Whitecap Centre: March 2017 Newsletter

Is Spring here?? We have been loving this beautiful weather. The children have been spending lots of time outside playing and learning. Some of the things the children have learned are; puddles make us very wet, the snow melts into puddles and the sun dries up the puddles! So much science happening outside at this time of year.

The staff and children are planning on going on a few excursions this month. Excursions are a great time for children to learn many social skills that will help guide them in the future. Some social skills they learn on excursions are; manners, turn taking and most importantly communication, both verbal and non-verbal this also includes listening and following directions. Our excursions are typically in the morning as most of our children nap in the afternoon.

PELC has been setting up the Headstart program, we have 2 nights planned for March. March 9th, we will be learning the basics of sketching & March 30th 2 Saskatoon speech and language pathologists will be here to answer our questions. We will also be offering childcare Tuesday and Thursdays from 12:30pm-3pm. This is aimed to help families with attending appointments or that need a little break. Some paper work is needed before attending so please allow time for this when dropping your child off for the first time. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Angela at the Early Learning Centre – 306-477-2480.

We currently have toddler and preschool spots available at the centre. If you know anyone who needs childcare, please send them our way. Feel free to stop in and introduce yourself and check out the wonderful space we have.

Like us on Facebook to learn more throughout the month: PELC-Whitecap Dakota First Nation

Here is a great healthy recipe that tastes so good!!

Honey Cocoa Balls with Red Lentils

• 2/3 cup dry red lentils
• 1 cup liquid honey
• 1 1/3 cup wow butter or peanut butter
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup cocoa(garnish)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut (garnish)

Directions

In a small saucepan, cover lentils with water by an inch or two, bring to a boil and simmer until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Rinse very briefly, then drain and let cool in colander. Lay out a double thickness of sturdy paper towel on counter. Using your hands and working one handful at a time, squeeze out as much water as possible out of the lentils and then spread lentils out on paper towel. Cover with another paper towel and then press or gently wring to remove even more liquid: lentils should be almost like powdery in texture when you’re done. Transfer to food processor bowl.

Pour honey over lentils, and process until smooth as possible. Add peanut butter and process until the mixture stiffens, about a minute. Transfer to a medium bowl and add cocoa, salt, sesame seeds and coconut, and stir until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about an hour or two.

Roll mixture (2 Tbsp.) into balls about 1 inch in diameter, and roll in additional cocoa or coconut to coat. Store in a sealed container in fridge for up to 2 weeks.