Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Bug types and their bites

At The Academy, we take Health and Safety very seriously. Other than providing healthy balanced meals and ample outside time, we love to offer you information on taking care of yourself and your family outside of school hours.

Here's some great information on recognizing certain bug types and their bites, as well as the perfect way to treat them, whether you are indoor or outdoor.



 There’s no shortage of bugs in the great outdoors. Here’s how to recognize their bites and stings:

  • Mosquito Bites 

 Small, itchy red bumps often appear immediately after the bite. For some people, the bites may swell and become more irritated. 

  • Tick Bites 

 Usually painless, tick bites often appear as small red marks, sometimes accompanied by the tick still attached to the skin. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, so early detection is critical. 

  • Bee and Wasp Stings 

 Painful stings that cause swelling, redness, and sometimes a white welt where the sting occurred. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can cause difficulty breathing and need immediate medical attention. 

  • Spider Bites 

 Reddened skin, irritation, and a small puncture wound may indicate a spider bite. Certain spiders like the black widow or brown recluse may also cause systemic symptoms like muscle pain or fever. 

Treating Bug Bites and Stings

Once you’ve identified the culprit, follow these steps to treat the bite or sting:

  1. Wash the Area 

 Clean the affected area with soap and water to remove bacteria or venom that might cause irritation or infection. 

  1. Reduce Swelling with Ice 

 Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and inflammation. Leave it on for 15 minutes at a time. 

  1. Apply Anti-Itch Creams or Lotions 

 Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or antihistamine creams can help soothe itching and discomfort. For severe itching, oral antihistamines like Benadryl can also be effective. 

  1. Remove Stingers or Ticks Carefully 
  • For stingers (such as from bees), scrape it out gently with a flat object like a credit card. 
  • For ticks, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out without twisting. Clean the bite afterward. 
  1. Monitor for Allergic Reactions 

 Watch for symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or widespread rash. If these occur, seek emergency help immediately and use an epinephrine injector if available. 


























Thursday, March 20, 2025

The First Day of Spring-Health and Outdoor Safety

 It's officially The First Day of Spring! We have a lot of fun outdoor activities planned for the months approaching. We just want to send out a few reminders about Health and Safety while being outdoors.

Do you have a backyard or other outdoor space at home where your kids play? Follow these tips to help keep them safe while they're having fun.

1. Keep little ones close

Make sure you (or another adult) are watching closely so younger children don't wander off or up the swing set alone or play near the street. We know it can be tempting to run into the house quickly for sunscreen or to refill a water bottle, but the safest move is to bring your child with you. And whether they are young or older, make sure your kids take regular breaks to hydrate and reapply sunscreen, especially during peak sun hours.

2. Use safety layers around pools & hot tubs

Drowning is the top cause of death among children under 4 years old. Provide constant, touch supervision around pools, hot tubs, ponds and other bodies of water. Many tragedies happen in home swimming pools when children wander outside without adults. If you have a pool, it should have a four-sided fence at least four feet tall, with a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent children from slipping into the water alone. Other safety layers, like locked doors and alarms that detect when someone enters the area or falls in the water, also help prevent the unthinkable.

3. Set up home playground equipment securely

Anchor large home playground equipment deeply and securely to avoid tipping. Install swings at least 6 feet away from walls and fences. Look for openings in play structures, such as spaces in cargo nets, which should be less than 3 ½ inches or more than 9 inches wide. This can keep a small child's head from getting trapped while preventing kids from falling through. Lay a 12-inch base of sand, mulch, or wood chips under play structures, or use safety-tested playground tiles or mats (though grass may seem soft, it can't absorb the shock of a child's fall). Keep an eye out for loose connections, sharp edges, splinters, peeling paint and other hazards.

4. Choose jump ropes over trampolines

Trampoline jumping can result in broken bones, concussions, sprains, bruises and scrapes, as well as serious head and neck injuries that can cause paralysis or death. In fact, the risks are so great that we recommend against home trampolines. If you own one, use pads and safety nets that surround the entire trampoline. Place trampolines far from hazards such as trees, walls, fences or garages. Install your trampoline at ground level if possible to prevent more serious falls. Also, remind kids that only one of them should jump at a time, and discourage risky moves like flips.

5. Avoid mowing the lawn while kids are playing

Power mowers can fling sticks, stones and other objects with enough force to do serious harm. And while it's tempting to let your child join you on a riding mower, the safest strategy is to cut the lawn when kids aren't around. Mowers, hedge trimmers and other tools should be stored out of reach, along with gasoline cans and lawn chemicals. If you want to involve older kids in yard work, consider planting a container garden together using kid-friendly shovels and gloves. If you want to involve older kids in yard work, follow these safety tips.

6. Prevent burns around grills & fire pits

When you cook outdoors or enjoy an open fire, use a child safety fence to keep young ones at a safe distance. Explain that grill surfaces are hot and can burn them—like the kitchen stove—so we never touch them. Position gas grills so kids can't reach the knobs. Always douse a wood fire before leaving the area and make sure charcoals are cold before dumping them.

7. Keep kids away from pesticides, fertilizers & poisonous plants

Consider organic pesticides and herbicides, which are generally safer for families with kids. Read the instructions carefully, and make sure children stay away from lawns and gardens for 48 hours after you spray. To help your family remember the yard is off limits, put a note on your door with the end date and time. And don't forget to store outdoor chemicals under lock and key just like you would inside your house. Also, remember that some plants can be poisonous, especially for young children. Review other trees, plants, and shrubs to ensure they're non-toxic. If your child eats something dangerous, call Poison Control at 800.222.1222.

