DDC_Parent Source_Spring 2022

Parent Source Serving DeKalb County

CONFIDENCE & RESILIENCE Resources for kids’ mental health and development

3 WAYS TO IMPROVE READING FLUENCY Help your children read with speed and accuracy

Spring Resource Guide For Parents

SwinG &

Splash

into FUN!

(815) 758-6663 Dekalbparkdistrict.com

SOURCE 2 | PARENT SPRING 2022

Play Your Way this Season!

• Hopkins Pool • PGA Jr. League • Summer camps • Special events & More!

What’s

INSIDE 4

Helping Kids Become More Confident and Resilient

6

3 Ways to Help Students Improve Reading Fluency

8

7 Tips to Choose a Primary Care Doctor

10

Spring Clean Your Wellness

11

Explore the Unique Flavors of Citrus

Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle Project Manager | Lisa Angel Design & Layout | Julie Barichello We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.

PARENT SOURCE SPRING 2022

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Helping Kids Become More

CONFIDENT & RESILIENT n Resources for providers and for children

W

hile the past two years have been tough on everyone, they’ve been especially hard for children living with challenging family circumstances or in communities hit hardest by health and economic difficulties. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association recently declared children’s mental health

a national emergency due to the serious toll COVID-19 has taken on families. According to the CDC, between March and October 2020, the percentage of emergency department visits for children with mental health emergencies grew by 24% for children ages 5-11. The pandemic also caused a decline in children receiving primary care and behavioral health services, which can negatively impact their well-being.

WHAT CAN ADULTS DO TO HELP CHILDREN COPE?

reduce stress in their lives,” said Kirk. “As a pediatrician, I see how vital it is that we teach them skills like resilience, flexibility, confidence and persistence.”

Supporting children facing unprecedented changes and challenges is key to helping them develop emotional skills – like resilience – that will last a lifetime, according to Dr. Arethusa Stevens Kirk, national senior medical director at UnitedHealthcare.

Children and adolescents have faced unprecedented stressors in their environments: quarantines, illness in families and other disruptions. The pandemic has affected the stability and structure of families, with over 140,000 U.S. children experiencing the death of a parent or grandparent from COVID-19, according to the AAP. According to AAP research, children of racial and ethnic minority families are at 4.5 times greater risk of losing a caregiver.

“I grew up in and out of foster care starting at age 4, so I understand how important it is to help children remain resilient in the face of challenging environments. Knowing how to talk with children and demonstrate compassion helps SOURCE 4 | PARENT SPRING 2022

RESOURCES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

To help children develop critical life skills, Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind the children’s program “Sesame Street” has introduced new resources to help children build resilience. Made possible by UnitedHealthcare, the new content includes three online storybooks and an online course for providers. The content helps teach confidence and how to encourage practicing persistence and dealing with change - all key ingredients to resilience.

FOR PROVIDERS: The “Roads to Resilience” online course is designed to help providers including healthcare workers, educators, and housing and social service providers use the new resources, along with tools and new ideas to foster professional development.

FOR CHILDREN: Three storybooks feature the “Sesame Street” Muppets Karli, Lily and Alex. n “The Monster Dash: A Story about Resilience and Flexibility” explores dealing with change. Because of her mom’s struggle with addiction, Karli has spent time in foster care, living with a lack of predictability and control. But caring adults have given her tools to build resilience. Being flexible and pivoting when circumstances change is a big part of resilience. n “Looking for Special: A Story about Resilience and Confidence” teaches children about confidence. Lily and her family haven’t always had enough food, and for a while they didn’t have a home of their own – but they’ve endured hard times and are stronger for it. n “Bounce Back: A Story about Resilience and Persistence” shows Alex practicing persistence. When Alex’s father was incarcerated, Alex and his family faced big challenges, and he had to cope with hard feelings like fear and anger.

Persistence is another part of resilience and, like everyone, Alex needs to find ways to manage his frustration and practice patience.

that power to help children feel safe, seen - and hopeful,” added Kirk. “By working together, we can improve children’s overall health and well-being.”

For over 10 years, UnitedHealthcare and Sesame Workshop have worked together to improve the well-being of children and families - especially those most vulnerable - by providing tools to build a strong foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

This partnership includes the “Growing Every Day, Every Way” program, which provides families and caregivers with resources to address topics including food insecurity, physical activity, developmental milestones and healthy habits, to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder.

These resources are available in English and Spanish for parents and providers to access and download at SesameStreetInCommunities.org.

