From November 2012

Play It Fair! National Day of the Child Event Nov 17th in New West

 

By Nancy Saraiva

At this time of year, malls are bustling with people on the hunt for the most talked about toy and the television is screaming out ads to buy, buy and buy some more, promising to put a smile on a child’s face. Though gift giving is an integral part of this time of year, it’s also a great time to focus on the real needs of a child as celebrated on the annual National Day of the Child, November 20th.

The day is designated to pay tribute to Canada’s commitment to children, promote children’s initiatives across the country and encourage child-related organizations to raise awareness of child rights. Based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the New Westminster Community Project, Understanding the Early Years (UEY), developed a Children’s Charter to support families in respecting specific rights for a child – the right to healthy development, the right to be safe and the right to participation.

On November 17th, The New Westminster Early and Middle Childhood Development Committees are hosting a family event for children 1-12 years old at Lord Kelvin Elementary School. The event will include storytelling, movement, crafts, face painting and healthy snacks. Local youth trained by Equitas, using the program Play it Fair!, will play games that focus on responsibility, cooperation, inclusion and diversity. 

 “Play it Fair! is a national program that promotes innovative activities for out of school programming that strengthen children’s core social competencies so that they can grow into confident adolescents and actively contribute to their communities,” says Angie Mapara Osachoff, the BC Regional Programs Coordinator for Equitas. “Follow up work with our community partners have indicated reduced incidents of bullying, physical and verbal abuse and conflicts generally among children in out of school programs,” says Osachoff.  With values such as integrity, focus and direction, trust and mutual respect, openness, partnership and innovation combined with a fun atmosphere, children are sure to benefit.  To find out more information on Equitas, please visit www.equitas.org.

Celebrate the magical fun-filled stage of life called childhood, escape from the shopping frenzy and join the National Day of the Child celebrations on November 17th. To register for the event email: info@kidsnewwest.ca

     

National Child Day Event Nov 17th

Celebrate National Child Day with an exciting FREE event for families with children aged 1 – 12 years…

Children Helping Children…Celebrating Children’s Rights

 Come join us for storytelling, Brain Dance session, crafts, face painting and snacks.

“Play it Fair” is coming to play games that focus on responsibility, cooperation and diversity.

 Free resource bags for families who register to attend!

 Date: Saturday, November 17, 2012

Time: 1-3 pm

Location: Lord Kelvin Elementary; 1010 Hamilton St., New Westminster

To register: email info@kidsnewwest.ca

Flyer: National Child Day Flyer 2012

Sponsored by the New Westminster Early and Middle Childhood Development Committees.

What Do Children In Their Middle Years Say?

On October 24th highlights from the Middle Years Development Instrument were presented by Dr. Kimberley Shonert-Reichl at the UBC HELP’s Fall Research Expo 2012. The Middle Years Development Instrument maps and Community Summaries for 2011-12 are now online and new communities featured this year include Kootenay Lake, Revelstoke, Chilliwack, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Sunshine Coast, Boundary, and Fraser-Cascade.  

 

The MDI is a survey that children fill out in Grade 4. It asks about their experiences and includes questions about 5 areas of development: social and emotional development, connectedness, school experiences, physical health and well being, and constructive use of after school time. The following are some key points from the research brief:

  •  Studies of children in their middle years have found that around 13% of children report being “alone” during the after-school hours, from 3 to 6 o’clock
  • Children involved in structured after-school activities are more likely to have higher academic achievement, higher self-esteem, and fare better overall than those who are not
  • Children who say they have more family and community supports in their lives are more likely to be thriving
  • Positive relationships with adults at home and in school, as well as with peers and friends, are the strongest predictor of children’s social and emotional competency, academic motivation, mental and physical health, optimism, self-esteem, and happiness.

The MDI is a useful tool to be used by government, educators and policy decision-makers. The goal of HELP is to implement the MDI across the province.  

 Read more 

(Source: www.bccf.ca)

Free Come Try Ringette Nov 17th Moody Park Arena

Event: Burnaby New West Ringette – Free Come Try Ringette
Date: November 17th, 2012 @ 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Location: Moody Park Arena, 701 – 8th Avenue, New Westminster

Join the members of Burnaby New West Ringette for a chance to try the exciting sport of ringette. This FREE event is open to children 5 – 12 years old and will consist of beginner ringette drills and games. Free skate and helmet rentals are included, and sticks will be provided. Please dress warmly and bring any protective equipment you have such as helmets, knee or elbow pads. All skill levels are welcome including beginner skaters. Come join the fun!
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Register on-line at www.cometryringette.ca or contact bnwra.promotions@gmail.com

Bring Back Play Funmobile comes to New West Friday Nov 9th!!

The Bring Back Play Funmobile tour, brought to you by ParticipACTION and Healthy Families BC, is bringing a truck full of fun games, activities and giveaways to parks, events and schools in 26 B.C. communities from October 9 through November, 2012.

The Bring Back Play Funmobile will be at the Centennial Community Centre (65 E 6th Ave.) in New Westminister from 3:30PM – 5:00PM on Friday, November 9th!

More details: http://www.participaction.com/get-moving/bring-back-play/