Great Start News
May 2021
Our Children, Our Community, Our Future
Calling All Preschoolers!
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.
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!!
When to Feed Your Baby
- making sucking sounds
- moving hands to mouth
- rooting (moving head toward breast)
- fussing or crying (it's best to feed the baby before crying starts if you can)
After a few weeks, babies usually begin to feed at more regular times. If your baby is growing well, you can try extending the time between night feedings (but don't ignore your baby's hunger cues). As your baby gets older, the time between feedings will grow more and more.
For more information, please visit healthychildren.org.
Communication Milestones
Fast forward to the beginning of the preschooler years, and children may use as many as 900 words (which are understood by others most of the time). They may string together 4-6 word sentences. Most can say their first and last name, age, and gender. Other language milestones at the preschool-age level include the use of pronouns (I, you, me, we, they) and plurals (socks, cups). Preschoolers may still favor words that help them feel more in control (no, me, mine).
Visit Reading Rockets for more information.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Here is a fun and easy game to play with children that will get the kids outside having fun. For younger children, try keeping it simple with images and for older kids, you can try making it a guessing game. For example, give children a clue such as - this grows strong and tall and turns pretty colors in the fall. When the children go to the tree, they find another clue and so on. At the end of the game, maybe there is a prize or a special snack.
No Salt Playdough
You will need:
2 cups of flour
3 tablespoons of oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup of water
Directions:
- Place ingredients into a big bowl and mix.
- Place well-mixed dough onto a work surface and knead.
- When not in use, place in a storage bag and refrigerate.
Tip - divide the dough ingredients into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring before mixing for colored playdough.
Tree Faces
This is such a fun and creative project that is safe for trees. While going on a nature walk, encourage your child to collect items such as acorns, sticks, rocks, leaves, flowers, etc. Anything that grabs their attention will do - just make sure it's not poison ivy!
You will need:
No Salt Playdough - use the recipe above
nature items
Directions:
- Spread out the playdough onto a tree trunk.
- Add your nature items to make a face on the tree.
Read the directions with your child and make a tree face together. Have fun!
Trusted Advisors Webpage
StoryWalk 2021: Choose Your Own Adventure
Locations:
Ella Sharp Museum
Dahlem Center Playscape
Concord Falling Waters Trailhead
Clark Lake Spirit Trail
Visit here for more information.
Frogs and Toads
Social Skills: Learning to Listen
Social skills help others feel comfortable with us and help us make friends. They help us resolve conflicts in healthy ways.
Some Ideas for Helping Your Child Learn to Listen
- Don't interrupt your child when he or she is talking.
- If your child interrupts you, calmly say, "I'd love to hear what you think. Can you just wait a minute while I finish what I was saying?"
- Look your child in the eye as you listen.
- Read out loud together. Take turns listening to each other.
- Praise your child for being a good listener.
For more information on this topic - please read this Positive Parenting Solutions article.
Contact Us
Chrissy Blackwell: Great Start Co-Coordinator christina.blackwell@jcisd.org
Jennifer Ganzel: Great Start Families Parent Liasion greatstart.parents@jcisd.org
Kelly Friedland: Early Childhood Grant Support and Data Specialist kelly.friedland@jcisd.org
Resha Willis: Great Start Playgroups Coordinator jacksonplaygroups@gmail.com