Jordan Thompson\nJackie Martens, family resource co-ordinator for Heritage Park Children\u2019s Programs, reads a book to the kids before boarding the steam train at Assiniboine Park during one of their outings.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\nThe HPFRC is a parent-child program in which parents and children participate in activities that help young kids with skills development, literacy, and nutrition.<\/p>\n
According to Jackie Martens, family resource co-ordinator for Heritage Park Children’s Programs, the HPFRC at Heritage Victoria Community Centre will operate Wednesdays only from 10 to 11:30 a.m. However, she assures skeptical parents that an hour and a half is enough for a jam-packed session of learning and fun.<\/p>\n
“The first 45 minutes of the program, parents can expect a morning of play,” Martens said. “We have bouncers and equipment in the gym for toddlers and preschoolers that help their physical activity skills. Then they practise throwing, hopping, balancing. We’ll have a craft table, a sensory table, a Play-Doh table.”<\/p>\n
Martens said the last part of the program is more structured, such as a discussion on healthy eating or washing your hands before a meal.<\/p>\n
“Then we go into a group activity which focuses on fine motor skills. It helps parents see how easy it is to interact with their kids,” Martens said. “After that, we have our literacy circle, about 20 minutes long, and during that time I facilitate literacy games. It can be anything, from felt boards, puppets, acting out with props. Then we sing our goodbye song.”<\/p>\n
It sounds like a lot to do in an hour and a half, but Martens said, with a laugh, “I’ve been doing this for over 20 years.”<\/p>\n
Martens said the reason for the third location was because she saw a great need for her programming in the community.<\/p>\n
Martens also wants parents to know that the HPFRC is not a daycare centre where they can drop off their kids and go to work — the program requires both children and parents to be there, because parents play an essential role in children’s early development.<\/p>\n
“The parents have to stay with the kids,” Martens said. “(For example) you see kids terrified to go down the slide, and it’s the support their parents give them that makes them try. It seems small to us, but it’s a big achievement for a little one.”<\/p>\n
Parents need to register for the HPFRC programming. To do so, email Martens at frcjackie@mymts.net or call 204-895-2519. The programming is free of charge.<\/p>\n
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