Thanks for Fall
18-10-2017, 10:03 AMHello!
This past week at Junior OSC, we got to connect with the kids about what Thanksgiving is all about and we asked what the kids are thankful for in their lives. Here are some of the things the kids said they were thankful for.
Talking with the kids about what Thanksgiving really is gave them an opportunity to appreciate what they have.
Now that Fall is here, the leaves are falling on the ground so what better way to spend the afternoon than to build leaf piles?! The kids worked together as a team to build a huge leaf pile at the park. Once done, they rewarded themselves by jumping in the pile and throwing the leaves in the air.
Thanks
Brianne
This past week at Junior OSC, we got to connect with the kids about what Thanksgiving is all about and we asked what the kids are thankful for in their lives. Here are some of the things the kids said they were thankful for.
- mommy and daddy
- little sister
- cookbooks
- nice place to live
- cars
- dolls
- grandma
- cat named “meow”
Talking with the kids about what Thanksgiving really is gave them an opportunity to appreciate what they have.
Now that Fall is here, the leaves are falling on the ground so what better way to spend the afternoon than to build leaf piles?! The kids worked together as a team to build a huge leaf pile at the park. Once done, they rewarded themselves by jumping in the pile and throwing the leaves in the air.
Thanks
Brianne
Comments
Self Portraits with Nature
10-10-2017, 04:47 PMHi Families!
With autumn in full swing and the guarantee of pleasant weather lessening, our next challenge is coming up with new and enticing activities. A few weeks ago, I knew I wanted to do some variety of self portraits but I was not entirely sure about involving myself with paint on this day (white shirt.. disaster waiting to happen).
There's a lot of buzz around using natural materials in classrooms and a variety of out of school care programs, so I thought to try self portraits, but using natural materials. There were mixed reactions, some were disappointed that it wasn't slime - a popular activity as of late - and some intrigued. We ventured out to the park and followed the fence along the putting course, collecting acorns, pine needles, pebbles, fallen leaves and sticks. What I liked about this activity was that it was a way to get the kids outside, as some of them are dedicated art-doers so they might not visit the park as often. I think the kids could appreciate there were little to no guidelines so they could build themselves on paper however they chose, with whatever materials they found from outside. We briefly talked about what kinds of materials would be ideal: pine needles for hair, acorns for noses or heads, sticks for arms and legs...get their creative juices flowing.
Check out some examples below! I was impressed to see how much effort they put in :)
With autumn in full swing and the guarantee of pleasant weather lessening, our next challenge is coming up with new and enticing activities. A few weeks ago, I knew I wanted to do some variety of self portraits but I was not entirely sure about involving myself with paint on this day (white shirt.. disaster waiting to happen).
There's a lot of buzz around using natural materials in classrooms and a variety of out of school care programs, so I thought to try self portraits, but using natural materials. There were mixed reactions, some were disappointed that it wasn't slime - a popular activity as of late - and some intrigued. We ventured out to the park and followed the fence along the putting course, collecting acorns, pine needles, pebbles, fallen leaves and sticks. What I liked about this activity was that it was a way to get the kids outside, as some of them are dedicated art-doers so they might not visit the park as often. I think the kids could appreciate there were little to no guidelines so they could build themselves on paper however they chose, with whatever materials they found from outside. We briefly talked about what kinds of materials would be ideal: pine needles for hair, acorns for noses or heads, sticks for arms and legs...get their creative juices flowing.
Check out some examples below! I was impressed to see how much effort they put in :)
Happy Fall!
Sara E
Imagination Creation Station!
03-10-2017, 01:52 PMEach and everyday at OSC, we have one leader who plans and leads one activity. These activities can range from a variety of subjects. Some are art projects, science experiments, baking, and many more fun things. This week for my activity, I gave the kids the freedom to make anything their imaginations could think of. I brought out a whole variety of supplies ~ wood, paper, straws, cups, glue, popsicle sticks, string, googly eyes, rubber bands ...etc.
With all these supplies ready to go, I then told the kids to “pick one art item and think of something you can make with that item.”
With all these supplies ready to go, I then told the kids to “pick one art item and think of something you can make with that item.”
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| A simple sandal, turned into a playful pet with its own leash attached for nice long walks on the beach. |
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| Popsicle sticks and string to form a bow and arrow. |
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| A few pom poms with some googly eyes and a cape makes for great super hero pet! |
Until next time,
Corey
Jr OSC Pro Tips
09-09-2017, 08:23 AMWe may be the child care professionals, but families can be child care pros too! Just follow these tips to start your career as an OSC Elite.
AM Sign In - With Jr and Sr OSC combined at Gilmore for morning care, there will be two programs in the same space. When signing in your child, look for the correct Jr OSC Sign In binder first! Otherwise, you could be staring into the Sr OSC binder forever and never find your child's name listed.
