Great Start News
June 2022
Our Children, Our Community, Our Future
2022-2023 Preschool Sign up!
Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is open! If your child will be 4 on or before December 1st, 2022 he/she may be eligible.
To begin the process of applying, please complete the interest form or call (517) 768-5130 to apply over the phone. After completing the interest form, you will begin receiving robocalls and text messages on how to complete your application.
TALKING TIPS
DID YOU KNOW???
Benefits of Outdoor Play
It can be challenging to take young children outside—from naps to mealtimes and sunscreen to mittens, a trip outdoors might feel like too much hassle. Additionally, play outside may seem unruly, overwhelming, or lacking in learning opportunities. But outdoor play is worth the time and effort.
Click here to continue reading about the benefits of outdoor play:
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2019/outdoor-play-is-essential
Bright by Text
We have teamed up with Bright by Text, a national parent texting program, to put expert tips, games, and child development information directly into the hands of parents and caregivers. Bright by Text provides research-based content on child development and learning from trusted experts like PBS, Vroom, Sesame Street, and the CDC, beginning in the second trimester of pregnancy up to age 8. 2-4 simple texts are sent out per week that include links leading to additional information, such as a video or website. In addition, texts will include resources and family-friendly activities being offered right here in Jackson County. Bright by Text messages are offered in both English and Spanish and are specific to the age of your child.
It is easy to sign up for Bright by Text - simply text GREATSTART to 274448 or follow this link to get started!!
Sing and Play!
GET CRAFTY!
Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Supplies:
- sidewalk chalk
- water
- paint brushes
This is a very simple recipe. All you need to do is crush up sidewalk chalk (put it in a baggie and use a hammer or even stomp on it!) and then add water until it can easily be mixed! For best results let the mixture sit for a few hours before using it so it can thicken up. Then have fun painting!
Homemade Bubble Wands
So, when we lose our bubble wands, our super bubble solution becomes useless? I think NOT! Try out these great tricks to make sure every last bubble is blown!
What you need
- plastic cups
- plastic soft drink bottles
- pipe cleaners
- plastic funnel
- drinking straws
- scissors
Activity
You can use just about anything to make a bubble wand, but start with these ideas and experiment later.
Plastic cup:
Punch a hole in the bottom to blow through.
Dip the large open end into the solution and blow.
Plastic soft drink bottles:
Cut the bottom off the bottle and dip.
Use the lid end of the bottle to blow you bubbles.
Pipe cleaners:
You can create just about any shape you like form a pipe cleaner, just make sure you keep a small section as a handle. Try with circles, stars or even triangles.
Plastic funnel:
This already has a natural shape for a bubble wand. Using the large end to dip and the small end to blow, this is a sure winner!
Drinking straws:
These should be small, but fast flowing bubbles. Why not bunch some together and see how many you can get. Dip and try!
Homemade Bubbles
Instructions:
- Pour 1/2 cup of dish soap into a large cup.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the dish soap in the cup.
- Measure 2 teaspoons of sugar and add it to the water/soap mixture.
- Gently stir your mixture.
- Go outside and have fun blowing bubbles. If you don't use it all, you can pour it into a tightly sealed container.
LOCAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Jackson District Library
Contact Us
Bridget Griffith: Great Start/Early Childhood Coordinator bridget.griffith@jcisd.org
Resha Willis: Great Start Playgroups Coordinator jacksonplaygroups@gmail.com