Progress of the CR Children's Charter

 “Children and youth are our most precious resource. They are the life and future of our society.  Every child deserves to be loved, nurtured and given the care they need to grow up healthy in all ways: emotionally, spiritually and physically.” ~ Barbara Fitzgerald M.D. FRCP(C) Clinical Associate Professor, UBC, Developmental Pediatrician

A strong community, vibrant and healthy, is a community that recognizes the fundamental right of all its citizens to a quality of life that guarantees safety, and the reasonable expectation of health and happiness.  Campbell River has turned its attention to this goal by adopting a Charter of Rights for Seniors and a Charter of Rights for Youth.  Now we are asking children to help us define what it is that they need to be safe, to be happy, and to be healthy and grow.  With their help we propose to add a Children's Charter of Rights to the City of Campbell River.

Children as young as three are being consulted.  When presented with the silhouette of a baby, young children have been asked what they think this baby needs to be safe, to be happy, and to be healthy and grow.  Many of the answers have been both simple and profound. Babies need "their Mummies" and "families to love them". These things keep them safe and make them happy.  They need "help crossing the road, not with a little or bigger brother, . . . Well, maybe a teenager".  They need toys, and to be healthy they need "the special milk with the yellow lid" and "clean diapers".

When shown the silhouette of an older child, they have been asked if these children need anything different than the babies.  "Still to be with their Mum!” was a common response.

Slightly older children had insightful answers. "Proper housing", "good food", "a family to love", "a good fire department and locks", "clean water", "no pollution", "exercise", and "fruits, vegetables, meat and milk" were a few of their responses.  Play has been a common theme.

The thoughts of our children are confirming the declaration of the United Nations' Rights of the Child.  Our children will guide our own declaration of what we are committed to providing children who live in our community.

Contact crsuccessby6@gmail.com if you would like more information on the development of the charter, or would like to get involved.

Children’s Charter Action Committee, Campbell River Children’s Charter:  Project Timeline March – November 2015

Family Place 1

Children’s Health Fair

We are proud to once again present the Ready-Set Go Children’s Health Fair, Friday March 15, 10 – 2 @ Robron Centre, where community organizations will be available to provide parents of tots and preschoolers with information on safety, health, literacy awareness, recreation and a variety of other programs.

Vision, hearing, development, dental and speech screening for children will be available free onsite; however, space is limited so come early!

Other activities include; zumbatomic, mini workshops, nutrition, drumming, face painting, puppet shows and child find.

Thanks to BC Transit and City of Campbell River free bus services will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for anyone attending the event with children. There will be free snacks, beverages and lots of prizes!

Come out and enjoy a fun filled day where the sound of children’s laughing and squealing, parents chatting with other parents and the soothing sound of a drum beat can be heard throughout the building.

 

                                                                                          Cedar Weaving 2012

 

 

    Zumbatomic with Pam from Stereo Fitness

Get outside and Play

Success By 6 Family Friendly Gym Challenge

• Recent UBC studies show 1 in 3 Campbell River children is not ready to succeed in school by age 6
• Local data shows 16 % of our children are vulnerable in Physical Health and Well Being (eg. motor development, establish handedness)

Bikram Yoga Campbell River and Stereo Fitness both heard the message and took on the Family Friendly Gym challenge organized by Success By 6. Research shows that the vulnerability rate in the physical and health domain is on the rise in children in Campbell River and Success By 6 is working on decreasing it.  Over the past year we have been sponsoring free family swims in partnership with Strathcona Gardens and sponsor the Family Gym on Friday mornings at the Sportsplex.

• Data indicates that children who watch more than 2 hours of screen time (TV, computer, video games) per day have double the incidence of over-weight and obesity when compared to children who watch less than 1 hour per day
• Research indicates that children’s early experiences have far reaching and lifelong effects on the development of their brains and behavior

A HUGE Thank you to Stereo Fitness for a very successful fundraiser for Success By 6 on Saturday November 3.  Approximately $600 was raised and earlier in October Bikram Yoga Campbell River raised $210 through their drop-in yoga morning and a lemonade stand.  All funds will go towards free healthy early learning programs in Campbell River for the children in our community.

