Dear K-6 Parents and Guardians:
I hope you are doing well during this challenging time of online learning and social distancing. I would like to continue being a support to you as well as your children this semester. I am missing those sweet greetings and the wonderful daily conversations I have with students. If you are in need of a community resource, want to talk in regard to your child, or would like me to give your son or daughter an encouraging call, please email me at ashover@artsk12.org.
I wanted to share a few community resources as well as some sensory activities that I saw during a recent webinar.
Community Resources:
The Samaritan Community Center is offering hot meals, snackpacks, and groceries weekly at the following locations and times:
Rogers Center
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tues., Wed., and Thurs.
1211 W. Hudson Rd.
Springdale Center
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tues. and Thurs.
1300 N. Thompson Ave.
HARK NWA is another great community resource. They will set you up with a liaison, who will direct you and help you access specific resources, depending on the need. Their website is www.harknwna.com/getconnected or dial 211. They have recently partnered with United Way.
Here are a few fun activities that incorporate sensory input, problem solving, and connection.
1) Jello Slime Activity: Half cup of cornstarch, a quarter cup of jello mix, and about 2 tbsp. of water. Different flavors create a variety of colors and smells. (note: sugar free jello does not stick together).
2) Making Music Activity: Make musical instruments out of recyclable materials: Use pencils as drumsticks and make drums out of coffee and cornstarch containers or plastic bottles, making different sounds, and place rocks in jello boxes or canisters for maracas.
Have a great weekend!
Amanda Shover, LCSW
K-6 School Counselor
Arkansas Arts Academy