Playworks PW's Playhouse February 2016

February 2016

Top 10

Kids’ Books of All Time

A Life-Changing Habit Read with your child

Brain Teaser to Test You and Your Child Practice reading and learn together

K

eep the fun going this winter, while encouraging your child’s development! In this issue of PW’s Playhouse, you’ll explore the best kids’ books ever, kid-friendly DIY projects and brain teasers, and why reading with your child is so important. See you soon — at Playworks!

To Playcare Parents:

Please remember to get your Playcare stamp before leaving Dakotah! Sport and Fitness. All membership cards must be presented upon check-in. No outside food or beverages. Remember, socks are required in the atrium.

The Playworks mission is to provide high-quality education and care to children, build cooperative partnerships with parents, provide meaningful employment, and provide a viable, fun, quality entertainment source for families.

Top 10 Kids’ Books of All Time according to Time Magazine

1. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak This adventure has inspired generations of children to let out their inner monsters of imagination.

6. “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen Nighttime woods is the backdrop for this endearing tale of a father and daughter hunting for the great horned owl.

2. “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats Peter journeys through a snowbound New York City.

With a black protagonist, this story was a milestone in children’s literature.

7. “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein This moving story follows a young boy and his unconditionally generous tree from the boy’s childhood to his selfish young adulthood to the very end.

3. “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown Imagine falling asleep to the comforting rhythms of this childhood favorite.

8. “The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs!” by Jon Scieszka There’s two sides to every story. Irony and wit abound as the wolf claims he’s not so big and bad.

4. “Blueberries for Sal” by Robert McCloskey Sal and a baby bear hunt and nibble Maine blueberries, a relatable read for kids who like to go a little wild.

9. “Tuesday” by David Wiesner Few words punctuate this lush illustration-focused book. Watercolors paint the picture of flying frogs on a magical journey.

5. “Little Bear” by Else Holmelund Minarik A young cub misses his father in this eye-catching book of woodland critters.

Playworks - Learning and fun go hand-in-hand!

10. “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein This collection of poems and drawings give voice to what runs through kids’ heads. Would you rather hug o’ war than tug-of-war? Reach for this beloved book.

A Life-Changing Habit Read with your child

When your child hears you read to them, even as a baby, their mind goes wild. You’re helping them develop language and listening skills while broadening their understanding of the world around them.

Make reading aloud a daily part of your child’s routine, and your child will learn to read on their own as easy as learning to walk and talk.

Has your child already learned to read? It’s still important for you to read books aloud together. Read a book they’re interested in that’s beyond their reading level. This encourages their skills and knowledge to stretch.

Try reading with your child at least once a day. Schedule it if you need to. Reading to your child as much as possible will make all the difference.

Knowledge is power, and books are full of it. But reading also gives you and your child quality leisure time together. Most importantly, all of this will communicate a key message: Reading matters.

Source: U.S. Department of Education

DIY Do it Yourself

MAPLE cANDY

Natural, melt-in-your-mouth sweets! Start with 100-percent pure maple syrup from Wozupi Tribal Gardens, available at Mazopiya (mazopiya.com), and end with a treat that’s almost fudge-like.

ALL YOU NEED: 2 cups pure maple syrup | Molds | Candy thermometer | Large, heavybottomed saucepan | Wooden spoon | Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

WANT TO HARVEST OR MAKE YOUR OWN MAPLE SYRUP? Join Wozupi Tribal Gardens for classes next month!

1. In the saucepan, bring the maple syrup to a boil over medium-high heat.

Maple Sugar: Tapping and Boiling March 19, 10am-Noon Cost: $15

2. Remove from heat. Cool to 175 degrees Fahrenheit without stirring, about

Maple Syrup Making for Kids March 26, 10am-Noon Cost: $10 per child

3. Stir mixture rapidly with a wooden spoon for about 5 minutes until the

Learn more and register at wozupi.com.

Stir occasionally. Boil until syrup reaches 235 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.

10 minutes.

color turns lighter and mixture becomes thick and creamy. Stir in chopped nuts, if desired.

4. Pour into molds. Once cool, unmold candy. Enjoy!

2041 140th St NW • Prior Lake, MN 55372 952.233.9182 | WOZUPI.COM |

If you store them in an airtight container, these tasty delights will keep up to a month!

February 2016

LEARN together

Brain Teaser to Test You and Your Child

This is a great way to practice reading and colors with your child! Look at the chart and say the COLOR, not the word. Your right brain tries to say the color. Your left brain insists on reading the word.

YELLOW BLUE ORANGE BLACK RED GREEN PURPLE YELLOW RED ORANGE GREEN BLACK BLUE RED PURPLE GREEN BLUE ORANGE

You say CSA, we say TSA. TRIBALLY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE

SIGN UP for a

2016 Summer TSA Share Today!

2041 140th St NW • Prior Lake, MN 55372 952.233.9182 | WOZUPI.COM |

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

Field Trips Included

REgister Today!

A hands-on class that focuses on making delicious, healthy dishes that kids will love.

FEB 20 • 9:30-10:30am For kids ages 6+ • FREE To Register: Call 952.233.9140 2571 Credit Union Drive • Prior Lake

mazopiya.com

952.445.PLAY (7529) • 2200 Trail of Dreams • Prior Lake, MN 55372 playworksfun.com