A Community Education program of the Bloomington and Richfield Public Schools

www.earlyed.info

Fun, affordable classes for families

with children birth to five years old

Spring 2013

Early Childhood

Classes

www.earlyed.info

How to Register

Page 1

Quality, educational childcare is available during most sessions for birth–!ve siblings not enrolled in class. Register for childcare when you register for classes.

Fees for childcare will be one half the class fee.Non-sibling childcare will be $115 per child for full series classes, $60 per child for half series.Drop-in rate: $10 per class.

Childcare Fees

Am I in? Yes—we will notify you if the class is full or can-celled.

Ages/Registration FormsChildren must be the appropriate age on the !rst day of classes. Please use a separate form for each child enrolled in a class.

Class Refund/Cancellation PolicyA full refund is issued for cancellations before the session begins (minus a $10 processing fee). After the !rst week, re-funds are prorated. No refund midway through classes. Refunds are issued as a letter of credit. "e $10 processing fee applies each time you change classes. We may cancel a class (or sibling childcare) due to insu#cient enroll-ment one week before it is scheduled to begin.

Resident PriorityBloomington and Rich!eld residents have priority if classes !ll. A surcharge applies to nonresidents (see fee scale).

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Class Fee ScaleOne child in one class Half series,

$100,000+ $180 $90

$75,000–$100,000 $158 $79

$50,000–$75,000 $113 $57

$30,000–$50,000 $74 $38

$20,000–$30,000 $45 $23

$18 $9

1. MAIL OR DROP OFF your registration form and payment by Tuesday, February 19.

Go to www.br.thatscommunityed.com and follow the prompts to create a new account. If you have questions, call 952-681-6221.

All registrations received by February 19, 2013 will be processed !rst, using a lottery system. Registrations will be accepted after February 19 and class slots will !ll as registrations are received. You may register for one morning class per child. Please use a separate form for each child enrolled in class. Make checks payable to ISD #271. Send your completed form and payment to:

3. PHONE IN your registration using Mastercard or Visa beginning Monday, February 25.

Call 952-681-6221 to register, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registra-tion is ongoing until classes !ll. Phone in registrations will not be accepted until February 25, 2013. You may also drop o$ your registration at the Fam-ily Center, 9600 3rd Ave. S. in Bloomington.Most classes run for 10 weeks beginning the week of March 11. (No classes during the spring break, March 25–29.) See class descriptions for speci!c information.

If you have a new baby or have just moved into the area, please make sure you are on the district census. Bloomington residents, call 952-681-6459; Rich!eld residents, 612-798-6052.

2. NEW! REGISTER ONLINE beginning February 22.

Family Center9600 3rd Ave. S.Bloomington, MN 55420

www.earlyed.info

Parents say:“I have learned to be a

better parent.”

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Infants & Toddlers

parents and infantsNewborns to 13 months Parents and infants explore the world in a unique and positive way. Enjoy activi-ties in the areas of movement, sensory experience, music and exercise. Parents learn about their baby’s emotional, social and physical development through dis-cussions focused on the interests of the group. Parents and infants do not sepa-rate in this class. Meets once a week.401P-A 0–13 mos. Mondays 6:30–8 p.m. PC 10 weeks, begins March 11

401P-B 0–13 mos. Tuesdays 1–2:30 p.m. PC 10 weeks, begins Mar. 12

401P-C 0–13 mos. Fridays 9:45–11:15 a.m. PC 10 weeks, begins March 15

toddler togetherness12 to 24 monthsFor parents of young toddlers who have advanced beyond the infant class but do not choose the separation in our traditional classes. Children and parents stay in the same classroom to enjoy planned activities and a discus-sion with other parents and a parent educator. Meets once a week.412R-A Thursdays CS 6:15–8 p.m. 10 weeks, begins March 14

