Teddy Bears' Picnic: Take 2- Friday

Yesterday was the first (perhaps annual?) Teddy Bears' Picnic. I can't believe the rain stayed off JUST LONG ENOUGH to eat our lunches, sing a few songs, read a book and play on the playground for half an hour. It was perfect.

Many of you couldn't make it on Monday, so I'm having another one this Friday. The details are: from noon onwards at Gourock Park (the bunny park) on Friday 21st August. Bring a picnic, a blanket (we were all crowded onto only two!), a teddy and some sunshine. Maybe if we all wish really, really hard, the weather will be beautiful.

Below are a few pictures. We'll meet in the same area again, in the middle of the park on the pavement by the benches.

Teddy Bears' Picnic

If you're on the mailing list, you'll have read this already. I'm being lazy and copying/pasting. So....

I can't believe it's August already! Where is this summer going??

A week from Monday (not this coming Monday but the following) is our TinyTalk Teddy Bears' Picnic. Yes, I made it a Teddy Bears' Picnic instead of a regular old boring picnic. Picnics are always better when teddy bears are invited.

It will be held from noon onwards at Gourock Park (the bunny park) on Monday the 17th August. It's just a fun little get-together, so bring friends, family or whomever. And of course, don't forget to bring Teddy! We'll have a picnic, and if we all feel brave enough, maybe even sing a few songs.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

(I know some of my Friday class-ers can't make a Monday. Email me - lorim@tinytalk.co.uk - if you want to do a picnic on Friday too, and if a couple of you email me, we can arrange to do that on the 21st.)

"Swine Language" Book for Babies!

A book to help parents teach babies and young children sign language for swine flu symptoms has been launched by a Scottish childcare expert.

It includes the baby sign language for "hot", "cold", "pain" and "more water".

Haha, while it's not a bad idea (kinda funny actually), there's no need to rush off and buy a book! If you want to teach your baby the signs to help them indicate illness, here are the ones listed above:

Hot = With your palm facing towards your forehead and hand flat, swipe your hand across your forehead then close your fingers at the end, as if you were wiping sweat from your forehead.

Cold = With both arms bent at your side and fists close, "shiver" your arms rapidly.

Pain = Using your dominant hand, extend all fingers and shake your hand like you've just hurt it. Don't forget good facial expressions!

More = Hold your non-dominant hand in front of your tummy, flat and palm facing inwards. Then with your dominant hand, pat the back of the other hand a couple of times.

Water = Put your thumb and pointer finger together and draw a line from your ear to your mouth.

And of course, don't forget to say the word as you sign it!

And since we are on the topic of swine flu, here is a copy of TinyTalk's official swine flu policy. I know here in Greenock it seems to be a little less worrisome than it was, but when kids go back to school, the outbreak may resume its intensity. So for when classes start back up in September, here's our policy:

TinyTalk Inverclyde
Swine Flu Policy

TinyTalk is taking the potential threat of swine flu very seriously.
Please take a moment to read how we all aim to minimise any risk.

If I get ill
1. If I am diagnosed with swine flu or suspected swine flu I will not teach classes.
2. If I have to cancel a class I will do so as early as possible. It is really important that I have current phone numbers, both home and mobile and an email address where possible.
3. In the case of cancellation I will try to offer replacement classes or, if not, a refund.

If you get swine flu or suspect you might have it
1. If you have any flu symptoms please don’t come to the classes. Young children and pregnant women (there might be some of you out there!) are classed as highly susceptible and ‘at risk’.

Hopefully no-one will be afflicted with swine flu but here is a list of symptoms, taken from the NHS website. The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may cause more serious complications.

The typical symptoms of swine flu are:
• a sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38C/100.4F or above), and
• a sudden cough.

Other symptoms may include:
• a headache,
• tiredness,
• chills,
• aching muscles,
• limb or joint pain,
• diarrhoea or stomach upset,
• sore throat,
• runny nose,
• sneezing,
• and a loss of appetite.

Also, to reassure you, I will of course continue to ensure that the instruments and toys, that have had a good ‘suck’, are very well cleaned!

Let’s all keep healthy!