Thank you both for participating in the Family Friendly Gym Challenge and helping to raise funds for children in our community. It takes a community to raise a child.

Photos courtesy of Parks and Recreation, City of Campbell River

Forest Kindergarten

A forest kindergarten is held almost exclusively outdoors. Whatever the weather, children are encouraged to play, explore and learn in a forest or natural environment. The teacher’s role is meant to assist rather than lead.  The classroom is "without a ceiling or walls". 

As the new school year begins children in Colwood, BC get a choice of having the first part of their day in the forest, Chek News shares.

In the Campbell River School District, children in Sayward have been given the opportunity to experience a Forest Kindergarten, check out the teacher’s story. 

 

 

 

Family Time Fishing

Did you know that you can fish for free during Father's Day weekend in BC? What a great way to spend family time together celebrating dad.
The Family Fishing Weekend is to encourage British Columbians, especially young people, to go fishing, learn a great new pastime and have fun with family and friends. The program runs annually during the Father's Day Weekend each June.

Check out the website for more details.

Celebrating May as Child Care Month

May is the month we celebrate and honour our most valued citizens, our child care providers!  Caring for children is often rewarding and challenging work.

Early Childhood Educators support and enrich the lives of families and the development of children.

ECEBC and the BCGEU is proud to celebrate child care month with the launch of a series of short animations.

 

 

 

Could Today’s Fast-paced TV Put Your Child’s Brain at Risk?

Don’t many of us suspect that TV and video games are bad for young children? We might, but research shows that children under the age of five typically watch more than four hours of TV a day. Not only that, today’s children begin their TV viewing at 4 months, rather than four years as it did in the 1970’s. Just what does this prolonged media viewing do to children’s developing brains? This question is precisely what father and paediatrician-researcher, Dimitri Christakis, set out to study.

Christakis’s research showed that regular exposure to frenetic media images changes the way a child’s emerging neural networks develop. Over time, chronic exposure to certain kinds of TV puts children at risk for attention problems. According to Christakis, slow paced educational programs like Mr. Rogers show 0% risk of creating inattention. However, fast-paced entertainment programs like Baby Einstein present a 60% risk of creating inattention and violent programs show 110% risk of creating increasing inattention.

Just as fast, violent TV threatens brain development in young children, Christakis also found that interactive play enhances it. Simple activities like stacking, counting and building with blocks give children a brain advantage. One study showed that young children who engaged in parent-child block play for 20-30 minutes a day demonstrated stronger language development than those who did not. What does this research mean for today’s harried parent? First of all, the right type of slow-paced, educational program may not harm your child. Second, as little as 20 minutes a day of interactive child-parent play can boost brain development in the early years when it matters most.

To find out more about Christakis’ research watch this video to his 2011 TED Talk.

Lisa Scalapino is a School Psychologist and Educational Consultant. Questions? You can reach Lisa at lisa.scalapino@sd72.bc.ca

Top 5 Toys of All Time

Evolution and modernization has changed many things in our world, and as hard as corporations might try to include young children in this realm, it seems, some things will and should never change. As parents, we can all relate to moments when our very young child receives a toy, and is far more interested in the box and packaging than the plastic do-dad inside. For some strange reason we tend to feel obligated to distract them from their instincts and insist on the acceptance of the less desired object. Interesting. We also notice how our children gravitate to water and marvel at the length of time they will spend with sticks and rocks if we do not interrupt with concern of getting “dirty. So why not support the child’s natural interests and nurture their instincts? The benefits might surprise you.

 

1. The Stick. Or sticks of all shapes sizes- including wooden blocks. These are very versatile outside offering fort/structure building that develops problem solving, coordination and communication. Dramatic and imaginative play is inspired in groups of children, encouraging cooperation. Even art can be included with use of sticks by drawing in the dirt, and weaving yarn and beads on twigs. With bark and splinters removed sticks, and small log rounds can become part of all types of indoor play- trucks, dolls, building and so much more- just provide sticks/or blocks, add children and enjoy the inspiration.