412R-B Fridays CS 9:30–11:15 a.m. 10 weeks, begins March 15

terrific and testing toddlers

15 to 33 monthsIn this class, we’ll dis-cuss ways to set limits as well as encourage inde-

pendence for active, busy toddlers. We will look at

how temperament impacts the toddler years and our parent-

ing. You will !nd ways to enhance your child’s language and self-help skills and calm those temper tantrums. After discussion, parents and children enjoy a variety of fun learning activities to-gether. Meets once a week.463S Mondays SW 9:45–11:30 a.m. 10 weeks, begins March 11

parent/child transition12 to 24 monthsHelp young toddlers make a gradual transition from spending the entire class together with their parents to eventually separating. We’ll o$er ac-tivities for parents and children to do together as well as encourage children to participate independently. You will not separate the !rst few weeks, but during informal parenting discussions, children are given a chance to explore with parents at a distance. Security items (blankets, stu$ed animals, etc.) encouraged. Meets once a week. Kids can come in their PJs!413R Thursdays CS 8:30–10:15 a.m. 10 weeks, begins March 14

Special Delivery!Bloomington and Rich!eld families

who have a newborn—we have a canvas bag !lled with information

about child development and ECFE programs for you. Pick it up at our

Pond Center location.

www.earlyed.info

Parenting Information and

Support LineQuestions or concerns about parenting and/or your children’s behavior, development, or relationships? Call 952-681-6200 to schedule a one-to-one consultation with a family educator. A $5–25 donation is appreciated.

952-681-6200

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Infants & Toddlers

Classes are held at three sites. See individual class descrip-tions for locations.PC

952/681-6200CS

612/243-3000Next to Rich!eld High School; park behind the building and enter through door #2.SW

952/806-8900

Early Childhood Family Center Class Sites

beyond transition: the next step15 to 30 months"is class was specially designed as a follow up to the transition class, but is great for anyone with toddler issues. If your child has grown accustomed to separating from you, the two of you can comfortably ease into this class where there is a minimal age span among children. Parents separate from children to discuss parenting joys and concerns as well as their toddler’s so-cial, emotional, and physical develop-ment. After discussion, parents and children enjoy a variety of fun learning activities together. Security items (blan-kets, stu$ed animals, etc.) encouraged. Meets once a week.472R Thursdays CS 10:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. 10 weeks, begins March 14

what’s the news on toddlers and twos?!16 to 24 monthsCome explore developmental and behavioral milestones and issues as-sociated with the phenomenal toddler and two-year-old. "is unique age brings with it many changes in social and emotional development, language development, physical capabilities, toileting, eating and sleeping patterns, as well as a big push for independence. Discover parenting strategies to bring out the best in your own unique child. After discussion, parents and children enjoy a variety of fun learning activities together. 414R Wednesdays CS 8:30–10:15 a.m. 10 weeks, begins March 13

www.earlyed.info

get the most out of parenting your bright beginnings preschooler!36–48 monthsTo enhance your three-year-old’s preschool experience and support your experience as the parent of a three-year-old. Discussion will focus on parenting and the development of a young preschooler; you will participate in fun learning activities with your child that support the type of learning that is happening in the Bright Beginnings program. Get the scoop on the school district’s expectations for kindergar-ten and how you can best prepare your child for success in school. People with children en-rolled in Bright Beginnings receive priority in registering for this class. Meets once a week.431P Fridays PC 9:30–11:15 a.m. 10 weeks, begins March 15

building your parenting toolbox24 to 48 monthsEvery parent needs a toolbox of some sort !lled with information and a variety of practi-cal and e$ective strategies to address the many issues of parenting and children’s develop-ment. Learn realistic expectations for your children and receive some practical methods to help with every day situations such as bed-time and mealtime, picking up toys, toilet-ing, and temper tantrums. Following parent discussion, parents will join children for fun learning activities in their classroom. Meets once a week.471S Wednesdays SW 9:45–11:30 a.m. 10 weeks, begins March 13

Parents say:“I have learned how to

incorporate learning into everyday activities.”

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ECFE Classes

What is ECFE?The acronym ECFE stands for Early Childhood Family

Education. "e Early Childhood Family Center is a commu- nity education program of the Bloomington and Rich!eld

public schools. "e Center provides classes, programs, and services for families with young children from birth to kindergarten age.

A typical ECFE class includes parent discussion, facilitated by a parent educator, while children play together in an early childhood classroom. Parents and children later join each other for fun learn-ing activities. In other classes, parents and children spend the entire time playing and learning together, while a few are parent discus-sion only.

