As a part of our philosophy on education we want to prepare your child with the knowledge and skill sets needed to achieve a Healthy Lifestyle!

We do it by promoting healthy habits, leading an active lifestyle, activities to enhance muscular strength and coordination, and balanced nutrition.

Fruit and Veggie of the Month:

Thisfall all children will be trying fruits and veggies in different forms and also they will be learning in class about their nutritional value. We are going to present the food items in different ways and talk about them so the children can enjoy sensory experiences and exploratory play .

In October we’ll be exploring Apples! 

This month, we are learning all about apples. There are all
sorts of different varieties of apples! Apples are wonderful
raw, but can also be baked into muffins, cut up into a salad
or made into applesauce. It’s best to eat apples when fresh,
within a few days of purchase. Once you cut an apple, it
will quickly turn brown. Putting some lemon juice on the
apple will keep it from browning!
APPLES!

EASY APPLESAUCE
SERVES 6
4 medium apples
(recommended varieties: fuji or gala)
1 cup of water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
1. Peel and slice 4 apples, removing the cores.
2. Place in large pot.
3. Add 1 cup of water, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
and 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg.
4. Bring to a boil and let simmer until mushy.
5. Use a masher to mash up the apples into a sauce.
6. Set aside and let cool.
7. Serve warm or cold.

In November we’ll be exploring Sweet Potatoes! 

This month, we are learning all about sweet potatoes and
potatoes. Sweet potatoes are tropical vegetables. Oregon
farmers grow them, too! Potatoes are tubers. They come in
many different shapes and colors. You can find them both
at farmer’s markets and supermarkets. Try baking sweet
potatoes or potatoes whole. Or, chop, toss in a little oil,
and roast until tender. Sweet potatoes are also delicious
mashed, cooked in soups, and stir-fried.

SWEET POTATOES
& POTATOES
SWEET POTATO MASH
SERVES 6
2 lbs. sweet potatoes (4-6 medium)
3/4 tsp. salt
black pepper (to taste)
2 Tbs. butter or milk (optional)
Put a medium pot of water on to boil. Scrub sweet
potatoes and peel.* Cut sweet potatoes in quarters.
When water boils, add sweet potatoes to pot. Lower
heat, and simmer sweet potatoes until tender (about
20 minutes).
Mash sweet potatoes with a fork. Using a metal
whisk with an up-and-down motion also works well.
Add the butter or milk, if desired. Season with salt
and pepper. Enjoy!
*Note: When sweet potatoes are exposed to air,
they begin to brown. To keep raw sweet potatoes
from browning, soak them in water with a little
lemon juice or vinegar

In December we’ll be exploring Winter Squash!

This month we are learning all about winter squash. Squash
are gourds. Squash come in two varieties: summer and winter.
Winter squash are delicious roasted, baked, boiled, sautéed or
microwaved. Find winter squash at your local farmer’s market
or supermarket. Squash with darker yellow or orange flesh are
extra nutritious!

WINTER SQUASH!
SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH
TOMATO SAUCE
SERVES 6
1 spaghetti squash (2-2½ lbs.)
¼ cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 15 oz. can tomatoes, crushed
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil
and oregano)
¼ tsp. each: salt and pepper
PREPARE SAUCE: Cook onion and garlic in hot oil
until tender. Do not brown. Stir in tomatoes, Italian
seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce
heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring often.
COOK SQUASH: Squash can be boiled or roasted.
Boil whole for 20-30 minutes until tender (test with
a fork). Let squash cool slightly, then cut in half and
scoop out seeds. OR, cut squash in half lengthwise
and scoop out seeds. Prick skin with fork. Bake in a
350° oven for 30-40 minutes until tender.
MAKE “SPAGHETTI”: Scrape squash from shells. Use a
fork to shred squash. Serve tomato sauce over squash.
*Adapted from Yvonne Nickels in What’s Cookin’ II

As a part of our philosophy on education we want to help your child and family with the knowledge and skill sets needed for Emotional Growth by actively working towards emotional intelligence, managing stressors, distinguishing and expressing feelings in a constructive way, and practicing a positive approach to life while facing obstacles with a curiosity to problem solve.

In October Miss Elizabeth will be presenting an insightful parent workshop in how reading can help your child with emotional growth!

In the meantime learn

The power of reading: how books help develop children’s empathy and boost their emotional development.

Research shows that practicing gratitude is strongly associated with more happiness. Gratitude helps people feel their positive emotions, and to appreciate the good experiences, Boost their health, helps in times of adversity, and it helps people build strong relationships.

At WellKind we are seeking out all the goodness around us, and cultivating a culture where we work together towards this common goal of choosing to see through a lens of gratitude and appreciation.

This is why today we want to share this 3 simple steps to practice gratitude at home:

Each day, think of 3 things you are grateful for. 

Start a gratitude journal. It will be more likely that you will notice good things around you.

Practice gratitude rituals. Thanking for the food before a meal or for waking up every morning.

We hope you enjoy these great tips. We would also love to hear how you practice gratitude at home.

Here is some powerful ideas to help you teach your child this thanksgiving!

10 Ways to Teach Your Kids Gratitude This Thanksgiving