September Parent Activity
This month’s activity theme is Nature! Go outside for a nature walk and send us a pic of what you found! You could win a free bag of goodies for your child. Open to parents and guardians who reside in Madison County, NC. Giveaway items are appropriate for children birth through Pre-K.
Nature walks are a great way to encourage kids to get outside and explore the natural world around them. Nature walks can provide an opportunity for children to learn about their environment, observe plants and wildlife, and get some exercise, improving fine motor and gross motor skills.
From a mental health standpoint, research has found that time in nature:
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Reduces stress
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Lowers the risk of depression and anxiety
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Fosters deep connections with others—and with nature itself, which in turn increases our happiness
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Encourages children to engage in more imaginative, constructive, sensory, and socially cooperative play
Take advantage of the healing power of play in nature—near your home or neighborhood, or wherever you feel comfortable.
Visit these websites to for more information:
https://pbskids.org/games/play/nature-explorers/1824290
Resources and Activities for Parents:
Sesame Street (Sesame Street Youtube Playlist)
Lakeshore Learning Free Resources
The Raising A Reader program helps young children improve literacy development through a weekly rotation of books sent to children’s homes and daily book sharing between caregivers and young children. Available in select Pre-K classrooms in Madison County.
Visit https://www.raisingareader.org/ for more information.
RAR Tip Page: Click Here
We are excited to offer FREE educational materials to parents, grand-parents, and caregivers of children aged 0-5 years in Madison County. We are open most Mondays 9 am - 12 pm and Thursdays 2 - 4 pm, and by appointment by contacting us directly: 828.689.1528 or beth@madisonss.org
Little Learning
Library
Our office is located in Spilman Hall at Mars Hill University 50 College St Mars Hill, NC 28754
Click this link to learn more about this program: https://www.madisonss.org/programs
Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten
Introduction to Kindergarten Readiness
Looking for Child Care?
You can access referrals by either emailing or calling
Southwestern Child Development Commission
Email a Parent Services Counselor: childcareinfo@swcdcinc.org
Call and speak to a Parent Services Counselor: 877.752.5955
Family Support
VRoom
Check it out: Vroom by Text
The same great Vroom Tips, now more accessible than ever!
Vroom has been exploring new ways to serve parents and caregivers not being reached by the Vroom App. Vroom Tips, delivered by text message, is the answer. Vroom by Text is a great way to reach families without requiring a smartphone or costly data plan.
Vroom Tips by Text offers:
• Age-based Vroom Tips sent right to your phone every week.
• A more personal and motivational tone just right for texting.
• Vroom Tips in English or Spanish.
• Customized tips for multiple children.
And of course, it is totally free*.
Register by texting VROOM to 48258 or fill out the form here.