2. The Box. Again this can be plural- depending on space. A large empty box free of sharp edges and staples is every child’s dream- they can make it their own in so many ways. With addition of some adult supervision and art supplies this play has many levels of purpose and learning. Construction process can include measuring and math, which can be adapted for pretty much any age. Children will have hours of fun ahead planning prepping and playing. Puppet theatres, houses, space ships, cars, caves, t.v.’s are some things you might see being developed. As long as the box is sturdy (dryer boxes work great) and you have space for it to stay- this toy will be one sure to bring kids back again and again taking new forms along the way.

3. Earth. We are talking everything from large rocks to dirt. Like sticks- this versatile toy is great in its natural environment, but can be brought inside in tubs for exploration. A group of boulders outside can provide a natural playground for children to climb, jump off, and create secluded play spaces with. Pebbles, sand and dirt are almost always attractive to very young children, and with close adult supervision they can enjoy the sensory and cause and effect experiences. This kind of exposure builds science thinking, a relationship to nature and again can connect to other play interests such as vehicles, art, miniature worlds and more.

 

4. Water. Of course in all of its forms- frozen, snow, warm, cold, clear, colored you name it kids love playing with the stuff. In a large tub or water table with cups and scoops young kids will love learning about cause and effect, add sinking and floating and the preschoolers are absorbing further early science concepts. Mix in color and science is not only expanding again, but now leads into art. There really is no end to fun and learning with water. And of course never over look the greatness of streams, beaches and mud puddles!

Ice Cube Painting

5. Fabric. In large bolts fabric inspires the fashion designer and performer enhancing dramatic play greatly. Unlike packaged, adult constructed costumes, fabric is cheap and open ended which invites the child’s imagination to direct the play, not the costume. Provide a variety of textures, weights, colors and sizes. Combine fabric with fort building with sticks and with dolls and the play continues to expand. In smaller pieces with scissors, glue and bits of craft supplies and adult supervision as needed, fabric can provide art projects that develop creativity.

So there you have it! Cheap and accessible brain-building play for kids of all ages, great alternatives to the expensive imagination robbing plastic we can feel good about avoiding.

Rhonda Teramura Mom of three and ECE

Curbing Consumerism in Childhood

Spring Cleaning. It always reminds me that I have survived another gluttonous gift getting season by way of taking stock of what is now unloved, discarded and un-needed in order to de-clutter and simplify. It is easy to buy into manufactures claims of quality in their products when combined with the whines and pining of children who are in love with the latest and greatest, especially when swept into the pressure cooker shopping day countdown.


Every year I think it will be different, and every year although small changes are made, I still find myself slogging through stuff we don’t need and kids who are seemingly indifferent to it all. In contrast to this, I am aware of the endless joy and entertainment kids will get from the simpler things in life. The stick my son loyally totes around the forest for hours, as his fishing rod for the imaginary fish he catches in the stream, serves as evidence that hours of fun and brain development costs nothing. The enthusiasm a driftwood fort inspires and the hours of plotting, hauling and teamwork that develops and motivates, reminds me once we get out there the fun just happens. The beach glass and rock collection becomes a built in break for mom and dad as they put their feet up at the fire and watch the kids scurry around and squat to curate. 


As I observe the authentic joy and engagement kids have with their surroundings and the depth of imagination involved in this play, and I realize this is something you just can’t bottle, or market or wrap up and give, no Baby Einstein you've got nothing on sticks. The true gift, the one that lasts and keeps on giving, is that which supports kids to do what they love and creates happy memories for years to come, I've decided. If we can make the transition from disposable plastic toys, which ultimately litter the land and our kid’s brains, to supporting experiences that nurture their spirit, we might find a shift in attitude and thus a break in the consumer cycle. 


We teach by example, whether we want to or not. Children can’t learn that materialism and consumerism are empty, wasteful and expensive if their parents dutifully accept these traditional western societal norms and expectations dictated by the calendar. The toy isle friction is not an interaction that promotes strong and positive relationships, and in fact, most parents will agree that arguing with their kids is a repetitive, time -consuming drain on the family. So why not make it easier and free up some time and energy for positive experiences instead? 