Most classes meet once a week for less than two hours. Quality educational childcare is provided on site, for a small fee, for siblings not enrolled in classes. "e Family Center operates on a sliding fee scale; no one is turned away for inability to pay.

The goals of Early Childhood Family Education

parenting techniques;

parents and children.

www.earlyed.info

everyday parenting24 months to kindergartenDo you ever wonder how your parent-ing decisions a$ect your child and your future relationship? Join other parents to discuss the joys and challenges of parenting, including discipline, fam-ily communication, dealing with daily hassles, “hot topics,” and more. After discussion, parents and children enjoy a variety of fun learning activities to-gether. Meets once a week.462P Tuesdays PC 9:30–11:15 a.m. 10 weeks, begins March 12

give me a break! Newborns to kindergartenTreat yourselves! How about a nice environment where you can enjoy other parents’ company and take un-interrupted time to do projects, while your young children are having fun and being cared for in a child-friendly environment? How about space for you to hang out and do scrap booking, crafts, sort photos, wrap gifts, share ideas, read, watch a movie without the kids underfoot? "e Family Center will supply the space, put the co$ee on, and provide childcare. Cost is $75 for each child in childcare (that’s less than $4 an hour!) and is FREE for you. We even have limited space where you can store supplies. Parents with children in pre-school can also come and pay only if there is a sibling to be cared for. Meets once a week. Sliding fee scale does not apply.464P Thursdays PC 1–3 p.m. 10 weeks, begins March 14

daddy and me13 months to kindergartenDads and children spend some spe-cial times together. While children have playtime, Dads meet to talk about building self esteem, child rearing concerns, and more. Excit-ing, fun learning experiences are part of the father/child interaction time that follows discussion. Meets once a week for !ve weeks.465P Mondays PC 6:15–8 p.m. 5 weeks, begins March 11

Have Your Child’s Birthday Party at the Family Center!Hassle free, a$ordable, great space and convenience make us a wonder-ful and fun option for your young child’s birthday party! You’ll have access to the large motor room, gym, playgrounds, the parachute, tables and chairs, and use of the kitchen for serving. Suggested limit 18 children ages 0–6. $70 for up to 2 hours. Saturdays 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (3/16, 4/20, and 5/4) and Thursday evenings.

Book now! Call 952-681-6221

Parents say:“I am so much more

confident and happy as a parent because of things I’ve learned in ECFE!”

Page 5

ECFE Classes

www.earlyed.info

open playtimes18 months to kindergarten3 to 30 monthsTurn those harried times into pleasur-able times spent with your children attending open playtime at the Family Center. Explore our specially designed preschool room. Parents can also dis-cuss issues with a parent educator and/or other parents. Class is informal, so you and your child can drop in any time during class hours. Open play-time does not follow the sliding fee scale. Passes are available for $8 each, 5 for $35, or 10 for $65. Each pass is valid for one visit per family through May 2013. Register in class—no pre-registration required. Sorry, no daycare groups please. 466R-A Mondays CS 9:30–11:30 a.m. 3–30 mos; Begins March 11466S-B Fridays SW 10 a.m.–12 p.m. 18 mos.–K; Begins March 15

Concerned about your child’s development? Help Me Grow, a group of service providers work-ing together to help families in Bloomington, Rich!eld, Eden Prairie, and Edina, provides a free early intervention referral service to help families !nd and coordinate resources for their birth to !ve-year-old children.

Call 952-563-8900

parents and kids night24 months to kindergartenLooking for an evening class that in-cludes a time for parent discussion and activities with your child? You’ve found it. First, parents and children participate together in a variety of fun learning activities; then children play together under the care of an early childhood teacher while parents meet, setting the discussion topics with the parent educator according to their in-terests. Meets once a week.467P Mondays PC 6:15–8 p.m. 10 weeks, begins March 11

s.p.a.r.k.s.—single parents are raising kids successfullyNewborns to kindergartenAt the beginning of this class, parents and children participate together in a variety of fun learning activities. "en discussion provides information and support to parents experiencing the daily realities and challenges of being a single parent, while children play to-gether with an early childhood teacher. Participants choose the topics, and discussion includes time for concerns. Meets once a week.468P Tuesdays PC 6:15–8 p.m. 10 weeks, begins March 12

check out our website

www.earlyed.info

Parents say:“My child’s readiness

for kindergarten is vastly improved.”

