Turtle Times
Mary Kay McNeill Early Learning Center
A Message From Michele Barkley, Coordinator of Early Learning
Dear ELC Families,
All knowledge is rooted in wonder, and what better place to cultivate wonder than in the garden? While planting seeds and watching plants grow, children learn the value of patience, respect, and responsibility. The children watch birds and insects come and go through the rows of green and witness a science lesson first hand. Weather, biology, and chemistry are all evident in a garden. Even more importantly, gardening teaches us all how our actions can both positively and negatively affect our environment. A garden provides endless opportunities for hands-on environmental learning, which is why our current unit of study is Gardening.
Along with the fun of getting dirty, gardening helps children learn lessons about;
- Patience as they wait for vegetables to grow.
- Responsibility as they see how necessary their care is to the garden.
- They learn about nurturing a life and what it takes to keep something alive.
- Beneficial bugs – They learn about helpful bugs (and other creepy-crawlies) that aerate soil, pollinate crops, and dine on pests.
- They learn to work together and share.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME
- If you’re looking for an engaging outdoor activity that allows the whole family to participate, consider a family garden. From selecting your vegetables and flowers, preparing the earth and planting, and finally harvesting, gardening can be a wonderful way to involve children in a healthy hobby you all can enjoy.
- If you do not have room for a full-size garden, try growing veggies or herbs in space saving containers. For tips and ideas, go to; aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/extension/container/caontainer.html
- Plant a “Butterfly Garden”. Few insects fascinate like the vibrant yet gentle butterfly. Children in particular love these “flying flowers.” While butterflies appear to dance whimsically through the air, they are purposeful creatures. These intriguing insects offer a unique and fun learning experience; parents need only to take advantage of their kids’ natural curiosity and love of the outdoors to plant a beautiful butterfly garden with their children.
ELC Story Walk
April 12th-16th : Ken the Keeper
April 19th-23rd: Addison the Light Catcher
April 26th-30th : Will It
May 3rd-7th: From Malena With Love
Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Lake County renters who face financial hardship related to COVID-19 may apply for the new Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (FERA) Program, which provides help for individuals paying rent and/or utility bills. Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of past due rent and up to three months of assistance with future rent, but no more than 12 months of assistance total. Payments from the program will be made directly to landlords and/or utility companies.
To qualify for help, residents must:
- Pay rent in Lake County
- Have a COVID-related financial hardship
- Be at risk of homelessness or housing instability
- Meet income guidelines based on household size
- Provide appropriate documentation
Examples of what counts as being at risk of homelessness or housing instability include having a past due rent or utility bill, receiving an eviction notice, having had to move in temporarily with another household because you couldn't afford your rent, spending a high proportion of your income on housing costs and more.
To learn more about who is eligible, and for a link to the application, visit lakecountyil.gov/renthelp.
If you have questions or need help filling out the application, including questions about what documents you need, please call 211 from anywhere in Lake County or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to someone who can help.
Dates to Remember
April 12th-May 7th: ELC Story Walk
April 30th: No student attendance
May 5th Material Pick-up: All remote only students
Play is Learning
Mary Kay McNeill Early Learning Center
Email: mbarkley@antioch34.com
Website: https://www.antioch34.com/MKMELC
Location: 817 Main Street, Antioch, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 838-8901