Note from the Director
A Friendly Reminder: We are closed November 24 & 25 in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday.
A big thank you to all the parents who were able to help out on the Trick or Treating field trip. A great time was had by all! Please don't forget to double check your child's candy from Halloween - if you haven't done so already.
This month will be even more enjoyable with many of us getting to spend time with family and friends. Please let your child's teacher know if you will be off on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday. Koala-T-Kare will be closed Thursday and Friday of that week!
We have a new substitute teacher on staff, that some of you may have met. Her name is Jillian and we want to welcome her to our team. She will be helping out when staff are on vacation, out sick, etc. Please help us make her feel welcome.
We applaud everyone for bringing in hats, warmer coats and mittens last month. It's really made playing outside more enjoyable for all!
Sue Schneider
Koala-T-Kare Director
Feathered Friends Update
Baby Chicks:
We are truly thankful that all the lovable Baby Chicks (and their families) make our jobs so much fun! They are all continuing to grow and develop, and their personalities are definitely showing. William has become quite the "talker" and gives us lots of giggles. Jamie is always full of smiles and snuggles with everyone. Ella continues to be her happy self, and is really working on sitting up unassisted. Zoe is such a content (and sleepy) little girl, who gives lots of smiles and coos throughout the afternoons. What a joy they all are!
Penguins:
It is November already. The warm weather sure seemed to go by quickly. We are all happy to have football season here. Hooray, our Packers are 7-0, what a great start to the season! We have been trying to get out onto the playground as much as possible. Ms. Margie usually takes out the oldest friends (Sammy, Stephen, Adeline and Anja) while the younger friends (Harper, Henry and Adelyn) usually go for stroller rides with Ms. Tammy to get their fresh air time. Our Penguins are progressing well and becoming fine, smart toddlers. Adeline, Anja, Sammy and Stephen really enjoy exploring and listening to stories. Henry is beginning to take steps and has been standing alone. Harper is busy exploring new things, especially in our play kitchen. Meanwhile, Adelyn is adjusting very well and really likes to pull herself up by the mirror. Please remember to email Sue if you're planning time off for the holiday(s). As always, please label everything that you bring into KTK to ensure it's returned to its rightful owner. We hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Parrots:
The Parrots have been busy this month preparing for the Fall season. We have been learning about nature, pumpkins, trees, squirrels and everything that goes along with Fall. We made squirrel puppets, acorn hats, pumpkin paper bags, painted trees and painted mini pumpkins. Along with those activities, the kids loved helping me with baking. We cut out leaf rice krispie treats and frosted pumpkins on cookies! Soon it will be Halloween and Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which will give the Parrots many more exciting learning activities!
Peacocks:
Happy Thanksgiving from the Peacocks. Our October included many walks around the neighborhood, especially to the fire station, and occasionally to the park. We also had lots of fun on our field trip to the pumpkin patch and going trick-or-treating. We are getting very comfortable with Miss Sara who joined us last month. In November, we hope to continue to have occasional walks in the neighborhood, and discuss Construction Vehicles, Thanksgiving, Food and Weather. Speaking of weather, we do try to get outside every day. Please continue to bring jackets, hats and mittens as they are needed so your child will be comfortable.
Owlets:
It continues to get colder and colder out, so please remember to send warmer coats, hats and mittens. We usually go outside before 10 a.m., so it's quite chilly that early in the morning. The Owlets continue to work on ABCs, counting, colors and shapes. Potty training is going well also. Our themes for November will be Health, Restaurants, Margaret Wise Brown, Thanksgiving and Our Body.
Owls:
The preschoolers have been busy having lots of Fall fun! Our trip to the pumpkin patch was a blast! We would like to wish a very happy birthday to Rowe on November 8 and Ms. Caren on the 23rd. Rowe will be turning the big 5! We would like to remind everyone to make sure your child has a coat, hat and mittens each morning for outside time. We do go out every day and the playground can be quite chilly in the morning hours! Also, just a friendly reminder to check your child's bin in the bathroom to make sure they have an extra set of clothes here (just in case). Our upcoming themes are Health, Restaurants, Margaret Wise Brown, Thanksgiving and Our Body. We will be having a mini Thanksgiving feast closer to turkey day; look for more details coming soon.
Out of the Mouths of Babes
One of the little boys in the Peacock room gently put his arm around his friend. He told him, "I love you." The friend answered nonchalantly, "I love me too!"
One of our moms on staff asked her daughter how her nap was. Her daughter replied very seriously, "It was tricky." Her mom said, "What do you mean?" and her little girl said, "My head wouldn't stay on my blanket."
One of the little boys in the preschool had gotten a filling when he went to the dentist and was saying his mouth was still feeling funny. He told his friend, "I just bit my cheek because it's tingly." The friend said, "Well...you'll just have to fight through it."
Simplifying Thanksgiving - Planning Tips for Busy Parents
Thanksgiving is a special time for family and friends to gather together, enjoy seasonal foods and appreciate things we are grateful for. Thanksgiving and the holiday season is also a busy time for parents with the emphasis on food preparation and eating! Throw in the added holiday stress and it can be a challenge to keep up with good nutrition, calorie management and being active. With a little planning, you can take steps to create a healthy and fun holiday season with less stress! Ready to get started?
Thanksgiving Food Planning Tips
Take time to plan your meal - planning ahead can save time and be less stressful:
- Simplify your menu - fewer thanksgiving dishes and desserts means less to prepare and less to clean up!
- Make a shopping list.
- Shop early - look for bargains on nonperishable foods.
- Make it a potluck - save time and have family and friends help with some of their favorite healthy side dishes.
- Prepare some foods in advance - appetizers and desserts can be prepared in advance, reducing your "to do" list closer to the holiday.
- Reduce your "to do" list - prioritize to create time for rest, fun and being active.
Get Kids Involved in Thanksgiving Planning & Cooking
Most young children enjoy being a "helper" and it's a fun way to spend time together.
They also enjoy cooking and will be proud to share the healthy dish they helped prepare for Thanksgiving. As you prepare for Thanksgiving you can use this time to get kids involved and teach them about new foods and healthy eating. There are plenty of ways to get kids involved. Kids can:
- Help come up with the menu.
- Find items on the grocery list.
- Find different colored seasonal vegetables.
- Wash vegetables and fruits.
- Help measure and mix ingredients.
- Add fresh fruits and vegetables to platters.
- Make cute Thanksgiving decorations.
- Set the table.
Quick Thanksgiving Nutrition Facts & Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy
This holiday season is a great time to take steps to keep your family healthy. Kids are developing their habits through their daily experiences. Since Thanksgiving is the kick off for the holiday season, demonstrate healthy holiday habits. This Thanksgiving you can teach the kids how to prepare for Thanksgiving by making healthy choices:
- Go for veggies! Cook healthier, low-calorie seasonal vegetables for a nutrient-packed meal.
- Cook healthy. Look for healthier substitutes for your recipes by substituting whole grains and low fat items whenever possible.
- Think out of the box! Consider fish or a vegetarian meal for your main entrée.
- Start the festivities with healthy choices. Offer some tasty and healthy appetizers with low fat dips to keep the calories down!
- Get moving! After dinner, get the family active with fun indoor or outdoor activities.
- Don't beat yourself up! If you feel like your family forgot their healthy habits, then just get the family back on the healthy track.
For more information, visit www.nourishinteractive.com.
