In This Issue

Book Recommendation

New Contest

Safety Tips

Mother's Day Celebration

Parenting Caucus

A post from our partner, Jacquelyn Keith of Fort Vancouver Regional Library, a member of the Early Learning Public Library Partnership.

"Spring! Oh no" I thought. Not another presentation on phonological awareness!

There must be some newer title I could use to lighten the evening presentation. Why, maybe even wake everyone up with laughter. So off I went to the stacks on a hunt for the book that would add a touch of humor for both the adults and children that would be attending. Panic was setting in as I neared the row of authors starting with “T”. And there it was, Rhyming Dust Bunnies, by the deliciously funny author, Jan Thomas.

This is a unique picture book that will be enjoyed by everyone, from the very young though adults...

Foundation for Early Learning is launching a new contest to help us reach our goal of 2000 members on the Early Learning Community.

The person who invites the most members by June 5th, 2010 will win a gift package donated by Starbucks. This includes:

• Deluxe DeLonghi 10 Cup Coffee Maker
• Coffee Cups
  
• Measuring Spoon and Medium Roast Breakfast Blend Starbucks Coffee
  

Invite your friends and colleagues to our social network for the chance to win!

For additional details, visit the Early Learning  Community.

Spring is here. The weather can be fickle one moment offering us a promise of summer with a warm sunny day or bringing us rain clouds that seem more like we are in October still. As our days grow longer and the weather eventually gives way to sunny skies, we will be drawn to the outdoors and all the great adventures that summer has to offer. This is a great time to look at how your family’s safety needs have changed since last summer and begin to talk with your children about summer safety.

Ages 2-5

• Practice learning their phone number in case they get lost or separated from you
• Practice finding a safe mom (or other grown up) with kids if they need assistance
• Remind kids to make sure they have their safe grown up with them when talking to new people!

A Spring & Mother's Day Celebration at Sponge

You are cordially invited to the springtime celebration at Sponge on Friday, May 7.

This event is designed for children between the ages two and seven years old.

This fun and free event will get families learning some spring-themed language (mini classes will be held in Spanish and Japanese), making their own arts-and-craft flowers and exploring the cultural significance of these flowers around the world. As well, special guests from Seattle Tilth will be on hand to get kids digging in the dirt and planting the perfect flowers to give for Mother's Day.   

Bring your friends and make a morning of it! 

To learn more, visit www.spongeschool.com. To RSVP, please email events@spongeschool.com or call 425.274.5188.

GET TRAINING, SHAPE POLICY,

The Parenting Caucus, convened by the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP, provides opportunities for parents and primary caregivers to voice their opinions and help inform state policy advocacy development in the Early Learning Action Alliance.

• Monthly conference call (2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm)
• Email communication
• Opportunities to attend Early Learning Action Alliance planning meetings, meetings with lawmakers, and provide testimony
  

For more information or to join the Parent Caucus, please contact Kylee at kyleejallen@gmail.com or 360.672.5426.

Early Words is a monthly newsletter from Foundation for Early Learning. To request an event or announcement to be included in an upcoming issue, contact joel@earlylearning.org.