We have learned a few simple changes, that overtime will fully transform the way we experience gifting and our consumer attitude. Handmade gifts promote thoughtfulness and care, 2^nd hand treasures open up unknown possibilities and focuses on individuals interest, and the gift of memories can come in many forms such as go cart passes, or horse back riding. This simple shift teaches children the basis of what’s really important so we can enjoy ourselves, each other and our time.


Rhonda Teramura ECE and Mom of Three


Take a look at this video for a look at Consuming Kids:  The Commercialization of Childhood

‎2012 Ready-Set-Go Children's Health Fair

Local community partners are proud once again to present the Ready-Set-Go Children's Health Fair. Local community organizations will be available to provide parents of tots and preschoolers with information on safety, health, literacy awareness, recreation and a variety of other programs. Vision, developmental, dental and speech screening for children will be available FREE on site.

March 16, 2012 10 am - 2 pm
Robron Centre, 740 Robron Road

Other activities will include:
Magical Faces, Zumbatomic by Pam of Stereo Fitness, Leap and Hop Play Activities by CR Parks and Recreation and Active Campbell River, Drumming Circles, Miss Judy and the Bow Wow Dog Show, Child Find and much more.

BC Transit and City of Campbell River have partnered with the community to provide FREE BUS SERVICES from 8 am to 5 pm for all riders.  Thank you City of Campbell River for your support.

Free snacks, beverages and lots of prizes!!

For more information on the Children's Health Fair contact Cheryl at info@crfamilynetwork.ca

Daily reunions for the working parent

This article was seen in Parents As Teachers A Newsletter for Parents of Preschoolers by Columbia Public Schools Parents As Teachers.  In today’s society working parents are so busy with work and running their children from one activity to the next.  This article was a great reminder!

Family reunions are important. They matter. Not just the once-a-year get-togethers with the cousins, but the regular, end-of-the-day reunions with your child. How do you reconnect after a day apart? What do you do, for example, on the way home? How do you put yourself back in touch with your child?
Here are some ideas from other parents:
- “We both have a small snack in the car--usually fruit or pretzels.”

- “I make it a point to not answer the cell phone or make calls in that first half hour or so.. I want my attention on my child.”

- “We usually sing. Not well, but loudly!”

- “My motto is ‘stop, look, and listen.’ Before we even get in the car, I stop, slow down, look right in his eyes, and try to really listen to what he’s telling me.”

- “I always check the bulletin board outside the classroom door to see what they did that day. It gives me something specific to talk about.”

- “I mention something I did at work that day, maybe what I had for lunch. Once I told her about a bird that flew in the store where I work. After a while she usually tells me about her day. But if she just feels like being quiet, I’m quiet along with her.”

- “I think hugs and pats and any physical affection make a big difference in reconnecting.”

Early Experiences Critical for Early Development

Turn off your T.V, they don't call them programs for nothing. Don't believe it?  Check out the  video to understand the effects that media has on the early development of children.  Children need more real time, real play and less fast paced media.  Change the beginning and you change the whole story!

Active Play for Families

A fundamental part of raising a happy and healthy family is to provide active opportunities for children and youth. The benefits of activity are endless and encouraging everyday fitness and activity for your children will set the foundation for an active life through adulthood and this is an invaluable gift to share with your children.

The physical activity guidelines of the Public Health Agency of Canada state that children and youth should accumulate at least 90 minutes of physical activity per day including both moderate* and vigorous** activity. In order to achieve this, TV and video games need to have a rest and families are recommended to be creative and spend more time actively playing together.

Sharing quality family time together is just one benefit of engaging in active play together. In addition, family members will develop shared interests, can work as a team to reach common goals and serve as motivation to one another. Keeping children active also:

· Builds strong bones and strengthens muscles

· Maintains flexibility

· Maintains and achieves a healthy weight

· Promotes good posture and balance

· Improves fitness

· Strengthens the heart

· Improves physical self-esteem

· Increases relaxation

· Enhances healthy growth and development

· Helps them meet new friends

(Public Health Agency of Canada)

Incorporating activity into daily living successfully involves including the family in the decision and planning making process; kids love to have a say. Looking for activities or events in the paper or leisure guides is a great way to plan together. Activities must be fun and engaging and remember exercise tends to be boring, while play is fun, so choose your words carefully!

