Play time is the best time in Gaw Tlagee

Rhonda Lee McIsaac

It’s fall and back to school time! Outside, children are playing and getting muddy and wet. Playing is a great way to get exercise, gain more independence, meet other groups of children, enjoy the benefits of clean air, and stretch those physical and cognitive muscles. The benefits of play are immense.

Children 0-5 also benefit from sun and fresh air, but play may be a bit dirty, cold, or windy outside. Gaw Tlagee Old Massett has a number of places where children can play safely indoors.

Open Gym is a safe space at the Gaw Tlagee Community Hall for children to play with their caretakers’ supervision every other Wednesday from 2:45 – 4:00pm. All parents, caregivers, and children ages 0-5 are welcome to attend.

Open Gym is run through Haida Health Tawlang ga Tlaayds Helping Families Department in Gaw Tlagee. It is bringing fun programming for caregivers and their young children that support social, emotional, physical, and life skills for growing families. The team is Chaawslaii Jaadaas Latasha Williams, Ts’uu Jaad Toni-Lynn Davidson, Blanche Bell, and Registered Midwife Shannon Greenwood.

Upcoming programming includes:

• Monday: Walking Group 1 – 3pm at the Gaw Tlagee Youth Centre
• Tuesday: Haida Language Nest 2 – 4pm at the Gaw Tlagee Youth Centre
• Wednesday: Pregnancy Outreach Program (POP) 2 – 4pm. Topics vary and, in the past, have included post-partum care, potty training, and speech and language milestones.
• Thursday: Learn & Play 2:30 – 4pm

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