Slow Down This August
As summer continues, August brings many opportunities to slow down, enjoy the sunshine, and make lasting memories with family and friends.
At Network Child Care Services, we hope you and your family have a safe, joyful, and relaxing month!
Around Our Network
Summer has been filled with exciting adventures, meaningful connections, and hands-on learning across our Network Child Care Centres. Here are just a few highlights from our amazing educators and children:
Liberty Village Child Care Centre
Summer has been full of fun and discovery at Liberty Village! Children have been enjoying outdoor adventures, including picnics, splash pad visits, community walks, and creative activities like tie-dye art, homemade ice cream, and fresh lemonade. The centre's new playground gardens have become a favourite learning space, and children were especially excited to watch a family of rabbits make their home among the vegetables before venturing off on their own. As summer continues, everyone is looking forward to welcoming WonderPhil the Magician for a fun-filled end-of-summer celebration!
Bendale Child Care Centre
Children welcomed special visits from the local librarian, fostering a love of books and storytelling through interactive reading experiences. They also enjoyed a heartwarming intergenerational "Bubble Catch" program, sharing laughter and play with older adults while building meaningful community connections. Time spent caring for the centre's garden has given children the opportunity to explore nature, develop responsibility, and watch their hard work bloom.
St. Nicholas Child Care Centre
Our Senior Preschool children had an exciting movie theatre field trip, creating lasting memories as they experienced the big screen together. Back at the centre, educators and children have been nurturing their beautiful playground garden, where little hands have been busy watering plants, observing growth, and discovering the wonders of nature right outside their classroom.
St. Bartholomew Child Care Centre
At St. Bartholomew, families came together for a wonderful family gathering, celebrating the strong partnerships that make our community so special. Children also participated in Growers Club activities, where they explored gardening and healthy food through hands-on experiences. Excitement continued with a TTC field trip, giving children the chance to explore their city, followed by a lively music event that had everyone singing, dancing, and celebrating together.
Wade Child Care Centre
The garden at Wade has become a favourite destination for children this summer! With tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini growing beautifully, children have enjoyed helping care for the plants while learning where healthy food comes from. Gardening has encouraged curiosity, teamwork, and patience as they observe the fruits of their hard work growing a little more each day.
Make the Most of Summer
Warm weather offers countless opportunities for children to learn through play. Here are a few fun family activities to enjoy together:
- Nature Scavenger Hunt – Visit a local park and search for leaves, flowers, birds, butterflies, rocks, or interesting clouds.
- Backyard Water Play – Set up sprinklers, water tables, or buckets with cups and toys for safe sensory fun.
- Garden Helpers – Invite children to water plants, pull weeds, or harvest vegetables if you have a garden.
- Bubble Science – Experiment with homemade bubbles and see who can create the biggest bubble!
When It's Too Hot to Play Outside
Some August days bring extreme heat or poor air quality. On those days, it's best to stay indoors in a cool, air-conditioned space. Here are some engaging indoor activities:
- Create an indoor obstacle course using pillows, cushions, and masking tape.
- Try simple kitchen science experiments, like making slime, a baking soda volcano or rainbow milk.
- Create artwork using recycled materials or nature treasures collected on previous walks.
- Visit your local library for story time, crafts, or children's programming.
- Enjoy puzzles, building blocks, or family board games.
Remember to keep blinds closed during the hottest part of the day and encourage quiet activities when temperatures are at their highest.
Summer Safety Reminders
To help everyone stay healthy this summer:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Apply sunscreen before heading outdoors and reapply regularly.
- Wear hats and lightweight, breathable clothing.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Never leave children unattended in or near water.
- Check the daily weather forecast and Air Quality Health Index before planning outdoor activities.
Learning Through Everyday Moments
The best learning often happens during everyday routines. This month, encourage your child to:
- Count steps while walking.
- Help measure ingredients during cooking.
- Talk about what they see, hear, and smell outdoors.
- Read together every day, even just 15 minutes helps build language and literacy skills.
- Ask questions and explore new ideas through conversation and play.
These simple moments help build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Wishing You a Wonderful August
Thank you for being part of the Network Child Care Services community. We hope your family enjoys a month filled with laughter, exploration, and quality time together.