Bookmates Alphabet SoupBookmates Alphabet Soup is a fun, family-friendly experience for parents (caregivers) and preschool children aged 2 to 5 years, presented over six weekly sessions. Together parents and children enjoy food-related songs, rhymes and books. Parents create books and games for their child while discussing ideas which encourage healthy eating habits for families. Children take part in fun food-themed games, play centres and art activities. A highlight of this program is the parent and child snack time where each week they share and explore a new food idea together.
This program brings together the goals of encouraging a love of language and books, and expanding children's healthy eating experiences while providing parents with new food ideas and information.
The Bookmates Alphabet Soup Program was the recipient of the Dieticians of Canada Regional Award for Excellence in Consumer Communication (2006).
Ideal for: Parents and their preschool children aged 2 to 5 years.
Time & Number of Sessions: One 2 hour session per week, for 6 weeks.
Space, Staff & Snack: The host organization is required to provide one open space large enough for eight parents and their children as well as a second room for the parent session. Also required is access to a kitchen for snack preparation, and an area with enough tables and chairs for all the children and adults to sit and eat together. Bookmates provides the snack and all arts and crafts supplies. The host must also provide two childminders. Childminders participate in the parent-child time and assist with the children's program.