November Newsletter

Reading helps with vocabulary, writing skills, attention span, memory, and teaches us about other times and places. Even if your child is just a baby, you should still sit down and read with them every once in a while. An infant can look at pictures and listen to your voice as you read stories to them... And believe it or not, studies show that that alone can have a profound effect on your child when it comes to learning later on in life. Grab a few books, gather the fam, snuggle up, and let a book take you all to another place together.

Other ways to participate in Family Literacy Month:

1. Set aside a little time for reading every day, even if it's only for 15 or so minutes.
2. Go through both old and new books, and set some of your favorites around the house. They make cute decorations, and maybe one of the kids will pick one up and start reading!
3. Take a few trips to the library.
4. Read your child the book version of their favorite movie. If they can read on their own, encourage them to read it!
5. Start a book club with friends and family.
6. Participate in a book drive and donate old or used books you no longer need. This will help families in need read to their kids.

More and more, digital media is part of the everyday life of the entire family, and it’s rapidly changing. While digital media may bring challenges, confusion, and sometimes concern, it’s great to start thinking early about healthy, joyful ways to use media as a tool — and as a family — to connect, learn, and relax!

https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/digital-well-being/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter_NewsFromTheWorkshop&testind=false&sfmcsub=142648840

Everyone knows the 5 senses (sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste), but did you know we have INTERNAL sensory systems? We will highlight some of these senses over the next few months, as well as give you ideas for how to regulate these sensory systems. The first sensory system we will highlight is Proprioception. This system is responsible for body awareness & motor coordination. It is involved in motor planning and motor memory. The receptors are located in muscles, tendons & joints. It registers ACTIVE movement. If you have a child (or several) that seem to have a "nonstop motor", their proprioceptor might need some extra input or work. Below you will find some calming strategies to try and balance that system out. These can be especially helpful when you need your child to calm down, such as before bed or a quiet activity where they need to stay focused.

Slow, rhythmic, predictable swinging or rocking (side to side/back and forth)

Deep pressure:

• Use a blanket or stuffed animal to squeeze.

• Pretend to make the child into a pizza, burrito, or favorite cookie.

• Give tight squeezes/hugs or firm massages

Calming scents: lavender, vanilla, vetiver

Chewing: sensory chews, dried fruit, bagels, fruit chews (food that requires work to eat)

Sensory bottles or liquid motion toys

White noise, slow rhythmic music, nature sounds

Use a calm, consistent voice when speaking

Heavy work activities:

• Help set up/clean up toys, baskets, etc.

• Carry “heavy” items

• Push/pull a wagon or grocery cart

• Animal walks

Headphones

Dim lights

Warm temperatures: adjust room temperature, warm up sensory mixtures for kids to play in, a warm bath

Last month, we shared about I Love You Rituals (brief, powerful rituals foster willingness and unity while reducing impulse control issues), and this month we are sharing another to try!

Annual Mayor's Tree Lighting

Join Mayor Bill Baird on Green Street as we flip the switch and transform Downtown Lee's Summit into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights. Festivities include live music, meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, extended shopping hours and live window displays.

Location: 209 SE Green St. | Lees Summit MO 6406

Day and time: Friday, November 21 | 6:30 - 8 p.m.

27th Annual Christmas in the Sky

Kick off the holiday season with Jackson County Parks + Rec and 99.7 The Point with a spectacular holiday show and amazing fireworks on the shores of Longview Lake Beach! Admission is FREE for your whole family to enjoy!

Schedule:
5 p.m. - Gates Open6 p.m. - Holiday Stage Show featuring: The cast of the Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas in Song, Soul Harpist Calvin Arsenia, the arrival of Santa Claus, and 100 talented singers and dancers from Monica's School of Dance in Lee's Summit.

8 p.m. - Fireworks choreographed to your favorite holiday soundtrack on 99.7 The Point

8:20 p.m. - Christmas in the Park Drive Thru

Location: Longview Lake Beach (11101 Raytown Road | Kansas City, MO, 64134)

Day and time: Wednesday, November 26 | 5 - 8 p.m.

38th Annual Christmas in the Park

This magical winter wonderland features more than one million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built entirely in-house by our talented crews! Your drive to the Longview Lake Campground begins at the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex. Admission is free. This year's voluntary exit donations will benefit 36 local charities.

Location: Frank White Jr. Softball Complex (3901 SW Longview Road | Lees Summit MO 64081)

Days and times: Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30 | 5:30 - 10 p.m. (5:30 - 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday)

Harvesters has a food finder that anyone can utilize by entering their zip code. Click the link below to learn more about this amazing tool to help with food assistance:

https://www.harvesters.org/get-food-assistance/food-locator?zip=64081&radius=500&type=#results

The Missouri Family Resources page is a great resource for a multitude of different resources available in several communities throughout the state.

https://familyresources.mo.gov/