Friday Yoga

Hello OSC families,

Afternoons here at Jr OSC can often get a little crazy, and especially when it’s a Friday. It’s always fun to change it up and bring in a new activity, which is why I have recently begun leading yoga on Friday afternoons. I was nervous at first to try something new with the kids but they ended up really enjoying our afternoon meditation sessions.

A couple different activities have been incorporated into our relaxation time, which include stretching, deep breathing exercises, different yoga poses, massage circles, and show and tell, where the kids take turns showing the rest of the group a new pose, stretch, or skill. As a group we have spoken about how we can use these exercises in our everyday lives, when we feel frustrated, upset, or stressed. The kids have enjoyed creating a happy place in their minds where they can go when they are feeling these emotions.

Valentina: My favourite part of yoga is the part where we do show and tell.

Lily: That is also my favourite part.

Evani: My favourite part is the massage train.





I have really enjoyed seeing the kids support one another and help each other learn new skills. The children in Grades 1 and 2 have done a great job of looking out for their younger friends, whether it be learning to do a somersault, get into a pose, or staying balanced.

I’m looking forward to our next yoga session!


Erin
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Fluffly Unicorn Slime Frenzy!!


This art led by leader Mackenzie was a huge hit with the kids this week so here’s the recipe for fluffy unicorn slime:



Ingredients:

2/3 cup of Elmer’s white glue
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup water
2-3 cups of shaving cream
1.5 tbsp contact solution (1 tbsp in mix, ½ tbsp. for kneading)
Food Coloring



Directions:

  1. Add glue to bowl
  2. Add water & baking soda, mix together
  3. Add shaving cream and mix till it is blended in
  4. Add food coloring and mix again
  5. Slowly add contact solution and knead with hands

The final product can be very sticky, but the more you play with it the more it will stay together. To save it, you can put it in a plastic sealable bag and save it for later!

 

Enjoy!


Pearlena
 
 


 


 

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DIY Snack Mix: Heart Day Edition!

Happy VERY belated Valentine’s Day, friends and families! I always enjoy watching the kids get so excited for Valentine’s Day activities: inspecting their ‘mailboxes’ to see which friends or crushes left them a card, sneaking 1, 2 or 3 treats, and sucking on the cinnamon hearts to see who can last the longest with the spicy treats on their tongues. That said, I could definitely do without the simultaneous sugar crashes that come with the lollipop binge.

My art activity day happened to land on the day after Valentine’s Day, but that didn’t stop me from continuing the celebration! As a super simple, festive treat we popped some popcorn and made our own snack mix! To jazz up our kernels, we threw in some Smarties, sprinkles, melted the brightest pink wafers (white chocolate that’s been food-dyed PINK) and shook it all up until it looked marbled. The kids personalized a paper bag and filled it up – I love doing DIY snack mixes with the kids because it looks like a treat and tastes like a treat but it’s not nearly as sugary as your regular Valentine’s giveaway.

Upon finishing our activity, I briefly spoke with a group of girls about crushes – most of them kept mum on who their crushes were, if they had one at all. We talked about how Valentine’s Day is also about showing our friends and family how much we love them too.


Onto the next big holiday – spring break and Easter!


Hasta luego,

Sara


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Grade 2 Integration

Hey parents! This is a friendly reminder that every Thursday, starting on March 1st, will be Grade 2 Integration. This is where the Grade 2s join our Senior Out-of-School Care program, where they slowly start transitioning into the Senior group. This means a new room, new staff team and new experiences.

This new space is located at Gilmore Elementary School in the multi-purpose room. We have printed out directions and are happy to help you easily find your way. There are some changes when you first arrive at the Senior location that differ from the Junior program. Some of those differences start right as you arrive at Gilmore. Instead of parents signing in, we like to teach the children the responsibility of signing themselves in. As well as an adjustment in the routine, there is a noticeable change in the setup of the room- bigger chairs, comfortable seating area, pool table, and a variety of older-age games and toys for the children to play and explore. We understand that getting comfortable with this transition takes time for some, and we want to make things as accommodating and easy-going for everyone.

To aid in the Grade 2s transition period, we have asked Alicia from Jr OSC to assist them. We want to ensure they have a smooth and exciting time experiencing the "senior life." Along with Alicia, we have our (awesome/amazing) Senior staff team who are more than capable to support and teach the Grade 2s to develop the skills needed for positive growth.

Being given the opportunity to help shape each of our Grade 2s and to soon watch them start a new chapter in their life is truly an exciting time. I hope each child continues to learn and grow and strive to be the best version of themselves.

If you need any further information about Grade 2 Integration, please do not hesitate to ask one of our staff members :)


Thank you,

Corey
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Dream-Dough

Looking for a simple yet fun indoor activity to occupy the kids during these rainy days? Try this safe and easy 2 ingredient playdough at home. Due to its soft, fluffy cloud-like sensation, I like to call it Dream Dough.

I challenged each child to mix the ingredients to form a dough that is pleasing to their individual sense of touch. To some children, the softer texture was a more satisfying feeling, while others preferred to form a tougher consistency similar to playdough.

To enhance your dough mixture, you can add a variety of different ingredients like food colouring, and other stimulating textures like glitter or pom poms, etc. However you wish to form your own individual dough, I hope you enjoy this activity with your kids :)




Corey


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