Some ideas for you and your family can include a daily after dinner walk, shooting hoops together at the local park, walking to school together, participating in a community event or race, biking the SeaWalk, going to the pool weekly, playing at the playground and more. Some creative additions can include turning a walk into a scavenger hunt, saving emissions by walking or biking to school or for errands, meet other families for games at the park or park further away from your destination.

Lead your family in the right direction by being active together. Your family will be stronger and benefit for many years to come by playing together now.

* Moderate activities include: brisk walking, skating, biking, swimming and playing outdoors

** Vigorous activities include: running, soccer and hockey

by Kris Calver

Beyond Books: The Power of Literacy

My second son has never shown the interest in books and reading that my first did, so until now, I never had to consider the depths of literacy really. With a first-born who was drinking in language and all things wordy since toddlerhood, and grew to be an avid novel reader by age 8, I was blissfully content in my role in supporting literacy development. He was able to use books to satisfy his thirst for learning about topics he was interested in, which motivated his reading. I felt like I must have done something right! Then came my second son. In toddlerhood he chewed, threw and built with books instead of looking and listening to them. At 7 he mumbles through reading after giving many excuses why he can’t do it. Did I do something wrong? It really doesn’t come down to that, I’ve decided, literacy goes beyond books. I look at reading and writing as a tool for information transfer. When you find out how to make it work for you, you use it more often and become more efficient, like my eldest was able to discover at a young age. When the day came that my younger son asked for piano lessons, mildly concerned about the complexity of note reading and practice and the teachers question about his reading level, we signed tentatively him up. Interestingly, he has been excelling- going beyond expectations, practicing independently and much more frequently than needed, it seems he has found his thirst in music. Although not his favourite or at a remarkable level, reading daily at his comfort level has proven to bring success in literacy, just in an unexpected way.

Rhonda Teramura, Mom of Three and ECE

TEDDY BEAR STORYTIME SLEEPOVER

Teddy bears are family too, so “Henrietta” the Campbell River Library hippo would like to invite all book-loving teddy bears to celebrate Family Literacy Week by attending a Teddy Bear Storytime Sleepover at the library on Jan. 25.

Bears and other stuffed animals may bring their favourite humans to the library on Wednesday Jan. 25 between 10 am and 8 pm. Bears and humans may select a book from the library’s collection for the bear to enjoy during the storytime, then the humans go home and the fun begins!

Bears will be photographed listening to their favourite stories and tucked into bed for the night, and can be picked up by their faithful humans on Thursday Jan. 26.

On Family Literacy Day, January 27, photos of all the fun will be ready for pickup at the library for bears and humans to keep and enjoy. The Campbell River branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library would like to thank its co-sponsor Photo Tech for providing the photography and printing the photos.

“Family Literacy Day provides a moment for Canadians to come together in their homes, at work, and in their communities to practice literacy-building activities and to have fun,” says Elaine Julian, Customer Services Librarian. “Learning happens everywhere, and it’s easy to make it part of your daily life.”

The library is also offering a “Passport to VIRL Libraries” contest and everyone is invited to drop by their local library, pick up a copy of the passport, and complete as many activities as possible. The passport can be completed as a family, as an individual or as a group. When you have checked off at least 5 activities, enter the passport at your local branch by closing time on Saturday January 28 for a chance to win a Robert Munsch book.

The Vancouver Island Regional Library at 1240 Shoppers Row will also be the hub of an exciting array of community activities on Family Literacy Day January 27 from 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Additional attractions at the library will include free used books and the Willow Point Jugglers, so be sure to include the library on your “Learning Journey”.

For more information about the Vancouver Island Regional Library visit www.virl.bc.ca or phone 250-287-3655. Visit http://abclifeliteracy.ca/family-literacy-day for information about the Canada-wide celebration of Family Literacy Day.

