Creating Together Blog

Welcome Leah!

February 1, 2021 by Melanie

Join us in welcoming Leah, our newest addition to the team at Creating Together! Leah begins today, and we are so thrilled to have her. Below is a letter from Leah, introducing herself and sharing her background, interests, and passion for community.

Hello Creating Together Community!

This is Leah Shoemaker, my pronouns are she/her and I am writing you from my home in Parkdale, Tkaronto/Toronto. I am so excited to be joining the Creating Together community although I admit it is one of the strangest times to start a new job. Not being able to physically introduce myself and get to know you all is going to be a challenge, but it is not impossible. I will be making an introduction video for the Facebook page and would love it if you left a hello comment for me to read! I would love to hear from you on what kind of support I can provide for your family as we move through the pandemic.

I moved to Toronto just over two years ago to continue my education in the field of early childhood studies. In my studies I focused my own research on children’s relationship with nature and continue to think about the ways that children build relationships with more-than-humans such as plants, sky, rocks, animals, etc. and how these aspects of the world are important and valuable.

As I get to know you all over virtual programming, I hope to share with you the different aspects of nature in Parkdale that have helped me heal from the trauma and difficulty that has come with living through a global pandemic. My work with children and families prioritizes joy and healing and I know that it is important to recognize the difficulty that we are all collectively going through currently. We don’t have to pretend everything is okay when we get together online – but we can think about how important it is to come together to build community in new and different ways.

Before living in Toronto I worked in childcare centres and as a librarian in the small, rural town of Invermere B.C. situated in Ktunaxa Nation nestled between the Purcell and Rocky mountain ranges. I will tell you more about my home town during virtual programming and introduce you to my cat, Tara, as well as some of my houseplants! I am also a big Toronto Raptors fan – Go Raps, Go! I can’t wait to read stories, sing songs, play games, and share moments with you over the coming weeks.

Outside of my time working with the Creating Together team I am also an advocate for national universal childcare, children’s rights, and anti-racist, anti-oppressive education in the early years! Families and children are such important parts of community and contribute so much to society. I look forward to spending time with and learning from you!

I hope to see you online!

Get Outside with Parkdale FitPlay!

January 27, 2021 by Melanie

Getting children outside to enjoy time for free play in natural environments increases attentions spans, creative thought, and the desire to learn through exploration (https://www.asla.org/ContentDetail.aspx?id=39558). It also helps their motor, sensory, social and cognitive development – and is great for their general health and well-being (https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/the-benefits-of-outdoor-play).

Finding ways to be active in colder winter months can be challenging, and even more so with physical and social distancing measures in place. The Parkdale Village BIA is proud to support a local community initiative; Parkdale FitPlay! The Parkdale FitPlay Campaign provides a fun affordable way for Parkdalians to be active outdoors safely throughout the winter months. Kicking-off on Wednesday, January 27 for 4 weeks, and with the support of local fitness leaders and personalities from Parkdale’s diverse Black / BIPOC communities, you’re invited to get outside, get fit and have fun!!

Challenge yourself and you could win a prize!

The FitPlay

Community members are encouraged to visit designated public park locations and participate in self-led physical exercise and play, inspired by the FitPlay letter key.

How it works

Each letter of the alphabet, A to Z, is associated with a simple exercise most can perform some variation of safely. E.g. A = 10 high knees on the spot.
Participants self-select a word or phrase and perform the exercises associated with each letter. E.g. P A R K D A L E = 10 squats, 10 high knees on the spot, etc.

Mix up your FitPlay by choosing a new word, a new park or a new challenge each time and invite your Parkdale friends and neighbours to do the same!

Here is What You Need To Do

Video tape yourself, children or family doing some physical activity in a park near you
Upload your video on the dedicated Parkdale FitPlay Facebook event page and Instagram page
Personalize your post! (eg., “Hey Parkdale Friends! I’m so excited to be part of the Parkdale FitPlay – a fun way to be active outdoors safely through the winter! I just FitPlayed at (name of park) and am challenging you to do the same! Take a break, get outside, get outside, get moving then tag a friend! Follow @parkdalefitplay for the exercise key, demo videos, chances to win and more!

FitPlayed on Facebook

FitPlayed on Instagram

Full Details

ParkdaleFitPlay-Poster Download

FitPlay Contest Details (Article by Anna Bartula)

Hashtags: #parkdalefitplay
Instagram/Facebook Tags: @parkdafitplay @supafitmama

Online & Remote Programming

January 14, 2021 by Melanie

Online and remote programming is a lifeline for families right now. Trust us when we say – we understand how difficult isolation can be.

