Video: Investigating Balls – Program planning ideas for your program!
Preschool and toddler teachers describe how children engaged in a variety of learning activities while investigating the properties of balls. Hear how the the teachers developed their plan, and see how much the children have fun and learn
here.
Cultural Competency: What it is and why it matters
Cultural competency is the ability to work effectively across cultures. For individuals who work with immigrant children and families, it is an approach to learning, communicating and working respectfully with people different from themselves. Learn more about cultural competency
here...
Space Speaks! Early Childhood Spaces and Cultural Diversity
Parents and children feel valued when there are visual representations of their culture/community throughout the program, and when program staff speak their home language. This also helps children develop a sense of belonging. Find ideas for helping children and parents feel welcome in your program
here.
Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps
The Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training regulation requires training for every worker and supervisor in Ontario. This
online module explains your rights and responsibilities on the job. You can also learn more about the regulation, training requirements, and free training resources
here...
Enhancing Learning of Children From Diverse Language Backgrounds: Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual or Multilingual Education in the Early Years
This literature review was commissioned by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Education Sector, and discusses mother tongue based bilingual or multilingual education for children starting in early childhood. The report is meant to inform policy-makers and raise awareness of the value of maintaining the world’s languages and cultures by promoting and resourcing mother tongue-based education for young children.
Read more...
Culturally Responsive Instruction: Listening to Children
LEARNing Landscapes is an open access, peer-reviewed, online education journal supported by LEARN (Leading English Education and Resource Network).
This issue includes an insightful article on Culturally Responsive Instruction. Culturally Responsive Instruction aims to promote the academic success of young children of diverse backgrounds and close the achievement gap that typically exists between these children and their mainstream peers.
Bilingualism in Young Children: Separating Fact from Fiction
Our world is becoming increasingly multilingual. This means that many children are being raised as bilinguals. Sometimes bilingualism is a necessity, as a child’s parents may not be fluent in the majority (dominant) language spoken in the community, but sometimes bilingualism is a choice.
Read more...
Let the children learn through play
Twenty years ago, kids in preschool, kindergarten and even first and second grade spent much of their time playing. Increasingly, these activities are being abandoned for the teacher-led, didactic instruction typically used in higher grades. A growing group of scientists, education researchers and educators say this might be slowing emotional and cognitive development, causing unnecessary stress and perhaps even souring kids’ desire to learn.
Read more...
The Diversity Challenge
At the "Together We Prosper" Conference earlier this year, panel facilitator, Julie Dotsch (One World) discusses ways to recognize immigrant children who are having difficulty fitting in and share tips for fostering home culture and language. Watch the video
here.
Preschoolers’ playtime needs to be more active
Children aged three to five in Canada and the U.S. aren't moving enough for their healthy development, but a scientist in Ottawa is working with daycares to foster more hops, skips and jumps.
Read more...
