Here are a few pictures from our Grand Opening.  Thank you to the community of Quesnel who showed an amazing response to our new business.  I'm filled with so many new ideas and programs to share! So inspiring!

The entrance and Grand Opening decorations for Momentum Learning Centre..

And last but not least, the grand prize draw for the Open House being drawn by customer Matt Sudyko.

Well, each day starts off with some Imagination Time. Each children can choose the activity that he or she would like to start their day with.

Sometimes we color amazing designs like this (which by the way comes from a great website with many different choices called Coloring Castle), or designs from one of Roger Burrows 'Images' books.  Take a look at his website here, to give you some more inspiration and examples of what you can do!

Other times, when we feel like using our hands, we build things.  Here's a great example of a group project that lead to a wonderful diorama!

Then depending on our group, we may sit down together and share how we are feeling today using cards based on the Emotions and Scenario Cards as well as the Emotions Color Wheel.  For non-readers, it helps to identify what faces look like and relate them to the words below.  For readers, it is a helpful reminder what the word means, and what the face would look like.  We learn how some children have trouble identifying what kind of emotion they or their peers are showing, and by practicing with these cards, they can communicate with others!

After planning our schedule for the day, we set off.  Here are a few examples of what we've done so far!

Meet new friends and learn about social skills through fun games. As well as many hands-on learning experiences we can find, such as the Quesnel Antique Machinery Park!  We visited it today and were very impressed.  Everyone had lots of fun, and the group had lots of stories and information to tell on the ride back!  Plus, we were fortunate to have a wonderful tour guide who was more than happy to show us his favorite pieces as well as answer the many questions from the kids!

The world is full of possibilities when you get your brain working and curiosity flowing! Please don't hesitate to contact us to ask about upcoming programs like this one!

The Stew Magazine is a local arts and life magazine published in Williams Lake and distributed throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin.  Their upcoming  September issue will be the Education Issue, and after hearing about our startup here at Momentum Learning Centre, The Stew came up to Quesnel for an interview.  I can hardly wait to share this article, and am thoroughly looking forward to seeing what this issue has in store!

Another exciting article coming up will be about the Art & Soul Open House for all the many businesses within the new CDC building on August 27th, 2011.  The Cariboo Observer is preparing an article which will appear in this Wednesdays edition!  Our building has blossomed into a community of small businesses with great talents to share with Quesnel.  Keep your eyes open for the article in the paper, and we hope to see you all at the big event!!

The article in the Observer has now been released (update Mar 2013: I had a link to the article, however it now requires a subscription to view and I am unable to see the article), so please plan on coming down to the Open House on August 27th!!

To start August off, I am hosting a fun filled enrichment program called "Creatures of Curiosity", for children ages 5-7.  Eventually, my goal is to have several programs like this for children of all ages, however, I am thrilled to introduce Quesnel to Momentum Learning Centre with this program. 

All children have an innate sense of curiosity about their world and this eight day program is made just for them.  Using principles from many different types of learning, including Montessori, Kimberly will guide the group through interest based activities. 

At the beginning of each 8 day program, the group will share their interests and passions to assist interpersonal relationships as well as confidence.  Additionally, at the beginning of each day, the group will plan the day's schedule by discussing and making individual choices based on their interests. By being able to have a say in the program's plan, each child will have a sense of accomplishment and responsibility.  Although activities will be guided, children will have the ability to make individual choices and pursue their interests.  By collaborating and investigating, your children will be encouraged to become curious and creative problem solvers!

I am passionate about the benefits of hands-on, practical, discovery based learning and am so excited to host this program in August.  Please see the poster for more information.  Although the deadline has passed, please contact me if you are interested in enrolling your child for this program.  Interest and availability may encourage a second group to start up!!

Hooray!

Only 4 more days to opening! My car is at Sign Stop today getting all logo'd up, and everything is coming together.  Please stop by the website often, as I will be adding pictures of the space and programs!  As well, my next task is to launch my Facebook page so come find me there too!

If you want to come stop by the Learning Centre, please do.  Window and door signs are on order, and should be here next week! I'm excited to "see them with my hands"! As far as hours go, my office hours will vary throughout August, but I will post my office hours for the week outside the door.  Please feel free to stop in, call or email me!

Hope everyone is enjoying the glorious sunshine! It feeds our bodies and minds!