Books For Babes

Our first experiences have a lasting impression and influence how we respond and feel about all things in our lives. If we identify something we are afraid of, for instance, and trace it back to our earliest memory of it, there is a good chance we had a negative experience with it. That is why it is so important to make children’s early interactions with books positive.

Since we are such a large part of an infants’ environment, our state of mind, focus and general mood plays a large role in the overall experience of a baby or toddler. When you and your child are well rested, recently fed, not rushed and generally comfortable, it is a great time to share books and songs. I have fond memories of singing to my babies when they were already happy, while we were face to face, and enjoying the range of their responsive expressions with the variation of my voice. I soon discovered the power of this positive association, and quickly used it to manage the cranky diaper change time- it worked like a charm! Babies love your voice and naturally attract to singing, so using song to share books is a great way to bridge a positive feeling to a new experience. Some board books are created from a song and are meant to be sung, so this can be especially easy. Board books in general are great because they also give very young children opportunity for independent exploration, their durability withstands chewing, throwing and lack of fine motor control. Regular and positive interaction with books forms a foundation of comfort and familiarity for children, which provides benefits that will last their lifetime.

Rhonda Teramura, ECE and Mom of Three

Family Literacy Day ~ Friday January 27

 Families will be able to participate in activities and fill in their passport to enter for a draw.  Visit the Community Centre for stories with Joyce McMann, Teddy Bear sleep over at the Vancouver Island Regional Library, learn how radio works at 99.7 the River and much much more.  More info to follow in the next week!  

A New Service for BC Families Comes to Campbell River

Launched just recently in October 2011, Strongest Families BC is a new service for children with mild to moderate behaviour problems (ages 3-12). Strongest Families is delivered to parents and/or caregivers via telephone in the comfort and privacy of their own homes at times that are best for the family, and at no cost. Trained coaches give weekly guidance and telephone support to families as they work their way through the program. Coaches and parents work together to solve problems as parents apply new skills in their daily lives. Strongest Families staff work day, evening and weekend hours to accommodate families.
What types of childhood problems does the program address? Behaviour and attention deficit difficulties.

What others say:

Parents are overwhelmingly satisfied with the program:
“I learned so many techniques of dealing with problems and it gave me a new outlook on being a parent.”
“I liked the convenience. I could review the material on my own time and do it from my home, and my child did not have to go to a mental health centre.”
“I enjoyed the whole thing, recognizing the positive, having a coach ready anytime for questions, scheduled appointments and knowing how my child is progressing”
How do we access the program? Speak to your family doctor to request the necessary referral.

Should I wait? Maybe my child will just grow out of it? Early intervention offers the best time to catch concerns before they escalate or become ingrained. Act now to provide the best possible care for your child.

Strongest Families BC is offered through the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division. Strongest Families was developed by Dr. Patrick McGrath at IWK Centre, Nova Scotia.
Toll-Free: 1-855-297-4777 Strongestfamilies@cmha.bc.ca





Lisa Scalapino is a School Psychologist and Educational Consultant. Questions? You can reach Lisa at ueylisa@gicable.com

Honouring the Child

On Wednesday November 23 Campbell River celebrated National Child Day.  This is a day to honour the child, usually celebrated across the country on November 20.  First proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954, it was established to encourage all countries to institute a day, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world's children.  


Many families gathered at the Campbell River Community Centre to participate in the many festivities.....make it take room, playdough, Baby Room,  Mom and BabyYoga,  zumbatomic, dancing scarves and musical moments.  We can't forget about the Safety Zone as well, thanks to the fire department, RCMP, Search and Rescue, Child Find and many others who gave their time to be there.


Lots of laughter could be heard from cardboard city.  Cardboard city is a highlight of the day each year.  One mom shared a story with us of how her son had to miss school so he could come and play in Cardboard City......a place to play, every child's dream.  This would not have been possible without the assistance of all the youth who spent 4 hours building Cardboard City.

Before the large crowds of children and parents.

Our community is fortunate to have so many wonderful sponsors that support this event each year.  It takes a community to host such an event.  We couldn't do it without all of our wonderful volunteers, many that we see at some of our other local events such as the Children's Health Fair.

Opening with Elder Alberta Billy

Fun times with Active Campbell River