Slowing down the pace

At Learning on the Log, we are always encouraging kids to move and play and have fun! But, we are aware that the kids may also need time to wind down and slow the pace. In order to support our kids, several calming techniques are utilized:  sitting in a circle to have conversations, snack/water break, yoga, and much more! Our kids do such a fantastic job at carrying out each activity and game. Some have even overcame various challenges while playing. After working so hard, the best reward can be relaxation. Check out the different ways our kids take a break at Learning on the Log!

  

        Leaning on each other!


      
Reading

                                  
                                                      Snack and water break!




                                  
                                                                  Yoga



                                   
                                                          Talking with a friend!

         

                                                                     Coloring



                                  

                                           Sitting together under a colorful parachute!

After such simple ways to slow down the pace, the kids are ready for some more fun, action, and games!

1..2..3..JUMP!

Getting ready to jump!

At our programs, we focus to emphasize the dynamics of team building and working together as a group. A simple way this is done is by including everyone in an activity: whether it is joining hands to jump into the pool at the same time or putting our hands in the middle to say a cheer together, the outcome is always the same:  each child feels like part of a team with his or her friends!

Although an activity such  as jumping in the pool together may be challenging for some children, we are always there to support each child. Even though jumping into the pool may seem like a simple task, our kids may have difficulty holding hands with others, waiting for the countdown to jump into the pool, and some may even be hesitant to jump.  When this occurs, our staff provide each child with the help they deserve and need: the kids get help to hold each other's hands, we talk to each child about listening for the countdown and when to jump, and we verbalize to those that are hesitant to jump that we will jump with them to have that individualized support. 

As a result, it comes down to this:  1..2..3..JUMP! The kids and staff jump into the pool, and a BIG SPLASH is made! Both the kids and staff come out from under the water with big smiles!

In the end, each child overcame their individual challenge while in a group setting that resulted in accomplishment and much fun with friends!

BIG smile after jumping!

A walk down memory lane!

For the past eleven years, Learning on the Log has had great success. Many children have joined, have kept coming back, and they are still part of it all! We are extremely excited for the future of Learning on the Log, and we hope that all of you will be part of the journey to our expansion and growth.

Learning on the Log has had the opportunity to meet many kids and their families, and over the years, we have been able to be part of their lives. We have shared happiness and fun with each child! We have also helped each child overcome difficulties that have made our relationships stronger through communicating with one another. We have provided support, encouragement, and have shared the joy of kids accomplish both team and individual goals. Best part of Learning on the Log? 

We love that our social skills programs allow a fun environment for each child to build strong and meaningful relationships with other kids and our staff!

As the years pass by, we get to see the changes of every child. One thing remains constant: the happiness in their faces. That in turn, brings much happiness to Learning on the Log. Check out this video from a few years ago. Our kids have grown, but the fun is still continuing!

What are some of your favorite Learning on the Log memories? Share them with us!

Halloween: a time to practice social skills and have fun!

    

Tomorrow is Halloween! Halloween consists of  make-believe play, social interactions, and a lot of candy! It is a time to have fun, but for many of our kids it may be difficult to comprehend what Halloween is all about. Make sure to communicate with your child what happens on Halloween and what all takes place during the night:  costumes, trick or treating, candy, etc.  It may be more helpful  if a schedule is made in order for the child to know what to expect. Pictures can be added to the schedule to create a visual aid.

    Because kids are surrounded by other kids and adults, it is such an opportune time to encourage social skills.  Help your child interact with other children and help prepare them to properly go trick or treating.  Little LOTL is a great tool to use on this night! Little LOTL can be decorated before going trick or treating and can accompany your child. Explain to your child that Little LOTL is there to have fun with him or her and that he wants to make new friends! Be creative with Little LOTL, and utilize him to help you explain and provide comfort for your child during Halloween. And don't forget: take a picture with Little LOTL and your child while in Halloween costume and send it in to kathleen@learningonthelog.com!

Many exciting things are occurring during Halloween so if you can tell your child needs a break, give them one. It is essential to communicate and show  your child that if they feel overwhelmed at any time during Halloween you are there to support them.  

BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!

The power of creativity

     

Getting ready for noodle chain train! 
(Kids grab on to their noodle and their friend's noodle beside them..forms a water train!)

Yesterday was the launch of session two for the fall! It has been so great to see new and familiar smiling faces! 

By the time  kids come to Learning on the Log, they have already had a full day of school where school work and meeting classroom expectations can sometimes become overwhelming. At our programs we aim for the kids to not only make new friends, communicate their feelings, and share their ideas, but also to have fun playing and trying new things. For this reason, our staff love to introduce new and exciting games! Creative games such as "Noddle Chain Train" allow kids to experience something completely different than they would at home or school. The outcome? The kids work together, accomplish a goal together, and more importantly, get to share the excitement of a new adventure!

A little creativity goes a long way in our programs because it opens up the door for new ways to interact and engage with others in a fun environment!

PVC pipes turned into a fun, new, and challenging obstacle course!

Free LOTL Carnival

Commitment to our goals, makes us unique

Commitment to our goals, makes us unique

There are many aspects of our group programming that make us unique, but it is our commitment to our goals that set us apart. In order for a camper's experience to be meaningful, the activities need to be compelling and fun. With that thought in mind, our staff work with the formula of group dynamics + activity = goal achieved. For example, during our sports group the main idea is for the group to experience being part of a team sport such as soccer, baseball, kickball, and basketball. Within our time together, we do not simply dive into a large game, but rather tweak or adjust many drills or sports related activities. Decisions on specific games are based on reading the individual skill levels and the engagement of the group. In short, last week the engagement level of the group was high + half court team game = successful basketball experience.