The New Westminster school district is reaching out to help local preschoolers get ready for kindergarten.
All three- to five-year-olds are invited to take part in upcoming Ready, Set, Learn sessions. The sessions are geared for kids born in 2011 to 2013 and their caregivers, giving kids a chance to visit an elementary school and parents to find out more about school readiness.
“What skills and knowledge are important for school success? Should you be teaching letters? What is more important for developing printing: playing with playdough or practising letter formation?” asks a write-up about the event.
For the answers, and more resources, turn out to one of the Ready, Set, Learn sessions.
They’re set for Wednesday, April 6 at Lord Kelvin Elementary’s Hub; Thursday, April 14 at Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary’s library; and Thursday, April 21 at Qayqayt Elementary’s library. All the sessions run from 9:30 to 11 a.m. To confirm attendance or to find out more, call Prab Samra at 604-517-6333.
NEXT STOP: KINDERGARTEN
Another save-the-date for the soon-to-be-kindergarten crowd. All four- and five-year-old kids who will be entering kindergarten in September this year are invited to attend a Welcome to Kindergarten session at their local elementary school.
Parents and caregivers can come away with early learning resources, and kids can get an introduction to their new school.
Dates announced so far include Queen Elizabeth Elementary on May 4, Lord Tweedsmuir, Qayqayt and Herbert Spencer on June 2, Lord Kelvin on June 8, Richard McBride on June 9 and Connaught Heights on June 15.
For more details, call your neighbourhood school or see the school district website at www.sd40.bc.ca.
BOOKS AND BABIES
Here’s one for the book-loving moms and dads: Don’t forget about the New Westminster Public Library’s Bring Your Baby Book Club – which allows you to bring your baby or tot along with you while you sit and enjoy adult conversation in a baby-friendly room. It’s suggested for those with kids up to age 24 months.
The next book club event is coming up on Tuesday, April 19 at 1 p.m. at the Anvil Centre. Register at 604-527-4667 or email [email protected].
COOKING AND GARDENING FOR SMALL FOLKS
Got a future master gardener or master chef in your midst?
New Westminster’s parks and rec department can help.
The city is offering a Little Gardeners program for two- to four-year-olds this spring at Centennial Community Centre. It runs Thursday mornings from May 19 to June 16, and it gives kids and their parents a chance to dig, plant and discover the world of plants. Be prepared to get dirty, and dress accordingly.
It’s also offering up Mini Chefs, for three- to five-year-olds, running Wednesdays starting April 6 or Thursdays starting April 7, also at Centennial. Kids can learn to prepare breakfast, lunch, desserts and other healthy snacks while learning about food and kitchen safety.
The programs are among many offerings in the city’s spring Active Living guide. Pick up a copy or download one from www.newwestpcr.ca for more, or call Centennial Community Centre at 604-777-5100 for more details.
Do you have an item for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related events and suggestions to Julie, jmaclellan@newwestrecord.ca.
