grocer from 10:00 am– 11:00 am October 19th to December 7th

Family Pages Sponsors

Resources: Child Care Resource & Referral.......... 746-4135 Sundrops Centre for Child Development ................... 746-4125 Cowichan Lake Community Services.......... 749-6822 Healthiest Babies Possible........................... 748-2242 Hiiye’yu Lelum House of Friendship.......... 748-2242 Literacy Now Cowichan...... 597-1776 Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre.............................. 746-6184 To be included in the Activities Guide please contact: cowichansuccessby6@shaw.ca autumn 2013

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Event Activities Fun Family Literacy Nights fun free activities including music, stories, crafts, cooking, science, healthy snacks and much more. Fridays – October 11th, November 8th, December 13th, January 10th, February 14th and May 9th from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Duncan Mall.

Halloween Train at Forest Discovery Centre – Friday October 25th to Sunday October 27th from 2:30 – 9:00 pm. Beware of the Halloween Train! Ride the Green Hornet through ghostly scenes and past scary Halloween characters at the museum. Children will enjoy trick or treating and making Halloween crafts, and there are haunted houses for those who dare! Costumed spooks will be mingling with the visitors and creeping up in unexpected places! The performers are provided by the Shawnigan Lake Private School. Spooky exhibits and live Halloween music will take place in the main gallery.

Free Prenatal Classes Sessions are ongoing in a series of eight classes. Contact Margaret Moss Health Unit to register 709-3050 Tsewultun Health Programming from 10-1:00 daily (free child minding and rides) 746-6184 Monday Healing and relationships 10:00 am - noon Tuesday Parent child drop in 11:00 am -1:00 pm Also offered by registration: Prenatal Group for first time pregnancy’s, Bringing Home Tradition Parenting, and Developmental Screening for 18 months and Three years. Call to register.

Healthy Pregnancy Class at Margaret Moss Health Centre 250 709-3050 to Register Celebrate Your Pregnancy! As soon as you know you are pregnant sign up for the Healthy Pregnancy class at Margaret Moss Health Centre and learn about healthy eating for pregnancy, stress reduction, how to adapt to the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, baby’s development and ways to create the healthiest environment for your baby to grow in.

Triple P Seminar Series, Shawnigan Lake Community Centre, 2 hour Power Point Presentation, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Dates TBA October: Raising Confident, Competent Children November: Raising Resilient Children Call SLCC at 250-743-1433 for further information and to register OR call Bonnie at 250-709-3050 for further details and to register.

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Christmas Express at Forest Discovery Centre – December 6th-8th , December 13th – 15th, December 20th – 23rd, from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, December 13-15th Train leaves every 20 minutes from 4:30 to 8:30. Cost $8 Adults/Seniors/Youth/Students $6 Children 2-12 years. Children under 2 years are admitted free. Be enchanted as you ride through our decorated forest on a 1910 steam locomotive! Enjoy the season’s laughter and twinkling lights on the Christmas Express. Take a ride on the Christmas Express, visit with Santa Claus; dance to live Christmas music; make a Christmas tree craft in the schoolhouse; watch the model train display; and warm up with hot chocolate or a snack in Train Station Treats. Something every family should experience! Santa Claus will ride the first train, leaving at 4:30pm, and then will reside in the main museum for pictures and visits!

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7 Secrets of Highly Happy Kids:

1. They eat on time, 2. They get consistent sleep, 3.

They play without instructions, 4. They are allowed to express emotions, 5. They get to make choices, 6. They feel heard, 7. They experience unconditional love.

1. They eat on time.

I know what you’re thinking; that’s too simple to be a real parenting strategy. Think again. Have you ever been so hungry that you just wanted to scream? That’s how kids feel when they miss a snack or have to wait two hours past their normal mealtime to participate in some super-fancy family dinner.

Eating at regular intervals refuels their growing brains and bodies and keeps hunger under control. When kids are calm and satisfied, they experience greater happiness.

2. They get consistent sleep.

I know, I know, some kids are better sleepers than others.

While that’s certainly the truth, it isn’t an excuse for poor sleep habits. Kids need to learn how to sleep. It’s up to us to teach them. When they are completely exhausted, they are cranky. When they are well rested and ready to embrace the day, they are happier.

Make sleep (and a consistent bedtime) a priority.

