Toyland

It's that time of the year when parents are bombarded with flyers and commercials for the latest, greatest, must-have toys. Two things we recommend parents keep in mind when toy-shopping, all year-round:
- The most engaging and rewarding toys have more than one purpose.
- Just because a toy is for sale in the US doesn't mean it is safe for children.

Often simpler, open-ended toys become children's favorites, with good reason: they require imagination. Cardboard box, anyone?! We recommend these classics, which will last many seasons as your child grows and figures out new ways to use them:

1. Lego bricks. Duplos for babies and toddlers, Legos for preschoolers who no longer put things in their mouths and who have the fine-motor control to snap the bricks together. Many children use Duplos well into elementary school. Look for basic pieces: bricks of all shapes and sizes, wheels, windows & doors, and planks to build on. All the other accessories are gravy. Try www.shop.lego.com
2. Wooden blocks. Choose a size that is appropriate for your child's age (in general, the smaller the block, the older the child, except for infants who need medium sized-blocks that are neither too heavy nor choking hazards). Unpainted blocks are less likely to contain led paint. Children use these to build, sort, seriate, and for imaginative play. We love Haba blocks.
3. Dress-up clothing and props. Secondhand clothing, washed and repaired, is usually sturdier and more interesting than pre-packaged costumes. Children use dress up play to practice social skills, fine and large motor skills, imaginative play, and spatial awareness.
4. Cars, trucks, and trains. Do not shortchange your daughters -- all kids like things that move. Be careful about loose parts and choking hazards with younger children.
5. Books. Take time to select books with beautiful art and fun language. It's a gift that keeps on giving! Your local independent bookseller will have great specific suggestions for the children in your life.
6. Balls. Choose a ball that is an appropriate size and material for your child. Even tennis balls are a great toy for kids of all ages.

As for safety: the Ann Arbor Ecology Center recently released its second annual guide to toxic chemicals in toys. You can see their recommendations at www.HealthyToys.org
Check for toy and equipment recall information at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision's website.

Developmental Concerns?

One of the tidbits we came across at the NAEYC conference last week was information about a new initiative called Act Early, which is sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services.

They've compiled a list of milestones to help parents gauge their young children's development. The video below is a good overview of the program.



If you have any trouble viewing the video, the original version is here. If you are on a slower internet connection, you can read a transcript of the video here.

It's important to remember that children develop skills at different rates, but developmental checklists such as these are handy tools for parents who want to learn more about "normal" development. Early intervention has a big impact for children with developmental delays.

There are many more resources on the Centers for Disease Control Act Early page.

-- Admin

Thanksgiving & Winter Breaks

Just a reminder that we will be closed, Thursday and Friday, November 27th & 28th, for Thanksgiving.

(UPDATED!) Looking ahead, we are also closed December 24th through 31st for Winter Break, and January 1st and 2nd for New Year's Day.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools are closed Dec. 22nd-January 2nd. If your school-aged child needs care on the days the schools are closed but we are open (i.e., Dec. 22nd & 23rd, Dec. 29th & 30th), please contact your center ASAP to reserve a spot.

Address Change

Our Administrative Center has moved! We're now at 4531 Concourse Drive, south of Ellsworth of State Street across from the Ann Arbor airport. Our admin phone number has also been updated: 734.761.2576. The fax number's the same. All this info is on our website but we wanted to call attention to it.

Michigan Theater Family Events

This Saturday, November 22, Ann Arbor gem the Michigan Theater is showing the beautifully restored Wizard of Oz at 1:30 p.m.

Next weekend, November 28th, they're showing the classic version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, also at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free for kids twelve and under! What's more, for every $5 you spend at neighboring shop and movie sponsor Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, you will receive one free adult ticket to Willy Wonka!

The Michigan Theater is a beautiful local landmark that offers a genuine, old-time movies experience. For more family-friendly events, please click here.

-- Admin

Courtesy

We are revamping the Gretchens's House website to make resource sections for staff and parents. Fun project! Please e-mail us any requests or suggestions for things/info/links that you'd find useful.

During the information-gathering process, I came across one of our newer Purple Pages*, the one on Courtesy. The subject of courtesy is particularly relevant as we head into the holiday season--a time filled with family meals, parties, and gift exchanges...and stressful situations. Courtesy is a wide range of civilized bevahiors that children learn over time as they observe us interact with friends, families, and strangers every single day. Remember: our kids mind our manners even when we don't! Check the newsletter out and let us know what you think.

-- H.V.

*Purple Pages* are coffee-break-sized newsletters on developmental topics, family living issues, and group care concerns. We have a large library of topics available in hard copies at our centers. Parents of currently enrolled children have online access to printable versions of the entire collection. Visitors can preview a few of the subjects here (the highlighted titles on that page are links to actual Purple Pages).

NAEYC Handouts

If you attended a presentation given by Gretchen's House Staff at the 2008 NAEYC conference in Dallas, you can find the handouts by clicking this link.

Thanks for attending our sessions. We hope you found them useful!

-- Admin