As we embrace the chilly beauty of winter here in Oklahoma, we're excited to share the latest updates, trainings, and activities from your resource and referral teams. Winter is a magical time for learning, and we're committed to making the most of this season with engaging and enriching ideas for your programs.
Transform your classrooms into winter wonderlands with thematic lessons and hands-on activities. From exploring the science of snowflakes to creating winter crafts, your students will discover the wonders of the season. These activities not only spark creativity but also enhance fine motor skills and cognitive development.
Despite the cold, we believe in the importance of outdoor play. Bundle your students up and get them ready to explore the winter landscape. Activities like building a snowman, pretending to ice skate, and melting snow in their mouths help children develop physical coordination, social skills, and an appreciation for the natural world while ensuring that all outdoor activities are safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Winter can be a magical time for young children, and incorporating seasonal activities into the classroom can make learning fun and engaging. Here are some creative winter activities for child care providers to use:
1. Snowflake Art: Provide children with paper, scissors, and glitter to create their own snowflakes. This activity helps develop fine motor skills and allows kids to express their creativity. Hang the snowflakes around the classroom to create a winter wonderland.
2. Indoor Snowball Fight: Use soft, plush balls or rolled-up socks to have a safe and fun indoor snowball fight. This activity promotes physical activity and teamwork while keeping kids warm and active indoors.
3. Winter Story Time: Read winter-themed books to the children, such as "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats or "Bear Snores On" by Karma Wilson. Follow up with a discussion or a related craft to enhance comprehension and engagement.
4. Hot Cocoa Science: Conduct a simple science experiment by making hot cocoa. Discuss the changes that occur when the cocoa powder is mixed with hot water or milk. This activity combines sensory exploration with basic scientific concepts.
5. Winter Nature Walk: If weather permits, take the children on a nature walk to observe the changes in the environment during winter. Collect pine cones, leaves, and other natural items to create a winter nature collage back in the classroom.
6. Winter-Themed Sensory Bin: Fill a bin with items like cotton balls, fake snow, and winter-themed toys. Allow children to explore the textures and objects, promoting sensory development and imaginative play.
7. Penguin Parade: Teach children about penguins and their habitats. Create a simple penguin craft using paper plates and construction paper. Then, have a "penguin parade" where children waddle around the classroom like penguins.
By incorporating these winter activities, child care providers can create a warm and engaging learning environment that celebrates the season while promoting development and fun.
Fantastic FREE Telehealth and Teletherapy Services for you!
Have you heard the news about the FREE telehealth/teletherapy services being offered to all licensed childcare providers by Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness? Taking care of your health is very important and OPSR has an outstanding opportunity for you to do that remotely at a time that is convenient for you as you care for children.
Find out more information about it Here and enroll now!
NC Article
Creating healthy habits for your young child can set the foundation for them to be well-adjusted and thrive. Start by establishing a consistent daily routine that includes regular meal times, playtime, and a bedtime schedule. Encourage positive behavior by setting clear expectations and using praise and rewards to reinforce good actions. Make sure to spend quality time with your child, engaging in activities that promote emotional bonding and communication. Teaching them simple task and responsibilities can also help build their confidence and independence. By nurturing these habits, you'll help your child develop a sense of security, self-discipline, and emotional well-being. Click this link for more information.
NE Article
Winter Play: 19 Indoor Activities to Support Development in Your Young Child - Erikson Institute Children’s first learning experiences start with interactions, daily routines, and play activities with their primary caregivers. This informs their understanding of the world around them. |
Reading Corner
Infant/Toddler
Peek-a-boo, I Love You!
Sandra Magsamen, author and Illustrator
A heartfelt twist on the classic game of peek-a-boo from creator Sandra Magsamen--a #1 bestselling title with fresh new art!
