Metroseeds Childcare Center

Open-ended materials

Metro S.E.E.D.S has been using the materials in a way that reflects the philosophy of supporting development through open-ended play and creativity.

“Through open-ended play, children develop capacities for imagination, compassion, empathy, learning, resourcefulness, respect, initiative, vision, sustained purpose, and for examining problems and constructing solutions” (L. Daly & M. Beloglovsky)

Last Month Metro S.E.E.D.S Children explored light and shadows. 🎨

We wanted to explore shadows further by seeing what they look like in the dark. Our toddlers were amazed to see how the jack lantern shadows chase them around and change in different sizes while dancing and singing too!

What happened if you give a boy a doll?
They just might become....caring pediatricians...nurturing teachers...doting uncles...loving parents...

Enclosed Spaces? 🪣🙈

This is something we have seen the toddlers at Metro S.E.E.D.S. exploring lately.

They’ve enjoyed creating enclosed spaces with a variety of materials, what they can and can’t fit inside, as well as hiding themselves!

We have also noticed them using these tactics to create their own personal space, but then also find ways to transition into group play!

September 30th is our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Metro S.E.E.D.S children had a thoughtful Truth and Reconciliation Day! 🧡

W.O.N.D.E.R • FRIDAY

"We are making leaf soup! With purple flour, purple water, purple bubbles, and yellow leaves. We are making leaf soup! 🍵

"Noticing and interpreting what
children do and why they do it probes
the connection between thinking and
questioning and shows or makes
visible the way children are making
meaning of their learning or of their
interaction with the world."
- B.C. Early Learning Framework, 2019

Tips for all parents.

Children & utensils!

Utensil use is a practical way to help your child develop early fine motor skills. Using utensils to eat can even help prepare your child to write. Here are some tips:

🍴 All children develop skills at their own pace. Your child's motor skills will determine the "right time". They usually start to use a spoon by themselves at around 10 to 12 months old.
🍴As long as silverware isn't too heavy, too sharp and is properly sized and shaped for a toddler's hands, it can make the process easier;
🍴 Once your child has gotten used to a spoon, try introducing a fork. Always make sure the foods are soft enough to prevent choking, but still firm enough that they won't slide off the fork tines.
🍴 When a child first starts using utensils, expect mealtimes to take longer and the process to be messier. Try using a floor mate under the high chair, or place your child in a smock or shirt free.

The children in the Infant toddler program enjoy playing with blocks. They would much rather knock things down instead of building things. However, the wooden blocks presented some challenges (not safe for throwing, can’t be stacked too high so it doesn’t fall on someone else, etc.). Rather than limit or change the children’s interest and behaviour, we decided to change the environment to suit their needs.

The cardboxes served as great building blocks for this purpose. They could build it as high as they pleased and could safely knock these blocks down. The huge boxes are also perfect for their arms and hands to grab on to!

“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences”. - Loris Malaguzzi

We have been trying to beat the heat of the summer in many different creative ways!

The educators at Metro S.E.E.D.S. have been exploring the different themes of past weeks by adding ice and water to help cool the kids off! This also adds a fun sensory element to infant/toddler play.

We love painting!

Artists tell us that art is important. It is a source of beauty and expression, as well as simply for the process of creating.

And children tell us that is fun! Children love to explore different art materials and they too, express many things through their creations. Coffee filter flowers! 🌸

Do your kids do chores?

The infants and toddler at Metro S.E.E.D.S. have been so excited to see what our potato garden 🥔🥔 has grown for us! They have worked so hard at keeping the garden watered and have always remember to use gentle hands while exploring it. We can't wait the harvest time😃🌱