Be Prepared - It's not just a catchphrase for boy scouts, but words to live by, especially at OSC. Please send your child with the right gear for play. Water bottle for thirst, jacket for rain, hat and gloves for cold. Remember, we strive to get outside everyday, year round, no matter the weather.
Look to the Board - At pickup, you'll usually find our magnetic "choices board" near the sign in table. This displays where the kids may be. Elite pickup persons know to look for their child's magnet button to quickly locate the child's whereabouts.
Sign Out - Please remember to sign out your child. Gilmore and Quilchena on the white sheet, Dixon on the blue sheet. Need the time? Look up at the window sill and a clock will be staring right back at you.
Back Stairwell - Need to get your child from the playground? Use the back stairwell! Down the hall, through the door on the right, down the stairs and bingo - you're at the playground.
Cheers,
Dustin
Cheers,
Dustin
Risky Play(ground) Practice
14-07-2017, 05:58 AMA recent trip to a local playground reminded me of how much my perspective on acceptable playground play can differ from my other colleagues in the field. What I witnessed was a staff from another summer camp frequently requesting children to "reign in" their actions, from what I assume was a fear for the children's safety. Below are some examples of the scenarios, along with my thoughts.
Scenario #1: Child stands on swing seat
Staff: "Sit down! No standing on the swings."
My thoughts: The child was on an individual swing set and posed no risk to other children. By my estimate, the child appeared to be 8 or 9 years old and seemed perfectly confident, comfortable and in control of the swing. In fact, he wasn't even swinging, but merely standing on the seat, with both hands grasping the chains on either side. I asked in my own head, "how is this action any riskier than climbing any of the other structures on the rest of the playground?"
Verdict: Risk minimal. Let them play!
Scenario #2: Child shuffles up pole that supports swing set
Staff: "Get down. No climbing up the swings."
My thoughts: Why not?! The child was not in the way of any other participants, nor was he in the path of the swings. Again, the risk to this child climbing, or to those around him, was no greater than, say, climbing the monkey bars at the other end of the playground.
Verdict: Risk minimal. Let them play!
Scenario #3: Child climbs up side of playground structure
Staff: "Be careful..."
My thoughts: I've grown to hate this phrase. Why? Because it conveys NOTHING. First, will saying "be careful" change how the child is behaving? Doubtful. Do you think the child is actually trying to be careless to hurt herself? Second, saying "be careful" doesn't tell the child what you want her to do. It conveys no direction. If you have an actual concern, simply prompt the child to think about the dangers (i.e. "if your foot slips, do you have a good grip with both hands?")
Verdict: Useless phrase. Let them play!
Let's be reminded of why we have playgrounds. Yes, the obvious reasons are for fun and physical activity. But playgrounds, or playing in general, are for exploring risk and developing skills! Of course we should set some limits to prevent major hazards from inflicting serious harm. But an exposure to reasonable risky play only serves to develop skills in our children, both in assessing and overcoming risks.
No risk? No reward!
Cheers,
Dustin
Scenario #1: Child stands on swing seat
Staff: "Sit down! No standing on the swings."
My thoughts: The child was on an individual swing set and posed no risk to other children. By my estimate, the child appeared to be 8 or 9 years old and seemed perfectly confident, comfortable and in control of the swing. In fact, he wasn't even swinging, but merely standing on the seat, with both hands grasping the chains on either side. I asked in my own head, "how is this action any riskier than climbing any of the other structures on the rest of the playground?"
Verdict: Risk minimal. Let them play!
Scenario #2: Child shuffles up pole that supports swing set
Staff: "Get down. No climbing up the swings."
My thoughts: Why not?! The child was not in the way of any other participants, nor was he in the path of the swings. Again, the risk to this child climbing, or to those around him, was no greater than, say, climbing the monkey bars at the other end of the playground.
Verdict: Risk minimal. Let them play!
Scenario #3: Child climbs up side of playground structure
Staff: "Be careful..."
My thoughts: I've grown to hate this phrase. Why? Because it conveys NOTHING. First, will saying "be careful" change how the child is behaving? Doubtful. Do you think the child is actually trying to be careless to hurt herself? Second, saying "be careful" doesn't tell the child what you want her to do. It conveys no direction. If you have an actual concern, simply prompt the child to think about the dangers (i.e. "if your foot slips, do you have a good grip with both hands?")
Verdict: Useless phrase. Let them play!
Let's be reminded of why we have playgrounds. Yes, the obvious reasons are for fun and physical activity. But playgrounds, or playing in general, are for exploring risk and developing skills! Of course we should set some limits to prevent major hazards from inflicting serious harm. But an exposure to reasonable risky play only serves to develop skills in our children, both in assessing and overcoming risks.
No risk? No reward!
Cheers,
Dustin