Family Resource Centre

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Happy Thanksgiving!

October 5, 2021 by Melanie

It is the time of year to reflect on all that we are grateful for, in our families, homes and communities. When hard times hit, Gratitude has the power to energize, reduce stress, and align with optimism – and who doesn’t need that?

While several factors go into emotional resilience and optimism, studies show that cultivating a sense of gratitude can help you maintain a more positive mood in daily life and contribute to the greater emotional well-being and bring social benefits as well (Very Well Mind). Evidence from research at Berkeley suggests that grateful young adolescents (ages 11-13), compared to their less grateful counterparts, are happier and more optimistic, have better social support, are more satisfied with their school, family, community, friends, and themselves, and give more emotional support to others. If you’re looking for ways to cultivate traditions of gratitude in your family, take a look at this blog we shared: Increasing Happiness and Well-Being Through Traditions of Gratitude.

The Board and Staff at Creating Together would like to take a moment to say how grateful we are for the honour of working with you and your little ones. Never doubt your impact on our lives, the meaningfulness of this work for us, and the impact of nurturing the children of our communities on creating a bright future.

Blessings of Gratitude and Abundance to you all!

Filed Under: Announcements, Traditions Tagged With: Celebrating Community, family traditions, Gratitude

Back to the Books for International Literacy Day!

September 6, 2021 by Melanie

As many of our little ones head back to school, it’s also the annual celebration International Literacy Day on Sept 8 – a celebration

Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. Despite progress made, literacy challenges persist with at least 773 million young people and adults lacking basic literacy skills today.

UNESCO

What is Literacy?

We often think of literacy as the ability to read and write, however what this means across cultures varies greatly.

For example, “reading” includes understanding complex visual and digital media as well as printed material. An elderly person who can read the newspaper might have a difficult time navigating their email or reading a map online. When we look at literacy, how do we engage with the written word in everyday life? How do we keep up with current events and communicate effectively?

Literacy Begins Before a Child Can Read

Until the last 30 years, children were seen as non-readers until they entered school. Now, children’s attempts to read and write before they reach school age are seen as important steps in developing reading and writing abilities. And, according to research by the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, children who are successful readers have usually engaged in many early language and literacy activities before starting school. In fact, hearing and engaging with books read aloud to them is one of the most important activities for infants, toddlers, and pre-school children.

Encourage Reading and Discuss Texts

Encourage young learners to immerse themselves in reading as often as possible, and using a broad variety of genres (newspapers, novels, comics, magazines, films, reference material, and websites). Follow up the reading or viewing of a text with a discussion of what it made learners think and feel.

Gamify It!

Make reading and writing fun, be it with scavenger hunts, rhyming contests, comic creation…get creative and have fun! Here are some fun game ideas for early learners: https://www.3plearning.com/blog/6-activities-that-put-the-fun-into-phonics-for-early-learners/

We are here to help. 

Even in a time of crisis, Creating Together has found ways to help families maintain a literacy routine with our online programming. Take advantage of our online storytimes and build literacy into your family routine with some family favourites: 

  • 1pm Story Time Mon/Wed/Fri and 7pm Bedtime Story Mon-Fri on our Facebook Page
  • Did you know that a child’s knowledge of songs and rhymes at age 3 is predictor of his/her ability to read by age 6? Why not come and take advantage of the opportunities and support available to you at Creating Together?Join us for Circle Time (daily at 10am on Zoom or Facebook – see below)
  • Tip: give children a choice in which book they’d like to read, choose books that are age appropriate, and read in ways that are also age appropriate. Take a look at this great tip sheet: Milestones of Early Literacy Development.

Happy Reading!

Filed Under: Family Playtime, Literacy, Tips and Tools

Welcome Back!

September 5, 2021 by Melanie

We are excited to be opening up again this Tuesday, and look forward to seeing your familiar faces (and hopefully some new ones!).

After a much needed break, Creating Together programs open again September 7th. We know that many of our youngsters will be heading to school, and wish them all the best in their adventures!

We will continue to offer Virtual Programming (starting Tuesday), and will gradually be reopening the in-person program again (but not quite yet – stay tuned).

Filed Under: Announcements, Family Playtime, What's On in Parkdale

Talking Climate with Children

August 24, 2021 by Melanie

August 19th is World Humanitarian Day, and this year’s theme is Climate Action – highlighting the immediate human cost of the climate crisis by pressuring world leaders to take meaningful climate action for the world’s most vulnerable people.

But how do we have these conversations with our children? How do we raise their awareness about the issue of climate change and help them be apart of the solution?

Take look at this fun and interactive learning tool put together by NASA: https://climatekids.nasa.gov. It covers some of the big questions, like:

  • What is climate change?
  • What is the greenhouse effect?
  • Why is carbon important?
  • How do we know the climate is changing?
  • How does climate change affect the ocean?

The website goes on to share games, activities, videos, and features people committed in their work / careers to being a part of the solution. Check it out!

Filed Under: Special Activities, Tips and Tools

Summer Break

August 14, 2021 by Melanie

Hello everyone,

Hope you are enjoying the summer and staying cool on those hot and humid days!


Creating Together is taking a short break for summer. Program will be closed from Aug. 16th to Sept. 3rd., and we will be returning Sept. 7th.

Stay tune for upcoming schedule for in person and virtual program for September.

We are looking forward to seeing again!

Filed Under: Announcements

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About Us

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Creating Together Parkdale Family Resource Centre

Our mission is to support the healthy social, cognitive, emotional and physical development of children 0 to 6 years and their families. We welcome children aged 0 to 6 years and their families/ caregivers to relax and connect with each other and with the greater communities through our many programs.
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Now Open for In-Person Program!

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Hours

MON 9:00am - 2:30pm
TUE 9:00am - 2:30pm
WED 9:00am - 2:30pm
THU 9:00am - 2:30pm
FRI 9:00am - 1:30pm
SAT 10am - 2:00pm (twice monthly)
SUN Closed

Please refer to our Calendar »

Contact Us

Creating Together
1342 Queen Street West
Phone: (416) 537-1004
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Charitable Registration Number:
12947 6248 RR0001
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