News
6 Active Games Kids Can Play With a Pair of Socks
Are you looking for fun physical activities that kids can do at home? Here are 6 simple games with sock balls that kids can play indoors with limited space and “equipment”—including single-player games kids can enjoy even when a parent or sibling isn’t able to join them.Free Picture Book Shares First-Time Experiences of Immigrant Children in Canada
New Canadians Centre in Peterborough has published a new children’s picture book that shares the experiences of immigrant children when they arrive in Canada - and it's available online in 7 languages! Written and illustrated by Peterborough artist Casandra Lee (herself a recent immigrant), Building A Home was inspired by the stories of six local newcomer children — including learning English, going to school, visiting large supermarkets, experiencing winter and snow, eating pizza, and more.How to Support Children (and Yourself) During COVID-19
The coronavirus outbreak has changed many things about our daily lives. But even during this uncertain time, it’s a sure thing that children are still learning, growing, and developing - and that everyone can help support a child’s healthy development - in ways that may even help relieve your stress!. Here are a few simple, free activities that can make a big difference.WEBINAR SERIES! Modelling Flexible Ideas About Gender in an Early Childhood Setting
We come from different families. We come from different cultures. We grew up in different decades. We each have our own individual experiences. We probably all see and experience gender in a slightly different way. Gender “refers to the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person’s biological sex” (American Psychological Association). CMAS is pleased to present an opportunity for CNC staff to learn more about Modelling Flexible Ideas About Gender in an Early Childhood Setting.
This two-part webinar series hosted by Kirsten Freed, an early childhood educator at Mosaic in Winnipeg, includes information about gender and child development, and centres around the ideal of creating the best possible environment for nurturing the social and emotional development of children of all genders. Watch Part 1 and Part 2.
CMAS Tutorial: Activity Planning for Mixed-Age Groups
Some CNC programs choose to use mixed-age grouping to allow for flexibility or accommodate families when there is limited space and/or staffing. But it also means that staff need to plan with a wider age group in mind… so a child-centred approach can be especially important! In this tutorial, we’ll talk about the benefits, challenges, and important considerations to keep in mind when planning activities for children of different ages. Participants will go back to their programs feeling more confident, with new strategies and promising practice. At the end of the tutorial, you’ll also find resources, references, a facilitator guide and added group discussion questions so that you can easily facilitate your own team training.
Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers
During the early years, children need to be exposed to many activities that strengthen their large motor muscles. As babies, it begins with their trunk, neck, and head control, and then they strengthen their legs and feet. As preschoolers, once body control is achieved, you can help them work on throwing, running, and climbing! It's important to intentionally integrate fun, physical activities that kids can do to strengthen these muscles into your program. And since most gross motor activities center around physical fun, it won’t be hard to get the students excited about them! Here are some examples of ways to enjoy gross motor activities with children.Shifting How We Manage Challenging Behaviours: Try Viewing Behaviour in a New Light
When you look at challenging behavior as an indication of the skills children still need to build, you can move from constantly reacting to behaviors to identifying missing skills and intentionally working with children to strengthen these skills. Here are a few different ways that we can look at challenging behaviors that might shed new light on what we see in our programs.WEBINAR – Don’t Look Away: How to Embrace Anti-Bias Classrooms Now
In this webinar, the authors of Don’t Look Away: Embracing Anti-Bias Classrooms participate in a roundtable discussion on how to embrace anti-bias classrooms and anti-racist teaching by creating affirming and culturally grounded environments that protect children from psychological trauma and heal them from the inside out.
October is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Canada
Canada takes the protection of children very seriously. Each year thousands of children are subjected to abuse and neglect. All of us who work with families need to understand our duty to report and role in protecting children. This includes knowing how to identify different types and indicators of abuse, cultural considerations, and steps to report and document suspected abuse–as well as strategies to support staff, parents, and children after a report has been made. Take this opportunity to refresh your training and complete our webinar on Understanding Child Abuse and Your Duty to Report. This important webinar includes resources, helpful contact information, and links to legislation, as well as questions for reflection and/or discussion, and it's available in both English and French.There’s plenty to acknowledge and celebrate in October!
Are you busy collecting ideas and planning for your CNC program this month? If so, there are a few important days this month that you might want to incorporate and honour to raise awareness in your CNC program and community!October is Canada Library and Fire Prevention month.
International Day of the Girl Child and Thanksgiving are also celebrated on October 11th.
Make a Difference Day is October 23rd
Hallowe'en is on October 30th