3. They play without instructions.

Unstructured playtime appears to be a lost art these days. It used to be that kids made their own fun. Today, kids are overscheduled, dialed in and in awe of toys that essentially do the playing for them. Sure, those garbage trucks with all of the

Cowichan Kids

bells and whistles are neat, but be sure to mix in some wooden trucks and building blocks.

And, please, take a look at the busy schedule and find some time where your kids can just play each day. Play is good for the soul.

4. They are allowed to express emotions.

Kids yell when they’re mad.

They cry when they’re sad.

They might even stomp their feet and run around in circles when they’re not sure what to feel. And sometimes, if you’re really lucky, they do all of that in the middle of aisle 9 at your friendly neighborhood Target store. Let them. Kids need to express their emotions. While adults know to call a friend to vent when the going gets tough, kids are a bit more primitive. Shushing them and publicly shaming them doesn’t help. Let them vent in their own little way and then offer to help. Enduring a public temper tantrum might feel overwhelming in the moment, but it’s better than a lifetime of internalizing negative emotions that could lead to eating issues, depression or other emotional problems for your child.

5. They get to make choices.

Kids have very little control over their lives. They are constantly being told where to go, what to do and what to eat. A little bit of control goes a long way toward feeling happy.

Let your kids choose their outfits. Allow them to choose the dinner menu one night per week. Ask them what classes they want to take. Give them the opportunity to make some decisions and watch them smile in return.

6. They feel heard.

Kids are intuitive. Even toddlers can tell when parents are tuning them out or answering on autopilot. When

kids feel like their parents truly listen to them (about everything from Lightning McQueen’s best race to what they learned in school), they feel more connected. This increases their self-confidence and increases their overall happiness. Listen when your children speak. It’s the best way to build an open and honest relationship with your child and it makes your child happy.

Are you still with me? Because this last one is important.

7. They experience unconditional love.

Kids mess up. You tell them not to jump off the couch over and over again, but they do

it anyway. And then they cry.

Because childhood is largely based on trial and error, and sometimes kids just need to take chances. Forgive them.

Love them anyway.

When kids know that their parents love and support them no matter what, they are more likely to take healthy risks.

They are confident and secure in their decisions. They learn that sometimes people make mistakes, but there is always a chance to right a wrong.

When children know that their parents will always be there for them, for better or for worse, they are happy.

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Cowichan Kids

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Children’s Play & Discovery Centre Cowichan Valley’s New Play Center Coming Soon School District 79 and Community Partners are working together to create a new fun filled place for early learning.

Caregivers stay with their child and support their learning. Children’s Play & Discovery Centre gives families a place to play, talk and to read with their children around a theme provided or through their own exploration.

It’s a place where everyone is welcome and everything is free.

Located in portables next to Vancouver Island University, the inside will be a

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magical miniature town with doll-sized buildings.

Play areas will include: a Restaurant a Fire House/Rescue Station a Boat & Dock a Coast Salish Storytelling Village a Treehouse & Cave.

See our Children’s Play & Discovery Center photos on www.sd79.bc.ca The Center will be open 3 days a week with an early childhood educator to facilitate learning. Community groups may wish to

use the Center at other times to provide learning opportunities or to book a play opportunity for their group.

We are looking for more community partners…individuals, organizations, agencies or clubs…to help us create this special Center for our children and families. If you can help, please contact Sheryl Koers at 250 748 0321 Local Candace Spilsbury, Parkside Academy Society, Community Partner

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Cowichan Kids

COLOURING PAGE

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Where can I go in the Cowichan Valley to find child care?

Your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) office Duncan is the place to start!

This program has been working with families in the Cowichan Valley for over 20 years and is one of over 40 CCRR’s in BC The office is located at the Clements Centre and is part of the Sundrops Centre for Child Development. CCRR Consultants working in the program are experienced Early Childhood Educators that

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understand the challenges of finding quality child care.

Our child care and Child Care Subsidy service to families are free! Consultants will listen to you, discuss local child care options and make referrals to child care programs so that you can an informed decision.

If you need care for your child with special needs, they may also be able to help with referrals to child care programs that will support your child.

The final decision is the

family’s responsibility and the CCRR is here to help you find a match with a child care program that best meets your family’s needs.

The CCRR will also talk with you about Child Care Subsidy, a program that can help families with the high cost of child care. We have the application forms; the time to help you fill these forms, and can also provide free faxing of the required documents to the Child Care Subsidy Centre.

