CCSD 146 Early Learning Newsletter

Here you will find important information about your child’s early learning program. We’ll share details for both the Bridges B-3 program, and Pre-K. You’ll learn what’s going on in the classrooms and what’s going on in the community. We’ll share fun activities for you to do with your families and resources you might find interesting.

12/2/22 Bridges Virtual Story Time 10:30

12/16/22 Bridges Play Group 1:30

12/21/22 Last day of school for Pre-K

12/21/22 Bridges Screening @ Quran Academy

12/23/22-1/6/23 Winter Break

1/9/23 First day back

Tinley Park Holiday Market 12/2/22, 12/3/22, 12/4/22. See Link for details

Tinley Toyland Parade 12/3/22 starting at 11:45 AM See Link for details

Oak Forest Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting 12/4/22 See Link for details

Tinley Park, Parade of Lights 12/4/22 starting 5:00 PM. See Link for details

Children's New Year Celebration 12/31/22 starting at 10:00 AM. See Link for details

Tinley Park Public Library Calendar Tinley Youth Services Activities

Orland Park Public Library Calendar Orland Youth Services Activities

Oak Forest Public Library Calendar Oak Forest Youth Services Activities

November was a busy month for our Early Learners. The students completed a unit where they learned all about trees! All of our students were engaged in many activities where they learned about the different parts of a tree and had a chance to explore different types of trees and leaves. Some of the fun activities included scavenger hunts where they used a flashlight to find leaves hidden around the room, making art from acorns, listening to the story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and then creating their own coconut trees.

Students also celebrated Thanksgiving with hand painted Turkeys, a recipe for Friendship Trail Mix, and sharing a feast with all of their friends in the classroom.

The D146 team is getting ready to screen 20 new students ages 3-5 as part of our quarterly Child-Find PreK screenings. Screenings are a great way for parents to do a check-in with a team of educators to make sure that their child is on target to meet all of their developmental milestones. The teams assess a child's skills in communication and motor development as well as pre-academic skills. Parents also complete questionnaires about social/emotional development and the nurse is on hand to complete hearing and vision screenings for all of the children.

If you know someone who lives within the District 146 boundaries and would like to have their child’s development screened, please fill out the form located here.

Twice a month, Bridges offers two play groups. Our virtual story time is held at 10:30 on Friday. We sing, dance, and listen to stories. At the end of each group we also raffle off a few prizes for families in attendance. Our in person play group is held at the Tinley Park Park District Recreation Center on 171st Street. Families can play together with their children and friends they've made through Bridges. We always have an activity and snack for each child. We hope to see you at our next group!

Last month in we had almost half our families attend our story time! Let's keep that going. Our December play group will be held 12/15 and we'll be decorating cookies. Can't wait to see you there!

If you or someone you know might be interested in our program, fill out this referral for Bridges.

Bridges Referral

Bridges will be hosting a community developmental screening event at the Quran Academy in Orland Park for children aged 3 months to 3 years old. If you're interested in having your infant or toddler screened, or know someone who is, call Tiffany Hall at 708-614-4525.

Our next family night will be held virtually over Zoom on November 30th. During this event we will be discussing strategies for increasing your child’s independence. Our Early Learning social worker will share tips and techniques to help your family’s daily routines run smoother by encouraging your toddler or preschooler to do things for themselves or as they might say, “I can do it myself”! This presentation will be offered in English, Arabic and Spanish.

This month we’re sharing our favorite recipe for Kinetic Sand. This moldable sand allows your child to have a pleasant sensory experience without the mess of regular sand. We recommend putting it in a large resealable container. If sealed properly, it should last several weeks.

Kinetic Sand

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of play sand or craft sand (used colored craft sand to create colorful kinetic sand!)
• 1/2 cup of school glue
• 2 teaspoons of dish soap
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch

Directions:

• Step 1: Combine play sand, dish soap, and cornstarch, stirring until all the ingredients are mixed together very well.
• Step 2: Add the glue a little at a time and stir thoroughly with each time you add a bit more.
• Step 3: Once the ingredients are mixed with the spoon, knead the mixture with your hands for a few moments to finish the mixing process!

Brianne Oliver, Coordinator of Special Education and Early Learning

Tiffany Hall, Coordinator of Bridges B-3 program

Feda Mari, Early Learning Family Support Specialist

Kina White, Early Learning Clerk