Page 6

ECFE Classes

www.earlyed.info

creative art36 months to kindergartenMake all sorts of wonderful and unusual creations using your imagination and a wide variety of materials. Egg carton creatures, paper bag kites, glue sculptures, marshmallow sculptures, even a make-believe city are among the exciting projects you and your child will enjoy. A short group time including songs and !nger plays will conclude each class. Meets once a week for !ve weeks.469P Tuesdays PC 6:30–8 p.m. 5 weeks, 3/12, 3/19, 4/2, 4/9, & 4/16

animal adventures36 months to kindergartenFor all you animal lovers, here is an exciting opportunity to have fun and learn about all kinds of animals, from creatures of the sea to animals in your backyard. Projects, activities, songs, books, and an occasional visit from a real animal will make this a gr-r-r-reat experience for children and parents. A short group time including songs and !nger plays will con-clude each class. Meets once a week for !ve weeks.470P Tuesdays PC 6:30–8 p.m. 5 weeks, begins April 23

Fairview Pond Center Clinic: Meet the PediatriciansSonia Helmy, MD, MHS, earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida, Tampa, and completed her residency at the University of Min-nesota. She takes special interest in literacy, refugee health, and equitable health care for all. Sonia’s other spoken languages include French and some Span-ish. “I see myself as a member of your community and consider it a privilege to be a part of your child’s team. I’m excited to welcome new patients and their families.”Maureen Honish, MD, earned her medical degree and completed her residency at the University of Min-nesota. She takes special interest in pediatric obesity and adolescent health. “Working for the good health of children is the most important thing we can do to raise happy and healthy adults. It’s a pleasure to work with parents toward that goal.”

Harsohena Kaur, MD, MPH, earned her medical degree from Christian Medical College in Ludhiana, India, and com-pleted her residency at Emory University in Atlanta. She takes special interest in asthma, literacy, and holistic health. Harso-hena’s other spoken languages include Punjabi and Hindi. “I like to partner with the child and his or her family. Discussing solutions instead of dictating decisions is part of my philoso-phy of care. We can work together to make sure your child has a happy, healthy life.”Aner Vlodaver, MD, earned his medical degree and completed his residency at the University of Minnesota. He takes special interest in obesity management, ADHD, and allergies. Aner’s other spoken language is Hebrew. “My goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle by developing and nurturing a close partner-ship with my patients and their families. I feel this can be ac-complished by recognizing the person as a whole, and address-ing his or her physical, emotional, and developmental needs.”

Medical services are available at the clinic from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and !ursdays. Call 952-885-6910 for more information.

ECFE Classes

Page 7

www.earlyed.info

ECFE ClassesParents of 3- to 4-year olds! Has your child been through Screening?The early childhood years from birth to the start of kinder-

garten are an important time of rapid learning and growth. Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how children are doing between the ages of 3 to 4 years. It identi-!es, at an early stage, possible learning or health concerns so that children can get needed help before starting school. Early Child-hood Screening is not an IQ test or a kindergarten entrance test,

although it is required by state law for children before starting kindergarten.Screening is a free review of your child’s vision, hearing, height, weight,

and development and immunization records. Children are screened by Fam-ily Center teachers and trained sta$ at Family Center sites in Bloomington and Rich!eld. Appointments are o$ered year-round at a wide variety of times. Watch for an information packet in the mail shortly after your child turns three-and-a-half years old. If you do not receive a packet, call 952-681-6200.

Openings remain in 2013–14 Family Center preschools for three, four, and !ve-year-olds! Call 952-681-6212 for info.

Help your child be ready for kindergarten!Check out the Bloomington and Richfield School’s preschool programs.

In alignment with the school district, licensed early childhood teachers use research-based curriculum and teaching strategies in state-of-the-art preschool classrooms. "e goal is to help each child develop important

readiness skills in all developmental areas so he or she will be successful in kindergarten and beyond. District kindergarten teachers identi!ed these skills, which are also tied to Minnesota state standards. Preschool parent involvement opportunities strengthen children’s learning and help parents become fully prepared to support their children’s learning in school.