Please call, email or phone the Cowichan Valley CCRR at 250-746-4135 Ext 231 or ccrr@ clementscentre.org. CCRR is also on Facebook: CCRR Facebook page.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Myna Thompson B.A., ECED Program Coordinator, Cowichan Valley CCRR

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Cowichan Kids

ParticipACTION is back!

For those of you who have been around awhile you might remember this movement (pun intended) from when you were a kid. ParticipACTION was originally launched in the 1970’s by the federal government to promote healthy living and physical fitness. It has been re-introduced in the wake of reports of raising obesity in children and increased rates of diabetes and heart disease in general.

For the early years, ParticipACTION has 3 main recommendations; Families and care providers should minimize the time infants (less than 12 months), toddlers and preschools spend being sedentary during waking hours.

This includes minimizing time spent in car seats, strollers, high chairs and couches.

Absolutely no screen time for children under 2 years old. That means no

computer, TV, hand held devices, cell phones. For children aged 2 to 4 screen time should be limited to less then one hour per day. Other sources recommend no more than one hour per day and no more than 20 minutes at a time.

Take children outside to play every day These recommendations for children could also lead to improved health of the adults in a child’s life as we turn off the devices and spend more time in play.

So turn off your cell phone and get into some tummy time on the floor with your infant, get off the computer and take your toddler and preschooler outside to run around. ParticipAction suggests that spending less time sedentary can help children; Maintain a healthy body weight Develop social skills Behave better Improve learning and attention

Improve language skills As the important adults in our children’s life’s, spending less time being sedentary and more time playing with our children can only improve our health and well being and our connection to our children. Check out the websites below for more information. www.participAction.com www.csep.ca/guidelines Delta McDonell, Program Director, Sundrops Centre for Child Development, Clements Centre Society 250 746-4135 local 234, 5856 Clements St., Duncan, V9L 3W3 www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www. clementscentre.org Your community’s best source of child care information and resources.

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Cowichan Kids

Party for Ideas

Kids!

Bouncy Castle Fun for the Whole Family! #6-2900 Allenby Rd. Duncan

Duncan Lanes now has the new Bowlopolis animated series birthday parties!

Bowling birthday parties are fun for kids, easy for parents and a great value!!

Contact us for more info: 250-746-5421 duncanlanes@shaw.ca www.duncanlanes.com

BOOK YOUR PARTY TODAY! AUTUMN 2013

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Cowichan Kids

Whimsical Wilderness Wonderings

School is in full monkey bar swing and routines are settling quickly.

The fall/ winter weather is changing and our storm season will be arriving shortly.

Here are a few fun ideas for your treasured family time: 1) Set up a nature collection space in your home 2) Whether it be on a small window sill or in a shoe box or an end table 3) Having a safe space to display your child’s nature discoveries will not only build your child’s love for the outdoors they will also take notice that you have set aside a space for their special finds.

4) Halloween is just around the corner and what a perfect way to introduce your children to pumpkin season by visiting a pumpkin farm. Macnab’s corn maze located out in Cedar, B.C is a wonderful place to take your family. Not only is there a small petting zoo, farm stand/store, and corn maze but there is a hayride on the tracker out to the pumpkin patch. The farm is OPEN now!

Check out: http://www.mcnabscornmaze.com/ 5) The windstorms & rains can sometimes drive us indoors.

Check out your local Strong Start Centers for ages 0-5,a free interactive play space located in our local public elementary schools. Facilitated by ECEC teachers this early start program will enrich both parent and child’s play time. Check out: http:// www.sd79.bc.ca 6) I love to promote our beautiful North Cowichan trail systems.

The magic of Vancouver Island is revealed through our trails and forests. Check out: http://www.northcowichan.ca/ If you go to website click on DEPARTMENTS, scroll down to “ Parks and Rec”, click on “fields, parks & trails” and then click on parks map. This will take you to all the public trails and parks in the Cowichan Valley.

7) The love of reading doesn’t stop when school finishes for the week. Support your local library story time and other family oriented activities. Check out: http://virl.bc.ca/ No matter what life storms blow your way remember that nothing is more important than your love and time for your family.

Breathe in the fall air, play outdoors and interact with your kids!

