Hello Muskoka Early Years Professionals!

 

Embracing the Season of Change:

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the warm tones of fall, we have a beautiful opportunity to embrace this season of change! The crisp air, falling leaves, and rich colors inspire us to explore new ideas with children as we celebrate the beauty of nature, and connect with our little ones in joyful and meaningful ways.

 

Living Life in Color

Autumn invites us to reflect on the beauty around us. Let’s bring that spirit into our classrooms! Here are a few ideas to celebrate the colors of fall:

  • Color Exploration: Incorporate the vibrant colors of autumn into your art activities. Encourage children to use red, orange, yellow, and brown in their creations, fostering both creativity and color recognition.
  • Story Time: Select books that highlight the changing seasons. Stories like "Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert or "Fletcher and the Falling Leaves" by Julia Rawlinson can spark discussions about change and the beauty of nature.

Finding Joy in the Work We Do

Working with young children is an incredible journey filled with moments of joy and discovery. Here are some ways to amplify that joy in your daily routine:

  • Celebrate Small Wins: Take time each day to celebrate the small achievements of your students and yourself. Whether it’s mastering a new skill or simply sharing a smile, acknowledging these moments fosters a positive environment.
  • Collaboration and Community: Share your experiences with fellow educators! Host a gathering or an online forum to exchange ideas, resources, and support. The connections we build with each other can reignite our passion for teaching.

Fostering Connection with Nature

Autumn is a perfect time to connect children with the natural world. Here are some ideas to consider nature beyond nature walks which I know our community loves to do:

  • Garden Projects: If possible, start a small fall garden. Planting bulbs or herbs can teach children about growth and patience as they watch their plants flourish.
  • Sensory Play: Create sensory bins filled with acorns, pinecones, and dried leaves. Encourage children to explore textures, smells, and sounds, enhancing their sensory experiences.
  • Celebrating Harvest: Organize a mini-harvest festival. Invite families to share their favorite fall recipes or have a potluck featuring seasonal produce. This strengthens community bonds and enriches children’s understanding of the season.

As we transition into fall, let’s embrace the changes, celebrate the colors, and find joy in the work we do. Each day offers new opportunities to inspire our students and foster their growth. Thank you for your dedication and passion for early childhood education.

 

Wishing you a colorful and joyful fall season!

 

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. 

Life is a painting, and you are the artist.

You have on your palette all the colors in the spectrum - the same ones available to Michelangelo and DaVinci.

-Paul J. Meyer

Professional Learning Opportunities

October In-Person Workshop

Building a Strong Collaborative Team Considering Organizational Vision and Values in Alignment with How Does Learning Happen?


In this session, participants will gain strategies for building a strong team culture by considering their organizations program statement, values and commitment while aligning it with the underpinnings of

How Does Learning Happen?


The fundamentals of team building give us pause to consider the understanding of mutual respect, the interpersonal skills of listening and talking, the creation of guiding principles, the atmosphere of being non-competitive which does not involve winners and


Date: October 23, 2024.

Time: Dinner at 5:30pm - Workshop at 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Location: The Summit Centre, Huntsville, 20 Park Dr.


Presented by: ECCDC


Register Now!

Can colour change our mood? Does it help us connect with each other and our surroundings? This month I was inspired to think of the theme of colour and I wanted to share this interesting Ted talk with Mollie Kaye. She dresses with a charming vintage flair and shares a transformative initiative - dressing up every Tuesday to connect with strangers. The talk emphasizes the power of extending warm social connections, providing a compelling call to action for viewers to embrace their uniqueness, engage with others, and positively impact their well-being and the community. To me, it was an example of a person who is living their life in colour, and the power of that.

Introducing “Between Two Pines,” our new monthly

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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!


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Coming-up in the Community

September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt day.

Community Spotlight!

Professional Development Night

We had an excellent turn out of Early Learning Professionals for our September Workshop series: The Lost Art of Music and Movement presented by Patricia Couroix from the ECCDC.


We had 43 participants from all areas of Muskoka at the Active Living Centre at the Summit Centre in Huntsville.


This group was vibrant, energetic, slightly competitive when it came to challenges and an overall joy to witness! 

Community Spotlight...

Calling all Early Years Professionals working directly with children, leaders, community partners and Best Start Network members.


Every month this area will highlight all the magnificent work that is happening in Muskoka's Early Learning and Child Care sector. We invite you to share your own or a coworker's inspirational stories and moments from the field. Your experiences can serve as a beacon of encouragement for fellow educators and care givers creating a community of inspiration that transcends boundaries.


Email me your edited inspirational story about your program, learning story, discovery, celebration uplifting person or organization. Keep it simple and easy under 250 words with 1 or 2 photos. Make sure you have the required sharing permissions and keep them coming, there will be no limit to entries.

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

'The road we travel is equal in importance to the destination we seek. There are no shortcuts. When it comes to truth and reconciliation we are forced to go the distance.'


-Justice Murray Sinclair

Children's Book Recommendation:

Today Is Orange Shirt Day is an authentic, age-appropriate, touch-and-feel board book designed for ages 0-3. Written by the founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement and author of award-winning picture book Every Child Matters Phyllis Webstad. Watch Phyllis on CBC Kids Book Club discussing Every Child Matters.

Recipe Corner!

Apple season in Ontario has arrived! I love all the creative ways to use

apples with children: Healthy Apple Recipes to Cook with Kids

 

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