People placed in quarantine or self-isolation may experience a wide range of feelings, including fear, anger, sadness, irritability, guilt or confusion. They may find it hard to sleep. Some people might feel relieved. Humans are social creatures and need connection to others to thrive, which can make isolation challenging.
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19/quarantine-and-isolation

The following suggestions may help you through this challenging time – we want to emphasize to all of our families that we are here to continue offering support to families while they stay home.

Online Support

Please see our virtual programming in the poster below, and craft a routine that can support your rhythm, wherever you are at.

Tips:

For Zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, all you have to do is open (click) on the zoom link, and follow the instructions that Zoom provides for downloading the app onto your device. Here’s the link to join us: zoom.us/j/7391226799
For Facebook circle time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, just sign onto our Facebook page here and watch the session live with us! Here’s the link to join us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CreatingTogetherParkdale
We do highly recommend you try and come to the live programs, as it can be a more interactive experience both for you as well as you child. At the same time, if you can’t make it to the program then do take a look at the recordings posted on our Facebook page, to have it benefit you at the pace you can manage.

Remote Support

Creating Together now offers remote support through some curb-side pick-up options, with delivery available on request:

food packages,
craft and activity supplies to supplement our online programming,
printed resources.

Telephone Support

We are also ready to talk, so please don’t hesitate to reach out at: (416) 537-1004 if you need access to resources, advice, and support.

5 Healthy Habits for Families

January 7, 2021 by Melanie

Happy New Year!

A fresh new year can give us all perspective on what might need shifting, and some fresh wind in your sails to set up healthy habits. There’s no time like the present!

Tip: To make the most of your efforts, choose new habits that are doable, and take it slow – too much change at once makes it harder to achieve your goals. Enjoy these 5 tips and strategies to get into some healthy habits for you and your family.

1. If you could pick a superpower…

With all this time on our hands, have each family member pick one superpower they’d like to develop by the end of 2021, and support each other to make it happen. Set up challenges, learning goals and check-ins, and take advantage of the plethora of online courseware DIY/ instruction videos.

2. Cutting back on screen time (and not just the kids!)

Most cell phones now have a screen-time tracker, so you can track and limit the amount of time you spend on your screen. Set up some healthy goals, such as no screens after a certain time, no devices by ones bedside, scheduled breaks of fresh air or exercise. Consider replacing screen time with fun family activities such as board games, art projects, or reading time.

3. Exercise together

Get everyone moving to a family exercise plan, with online classes and family hikes. Take a look at these links for nearby hiking trains and bike trails to help you keep active together.

4. Celebrate good food

Sometimes life demands a quick meal, but try to prepare some healthy snacks each week so it’s easier to reach for than the chips, soda, or fast food. Cooking together, experimenting with new foods and recipes, and exploring family traditions are what great family memories are made of!

5. Start a Gratitude jar

Every day we face challenges, and gratitude is key:

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

Starting a Gratitude Jar can be a great family habit. Decorate a jar, and each day or once a week, give the gift of happiness to your family by encouraging them to talk about and/or write down something they’re grateful for.

Early ON Resources for Families and Caregivers

December 17, 2020 by Melanie

During this time when physically distancing from others is important, having a plan and activities ready for your child may help to make your day go a little easier.
Early ON Resources for Parents and Caregivers

This is why Early ON and the City of Toronto compiled an extensive resource for families and caregivers to foster child development while social distancing. Whether it’s physical play or quiet play, this guide is filled with helpful resources for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. Click the download button for the full document.

EarlyON-Printable-Resource-0-6-years-Activities Download

The resource also has tips for how to speak to your children about Coronavirus, some useful telephone numbers and support links, and a plethora of helpful resources.

In addition, Toronto Children’s Services has completed an incredible COVID-19 Resource List for Families. Click the download button for the full document.

COVID-19-Resource-List-for-Families-Dec-04-2020_sa Download

We hope you’ll find these resources helpful!

References

https://playandlearn.healthhq.ca
https://www.facebook.com/ladysmithwaterfrontgallery/
https://busytoddler.com/2020/03/pom-pom-tube-ramp/
https://hes-extraordinary.com/improve-emotional-regulation-just-7-minutes-perday?fbclid=IwAR08xB9WpvGwZc0MlS-5ww-HAKeLyw66wxjsOa97y6TiM9M88yUkjB_oZdo
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19