It was an opportunity for children to experience some learning opportunities. And they got to have fun in the process.
The annual Impact Early Childhood Fair for Estevan was held at Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur on Wednesday night. A partnership with Regional Kids First, the Estevan Family Resource Centre and local schools, many children and families turned out, and they visited different stations to engage their minds.
“It’s a fun event for parents and families to try to get children thinking of some of the things that they need to do to be ready for school,” said Madeline Valentine with Regional Kids First.
The children who participated were born in 2012. Regional Kids First wants to raise awareness of the importance of the first five years of life, and promote the significance of brain development.
“We’ve been holding this event since 2004, and we’ve tried different age groups, because we know that the sooner you get children doing things, the more optimal their brain development is,” said Valentine.
They have tried hosting the fair for three years olds and five year olds, but they found age four was the right age for their activities.
“They still have a full year to do some things before they’re ready to go to school,” said Valentine.
One station at the fair was a story sack, with the tale of Shaun the Shy Shark. Puppets were used to tell the story. Another was a fish pond in which children tried to catch fish of different colours. A Paly-Doh station saw the youth pull an ocean animal from a bag and match it with its picture.
Valentine believes Regional Kids First is successfully conveying its message about the importance of combining learning and fun for children under five.
“I think that Impact is becoming known in the region,” she said. “We have people who have been here with their older child and they’re now here with their younger child.”
Learning isn’t about just purchasing the latest toy, she said. Interacting and playing with a child is the best way for them to learn.
Regional Kids First will host at least one fair in every community in the Sun Country Health Region that has a school. They have held 29 of the events during this school year.
