Programs and Activities
Earth Day
Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness. Even small children can learn a little bit about the history of Earth Day, take part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees to help make our world a happier, healthier place to live. Here are 21 fun earth day activities you might want to try in your program this month!
Exploring Culture Through Children’s Eyes
Educators can provide many opportunities for children to interact with other cultures within the walls of their classrooms. The more exposure to other cultures they have, the more children will acknowledge these similarities and differences; this will help them to become open-minded and accepting of others. One way to bring other cultures closer to young children is through natural and meaningful activities they enjoy engaging with in their daily lives. People in every culture in the world have their childhood songs, rhymes, stories and games, and so a good starting point is to integrate elements from traditional children’s culture that may be familiar in their own context.
Prevent Bullying by Embracing Differences Through the Art of Storytelling
Starting from the earliest age, we can show children that everyone is different in some way and difference is a part of life. Everyone has things that make them unique — be it skin color, hair texture, body shape, gender, temperament, religious beliefs, ethnic or cultural background, and more. We do this in the early years by modeling an appreciation for individual differences through our attitudes, emotions, behaviors, and body language. Storytelling is also a great way to teach children about the importance of celebrating differences.
Trauma-Informed Practice Workbook
At the root, trauma-informed care, approach and practice is about relationships.The intention behind this workbook is to introduce the concept of trauma- informed practice to caregivers, families, allies, and anyone dedicated to the well-being of children. It's a useful tool that can be used independently, or with your CNC team. It's full of ideas, strategies, and resources to support your work and extend your learning.
March 21st is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes that the injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day. Here is an infographic that explains how racism can impact child development, and some ideas for how you can talk to young children about race and racism.
12 Spring Traditions Around the World
Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal, and warm-weather activities. Baby animals are born, flowers bloom, and families around the world welcome spring with their own traditions. Through food, festivals, and various activities, the spring celebrations are endless. Here’s a list of how 12 different countries welcome spring.
Rocking and Rolling. Nurturing Infants and Toddlers with Diverse Language Experiences
Recent research has provided a lot more information about the ways infants and toddlers experience two or more languages. When it comes to processing speech sounds and language, infant brains are surprisingly sophisticated! It is important to support all languages in an infant or toddler’s life to build relationships with them and help them learn. Even if you are not fluent in a child’s home language, there are many ways to provide linguistically responsive support and care. It’s helpful to partner with families from the moment they enroll in a program.
WEBINAR: Using Learning Stories to Make Learning Visible to Children and Families
Be reinspired and energized to document children’s learning! Early Childhood Educators around the world use learning stories to find out about and document what children know and can do, what interests them, how they are progressing, and where additional support may be required. Learning stories can also inform future planning and enhance learning opportunities to extend children’s thinking, learning, and development. This webinar will show you how to use documentation and learning stories to strengthen your communication with families and enhance your CNC program.
Webinar: How to Support Infant and Toddler Development Through Quality Lesson Plans
In this webinar, participants explore the art and science of crafting effective lesson plans tailored to the unique needs of infants and toddlers. They also have an opportunity to discuss the importance of aligning lesson plans with developmentally appropriate expectations and how to offer hands-on learning at every stage of development.21 Learning Activities for Babies and Toddlers
Play is an important part of a baby's learning and growth – it's how they explore their environment, practice developing skills and bond with their caregivers (that’s you!). As babies grow, playtime evolves based on what developmental skills they are working on. Here are 21 activity ideas to share with parents and colleagues that will help them support baby and toddler development, all while having fun!