JoHannah Knight is an ECEC assistant, musician, writer, & artist who operates a licensed family childcare in Chemainus. Check out: www.chemainusdaycare.com

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Fa m il y Ser v ice s D irec t o r y CHILD CARE Arcadian Early Learning 250-748-3922 Nurturing young children and their families since 1974. Not for profit, downtown location, open year round 7:30 – 5:30 (except statutory holidays). Licensed infant toddler (0 – 3 years) and licensed group daycare (3 – 5 years). www.arcadianchildren.com Growing Together Child and Parent Society 250-748-9754 A Ministry designated Young Parent Program. Offering child care to young parents (under 24) who are attending school to finish their basic education. Early Childhood Educators provide early learning and care for children aged 0–3yrs. Parenting support and mentoring is provided and encouraged. Some community spaces may be available. Located at 490 Cairnsmore Street Duncan. Operating Sept – June.

8:30- 3:00 pm.

Kidz Co. Learning Centre Inc 250-746-4020 A licensed Group Day Care Centre/ Pre School/ After School that provides a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for children 30 months to 12 yrs.

Our focus is to provide a stimulating early care and education experience which promotes each child’s uniqueness, and ensuring school readiness.

Parkside Academy Child Care Centre 250-746-1711 Offering quality, affordable literacy focused childcare and early learning programs for children ages 0-12. Licensed and Teacher qualified. Visit www. parksideacademy.ca for more information on programs. Continuous enrolment preschool programs available at Alexander El and Khowhemun El. Ensure your child’s readiness for school and love for learning by enrolling today.

Shawnigan Lake Montessori Child Care (includes preschool programming) 250-743-6279, cell 250-510-3428 Licensed age 3-5. 1979C Shawnigan Lake Rd, (Shawnigan Lake School Campus), Program includes a prepared environment for self discovery, creative purposeful play and respectful social interactions. Explore practical life, sensory refinement, literacy, numeracy, multicultural including art, geography, science and music.

Montessori, ECE, and M.ED qualified staff. shawnigan.montessori@gmail.com Cherry Tree Early Learning Centre 250-324-4203 Preschool program nurturing creative play and learning activities. 30 months to age 5. Qualified, experienced Early Childhood Educator.

Cowichan Valley Child Care Resource and Referral 250-746-4135 ext 231 The CCRR offers free rererrals and child care information for families and support to child care providers. “The Cowichan Valley CCRR is your community’s best source of child care information and resources. “ Yellow Submarine Family Child Care 250-246-1366 Chemainus, Licenced ( # A0SN-8JPU7T), Snack Provided, Art, Music, Circle Time & Outdoor Play. Excellent References & Rates.

Full -Time Spaces Available. www.yellowsubmarinefamilychildcare.com

pre-school Arcadian Early Learning licensed preschool 250-748-3922 Mon, Wed, Fri. 9 – Noon. Reggio inspired, child-centred with art, music, and nature as our focus. Enrolling year round Sept to June. www.arcadianchildren.com Cowichan Preschool 250-748-4112 Parent owned preschool offering creative, developmentally appropriate preschool programs for children aged 3-5. Centrally located in beautiful park setting.

Serving the Cowichan Valley since 1977.

Cowichan Lake Recreation Playschool.

AGES 3 & 4 Monday to Friday 9:00 - 11:30 am CLSA Playschool Room, Lake Cowichan. Drop-in available. Cost per session: 12 week period $87 - 1 day/wk $142 - 2 days/wk $185 - 3 days/wk $228 - 4 days/wk $282 - 5 days/wk Call 250-749-6742 for registration & information.

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pre-school Eagle Wings Preschool @ Chemainus Elementary Community School 250-246-3588 “THROUGH THE MAGIC OF PLAY CHILDREN LEARN AND GROW” at Eagle Wings Preschool, a branch of the CCSA. Our licensed preschool follows standards set by the Early Learning Framework and offers a child based program with a focus on social skills, emotional readiness and exploration. Creativity, art, maths, fitness, nature and literacy are all a foundation for learning. Parents choose two, three or five half days per week. ccsa@sd79.bc.ca 250-246-3588 website: chemainuscroftoncommunityschoolsassociation.ca Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre 250-701-0433 We believe that the development of the whole child (physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually) encourages each individual to develop to their full potential. We offer an enriched full day preschool program for 3-5 year olds based on Kindergarten readiness.

