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Early Learning with Science

June 26, 2017 by Creating Together

Discovering together at the Ontario Science Centre field trip.

Pablo Picasso once said that “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” In an article in Wired Magazine, they presented the idea that the same can be said about children and science, because of how they learn through curiosity and play – and how that innate curiosity can easily be lost as they age.

There is a growing understanding and recognition of the power of children’s early thinking and learning as well as a belief that science may be a particularly important domain in early childhood, serving not only to build a basis for future scientific understanding but also to build important skills and attitudes for learning (K. Worth, 2010).

So how can parents, teachers, and caregivers navigate the fine line between giving kids a taste of fact & knowledge, while also creating a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty? Jonah Leher suggests “When we explain things to kids, we shouldn’t pretend that we have all the answers. We shouldn’t turn science class into a dry recitation of facts that must be memorized, or only conduct experiments in the classroom in which the results are known in advance. Because it’s the not knowing – that tang of doubt and possibility – that keeps us playing with the world, eager to figure out how it works”.

So if you’re ready to take this further, you’d be happy to know that Toronto has some great programs available. Let’s take a look!

Let’s Talk Science

This award-winning, Canadian, charitable organization is focused on education and outreach to support youth development. They create and deliver unique learning programs and services that engage children, youth and educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). They are passionate about promoting “science literacy” because doing science develops our ability to ask questions, collect information, organize and test our ideas, problem-solve and apply what we learn. It also offers a powerful platform for building confidence, developing communication skills and making sense of the world around us – a world that is increasingly shaped by science and technology.

They create, test and deliver free curriculum-aligned workshops for children and youth ages 3-17. For a list of sample workshops, check out our hands-on/minds-on workshops. If you’re interested in a specific topic, contact your local outreach site and they’ll work with you to fit the your class or group’s needs.

The Ontario Science Centre

Based on Toronto, the Science Centre is the public centre for innovative thinking and discussion around science and technology, inspiring a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. Their purpose is to delight, inform and challenge the communities they serve. They enrich people’s lives and their understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. If you can afford it, a yearly membership starts at $125 (2 adults and 2 children for the year).

Museum Admission Passes

If the cost of entry for the Science Centre is too high for you, consider an early Saturday morning line-up at our local Parkdale Library. Although the library doesn’t open until 9am, the line-up usually starts between 6am-7am on a Saturday morning because of all the free family admission passes they provide the community. The Ontario Science Centre is one of many passes they have available, and allows 2 adults and up to 4 children entry. You might also consider a pass to the Royal Ontario Museum for some science discovery. Don’t forget to make sure your library card is up to date and all fines are paid before you go!

Children’s Discovery Centre

This was Toronto’s only children’s museum, designed and staffed by a team of early childhood development professionals for kids aged 0 to 6 years to play, create, get messy, explore and use their imagination. Although their pilot program is over and their test location is now closed, this wonderful program has decided to launch a fundraising campaign to create a permanent location. To buy a brick and support their initiative, go here: http://www.childrensdiscoverycentre.com/support-us/

Filed Under: Featured, Special Activities

Fire Safety: Getting the Conversation Started

May 31, 2017 by Creating Together

Did you know that 7 out of 10 fires in Canada occur at home, with most occurring in the kitchen, and residential cooking being the leading cause of fire-related deaths? Please take a moment, and read through these helpful, life-saving tips for Kitchen Fire Safety.

And why stop there? Protect your family and home from fire with smoke alarms and by planning your escape, and raising awareness within your family about fire safety. Take a look at these kits and children’s activities, to help you get the conversation started:

  • Escape Plan Kit
  • Plan Your Escape Brochure
  • Multi-Lingual Fire Safety Information
  • Colouring Pages for Kids (Fire Prevention Canada)

To support families in the process, on May 19th Creating Together families and caregivers enjoyed an exciting trip out to the Parkdale Fire Station on Lansdowne Avenue. The kids enjoyed meeting the firefighters, and learning about fire safety. As always, the staff at our local fire station were great with the kids, and a great time was had by all.

A huge thank you to the Fire Fighters of our city, for the work they do in keeping us safe!

 

Filed Under: Featured, Special Activities

Top 5 of 2016 – #1: Our Community!

January 1, 2017 by Creating Together

2016 was an action-packed year for Creating Together. Here is the last post in our top 5 favourite things series.

Without a doubt, our number one favourite thing in 2016 was the amazing community that has been fostered by Creating Together over the year. We are so thankful for this supportive community of families, staff, Board members and donors!

The delicious 40th Anniversary cake!

Our Board Chair, Alan McDougall, would like to share a note to our community:

Dear families and friends,

2016 has been another exciting year for Creating Together. As always, we’ve had our daily programs of activities, with circle and snack time, special parties, and tons of other activities – not to mention the day trips outside Toronto to pick apples and strawberries. On top of that, we successfully launched an extended hours program on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and we celebrated the Centre’s 40th birthday in style, not once but twice! The 40th Anniversary party at Fuller Avenue Park was a real highlight, with dramatic stormy weather followed by sunshine, plus face painting, craft stations, a barbecue and an enormous cake.

I’d like to thank my fellow Board members and our dedicated Staff for all of their hard work and good cheer this past year. Most of all, I’d like to thank you all for your continued support in making Creating Together such a great Parkdale institution. We have exciting plans to develop the Centre in 2017, so stay tuned to the website for updates!

 With best wishes for the holidays and New Year,

Alan

We look forward to seeing you at the Centre in 2017!

 

 

Filed Under: Featured

Top 5 of 2016 – #2: Coming Together

January 1, 2017 by Creating Together

2016 was an action-packed year for Creating Together. Stay tuned to see our top 5 favourite things this year!

Every year, we come together as a community to celebrate the special holidays and occasions of various cultures. We really look forward to these celebrations, as it gives us a chance to learn about each other’s culture and learn from each other’s experiences. We have tasted Diwali sweets, decorated Easter eggs, marked the Tibetan new year, and recently enjoyed a fantastic holiday gathering, complete with a visit from Santa Claus, singing, dancing, a yummy lunch, a raffle and presents for the children. Many thanks to our wonderful staff who take so much care to involve all our families in these fun events!

A visit with Santa
Candy canes!
Gathering for some songs at our holiday party
Ready for a delicious lunch!

Filed Under: Featured

Top 5 of 2016 – #3: Moving and Shaking!

December 30, 2016 by Creating Together

2016 was an action-packed year for Creating Together. Stay tuned to see our top 5 favourite things this year! 

Our families love to jump, wiggle, hop and dance – luckily we have many opportunities to do so every week. We know how important physical fitness is to our wellbeing and, at Creating Together, families can join in a number of programs that encourage kids and adults alike to get moving. The Rainbow Fun activity program in particular is always a hit!

Crouching and stretching
Getting into the swing of it!

Filed Under: Featured

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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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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

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