Hello Muskoka Early Years Professionals!

 

Here we are in 2025 - I hope the holiday season and new year was joyous and restful.


I think a great way to start the year off is talking about BALANCE…all elements of balance for children, families, and educators. What comes to mind when you think of the word balance?


In Ontario's How Does Learning Happen? document, the concept of "balance" is discussed within the context of child development, specifically related to the principles of well-being and engagement. This document emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to learning, where children's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development are all considered equally.


One area where this balance is discussed is in relation to supporting children's health and well-being. The document highlights that well-being involves physical health, emotional security, and a sense of belonging, which together form a balanced foundation for learning.


Additionally, How Does Learning Happen? talks about engagement in learning, stressing the importance of a balance between structure and freedom in the learning environment. Balance allows children to explore their interests while still having the guidance they need to grow.


If we parallel the work we do with children and families to ourselves and our work and home environments, all these aspects of balance are essential. Creating opportunities for balance and being intentional about its development are what this newsletter will share for this month.


Giveaway question:


Have a look around your work environment, where do you notice BALANCE and where is it missing?


Reply to my email for a chance to win a prize corinna.krocker@muskoka.on.ca!


In kindness,


Corinna Krocker, RECE

Children's Services Community Facilitator

Email: corinna.krocker@muskoka.on.ca

Please note that the information contained in this newsletter is intended to encourage conversation and self-reflection and is not to be considered as advice. 

Upcoming Professional Development

February Workshop

**Virtual Workshop**


  • Date: Feb 12, 2025 - 6:30-8:00
  • Location: ZOOM


Carol will discuss key aspects of her beautiful book that many in our community have read. Even if you haven't had a chance to read the book yet, this inspiring conversation is one that you won't want to miss!

Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood Communities is a powerful exploration of caregiving as a vital component of education and child development and a crucial building block of human community and society.

Register Now!

Save the Date - March Workshop

**In-Person Workshop**


Date: Monday, March 31st, 2025

Location: Bracebridge Sportsplex meeting Room


Community Living Huntsville and Community Living South Muskoka have partnered together to present a panel discussion with hands on activities about resources and supports for young children in Muskoka.

Me and My Sit Spot - Free Webinar about Sit Spot Activities

3 Steps to a Calmer Classroom

Activities for Improving Balance & Coordination in Children

Introducing “Between Two Pines,” our new monthly

e-newsletter!


Dive into the latest District happenings, uncover exclusive Council insights, stay updated on upcoming events, and engage with your community. Don’t miss out – click the button below to subscribe now!


Subscribe!

*NEW* ECE workforce Development Corner

with Pam Rennie, RECE

NEW INITIATIVE for 2025: Muskoka Supervisors Network Meetings 

 

A Time to Gather

 

Coming together as professionals supports our mental health and well-being. Through this connection we have the opportunity to be seen, heard and valued. These gatherings can also help bring balance to our lives.

When we know we are not alone, when we can share stories, and when we can truly listen to each other - all this, and more builds a community.


The terms Community of Practice, Circles of Support and Community of Care are somewhat interchangeable, but if you have read, Illuminating Care by Carol Garboden Murray, you will appreciate the depth and breadth of the term ‘care”. And if you are familiar with Diane Kashin’s work, you recognize her interpretation of Circles of Support. They all represent a coming together as professionals and that is what the child care supervisors of Muskoka will be doing this year.

 

Supervisors, just as we learn alongside the children we work with, finding time to learn alongside our colleagues collaboratively and reflectively guide us to become the best version of ourselves.

 

Stay tuned to this corner for future ideas and inspirations in 2025!

Coming up in Our Community

Family Literacy Day - January 27th

Family Day - February 17th

Pink Shirt Day - February 26th

Community Spotlight...

Do you know a champion in our community, or do you want to share something awesome that happened in your program?


We have so many amazing people in the Muskoka Early Years sector and we would love to shine a light on the people, places and programs that show up and sparkle every day. Keep it simple, email Corinna a short write-up, add a photo or two and we will include it in the following newsletter. 

Send your stories to corinna.krocker@muskoka.on.ca

Children's Book Recommendation

Meet the good egg. He’s a verrrrrry good egg indeed.


But trying to be so good is hard when everyone else is plain ol’ rotten.

As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect.



So, he decides enough is enough! It’s time for him to make a change…

Recipe Corner!

Sometimes it feels impossible to eat a healthy balanced diet. A cheese burger and a handful of caramel corn fits the bill some evenings! In an effort to add just one item a day to help provide nutritional inspiration - here are the Top 10 Foods to help restore overall balance and one of them is chocolate!

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