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“Resources and skills like these help children cope with difficulties.

Anyone involved in a child’s care holds power, and they can use

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3READING ways

to help students improve

FLUENCY

T

he pandemic has created a lot of challenges for students and achievement gaps continue to grow, especially among the most vulnerable learners. According to Amplify, students – especially those in grades K-1 in Black and Hispanic populations – have experienced severe learning losses in the past two years. Furthermore, without support, a child that is a poor reader in first grade has a 90% chance of remaining a poor reader.

INCORPORATE TECHNOLOGY

Technology can be a powerful tool to engage students and encourage reading fluency. Teachers can use these tools to assess reading fluency of more students at once and frees up time to focus on the students’ academic and emotional development.

In an effort to improve literacy, Microsoft Education has created two reading tools that work in tandem to help educators support students with reading fluency.

Reading Coach is a reading practice tool for students that automatically generates SOURCE 6 | PARENT SPRING 2022

Reading fluency, the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and meaningful expression, remains an integral component of academic success and future outcomes.

Encouraging students to read in their free time, while admirable, does not provide the necessary support for students struggling with reading fluency.

We can help create strong, confident readers. Below are three strategies that can help support students’ reading fluency.

individualized exercises based upon each student’s specific needs. It identifies words that the student struggled with and provides additional opportunities for practice and guidance on correct pronunciation. This tool engages students and encourages them to want to read more.

Reading Progress measures and identifies correct words per minute, accuracy rates and challenging words, providing teachers and students with insightful data and benchmarks for progress. The newest update will allow the program to autodetect prosody, that is, the patterns of

ONE-ON-ONE READING

One of the best ways to increase children’s reading fluency is to model reading in one-on-one settings.

In a classroom, it may not always be possible to read with students individually, but tutors and family members can be enlisted to provide private reading opportunities.

Whether the tutors are parents, older elementary students or college students, having a dedicated person to sit down and read individually with a child can build the student’s reading confidence. The reading tutor can model proficient reading fluency, recognize what skills the child needs support in advancing and make reading a fun, interactive experience.

expression and intonation in a language.

Prosody is key to reading fluency and is linked to helping students build a deeper understanding of the text.

REPEATED READINGS

Having students read the same text multiple times in different settings is a great strategy to improve fluency.

For example, students can read a poem together aloud as a class, read the same poem to themselves and read together in small groups or pairs.

By reading a passage multiple times, students become familiar with the text, fix errors, and increase text comprehension. Repeated reading encourages independence and confidence in young readers.

All students deserve equitable opportunities to develop strong literacy skills for success in and beyond the classroom, and teachers deserve more support in helping their students reach these goals.

To learn more about tools to support teachers and students in reading fluency, visit www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/ educators/literacy-solutions.

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Summertime in Sycamore

Connecting Sycamore to Wellness, Nature, & Each Other Community Center 480 Airport Rd. Sycamore 815-895-3365

sycparks.org

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PARENT SOURCE SPRING 2022

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7

TIPS

TO HELP CHOOSE A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR

H

ow well does your primary care provider know you? Do they see you at least once a year? Maybe during these last few years, when health has been at the forefront, you renewed your efforts to see this critical caretaker more regularly.

A primary care provider is more than just a provider. Over time, he or she learns the nuances of your medical history, your reaction to medications, your health goals, your lifestyle, your treatment preferences and whether a caregiver is supporting you in managing your health.

That intimate knowledge can help make a big difference to your health. Studies show that people with primary care providers are more likely to get preventive services, including cancer screenings, and report significantly better overall health outcomes.

Dr. Philip Painter, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement says a person’s needs and functional ability change over time. “It’s nice to have someone who knows you guide you through the health care system as that happens,” Painter says.

Painter provides the following seven tips to help you choose the right primary care provider.

SOURCE 8 | PARENT SPRING 2022

1. ASK AROUND

The first step to finding a great provider: Talk to your family and friends about their provider. A recommendation from someone you trust is a good way to identify a highly skilled, helpful physician. But remember: Every person is different.

Just because a provider was perfect for your neighbor or best friend doesn’t mean they are right for you.

2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE COVERAGE

Once you’ve identified possible candidates, check whether they work with your health plan. If you have traditional Medicare, call the provider’s office and ask if they accept Medicare patients. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call your insurance provider or check your plan’s website to see if the provider is in network. Most plans charge more if you see a provider outside the network, so it’s important to take this step before scheduling an appointment.