Registration for 2013–14 Early Childhood Family Center preschools is happening now. All families with a child eligible for preschool who live in Bloomington and Rich!eld should have received a brochure in early January. If you need a brochure, please call 952-681-6212, or go to www.earlyed.info.

"e Early Childhood Family Center o$ers preschool programs for three, four, and !ve-year-old children at two sites in Bloomington and one in Rich!eld. Registrations are taken by mail and online and processed through a lottery system. Register online at www.br.thatscommunityed.com.

Questions? Call 952-681-6212

Check out the Get Ready, Get Set for success in

kindergarten brochure on our website www.earlyed.info

for important skills for 4- to 5-year-olds

Page 8

We’re proud to be one of the !rst pre-school programs in the state to earn a four-star rating from Minnesota’s new-ly adopted Parent Aware —the highest rating possible! Parent Aware’s rating system helps parents !nd preschools and child care focused on high quality early learning and kindergarten readi-ness. "e one- to four-star ratings sys-tem measures research-identi!ed best practices that help children succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

Rated FOUR STARS from Parent Aware

www.earlyed.info

Parent Advisory Council

www.earlyed.info www.facebook.com/groups/brecfepac brecfepac@gmail.com

What’s Going On? is the bi-weekly ECFE newsletter—ask for it in class or look for it in your school

One of the goals of the Bloomington/Rich!eld Early Childhood Family Center is to strengthen families through quality education and support in parenting and parent-child relationships. At the Family Center, we focus on both parents and kids and know that a parent is a child’s !rst and most important teacher!

"ere are countless ways that being part of ECFE has made our whole family stronger and smarter. An added ben-e!t of the Family Center that has also been dearly valuable to my family is making friends along the way. Friends who are both similar to my family and share the same joys and concerns, as well as friends who are di$erent from my family and help to broaden our world.

Is your family taking full advantage of all that the Family Center has to o$er? Our ECFE program has brilliant, devoted sta$ in every position at every building. "ey o$er many classes for all stages of development and family situa-tion. Family gym, open playtime, year-rounders, preschool—!ve days a week, morning, afternoon, and evening.

"e Parent Advisory Council volunteers support the Family Center in any ways possible. Were you able to enjoy the Halloween Party? We love that event because it is a fun partnership with the teachers. Did your family make it to movie or disco nights? "at was us! "e Bike/Trike Rally, Family and Santa Photos, Disney On Ice or Sesame Street Live? We coordinated those too! "e Council holds fundraisers throughout the school year that o$er families the op-portunity to give a little back to the Family Center through the purchase of products we hope you enjoy. Our annual fundraisers include: Droolin’ Moose Chocolates, Butter Braids, and Barnes & Noble at the Mall of America. Here are a few ways to help that are FREE and take only seconds:

Target’s Take Charge of Education® will donate 1% of your REDcard purchases at Target and Target.com. Select POND EDUCATIONAL CENTER—School ID: 64247.

You can earn cash for the Family Center by clipping the Box Tops for Education logo from hundreds of partici-pating products. We receive 10 cents for each one! For an added bonus, go to boxtops4education.com to !nd coupons. General Mills gives you a price break when you buy products, then gives the school 10 cents when we send them the BoxTops logo from the packages. "e total earned for the 2011–12 school year was $543.70. Already this school year we have earned $123.30!

Your accumulated My Coke Rewards points can to be donated to a school! In the school donation area under your account, select SOUTHWOOD EARLY CHILDHOOD CTR.

Why Google when you can GoodSearch.com! Make your selected charity Bloomington-Rich!eld Early Child-hood Family Center and we will receive one cent for each search. Give it a try, every little bit helps!

Gallon jug Caps with 5-cent stickers from Land’O’Lakes—rinse ‘em out, bring ‘em in! Milk caps, so long as there is a sticker, can be mailed in for a donation to the Family Center. It only takes 20 caps to earn $1.