Who is just as cute as can be? Peek-a-boo, I love you! The sweetest baby in the world to me! Now with brand-new refreshed art, this bestselling interactive novelty format with a plush heart on the cover and sturdy lift-the-flaps on each spread blends a heartfelt message of love with a sweet game of peek-a-boo. Little ones will squeal with delight when a surprise mirror reveals which little baby is loved most of all! An adorable reissue of a beloved novelty board book from Sandra Magsamen, the bestselling creator of over thirty baby and toddler books, with sales of over 3 million copies worldwide. Find your copy here: Peek-a-Boo, I Love You! (Messages from... book by Sandra Magsamen
Activities to extend the book for infants and toddlers
Peekaboo books for infants can be interactive and help teach babies coordination, problem-solving, and mental stimulation. Some activities you can do with these books include:
Hiding and revealing
Hide your face behind your hands or another object, then suddenly reappear and say "Peekaboo!"
Lifting flaps
Turn the pages of the book and lift the flaps to reveal surprises
Guessing
Help your child guess who is sending presents, or which baby is loved the most
Reading aloud
Read the book aloud to your child to introduce them to unfamiliar words and rhyme
Preschool
Snowmen at Night Board book
by Caralyn Buehner (Author), Mark Buehner (Illustrator)
Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all! Caralyn Buehner's witty, imaginative verse offers many amusing details about the secret life of snowmen and where they go at night, while Mark Buehner's roly-poly snowmen are bursting with personality and charm. From the highly successful team that created such winning titles as Fanny's Dream, Snowmen at Night is fabulous, frosty, and fun!
Buy your copy here: Amazon.com: Snowmen at Night: 9780803730410: Caralyn Buehner, Mark Buehner: Books
School Age
The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn,
Illustrators: Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to reassure him of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children's classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp.
It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.
Find your copy here: The Kissing Hand (The Kissing Hand Series): Penn, Audrey: 9781939100429: Amazon.com: Books
Parent Corner from Ivy Learning Family Support Specialists
Family Support Specialists: Amber Huston, Northeast and Angela Turner, North Central
The Ivy Learning Family Support Specialists want to share information about the Strengthening Families Framework and 5 Protective Factors to help families stay strong:
Protective factors are characteristics or strengths of individuals, families, communities or societies that act to mitigate risks and promote positive well-being and healthy development. Often, we see them as attributes that help families to successfully navigate difficult situations. These are excellent to share with families whose children are in your care.
Events
Upcoming Ivy Learning Events
Northeast Region Thrive Network Training
Saturday February 22, 2025
Location: Vidalia's Cafe
319 N. Muskogee Ave. Tahlequah, OK
Please reach out to Ryan Sierra, NE Business Consultant for more information:
Ryan Sierra, rsierra@ivylearning.org or 918-766-6758
Upcoming North Central Thrive Family Child Care Network events:
Saturday March 1st: Computer Basics & More, 10:00am-2:00pm
presented by Tracy Hinton and Carla Pritchard
Location: Carolyn Renfro Event Center
445 Fairview Ave. Ponca City, OK
Please reach out to Tracy Hinton, NC Business Consultant for more information:
Tracy Hinton, thinton@ivylearning.org or 918-766-2577
Ivy Learning is here to serve you!
Ivy Learning Child Care Resource & Referral serves the North Central and Northeast Regions of Oklahoma, which includes 20 counties. For more information and to contact your regional representative, expand the section below.
North Central Region: Kay, Lincoln, Logan, Noble, Nowata, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Rogers and Washington Counties
Northeast Region: Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Ottawa & Sequoyah Counties
Request Technical Assistance from our Resource and Referral Specialists
Ivy Learning Child Care Resource and Referral can provide technical assistance to childcare providers. Technical Assistance services help providers improve or enhance the quality of childcare through structured and intentional services which supports the development of specific skills and practices. As a result, providers will be able to implement knowledge about quality in their individual care giving situations.
More Resources for Information and Webinars
Early Childhood Investigations Webinars
The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR)
Additional Resources
918-397-3007 Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Program 866-343-3881 Insure Oklahoma/OEPIC 888-365-3742 Oklahoma Child Care Services Oklahoma Professional Development Registry View the Statewide Training Calendar Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFP) | Centers for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD) 888.446.7608 FREE phone support and consultation for child care providers regarding behavior, development, health, and safety issues. Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm Automated system available 24/7. Questions? Email: warmline@health.ok.gov Information, Resources, & Trainings Oklahoma Partners for School Readiness (OPSR) |
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