Spotlight Brain Waves

Kids ‘R’ Kids corporate is gearing up to roll out a new curriculum titled Brain Waves, which is exclusive to Kids ‘R’ Kids and endorsed by leading pediatrician Thomas Calk, M.D. F.A.A.P.

Here at Kids ‘R’ Kids Orlando, we have already begun the process of implementing these changes by creating Brain Stations like in the photo below. The toddler below is seen enjoying reading a book in one of the new Brain Stations, which provides rich learning experiences through sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.

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The first five years of a child’s life is a critical time when the child’s brain is developing, and brain cells (neurons) are forming connections for learning and future success in school. Rich learning experiences provide the stimulation the brain needs to grow for language, cognitive, social/emotional and physical development.

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Learning Through Movement

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Have you given thought to how much children move throughout the day? Not only are they naturally physical, they participate in scheduled times such as Move Together and Outdoor Adventures as well as physical activities provided throughout the Kids ‘R’ Kids Curriculum. Children also move as they transition during the day. When movement opportunities are turned into creative physical activities, children can gain critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Engage children in a discussion about moving their bodies. Which body parts move? What are different ways they can move their bodies? Challenge children to problem solve using movement. For example, if their hands were “stuck” to chairs, how could they move their bodies? Create a rhythm for children to move to, and then have them repeat their movements. Ask children to move up high, down low, and in front and behind someone or something. Encourage children’s suggestions, and have them demonstrate their ideas. When reading a story, brainstorm ways the characters might move. Encourage children to move in these ways as you describe their movements. Ask them to imitate how characters would move by adding scenarios such as squeezing through a narrow path or stomping through puddles. Encourage descriptive movements. So as you “move” through your day, enjoy it with the children as they participate in problem-solving and critical-thinking fun!

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Kids ‘R’ Kids Gives Back

On Saturday, January 12, 2013, owners Rosa and Jose Diaz along with the Kids R Kids managers and staff volunteers gave their time and helped cook and serve breakfast to the over 100 women and children who reside at the Women’s Residential & Counseling Center (WRCC) in Downtown Orlando.

The WRCC is a 138-bed facility, which includes emergency beds for victims of domestic abuse. Clients who live at WRCC are case managed, and have access to a wide variety of resources and services, including an on-site Early Childhood Development Center, counseling and job placement. Clients create a detailed self-sufficiency plan with their case manager and build a savings account during their stay. Each client who lives at WRCC is required to be employed and show that they are working towards self-sufficiency.

At Kids R Kids Waterford/Avalon we know the importance of service to our community and strive to make it a part of our organization’s core values. We’re committed to incorporating a minimum of one service event each month in order to continue our path of service. While we work to educate and enrich our youth here at our school, we hope that our staff can also lead by example and teach their students the importance of giving back to our community.

If you’d like more information about volunteer opportunities at the Women’s Residential & Counseling Center, visit: http://www.centralfloridahomeless.org/volunteer.html

To view more pictures from our service event, visit our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.564553123573110.138717.558983924130030&type=1

 

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