RisingOaks Early Learning

Fine motor play is a crucial part of a child's development, helping to strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers that are essential for everyday tasks and growing independence.

In outdoor environments, children naturally develop these skills as they scoop sand, pick up sticks and stones, dig in the garden, stack loose parts, or pour water between containers. These hands-on experiences build hand strength, coordination, and dexterity while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. 🌲🐛

Learn more about our approach to play, visit https://ow.ly/WZmH50ZwkfY

Did you Know? 🧠
There are over 476 million Indigenous people living in 90 countries around the world — making up less than 6% of the global population, yet they speak more than 4,000 of the world’s 7,000 languages!

Today let's recognize and honour the cultures, heritage, and contributions of the World's Indigenous Peoples 🌍

Staying Cool All Summer Long! ☀️💦

Did you know that infants and young children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses?

At RisingOaks', we take extra care to keep children safe and cool when temperatures allow for outdoor play. Our team uses a variety of strategies—like sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, shaded areas, and even bringing out the children’s water cart—to help everyone stay refreshed and protected while having fun!

The Region of Waterloo Health Department has also shared helpful tips on how to stay safe during hot weather. To learn more, visit: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/extreme-heat.aspx -Yourself

At RisingOaks Early Learning | Saint John Paul II, Preschool 1 celebrated a very special milestone—graduation! Together they celebrated their friends who are moving to Kindergarten in September.

The classroom was decorated with balloons and a balloon arch, that made the day feel extra special and a great backdrop for everyone to take photos with. The families came to celebrate with them and they spent time together which made the day even more memorable.

The children were excited, happy, and proud as they celebrated this important step in their learning journey. It was a wonderful day filled with fun, smiles, and happy memories.

Wishing you and your family a fun and safe Civic Holiday long weekend. Please remember that we are closed Monday, August 3. We look forward to seeing you back in program and camp on Tuesday!

🌟 Now Hiring: Assistant Supervisor at RisingOaks Early Learning at our St. Brigid Location 🌟

Are you a visionary educator ready to lead with heart, purpose, and imagination?
At RisingOaks Early Learning, we’re looking for a resilient, relationship-driven leader who sees the magic in early learning and is passionate about guiding a team of educators to create a nurturing, inclusive space where every child thrives.

Why Join Us at RisingOaks? We believe in recognizing and supporting the incredible work you do:

✅ Competitive wages & comprehensive benefits
✅ Paid well-being days (for illness or personal needs, family care and more)
✅ Group RRSP matching program
✅ Reimbursement for RECE membership
✅ Paid Time-Off Between Christmas & New Year's
✅ A workplace that values wellness, growth, and strong relationships

If you’re a leader who inspires through connection, champions inclusivity, and leads with both courage and compassion — we’d love to meet you.

📩 Apply at [email protected] or visit https://risingoaks.ca/join-our-team and help us shape the future, one child at a time.

Deadline to apply: Monday, August 3, 2026 at 6:00pm

As part of our Summer Camp Program at RisingOaks Early Learning | Saint John Paul, the children were invited to participate in an open-ended creative art experience using paper plates, googly eyes, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, scissors, hole punchers, glue, and markers.

Rather than providing step-by-step instructions, we encouraged the children to unleash their creativity and bring their own ideas to life. They eagerly explored the materials, creating unique masterpieces that reflected their imagination and individuality. One child transformed a paper plate into a hand shield by punching holes around the edges, another created three silly aliens with twisted pipe cleaner eyes, while another designed an octopus using pipe cleaners as its tentacles.

Other children crafted imaginative faces, colourful creatures, and original designs, each showcasing their own creative thinking. Throughout the experience, the children remained engaged, independently making choices, experimenting with different materials, and sharing their creations with pride. This open-ended activity supported fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, creativity, and independent thinking while encouraging self-expression and imaginative play. It was wonderful to see every child's unique ideas come to life, highlighting how meaningful learning happens when creativity is given the freedom to flourish.

At RisingOaks Early Learning | Our Lady of Fatima, the children participated in a cooperative game using pool noodles, running in a circle while attempting to catch the noodle held by the person beside them. This activity promoted teamwork as the children worked together to coordinate their movements and avoid letting go of their noodles at the same time, helping their peers be successful.

It also encouraged turn-taking, patience, and self-regulation as the children waited for the appropriate moment to participate. The game was highly engaging, and the children remained actively involved for an extended period, demonstrating both enjoyment and collaboration throughout the experience.

Last week, the toddlers at RisingOaks Early Learning | Lincoln celebrated Christmas in July! This fun tradition brings the joy and excitement of Christmas into the warm summer months. The celebrations began late last week when each child made a salt dough ornament.

This experience supported the children's fine motor development as they spread yogurt and carefully placed fruit onto their watermelon slices, strengthening the small muscles in their hands and developing hand-eye coordination. By making choices about which fruits to use and how to arrange them, the children expressed their creativity and individuality while building confidence in their abilities.

The celebration encouraged belonging as the children enjoyed a fun holiday tradition together. Creating and tasting their own treats supported well-being, while decorating with fruit encouraged creativity, curiosity, and fine motor skills. Through conversation, imaginative play, and shared excitement, the children expressed their ideas and strengthened their social connections. It was a joyful way to celebrate Christmas in July while learning through play!🎅

New to Canada? Join EarlyON on July 30 for an informative session designed to help newcomer families prepare for their child's school journey. 📚

EarlyON is hosting a session, where parents and guardians will come together to explore various topics, including Canadian school expectations,local professional support such as EarlyON andS ettlement Workers in Schools, and resources to use when you have questions about your child's development such as Waterloo Region FamilyNetwork and Eye See Eye Learn.

Visit https://bit.ly/4fD78zP to learn more.