VIDEO: What is Executive Function and Self-Regulation?
The Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University has a new,
5-minute video that explains how we use executive function and self-regulation each and every day to manage ordinary, and sometimes challenging tasks. It also shows how science offers an explanation for how we navigate tasks successfully, and what can send us off course.
4 Sensory Snow Activities to Try
In CNC, it's important that we offer opportunities for children to explore and discover their new environment. One of the best ways to do this is through sensory activities that combine playful fun and constructive learning. Here are
4 fun snow projects are sure to get the children excited about winter weather!
What are ACES and how do they relate to toxic stress?
The term “ACEs” is an acronym for Adverse Childhood Experiences. ACEs research shows the correlation between early adversity and poor outcomes later in life. Toxic stress explains how ACEs can trigger biological reactions that lead to those outcomes. The Harvard Centre on the Developing Child has developed a
simple infographic that explains...
Promoting Healthy Attachments with Children
Attachment facilitates the development of emotional regulation, social skills, and empathy. It plays an important role in children’s overall development and learning. Early childhood educators are consistently
learning and creating opportunities to build healthy attachments with the children in their care and supporting families in their own attachment with their children.
CNC in Action: The Value of Storytelling
All cultures share stories. They are passed from generation to generation, allowing the listener to imagine the characters, scenes and details. Storytelling doesn't cost anything, or require books or toys, but it can often fuel creativity better than anything you buy from the store. It is flexible, and allows you to adapt a tale to the situation, interests, and developmental level of the children with whom you spend time. It’s these personal and cultural connections that make storytelling so valuable!
Find out how one CNC program supervisor
has been spreading this message and practice through the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.
Webinar: How to Effectively Teach Social-Emotional Skills to Children Who Exhibit Challenging Behaviour
It’s easy to become focused on trying to stop unwanted behaviour when young children are using aggression to try and get their wants and needs met. This can also be true when they are not following directions or we feel they are being disrespectful in some way. Yet, in addition to stopping the behaviour we also need to teach them what do instead! Challenging behaviour signals that the child needs support to develop their social-emotional skills.
Learn about the importance of focusing on social-emotional learning and discuss practical strategies that use to proactively teach children the necessary social-emotional skills!
Why Observe Children at Play?
When we observe children at play, it helps us better understand the strengths and needs of each individual child. It also helps us understand each child's knowledge, skills, and interests, how they are learning and how we can further their learning and development.
What makes a good early learning environment?
The first step in creating an appropriate environment for infants, toddlers, and preschool children is to examine how young children learn and develop. Each stage of development has unique characteristics that influence how a child will experience his or her environment.
Here are some things to consider when designing your CNC space.
What is Scaffolding in Early Childhood Education?
Put simply,
scaffolding is the act of an educator or parent adjusting their support techniques to suit an individual child at a developmentally appropriate level. Most people who work with young children use a form of scaffolding each and every day without knowing it as we support our children and students in learning new ideas and skills.
CNC Program Brings Holiday Spirit to SickKids Hospital
Each year, many children spend the holidays at SickKids Hospital. The children in the Afghan Women’s Organization (AWO) CNC program wanted to send these patients some cheer and hope for the New Year. With the help of their caregivers, they handcrafted 500 cards. One card will go to each child spending the holidays in a hospital bed. Thank you to the staff and families at AWO for making the season brighter.
Click here to see photos of some of the completed cards.
