Week 2, 2025 Newsletter
Hi everyone,
It was great to see little ones for the first and second time. For anyone who couldn’t make it, I hope you can join us next Tuesday — you’ll fit right in, and we’ll be building on what we have already discussed. It's all about sowing the seed of knowledge and nurturing it over time
Please invite your friends, there is no cost, commitment or pressure. This is currently a pilot program so the more who attend the better we understand the needs. If you do want to commit and pay in forward just talk to me in the session.
Tuesday 9–10:30am
Toronto Multipurpose Centre
Each week I’ll share a short follow-up with a mini recap, a recipe, a quote, and a gentle challenge for the week — something small to observe or reflect on at home.
RECAP
As always we covered a lot in our hour and a half gathering:
The Absorbent Mind: The child under three has an absorbent mind. They are not consciously learning but unconsciously absorbing everything they see and hear around them. We discussed the importance of modeling clear, useful language and letting them see you reading.
Using Real Words: We emphasized using accurate, real-world terminology (e.g., "cow," not "moo moo"; "penis," not a made-up word). This helps children adapt to the world by giving them the correct vocabulary for everything they observe.
Imagination vs. Fantasy: Consistent with using real words, we want to present images of what exists in the world. This can be in the form of photographs or artistic impressions.
Books: Fabric, cloth, and cardboard books are all appropriate. Also, model page turning by demonstrating slow, one-handed movements with a paper book. For our youngest learners, books with a single image per page and no text are often best, progressing to fuller images as they develop. Limited text can be introduced closer to age three. (The Indestructibles series is a great resource: https://bookroo.com/books/series/indestructibles )
Songs and Nursery Rhymes: Children love songs, and language is learned more easily with rhythm. Repetition is important—the same song each day will please the child even if the adult doesn't love it! Sing slowly, as it is difficult for a child to hear the words if we sing too fast. Lastly, children love songs with actions. We will end each week with some songs to practice this.
RECIPE: 5 Ingredient Vegan Almond Tahini Cookies
(Courtesy of Cook Republic)
2 cups almond meal · 3/4 cup tahini · 1/2 cup maple syrup · 1/2 teaspoon salt · 2 teaspoons vanilla essence · choice of toppings; choc chips, crystalised ginger, nuts
Line a baking tray and turn oven on to 170c or 150c fan force - Add tahini, maple syrup, salt and vanilla to a pan on low heat to soften and stir together - Cool for 5-10mins - Add almond meal to the maple mixture and mix to form a dough - Roll 1-2 tablespoons worth of the dough into a ball - Place on the baking tray and press down lightly with fingers - Add topping - Place in the oven for about 10 mins then turn off and leave in the oven for another 5 mins - Remove from oven on to a wire rack to cool - Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
QUOTE
"If unconditional love and genuine enthusiasm are present, praise isn't necessary. If they are absent, praise won't help"
— Alfie Kohn
CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK
Observe how often you use the phrase "good boy/girl"
Try and notice when you or others praise your child. When and for what do you do it? How does it feel for you? What is your child's response?
Even if you missed the first session, you’ll be right at home next week — each circle stands on its own, but together they form something really special.