Questions, comments or info to share? We are sitting next to you in your class! Our kids go to preschool with yours! We are the parents in bright green t-shirts at Family Center events! Talk to us! Connect with us on Facebook! Send us an email!

brecfepac@gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/brecfepac

Advisory Council Corner

by Amy Holcomb

Page 9

www.earlyed.info Page 10

I didn’t know why parents made such a big deal out of what their children were eating or not eat-

ing. It’s just food. All you have to do is make sure you start with rice cereal when your baby is six months, slowly introduce puréed baby food (vegetables !rst, then fruits) and eventually move on to !nger foods before your child seamlessly enjoys the same table food you do. It’s that simple. Simple, that is, for people who don’t have a real baby.

"e wait was painful. I had been reading about how to feed her “real” food for three months, preparing for the day she turned six months old and was ready for solid food. I started with mashed bananas. She would love them! I froze overripe bananas (with the skins on) a month earlier. I thawed one out and mashed the already mushy fruit.

“"is is going to be great,” I thought. “Over the next six months, she will try and like a variety of tasty yet nutritious foods.” It did not go quite as planned. She made horrible faces, spit everything out, and focused only on grabbing the cute baby spoon I was trying to shove into her mouth.

"rough trial and error—mostly error—I eventually !gured out how to get her to eat some foods. Bananas? Yes. Cereal? No. Vegetables and fruits? Depended on what color they were. Finger foods? Eventually, but only if I o$ered enough for her to swipe the tray so most of it fell onto the %oor. I tried giving her only one or two bites at a time, but there was no entertainment factor, so I made extra just for the %oor.

I found out she disliked puréed baby food as much as I did, and learned that if I gave her at least four baby spoons, I could sometimes distract her enough to slip some food into her mouth. She did end up trying

many foods, spitting out lots, throwing heaps onto the %oor, and, I discov-ered, hiding pieces in her clothes and diaper.

"e next year or so of eating was, in hindsight, easy. She seemed to enjoy little nibbles and small portions of our meals. "en she turned two. She was starving, I was sure of it. She never ate anything! I tried bribes, rewards, tricks, threats, and lots of ca-joling. I talked to her pediatrician, who suggested I keep a food diary to record everything she ate. Well, that would be easy. I could write “noodles” on every page, and then he could clearly

It’s Just Food! By Anne Weiers

with protein. "e biggest de!cit was in the dairy group. Overall, however, I found that my daughter’s diet was quite balanced, and actually healthier than the rest of the family.

We backed o$ making mealtime a battleground. "e doctor showed me the constant upward tick in her growth. Even though she was under the second percentile for her age, she was growing at a healthy rate. Every meal included at least two vegetables, one fruit, and one bread, along with the main dish. Choices for everyone were limited to what was available on the table. Every Wednesday was salad night. We still do this today.

It is important to teach your child to listen to her body. She knows when she is full. Although it’s di#cult, some-times parents need to relax and back o$ to avoid food and eating struggles. If you’re concerned about what your family is eating, try keeping a food diary. You might be surprised at what you discover. Talk to your family doc-tor about your child’s eating habits or growth. Finally, try to avoid the temp-tation to win every argument about eating—remember, it’s just food.

 

THROUGH TRIAL AND ERROR—MOSTLY ERROR—I EVENTUALLY

FIGURED OUT HOW TO GET HER TO EAT SOME FOODS.

see that she was nutritionally de!cient! At the same time, I was introducing her younger brother to his !rst solids. Soon, he ate more than she did. More evidence that she was my practice baby, and I was now an expert with my second.

After two weeks of recording her food intake, I went over everything and categorized it according to food group. I was not surprised that she ate mostly grains and no meat. I was surprised to !nd that she came close to or ful!lled the fruit and vegetable recommenda-tions and even the protein—without eating meat! She ate peanut butter, cheese, beans, lentils, and other foods

www.earlyed.info

How to help children know when they’ve had enoughBabies know when they have eaten enough.

Help your children keep listening to their bodies as they grow. Kids who “listen” to their own fullness cues stop eating when they feel full and are less likely to become overweight. Give your kids a chance to stop eating when they feel full, even if you think they aren’t. "ey’ll feel more independent, and you’ll help them keep a healthy weight.