Saint Josephs Preschool 250-246-3191 Licensed centre located at St. Joseph’s School in Chemainus. We offer opportunities for children to develop as a whole child, (physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually). Our program believes that children learn through play and are given many opportunities to learn in a hands on environment. By using age appropriate means our program teaches early literacy, numeracy and social skills. www.stjosephselem.ca Shawnigan Christian Preschool 250-743-4970 Provides a licensed Pre-Kindergarten Program offering a fun and educational experience. Classes are offered Tuesday through Friday for children aged 2.5 to 5 years old, from September until June. Contact Rita Martin email: preschool@ shawniganalliance.org. Licence No: 1381133.

Sunrise Waldorf School, Kindercottage Nursery 250-743-7253 A morning program for 3 and 4 year olds available as a 2, 3, or 5 day a week option. A warm nurturing atmosphere where a sense of wonder is celebrated and outdoor playtime is abundant. Organic snacks included. Aftercare available til 5:30pm. We also have a Parent child program for children under 3.5yrs. www. sunrisewaldorfschool.org Queen Margaret’s School - Preschool and Junior Kindergarten 660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, 250-746-4185 We believe that the development of the whole child (physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually) encourages each individual to develop to their full potential. We offer an enriched full day preschool program for 3-5 year olds based on Kindergarten readiness. www.qms.bc.ca

family programs Chemainus Crofton Community Schools Association 250-246-3588 The CCSA connects its schools to its communities through a variety of user paid and free programs for individuals of all ages and families. We offer after-school programs, early years activities, kidZ summer camps, workshops, family programs, special events and more! Check out our face book page (search our name) or email us with your questions and ideas. ccsa@sd79.bc.ca 250-246-3588 website: chemainuscroftoncommunityschoolsassociation.ca Eagles’ Nest Family Resource Program 250-246-3588 Wednesdays at Crofton 10:15-11:15 am $2.00. This drop-in Family Resource Program provides an opportunity for adults and children ages 0-5years to connect in a social atmosphere of play and child based activity. Special events and guests provide alternatives to the weekly norms and give parents insight into topics such as nutrition and parenting. Come for the fun, stay for the information, keep coming for the bond! ccsa@sd79.bc.ca 250-246-3588 website: chemainuscroftoncommunityschoolsassociation.ca Continued on page 22

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Cowichan Kids

Family Services Directory family programs

family programs

Healthiest Babies Possible (Duncan) 250-748-2242 Is a pregnancy outreach program open to women and their partners needing extra support. Services include one on one counselling, support and advocacy, diet and lifestyles information. A Prenatal and Postnatal group runs on Thursdays. A program for Fathers also runs on Thursday’s at the same time. Email KCoopsie@ hofduncan.org

Vancouver Island Parenting Consultations 250-510-5611 Bringing harmony to your home through private in home consultations and customized parenting plans, Hayley Sinai M.Ed. Parenting Counsellor helps you to understand your child’s temperament and development. She teaches how to apply strategies that work for your family. www.viparentingconsultations.com

Healthy Beginnings 250-709-3050 Relaxed and informal drop in for moms, dads, grandparents and friends- all welcome! Free! Healthy snacks provided. Taxi provided where available. We meet weekly except when a statutory holiday occurs in the week. Sessions at Kaatza Health Unit, Margaret Moss, and Shawnigan Lake Community Centre.

schools

Queen of Angels 250-746-5919 We are committed to providing a quality education for kindergarten to grade nine in a safe and nurturing environment. We are dedicated to the continual development of the whole individual as a lifelong learner: spiritually, physically, intellectually, culturally, emotionally, and socially. website: www.queenofangels.ca.

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Cowichan Kids 23

Halloween Colouring Contest!

Colour the picture and drop it off at the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial Office for a chance to win two free pool passes to the Cowichan Aquatic Centre Unit 2, 5380 Trans Canada Hwy., Duncan, BC, V9L 6W4

spring 2013

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Ask Instore for Details.

For more information, please give us a call!

Our pharmacy is PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers of America) certified

250-743-9011 Pharmacy Manager

Erika Pfahl

Pharmacist

Pharmacist

Tammy Olsson Nadiene Monea

Pharmacist

Angie Olson

Mill Bay Centre Mill Bay BC

DELIVERY WITH PRESCRIPTIONS

Mon-Fri 9am-7pm Sat 9am-6pm Sun 11am-5pm