A Guide to Executive Function
Executive function and self-regulation skills are like an air traffic control system in the brain—they help us manage information, make decisions, and plan ahead. We need these skills at every stage of life, and while no one is born with them, we are all born with the potential to develop them. But, how do we do that?
Here's a Guide to Executive Function to walk you through everything you need to know about these skills and how to develop and practice them.
10 Activities to help young children express and label feelings & emotions
Children can have a difficult time understanding their emotions and the way certain events make them feel in the early years of life. As educators, it is our responsibility to help and support them to manage their emerging and often confusing emotions. Here are
10 strategies and 10 activity ideas for helping children express and manage their emotions.
Webinar: Updated recommendations for early introduction of allergenic foods
Did you know that the Canadian Paediatric Society has updated recommendations on the early introduction of allergenic foods for high-risk infants?
Register now to learn about the new recommendations.
Keeping Reusable Water Bottles Clean
We often ask parents to bring in reusable water bottles, but did you know that without proper cleaning, children's water bottles can be filled with germs?
Reusable water bottles must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis to avoid contamination.
Podcast: Building Positive Cultural Identities in the Preschool Classroom
In this HiMama podcast, Dr. Zeynep Isik-Ercan talks about the importance of helping children to develop positive self-concepts and identities, encouraging the listener to
go beyond race and ethnicity when we talk about diversity.
3 Webinars to Support Your Work with Newcomer Children
Looking for online opportunities for professional development? Here are a few interesting webinars that you might be interested in:
Promoting Early Learning for Children of Immigrants: Family and Early Care and Education Supports,
Addressing Trauma in Young Children in Immigrant and Refugee Families through Early Childhood Programs, and
Culturally Appropriate Positive Guidance with Young Children in Our Care
How to Facilitate Risky Play
Risky play is when children engage in risk-taking activities. This benefits the child because it helps them build essential skills for their development; for example, their confidence, self-regulation, and independence. But how can we
facilitate risky play safely in our programs?
How to Transform Challenging Behaviour
Are you struggling with children's behaviour and looking for ways to teach social-emotional skills in your CNC program? Here's a website and resources might help! You can even
download a free resource that's full of simple, practical strategies to help you create positive changes in your CNC program.
Dos and Don’ts of Classroom Decorations
What you put on your classroom walls can affect your students’ ability to learn. Heavily decorated classrooms can bombard students with too much visual information, interfering with their memory and ability to focus, a new study finds.
So what do researchers say teachers should do?
Healthy Habits for Life Child Care Resource Kit
As a child care provider, you have the wonderful opportunity to help lay a healthy foundation. In addition to their families, you are their model for food and fitness. The
Healthy Habits for Life Child Care Resource Kit will give you the tools you need to teach children about eating right and being physically active so that they can establish healthy habits for life. In it, you'll find: easy-to-use, fun lessons and activities that will fit in with your existing routines; ways to establish a connection with children’s families and support healthy habits at home.
