Raising Global Children

 

"To become global citizens, our children must learn how to communicate and interact with people around the world. We must raise global children."

In 2018, connecting with people all over the world happens daily. Young children are growing up to work in a global economy, and it is our responsibility as teachers and parents to raise them with a global mindset. 

 

A global mindset allows a child to see their place as part of a larger world. They have curiosity to enjoy diversity, empathy to understand different view points, and listening skills to learn about the people around them.

 

A 2014 survey found that 30-40% of current US business people felt their own careers would be better if they had more preparation to be global citizens. What can you do to help the next generation?

Tips for raising a global child:

  • Teach "soft skills" like empathy, listening, and curiosity early.
  • Incorporate languages besides English into classroom activities. Children will learn how to communicate across cultures. It is also shown to increase abilities in math, science, and English language.
  • Take field trips when possible, or travel with your imagination through the free resources of the local library.
  • Have fun with global culture (food, music, books, art, friends) for special occasions and as part of everyday routine.

Source: 10 Tips for Raising a Global Child

 

 

Wake County SmartStart Launches Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!

 

The Imagination Library is a FREE book gifting program for children from birth to age five. ANY child in Wake County, regardless of income, is eligible to sign up and receive a new, carefully selected book in their mailbox each month. The mission of this program is to foster a love of reading in preschool children and ensure that every child born has books to build literacy skills.

Parents, providers, and community partners can share this link and begin signing up children TODAY! You can also visit wakesmartstart.org and look for the green APPLY button in the upper right corner.

 

Click here for pictures & video from our press conference announcing the Imagination Library's arrival!

 

 

2018 Winter Olympics:

Spotlight on PyeongChang 

 

The 2018 Winter Olympics start this month on February 9th in PyeongChang, South Korea. Your children may hear something about this international event or even be watching the competition with family and friends. It is a great opportunity to use their interest to learn more about global culture!

 

  • Learn how to say, "My name is..." in Korean and Hangul (the Korean alphabet)
  • Visit NC KoreaFest 2018 on February 17th
  • Use lesson plans to learn more about the Olympics in the classroom
  • Visit the official 2018 Winter Olympics website to learn more about the schedule, events, mascot, medals, and more

 

 

Readers' Corner

 

Featured Book: Max and Marla

Written & Illustrated by: Alexandra Boiger
 

Highlights: Max and Marla are best friends - and aspiring Olympians! With their eyes on the prize, they know exactly what it'll take to reach sledding success: preparation, practice, and perseverance.

 

Best for: Pre-K, ages 3-5

 

Did you know? Wake County Public Libraries offer a Kindergarten readiness program called ABC Craft and Learn at many of their locations. Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in this interactive program with an alphabet craft to nurture pre-reading skills through writing and play and to give opportunity to develop fine motor skills children require to start school. For dates, times, and locations, click here!

 

Literacy Tip: Just like competing in the Olympics, reading takes practice. Rereading books with your child can help build their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

 

 

February's book selected by the Preschool Librarians of Wake County Public Libraries.

 

 

       

     

Wake County SmartStart 

(919) 851-9550

 

Email: eweichel@wakesmartstart.org
Website: wakesmartstart.org

To Manage Your Email Subscriptions Please Click Here.

 

 

Building Blocks

A newsletter about early childhood in Wake County

 

 

Each month we celebrate the child care facilities that have recently obtained or retained a five star rating!

 

Congratulations to:

 

Snack Time:

Olympic Rings

Fruit Tray

 

 

Each color in the Olympic rings is taken from the flags of the countries of the world. This fruit tray is a fun and healthy way to recreate the rings, and your children can help too! Let them choose which fruits should represent each color (ex: strawberry, raspberry, or cherry for red).

 

Check out more recipes on our Pinterest Boards.

 

 

Training

 

Visit CCSA's training calendar for all upcoming events. 

 

Language Development & Communication with Infants & Toddlers

February 15, 6:30 - 8:30pm 

Heather Park Child Development Center

To register, click here.

 

Creating a Professional Development Plan

February 15, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Appletree Child Development Center

To register, click here

 

ITS SIDS

February 22, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Wake County SmartStart

To register, click here.

 

Playground Safety

March 3, 9am - 1pm

Appletree Child Development Center

To register, click here.

 

Project Enlightenment Spring 2018 Workshops

For Parents, click here.

For Teachers, click here.

Visit the Project Enlightenment website for more information.

 

 

 

 

Balloon Hockey 

 

Take the theme of the Winter Olympics indoors with Balloon Hockey! 

 

All you need is a balloon, a "hockey stick," and some cardboard, and you're all set to face off!

 

 

To set up your own Balloon Hockey court, click here

 

BONUS ROUND!

 

Can't get enough indoor Olympics? Find your smoothest floor, put on your socks, and go sock skating! Twirl, spin, and slide like a figure skater!