Let your children serve themselves at dinner. Teach them to take small amounts at !rst. Preschool-ers can practice serving from small bowls that you hold for them. Tell them they can get more if they are still hungry.

Your child should stop eating when he or she is full, rather than when the plate is clean.

words, not food. Show your love with hugs and kisses. Console with hugs and talks.

or as a special treat can teach your child to eat when he or she is not hungry. "is may cause your child to ignore body signals of fullness and overeat.

think sweets or dessert foods are better than other foods. For example, telling your child “no dessert until you !nish your vegetables” may make them like the vegetable less and the dessert more.

If that restricted food becomes available to your child, he or she might eat it despite feeling full. "is can lead to a habit of overeating. Also, don’t restrict sweets or other treats as punishment for bad behavior.

-ing them know when they’ve had enough.

Sources: www.usda.org; www.choosemyplate.org Page 11

Picky Eating: How to CopePicky eating usually is

temporary. If you don’t make it a big deal, it will usu-ally end before school age. You can do many positive things to deal with picky eating and help your child learn to try new foods.

Let them help pick out fruits and veggies at the store.

-ing your picky eater try fruits and vegetables. Children also learn about fruits and vegetables when they help make them. And all of that mixing, mashing, and measuring makes them want to taste what they are making. See “Kids in the Kitchen” on the next page.

things."If arguments often happen at mealtimes, your preschooler may learn unhealthy attitudes toward food.

ask “Which would you like for dinner: broccoli or cauli%ower?”

these foods to eat.&

order cook,” making a di$erent meal for your preschooler. Your child will be okay even if they don’t eat a meal now and then.

Get creative in the kitchen“Dawn’s Salad” or “Peter’s Sweet Potatoes” for dinner.

sandwiches. For example, make your own trail mixes from dry cereal and dried fruit.

words with pretzel sticks, or make funny faces on a plate using di$erent types of fruit.

hummus or bean spread as a dip for veggies.Sources: www.usda.org; www.choosemyplate.org

www.earlyed.info Page 12

Children’s ActivitiesPretend PlayPlaying pretend lets children put their healthy eating skills into action. Set up a healthy restaurant area. A child-sized table and chairs and a play kitchen work well for the setting. Make your own menus that include pictures from magazines of lots of healthy meal options. You and the children can take turns preparing and serving the customers at the restaurant.

Alphabet of Healthy Food"is game uses the alphabet as the basis for identifying nutritious foods. Try to think of at least one healthy food for a letter of the alphabet. Encour-age children to listen to the sounds at the beginning of the word and ask if they can think of another (e.g. banana, bread, beans). For older preschoolers, cut out, draw, or print some pictures of food items for each letter. Create a set of letter cards. "e kids match the pictures with the letter.

Food ClassificationsKids need to learn how to identify healthy foods on their own for healthy eating success as they get older. "is game gives them practice at catego-rizing food between healthy and un-healthy options. Collect pictures or actual food packages of both healthy and unhealthy foods. Have children sort items into healthy and unhealthy piles. Using the actual packages gives you the opportunity to point out where the nutrition labels are and how you use them. Even though your preschoolers are not yet reading, this activity allows you to begin teaching children valuable lessons!

Healthy Food Patterns"is nutrition game integrates the basic math concept of patterning. Cut out several healthy food shapes. Find lots of simple printables online. You’ll want

several of each shape. For example, you might cut out 15 each of apples, oranges, carrots, bananas, and potatoes. Create the beginning of a pattern and have the kids !nish it. An example would be banana, banana, apple, ba-nana, banana, apple. "e child would then continue that pattern. Once the kids get the hang of it, let them create their own patterns. Make it a partner activity by having one child start the pattern and the other !nish it.