3. PERFORM A QUALITY CHECK

Chances are you wouldn’t hire someone to make repairs in your home without doing a little research into the quality of their work. So why would you choose a provider without doing the same?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your insurance company to see if they have any information about the quality ratings of specific primary care providers in your network. You can also use the Physician Compare tool on Medicare. gov to see if your provider has participated in any activities that indicate they provide high-quality care.

Finally, check to see whether your provider is board-certified through the Certification Matters website (www.certificationmatters.org/), which the American Board of Medical Specialties maintains, to make sure they’re keeping up with the latest developments in their fields.

4. KEEP YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS IN MIND

Every person has unique health needs, and those needs change as people age.

Ask your provider about their specialties or areas of interest.

For example, a physician who specializes in sports medicine may not be the best choice if you are not a serious athlete.

But if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, you may want to look for a provider with a special interest in diabetes care. Those are things to ask when you make that first call or do your research.

And if you have multiple complex medical issues, you may benefit from seeing a geriatrician. Geriatricians specialize in care of older patients.

6. ASK ABOUT LOGISTICS & VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS

Ask questions. How does the office handle prescription refills? How do they let you know about test results? Can you email your provider or schedule appointments online? Will the office call to remind you if you’re overdue for an annual screening?

You might also ask whether they offer same-day appointments and how long patients typically sit in the waiting room.

Ask whether the provider conducts virtual appointments, and how easy they are to schedule.

7. TRUST YOUR GUT

5. PLACE A COLD CALL

Your primary care provider is going to be a problem-solver and important advocate for your health. It’s critical that you trust them and feel comfortable asking questions.

“You can tell a lot by the phone etiquette of the office staff,” Painter said.

After your first appointment, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends you ask yourself the following:

Painter advises that patients call a potential provider’s office for a first impression of the practice.

• Do you feel at ease with this provider?

• Did the provider show an interest in getting to know you?

• Did they answer all your questions?

• Did they explain things in a way you understood?

If something seems off, trust your instincts and look for a new provider who is a better fit. You should be comfortable with whomever you choose.

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Little Lambs Preschool

IT’S MORE THAN A DAYCATION.

of Immanuel Lutheran Church 511 Russell Road, DeKalb, IL 60115 Celebrating 26 years in the community.

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Classes for children ages 3—5 years 2, 3, 4 or 5 mornings per week Maximum 10 per classroom 5:1 student/ teacher ratio Classes begin September 2022

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Little Lambs Preschool is licensed by the State of Illinois,.

Little Lambs Preschool is open to children of all religious backgrounds.

PARENT SOURCE SPRING 2022

|9

SPRING CLEAN YOUR

Wellness

ith the sun emerging from the clouds and the weather warming up, it’s time to take stock of your wellness. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dalina Soto says that springtime calls for a review and refresh of your mind and body.

to work. It also can have a considerable impact on your mental health. According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, poor sleep can lead to irritability and stress which may increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression.

By looking at your holistic wellness and tweaking your habits, you can reduce stress and increase productivity and happiness. To help you jump-start your “spring cleaning,” Soto offers tips on how to improve your exercise, sleep and eating habits this season.

Soto suggests taking time to examine your sleep hygiene. Do you have a set bedtime, and do you stick to it? Do you frequently wake up throughout the night? Are you staying up on your phone? Ask yourself these questions and see where you can revamp your nighttime routine.

GET MOVING

During winter, it’s easy to go into hibernation mode, making it difficult to find motivation to exercise. As it starts warming up again, strive to incorporate movement throughout your day.

You can start by taking a lunch walk with a co-worker so you can enjoy the fresh air and sunlight. Check your local community center to see if there are any pickup volleyball games or other outdoor recreational sports you can participate in once or twice a week. If you want to establish a gym routine, find a buddy to go with for accountability.

PRIORITIZE SLEEP

Sleep is an important aspect of your holistic health. When you don’t sleep well, your energy depletes, meaning that you’re less likely to want to be active, potentially affecting your ability

GARDEN FRITTATA Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Makes: 4 servings Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped fresh spinach 4 large Eggland’s Best Eggs, beaten 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes SOURCE 10 | PARENT SPRING 2022

Instructions 1. Melt butter with canola oil in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add garlic and onions.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until onions are translucent.

