Greetings!  

As we find summer coming to a close and the hustle and bustle of September upon us, we hope that you are able to take time and reflect on the family memories that were made this summer. Autumn is a wonderful time to get outside and do things with the family and not have to worry about the humidity. Take the opportunity to build traditions with your children.  

There is such beauty to be seen during autumn! It's a perfect time to become one with nature. So strap on your walking shoes and head out to the trails. Go for a hike, a walk or even a bike ride. Discuss the changes occurring with the weather and the trees. Use this time to teach your child about nature and how it works. Why do the leaves change colour? Why do they fall off the trees? Point to leaves and say the colours to help younger children learn the names of each colour. Learn math and language skills by counting, sorting and naming the trees the leaves fell from. It's a great way for children to learn while having fun!  

It's also back to school time and for some JK/SK children it's their very first day of school ever! Enjoy every precious moment with your children while they are still young because they grow up so fast!

There are many things to look forward to in October including Thanksgiving. So let out your waistbands, undo your belts and feast! Let's also remember to give thanks for all that we have, especially those dear to us.  

For the kids and the kids at heart we have Halloween on October 31, 2012. What an exciting time for children! They get to express themselves and act out feelings and emotions. They can choose to be whatever their little heart's desire! Don't forget to go over Halloween safety rules with the children. Enjoy and be safe!

Here are some ideas to make autumn an enjoyable time for you and your children:  

Apple/Pumpkin Picking: Children experience such a sense of pride and self confidence when they are allowed to make choices. Why not take the family to the orchard and let your children pick the apples right off the tree or choose their own pumpkin from the patch to decorate!! Perhaps you can make some fresh pie when you get home! YUMMY!

Infants and Toddlers: Babies discover the world around them by using their senses. A fun Halloween activity to do with your baby is to use the "guts "of the pumpkin (removing the seeds) to provide a sensory experience that is completely new to them. Use language to describe how the "guts" of the pumpkin feel. Use words like slimy, gooey, slick and slippery. This is sure to be a photo opportunity!

At this time I would like to introduce you to a new member of our Wee Watch family. Kelly is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with 18 Years of child care experience. She will be working at home office in our Child Care Operations Support position. Welcome to the team Kelly!

Sincerely,

Leslie Wilson