Zombie Attack!

Last Friday, in celebration of Halloween, we hosted a small zombie party. We had a face painting booth and "converted" the little ones into baby zombies. We also baked witches' fingers and toes, intestines, and other creations for our mini zombies to munch on and enjoy. This project was aimed at challenging the children's creativity as well as their socialisation and fine motor skills.

"Blood" (otherwise known as red fruit punch) was also served, much to the children's delight. We also played zombie games, such as Night of the Undead, which helped foster social skills and encouraged teamwork and cooperation.

All in all, we had a dandy gathering. Happy Halloween!

Cheers!
The Kennelee Club (Gemma & Monica)

OSC’s First Out-trip: Village Pumpkin Patch

Last Tuesday, with the weather cooperating, we were able to take children from the Junior and Senior Programs to The Village Garden Pumpkin Patch. We wanted to take the children to a real farm, where they could experience first-hand where the pumpkins come from. The children from Junior OSC were very excited, especially after finding out that they were going with the Senior OSC children.

We were all geared up in our boots and jackets, and holding our bags (for our pumpkins), waiting for the OSC bus to arrive. When the bus arrived, we loaded up the bus and off we went. The leaders thought it would be fun if we paired the older children and the younger children in a buddy-system.

At the pumpkin patch, Farmer Rick talked to the children about how pumpkins grow, from seeds to blossoms, and finally to the harvest of the pumpkins. He showed us photographs of the pumpkins growing at different times. After the talk, we were able to explore the pumpkin patch. Due to perfect timing, we were able to have the patch almost to ourselves.

It was a fun and wonderful experience for the children in both programs.

 

-Karen-

Skoot & Skate Mondays!

Every Monday, we engage the children in our 'Skoot and Skate' Development Day. The kids that have signed up bring their scooters, skateboards and helmets to Junior OSC.

Through this activity, we are giving the children opportunities to practise and develop their gross motor skills and safety consciousness. The children are expected to observe proper rules and regulations regarding their safety and well being. They show independence and critical thinking with regards to road safety and their interactions with each other.

So far, the weather has been accommodating for us to run this outdoors. We will try to continue this activity outside and possibly move it indoors for the winter months. Look out for the sign-up sheet if your child would like to participate!

Katrina

Dungeons and Dragons

Two weeks ago, I introduced a role-playing adventure board game to the kids called Dungeons & Dragons. The game utilises miniature figurines, some dice, a game board, and the very creative imagination of a child. Each player creates a character who is a hero in a fantasy game world setting.

This past week's adventure found our heroes, Kyo aka Cheesehead the fighter (Bryce), the paladin brothers Speedy (Jacob) and Fasty (Alex P.), Alex Awesome the rogue (Alex S.), and Jackie the ranger (Russell N.) in the town of Loudwater. Suddenly, Loudwater was raided by Goblins looking for an artifact that was allegedly stolen from them! The heroes took the responsibility of protecting the town from the invaders. They successfully defeated the goblins and, for their bravery, the Lord of Loudwater presented them with the artifact and gold. The artifact has a mysterious inscription in a language none of the heroes can decipher. They are now on a mission to find an individual who can tell them what the inscription says...

More adventures await our band of heroes...

Kevin

Change of Season

Well, it looks as though our extremely fortunate run of weather is about to change. Let's hope the inbound rain is only momentary. But with a change in climate comes a change in opportunity: gym time!

On foul weather afternoons, our children will be given the chance to explore new activities indoors. The likes of basketball, soccer, bikes, gymnastic equipment, group games and even hockey may present themselves. Many of these activities will allow the children to develop social and motor skills not specifically provided from outdoor play.

But, alas, outdoors is where we prefer to have the children. Outside is where the children should be. So pack that jacket, that toque and those gloves! We will continue to take the kids outside throughout the fall and winter if possible.

Cheers,
Dustin