3. Add spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until spinach is wilted.

4. Whisk eggs and salt together in bowl.

5. Add eggs to vegetable mixture in pan; sprinkle with basil.

6. Cover and continue cooking for 4-6 minutes or until center is almost set.

7. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand 2-3 minutes or until cheese melts.

8. Cut into wedges. Garnish with chopped tomatoes.

FUEL YOUR ENGINE

Just like a car, your body needs the right fuel to run properly, which is why it’s essential to have a balanced and nutritious diet. Beyond making sure you get enough carbs, protein and greens in your meals, you should ensure you’re eating foods with Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3s can help maintain your mental health, improve sleep and build and maintain a healthy body, especially after strenuous exercise. You can easily incorporate Omega-3s into your diet by eating Eggland’s Best eggs. They contain more than double the Omega3s and six times more Vitamin D than ordinary eggs, which helps regulate mood and boost overall mental health.

The garden frittata recipe below is an example of how a nutritious meal can improve your overall wellness this spring.

CITRUS SALMON SHEET PAN Need inspiration for how to use citrus?

Peak-season Cara Cara oranges are the bright and flavorful star of this Citrus Salmon Sheet Pan recipe that is healthful, flavorful and on the table in about 30 minutes. Plus, Cara Cara oranges are packed with vitamin C, with one orange providing 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Ingredients: 1 pound salmon 2 cups broccoli florets 1 small sweet potato, cubed 2 cups asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

Want to support your immune system?

Explore all the unique flavors of citrus

Y

our health is top of mind, so you’re always looking for simple ways to stay well, such as receiving vitamins through fresh citrus.

To support your immune system, it’s important to make mindful choices about what you eat, so you feel your best. Plus, eating wholesome foods like oranges provides fresh flavors that satisfy taste buds.

LOOK FOR HEAVIER FRUIT

Many fresh citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, which is known to support overall wellness. One of the simplest ways to incorporate vitamin C into your diet is by choosing fresh, in-season citrus like Sunkist Cara Cara oranges. Be sure to look for fresh options from your local grocer and get creative incorporating citrus into your meals.

PLAN AHEAD WHEN COOKING

“The start of the new year brings with it a desire to eat healthier, and vitamin C and other key nutrients are top of mind for so many consumers,” adds Jim Phillips, President and CEO of Sunkist Growers.

To help you get the most out of your citrus, the experts at Sunkist are sharing some tips and tricks:

When shopping for citrus, choose fruit that smells fresh and feels heavy for its size.

The heavier the fruit, the juicier it is.

STORE FRUIT IN THE REFRIGERATOR

You can keep fresh citrus longer by storing it in the refrigerator at a temperature below 42 degrees F. Stored properly, fresh citrus can last up to three weeks.

When it’s time to use it, make sure your fresh citrus is room temperature to ensure you get the most juice.

USE THE WHOLE FRUIT

Citrus glaze ingredients: 1 Sunkist Cara Cara orange 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 garlic cloves, minced Directions for glaze: 1. Cut the Sunkist Cara Cara orange in half and slice half of it into thin slices.

Large slices can be cut in half.

2. Add to a bowl and combine with soy sauce, honey, salt and garlic cloves. Mix well and set aside.

Directions for salmon: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Line the sheet pan with parchment paper.

3. Coat the sweet potatoes with some oil, salt and pepper and bake for 5-7 minutes.

4. While the sweet potatoes are baking make the citrus glaze.

5. Remove potatoes from oven, add veggies and mix well.

6. Create a middle section to add the salmon.

7. Pour the glaze on top and bake for another 15-18 minutes until salmon is cooked.

From the zesty peel to the juicy flesh, the whole citrus can be used in your cooking and baking. Look for new recipes that feature different types of citrus to keep meals interesting.

EXPLORE DIFFERENT CITRUS

When it comes to the fresh, vibrant flavors of citrus, it’s fun for the whole family to explore different varieties. Try navel oranges, blood oranges, Cara Cara oranges, Minneola tangelos, California mandarins, lemons and grapefruit.

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Summer in the Arts at Northern

2022 Camps

Percussion Camp, July 5-9 - Grades 6-12 Brass Camp, July 8-10 - Grades 8-10 Theatre Arts Camp Junior, July 10-15 - Grades 6-9 Theatre Arts Camp Senior, July 17-22 - Grades 9-12 Visual Arts Camp, July 17-22 - Grades 8-12 Jazz Camp, July 24-29 - Grades 8-12

Artscamps.niu.edu