LAC LA BICHE - Deb Menard, an FCSS community outreach worker says a unique five week program is designed to help local kids aged 7–10 increase their social skills and foster a positive outlook on life.
“We want children to be able to develop a strong growth mindset and believe in themselves and realize their potential,” she told Lakeland This Week. “Groups are kept small to enable facilitators to better interact with the kids.”
The most prominent learning tool used in Growing Minds is the Big Life Journal. As the name may imply, this large, very colourful illustrated book features 10 themes. Two themes are completed each week by the participants and include a mixture of activities such as reading inspiring stories, drawing, and playing games.
“Through taking part in these exercises, kids are taught how to overcome difficult challenges and negative feelings in their day-to-day lives and emerge stronger,” Menard explained, adding that each activity is designed specifically to convey an encouraging, helpful message. “When they become overwhelmed by mistakes and stress, this is another coping mechanism in their toolbox.”
Recently, youngsters enjoying the program put their artistic abilities to work creating positive self-talk flowers. Another ongoing project is the creation of special picture frames in which a button containing a positive message is added each week.
Pandemic reactions
The program is timely says Menard, as the isolation and anxiety brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic took a tremendous toll on the mental health of children.
“Throughout the past few years, many children did not have an adequate amount of social interaction,” she continued. “The Growing Minds program is teaching them how to reconnect and be with their peers instead of spending hours alone in front of screens.”
The Growing Minds program takes place every Thursday at the Bold Center from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and runs until August 10. For more information, contact Family and Community Support Services.
