News

Reconciliation and Indigenous Pedagogies in Early Learning and Child Care: Part 3 – Exploring Indigenous Pedagogies Connected to Experiential Learning in Relations to Mother Earth

CMAS is pleased to present part 3 of this three-part webinar series. 

There are many values, traditions and experiences that Indigenous children gain from being on the land and grounded in experiential learning that is connected to Mother Earth. In this third and final webinar, Elder Brenda Mason and Lori Huston, RECE share the Indigenous relational teachings with connections to being, spirit and land.


5 Strategies for Supporting Multilingual Children in Your Program

Multilingualism is an asset to be nurtured in our programs. Here are five strategies for celebrating and extending the linguistic expertise of young children who speak two or more languages.

Intentional Inclusion For Multicultural Classrooms

In this episode of the preschool podcast, HiMama chats with K’Sandra Earle, Associate Director of Early Learning Neighbourhood Collective (ELNC), about how to be intentional about diversity in early learning classrooms. K'Sandra shares tips on empowering teachers and involving parents to create a space that celebrates young children and their unique cultural backgrounds.

Extending Block Play for Early Learning

There is absolutely no wrong or right way to play with blocks! Every child is unique in the way that they choose to approach materials and blocks can be such a valuable tool to encourage open ended play and learning. This mini guide provides ideas and inspiration for block play, and even has a suggested block play materials list.

Reconciliation and Indigenous Pedagogies in Early Learning and Child Care: Part 2 – Awakening and Coming to Know Indigenous Pedagogies in Early Learning

CMAS is pleased to present part 2 of this three-part webinar series.  

Indigenous knowledge is a knowledge system that is different from Eurocentric knowledge – it is closely tied to space. In part two of this webinar series, Elder Brenda Mason and Lori Huston, RECE share teaching and learning processes that are holistic and narrative-based. Stories are a primary medium for conveying Indigenous knowledge, so in this webinar, participants will hear stories about the Indigenous child, family, and community’s traditional roles that support Indigenous children in early learning programs.


The Power of Mirror Play for Infants and Toddlers

Mirrors are wonderful tools for engaging babies and toddlers. But what makes mirrors so intriguing and why should you hang one in your play space?

WEBINAR: Provoking Inquiry with Loose Parts

Join co-author of the award-winning books, Loose Parts: Inspiring Play for this webinar full of tips for choosing and setting up loose parts for children in your program! Participants will learn the value of loose parts in play, how to choose loose parts using different lenses for different learning goals, and how to set provocations that promote inquiry.

NEW WEBINAR SERIES! Reconciliation and Indigenous Pedagogies in Early Learning and Child Care: Part 1 – Walking Together in Reconciliation

CMAS is pleased to present an opportunity for CNC staff to learn about Canada's Indigenous peoples' history, knowledge and pedagogies while engaging in reconciliation. For this three-part webinar series, Elder Brenda Mason and Lori Huston, RECE, will join us to share Indigenous knowledge and stories from their perspectives, teachings and lived experiences. 
In part 1 of this three-part series, we discuss the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, including two recommendations that are specifically related to the early learning sector: new Indigenous Education legislation and culturally appropriate Indigenous programs. This webinar and associated article support a deepening of our understanding of what it means to honour the knowledge and skills Indigenous children and families.

Looking for ways to honour and celebrate Black History Month?

February is Black History Month! Here are a few resources to help you learn and celebrate with the children in your program: How did Black History Month come to be? (a video), Canadian Children's Books for Black History Month, and 28+ Activities and Craft ideas

Professional Development: Self-Care in the Context of 2021

COVID IMAGEStrengthening self-awareness to reduce burnout in times of stress and uncertainty (Self-Care) is a keynote address focusing on the need for self-awareness and self-care in 2020. Now more than ever we need to access our sources of resilience, strength and grounding. Participants will be introduced to the concept of burnout and learn about the Zones of Self-Awareness to detect when their stress response systems have been activated. Several sources of resilience will be explored for strengthening or building self-regulation and grounding in times of stress.