Parenting
40 Gratitude Activities for Kids this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a beautiful time of year to practice gratitude. Here’s a list of Thanksgiving gratitude activities and thankful crafts that are fun and easy ways to teach children about gratitude.
Why Heritage Language is Important for Children’s Development & Learning
This Immigration Initiative at Harvard Educator Brief explains how important it is to preserve heritage languages for children’s academic outcomes, cognitive development, and social-emotional well-being. It also provides tips for working with families and communities to nurture children’s heritage language skills.
Fun No-Equipment Outdoor Game Ideas
Here are some tried-and-true outdoor game ideas that don't require any equipment. The list includes traditional games, fun variations on old-time favourites, and some new activities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor games for a big group or just a few, this list is a great go-to guide for fun active outdoor games that you can set up on the spur of the moment, no gear or equipment necessary!
No Backyard, No Problem… Families Can Bring the Outside In!
No backyard? No problem! If the only outdoor space families have access to is a balcony or concrete patio, they can still access nature and its healing powers by bringing it indoors through crafts, gardening, books, and online resources. Here's a list you can share with parents, full of fun and simple nature-themed ways for children to stay curious about the natural world indoors.
June 1 is Global Day of Parents!
Each year on June 1, Global Day of Parents provides an opportunity to appreciate parents for their selfless commitment to their children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship. Find resources and learn more about Global Day of Parents here.
Tips for Families Raising Children to Speak More Than One Language
Experts encourage parents to speak the language that is most comfortable to them to help babies and children develop important language areas of their brain and build strong bonds. The Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation has put together a list of resources to help parents, including a colourful tip sheet/poster full of tips for families raising children to speak more than one language.
Mental Health Skills for Preschool Children: Video Series
This series of 5 short videos introduces important ideas, taught the way young children learn best: through entertaining, relatable stories set in a vivid, imaginary world! The Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Pre-K Project video series is based on mental health research, created to make important mental health skills available to preschool children (age 3 to 5). Each video features a memorable song that reinforces the key messages. We invite you to watch the complete series with the children in your program. You can also download the free companion guides that summarize key ideas and include an activity that can use to help kids practice the skills they’re learning.
Multilingual Spring Activities Scavenger Hunt
This active scavenger hunt will get children moving outside this spring... and it’s available in 10 languages, so it’s a perfect resource to share with parents this spring!
Emotional Wellbeing – Mental Health Support for Big Feelings
In challenging times, it’s important for children and adults alike to take care of themselves so that they can take care of each other. Sesame Workshop, the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street, is here to help. No matter your age, here are ten resources to help you get started on your emotional wellbeing journey.
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!