8. Help prevent bug bites & stings
Avoid bright colored clothing and scented soaps and lotions, which can attract bees and wasps. Dump stagnant water in wading pools, bird baths and other structures where biting insects can breed. Certain ticks can transmit Lyme disease, and mosquitoes sometimes carry viruses such as West Nile and Zika. After dark, cover up with long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks to prevent mosquito bites. Long sleeves, pants and hats also can protect against ticks in high grasses, bushes or wooded areas. When you use insect repellent, consider one with 10% to 30% DEET. However, don't use DEET on children younger than 2 months.

Remember

Protecting your child from safety hazards in the yard is just as important as child-proofing your home. Share these tips with other adults who provide home-based care for your kids. If you're in doubt about a specific risk, talk with your pediatrician.











Monday, March 10, 2025

Leprechaun traps are in the making at AOMF

 How to Catch a Leprechaun at AOMF



Be the first to catch a leprechaun at AOMF!

Make a Leprechaun Trap

 

 

 1. Gather all kinds of scrap material to make the perfect leprechaun trap. Suggestions: small boxes, yarn, plastic spoons, bags, string, “bait,” spools, paper cups, pieces of wood, straw, cardboard, anything shiny.

2. Design the trap. Sketch out your plan. Decide how you want to attract a leprechaun and eventually catch him. Be clever, smart and tricky!

3. Build the trap. Use tape, glue, or string to make your trap “leprechaun tight!” Don’t make it too big- remember you’re catching a tiny leprechaun, not a giant!

4. Be ready to explain how your trap works. Use your trap to demonstrate. 5. Bring your trap to school on Monday, March 17th and we will see who can catch the leprechaun that night!

**Hint: Leprechauns are tricky fellows- they like shiny things, things that shimmer. They are often naughty and disobey signs. If you’re not sure where to start you should search for leprechaun traps online and you will find a lot of examples.

Have fun!

Best of Luck,

AOMF











Monday, February 24, 2025

Read Across America Week

 Read Across America Week is celebrated from March 2 to 6 — it begins on the birthday of the beloved author, Dr. Seuss. The entire month of March, in fact, is dedicated to reading. The National Education Association (N.E.A.) aims to encourage reading and educate people about its benefits, especially among children and young adults. Events are organized across the nation by schools and organizations to promote the same.

This is how we will be celebrating at AOMF


Monday, March 3rd- Fox in Socks
Wear SILLY Socks

Tuesday, March 4th- The Cat in the Hat
Wear your favorite hat

Wednesday, March 5th- Wacky Wednesday
Wear a wacky outfit

Thursday, March 6th- Oh the Places You Will Go
up: What do you want to be?

Friday, March 7th- If I Ran the Zoo
Dress up as your favorite animal

















Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Community Market Day 2025

Come one, Come ALL to our Community Market Day at The Academy of Maryland Farms!!
 We would love to see you out on Saturday, February 22nd to help support local vendors here in our own community. 









Thursday, January 23, 2025

Staying active when cold weather hits

 We all know that when the cold weather hits, it's so easy to just give up on keeping ourselves active!! Here are a few ideas on how to keep on moving.

The Pool Noodle Javelin Game is a delightful blend of excitement and skill-building. Designed with vibrant pool noodles, this activity creates a safe indoor javelin experience, letting little athletes shine.

It’s more than a game; it’s an opportunity to blend physical prowess with motor skills, all wrapped in fun.

  • Materials Needed: Pool noodles and sturdy targets (like buckets or baskets).
  • Activity Duration: Roughly 15-20 minutes of joyful throwing and retrieving.
  • Ideal Age Range: Best suited for preschoolers aged 3-6.
  • Development Focus: Enhances gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
  • Other Benefits: An energetic indoor game that promotes physical activity while also boosting confidence and precision in every throw.

Transform your living space into a hub of exhilarating fun with the Indoor Relay Race!

This activity infuses the thrill of competition with gross motor skill refinement, offering our little racers a perfect blend of laughter and learning. While the weather might keep them inside, their spirits will soar, unrestricted with this amazing rainy day activity for preschoolers.

  • Materials Needed: Scooter board, cones (or homemade markers), and timer.
  • Activity Duration: Around 15-20 minutes of racing fun.
  • Ideal Age Range: Best suited for children ages 4 to 8.
  • Development Focus: Enhances gross motor skills, coordination, and team spirit.
  • Other Benefits: This relay race not only stimulates physical activity but also fosters teamwork and problem-solving within a vibrant indoor setting.

The Paper Plate Ring Toss, a delightful spin on classic fun, beckons our little ones into a world of vibrant colors and gentle challenges. Crafted with simplicity, it promises not just moments of joy but also an enriching journey where dexterity meets cognitive growth. It’s a heartwarming fusion of timeless play and tactile learning.

  • Materials Needed: Colorful paper plates, cardboard tube, and paint.
  • Activity Duration: Roughly 20-30 minutes of engaging playtime.
  • Ideal Age Range: Perfectly designed for children ages 3 to 6.
  • Development Focus: Encourages hand-eye coordination and cognitive skill-building.
  • Other Benefits: Beyond fun, this game promotes physical engagement and spatial understanding, a beautiful blend of movement and learning indoors.