Grocery List HelperCollect labels from food packages that you purchase regularly. Cut and glue them onto index cards. Punch a hole in the corner and keep the cards on a ring in your car, tote bag or purse. Take them out when you are shopping with your children and have them help you !nd the items in the store. "is activity helps children stay involved and keeps boredom away during necessary trips to the store.Source: www.livestrong.com

Choose smart, fun snacks and meals:Bagel snake: Split mini bagels in half. Cut each half into half circles. Spread the halves with toppings like tuna salad, egg salad, or peanut butter. Decorate with sliced cherry tomatoes or banana slices. Arrange the half circles to form the body of a snake. Use olives or raisins for the eyes.English mu"n pizza: Top half an English mu#n with tomato sauce, chopped veggies and low-fat mozzarella cheese. Heat until the cheese is melted.Smiley sandwiches: Top a slice of bread with peanut butter; use an apple slice for a smile and raisins for eyes.Frozen bananas: Put a wooden stick into a peeled banana (halve large ba-nanas). Wrap in plastic and freeze. Once frozen, peel o$ the plastic and enjoy.Potato pal: Top half a small baked po-tato with eyes, ears, and a smile. Be cre-ative; you’ll be surprised at how many foods will work. Try peas for eyes, a halved cherry tomato nose, a low-fat cheese wedge for a smile. Frozen graham cracker sandwiches: Mix mashed bananas and peanut but-ter, spread between graham crackers and freeze.Fruit smoothies: Blend fresh or frozen fruit with yogurt and milk or juice. Try 100% orange juice, low-fat yogurt, and frozen strawberries.Frozen juice cups: Pour 100% fruit juice into small paper cups. Freeze. To serve, peel o$ the paper and eat.Ants on a log: "inly spread peanut butter on narrow celery sticks. Top with a row of raisins.Sources: www.usda.org; www.choos-emyplate.org

www.earlyed.info

Having your child help you in the kitchen is a good way to get her to try new foods. Kids feel good about doing something “grown-up.” Give them small

jobs to do. Praise their e$orts.&Children are much less likely to reject foods that they helped to make.

"e early years are an important time for developing healthy habits for life. From the ages of two to !ve, children grow and develop in ways that a$ect be-havior in all areas, including eating. While the following are typical, children may develop these skills at di$erent ages.

"ese lists highlight ways your child can help you in the kitchen as well as some characteristics you will see in your children as they grow.

Page 13

Children’s Activities

Two-Year-Olds can:

(such as after grocery shopping)

the pages

and vegetables

Four-Year-Olds can:oranges and bananas

salads

-pected

Kids in the Kitchen:What to Expect

A child that helps in the kitchen: Tries and likes more foods

-tant and proud

concepts

cleanup

Three-Year-Olds can:

like between apple or orange slices

“Please use your napkin”

Five-Year-Olds can:

food is served

Sources: www.usda.org; www.choosemyplate.org

Important Dates

Bloomington Public Schools ISD 271 is an a#rmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. Persons with disabilities may be provided accommodations upon advance request. Contact the Family Center at 952-681-6200.

"is catalog is published three times per year by the Early Child-hood Family Center.Design and Editing: Cynthia FogardIllustrations: Kay MillerPhotographs: Cynthia Fogard, Debra Goebel, Mindee Harrington

9600 3rd Avenue SouthBloomington, MN 55420-4417

Dated material: please deliver between February 1–6, 2013

Bienvenidos! Llame al 952-681-6219 para información en español.

Library activities for your family

In collabora-tion with the Hung Vuong Association of Minnesota.

Augsburg Park Library

Oxboro Library

Penn Lake Library

Feb. 19

Feb. 22 Online

Feb. 25 Phone-in

Mar. 11

Mar. 25–29 no classesMay 24

Creative Movement, Beginning BalletBasic ballet steps and creative movement for ages 3–4. Leotard, tights, and ballet shoes re-quired. "ursdays, January 31–March 21 or April 4–May 16, 5–5:30 p.m., Pond Center.

Wish Upon A Ballet"is dance class for boys and girls ages 3–5 incorporates popular children’s stories using musical instruments, parachutes, and scarves to create a fairy tale experience. Ballet shoes required. Fridays, March 1–April 19 or April 26–May 31, 11:15 a.m.–noon, Pond Center.

Register at br.thatscommunityed.com.

Community Education Youth EnrichmentCommunity Education o$ers a variety of enrich-ment opportunities for children and youth ages 3–15. For a current list-ing, visit our website at br.thatscommunityed.com or call Deb at 952-681-6108.