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The Health Benefits of Pumpkins

October 8, 2018 by Creating Together

Halloween is around the corner, and the decorations have hit the yards in preparation for the trick-or-treaters. We hope you’ll join us for our pumpkin carving extravaganza on October 25th! But while we all get ready to break out the pumpkin carving tools, did you know that there are MANY ways a pumpkin can be used, from soups and salads to muffins, smoothies and breads…and even better, they are incredibly healthy?!

Here’s some interesting health benefits of pumpkins:

Did you know that 1/2 cup of boiled pumpkin contains the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A for children? Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining your body’s natural defenses. This includes the mucous barriers in your eyes, lungs, gut and genitals which help trap bacteria and other infectious agents.
They are one of the best known sources of the anti-oxidant beta-carotene. Several studies have shown that antioxidants through diet help people’s immune systems, protect against free radicals, and lower the risk of developing cancer and heart disease.
Pumpkins are very high in potassium, which is known to help lower blood pressure!

But let’s not stop there – even the seeds are great (also known as pepitas)! For example, 1/4 cups of pumpkin seeds have nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, which is important for pumping your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, and relaxation of your blood vessels. And did you know that the oil of pumpkin seeds also have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping with arthritis?

So be sure to check out some creative ways to eat pumpkin with your little ones, and we’ll see you on the 25th for our annual pumpkin carving!

Celebrating Autumn with your Child

September 22, 2018 by Creating Together

In a blog we posted last April about the importance of traditions, we pointed out that around the world, traditions and rituals in family life are linked to increased happiness, emotional well-being, and a greater sense of identity in children. Whether it’s Sunday dinners, birthdays, or family game night, having routines that you do as a “family” is important on many levels.

The Autumn Equinox September 22nd also marks the first day of fall! This makes for the perfect time to honour the turn of another season with your child. If you’re interested in sparking a love of autumn through some family fun, here are a few ideas:

1. Learn some fun facts about the Equinox

The word equinox is derived from Latin, meaning “equal night.” On each equinox, the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night are said to be equal. The equinoxes are considered a day of balance because day and night are approximately the same lengths. One equinox happens in March (Spring Equinox), and the other in the fall (Autumn Equinox). Here are some fun activities to do with your child, to help them understand the meaning of the fall equinox: https://www.kidzworld.com/article/2526-autumn-equinox

2. Create a seasonal rhythm for the home

Use this time to create a seasonal rhythm in your home – this will help you get things done and create balance in the home. Children thrive on routines. Some are daily, some are weekly, and they can also be seasonal. Equinoxes are a great time for getting rid of clutter, letting go of those unused toys and giving away the outgrown cloths. Once those things are let go of, a seasonal bucket list is great way to get everybody involved in what they’d like to do the coming season.

3. Have a fall scavenger hunt

CBC has a great “print and play” autumn scavenger hunt guide online. Or, if you aren’t up for organizing it yourself, consider going to one at Evergreen Brickworks.

4. Create a fall nature table

Nature tables give children the opportunity to play with objects found in nature, helping them notice the little changes that happen when a season shifts, and connect with the natural world. They also create a sensory experience for the child, and can be used for pretend or imaginative play. Consider what the season represents for your family’s culture, values, beliefs, celebrations. Then, go around your home with that in mind and you’d be surprised what you can find (rocks, leaves, sticks, acorns, pine cones, seasonal art and crafts, silks and candles in the season, fall books for kids, etc)! Put these together, and voila!

*Of course, include only objects that are safe for your child to handle. Keep small and breakable objects off the table until you think your child is mature enough to handle them.

5. Go on a family nature walk in High Park

This is a great opportunity for young ones who need to get out, and are no longer using a stroller (but you can carry babies in a carrier of course). “Grandparents, parents, teens, children and babies alike will love this chance to discover the natural wonders in High Park’s incredible savannahs, woodlands and wetlands. Walks are led by our amazing nature interpreters, as well as the High Park Rangers and the High Park Eagles Youth.”

Calendar of upcoming High Park Family Nature Walks

Summer Outdoor Art Activity #6: Paint Splat Tape Art

August 24, 2018 by Creating Together

There’s something super fun about paint splatting, and this outdoor activity courtesy of “Buggy and Buddy” gives an added dimension…Tape!

Materials:

Some white paper (e.g., thick watercolour paper)
Paint brushes
Paints in various colours (e.g., BioColor, Tempera)
Blue/Green painter’s tape

Steps:

Place pieces of painter’s tape all over our blank paper. Your child may be able to tear their own tape and use the pieces to make a pattern.
Prepare paint in plastic cups and added a brush to each.
Set up your materials outside so the kids can feel free to create without worrying about making a mess. Tape them to a log or weigh the corners down with rocks. Set up the paint cups of paint nearby.
Offer a demonstration in splatting and have the kids take it from there!
Allow the art to dry
Bring the artwork inside, remove the tape, and reveal your designs!

Summer Outdoor Art Activity #5: Water Pistol Painting

August 17, 2018 by Creating Together

Water Pistol painting sooo much fun! Read on to find out a way to create some wall-worthy artwork while having a GREAT time with all ages!

Let’s get started.

Materials:

Poster paint
Water
Water pistols (one for each colour)
A large canvas

3 Easy Steps:

1: One colour per pistol

Set it up so you have one water pistol for each colour of paint that you would like to use. **HINT: limit the colours used so the colours don’t merge together and you end up with everything being brown!

2: Getting the pistols ready

Water down your paint colours and pour one colour into each water pistol. If using poster paints, use 50% paint and 50 % water so that the paint is easy to squirt but still bright. If using liquid watercolour paint don’t water it down too much, but make sure it is thin enough to squirt through the nozzle!

3: Water gun painting on canvas

Once your water pistols are full of paint take them outside, prop up a large canvas and get squirting! HINT: Practice close and long-range shots for different effects!

Alternative:

Use fabric paint and t-shirts to do some water pistol t-shirts (Fireflies and Mudpies)!

Summer Outdoor Art Activity #3: DIY Chalk Paint

August 3, 2018 by Creating Together

Looking for a new use for all that sidewalk chalk? Here’s a cool way to use it up and have a good time while doing it!

What You’ll Need:

Chalk sticks – broken up preferred.
Water.
Ziploc baggies.
Hammer or mallet (optional).

Let’s Make Paint!

Separate different colours of chalk into each of the ziploc bags, crush them up with your feet or a hammer, and pour the powder chunks into cups. Top up with water, and paint away!

The Health Benefits of Pumpkins

Celebrating Autumn with your Child

1. Learn some fun facts about the Equinox

2. Create a seasonal rhythm for the home

3. Have a fall scavenger hunt

4. Create a fall nature table

5. Go on a family nature walk in High Park

Summer Outdoor Art Activity #6: Paint Splat Tape Art

Summer Outdoor Art Activity #5: Water Pistol Painting

Summer Outdoor Art Activity #3: DIY Chalk Paint

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