SAM

Neighbourhood News

October 2007

Volume 1, Number 2

In This Issue

· Do not be Afraid!

· No Bad Weather…

· Park Inventory

WANTED:

· Stories from your neighbourhood

· Photos of your CAN’s activities

TIP of the MONTH:

One small step…

Starting small

QUOTE of the MONTH:

“It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.”

--Leo Buscaglia, author, educator

Contact Us:

Website

www.silkensactivekids.ca

Email:

activekids@silkenlaumann.

com

Phone:

250-479-2525

Fax:

250-479-2528

Profiles, Discussion Forums and Conferences…Oh My! (to the tune of the “Yellow Brick Road”)

We know it may seem scary like the haunted woods in the Wizard of Oz but do not be afraid. This Halloween season as little ones are dressing up like witches, fairies and an assortment of superheroes SAM would also like to let you know that we have our own team of superheroes that are here to help you access your Profile on the website, participate in the Discussion Forum and Online Conferences. Just drop us an email or give us call and we will help you access all that we have to offer.

SAM is also constantly searching for new resources, ideas and examples for what is happening in the play around Canada. We are in the process of assembling our Games Resource, which will soon be available free online to download or in paper copy for purchase.

If you have any resources you would like to share with others or you are looking for something specific, please contact us and we will be happy to help you find what you are looking for!

‘No Bad Weather, Only Bad Clothing…”

Now there’s a thought… “A rainy day can be a beautiful day if you dress for it!” Kari-Marie Svennby Toronto, Ontario

Remember that even though the seasons are changing and we see more and more rain and snow, this does not mean that our play must stop. Dress appropriately for the weather and explore the best that the season has to offer, whether it be mud puddles, falling leaves, crunchy frost or light fluffy snow. Also remember to grab a neighbour or friend to join the fun! If you are interested in starting a Community Action Network (CAN) in your neighbourhood, do not hesitate to contact the Community Activation Officer, Brittany Decker at bldecker.activekids@silkenlaumann.com.

What Are Your Parks Like?

Now that your children are settled back to school and into all their activities, we would like to challenge all of you to take a moment and make some observations about the area in which you live. Try to take a quick inventory of your neighbourhood and if possible take a photo or two to show us what your parks are like and what types of play are or are not happening there.

Try to ask your self the following questions:

· Does your neighbourhood park sit empty and un-used?

· Is the equipment in your park new or broken and old?

· Do you see children playing and running around the school yard before and after school? Are they using the play equipment?

We would like to hear from all of you, so please email your responses and photos to our website and we will post them for all to see and share.

Hope to see you outside this Autumn!