Culture and Diversity
International Mother Language Day: February 21
Languages are the most powerful instrument in preserving and developing heritage. Every February, International Mother Language Day helps to increase awareness and mobilize partners and resources that support language diversity and multilingualism across the globe. How will you celebrate the linguistic diversity of your CNC program this year?
How did Black History Month come to be?
February is Black History Month! This is a time to celebrate and remember all the ways that Black Canadians have contributed to Canada’s history and culture. Throughout February, this celebration provides a chance to learn about African cultures.
Fun Ideas for Celebrating Lunar New Year with Kids
The Lunar New Year is the beginning of the Lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon. This year, Lunar New Year starts on January 29, 2025, and it is the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes wisdom, charm, transformation, and intuition in the Chinese zodiac. This day is celebrated around the world… Here are some of the many ways that you might choose to celebrate with the children and families in your program!
50 Helpful Words Have Been Translated into 10 Languages for CNC!
Communicating with newcomer children and their families can be challenging. We translated 50 frequently used words into the l0 languages most commonly spoken in our newcomer programs. The words are available as cards that include pictures and phonetic pronunciations. These can be used as a visual to support language learning and confidence, create cultural connections, and communicate with and involve parents in the learning process. The files are available in a variety of formats, so you can print and/or repurpose them in many ways!
WEBINAR: Rethinking Relationships and Bias in Early Childhood
This webinar is an excellent opportunity to talk about how teacher identity impacts the quality of interactions in their programs. It also provides examples of how adults can respond to conversations about race in the classroom.
WEBINAR: Micro-Moments of Connection! Moving beyond Negativity and Judgement to Strengthen Relationships with Families
A child’s learning and development are best supported when caregivers and parents, or other caretakers have strong, trusting relationships. Establishing effective and collaborative relationships can be challenging. This webinar will guide you in utilizing impactful strategies to enhance your connection with parents. You will be inspired to find new ways to illuminate and share special moments as a way to reduce negativity and judgment that can cause stress and fuel misunderstandings.
Cultural Diversity and Mental Health
Helping children and young people understand, respect and appreciate cultural differences helps create a sense of belonging. This resource from Australia examines why understanding culture is important, challenges that may impact children and families, and how respect for diversity is related to children's sense of belonging and mental health.
Harvest Festivals Around the World: Video
What is Harvest Festival? How do people celebrate harvest around the world? This video shows several different harvest festivals that are celebrated around the world throughout the year from Pongal to Vendimia, The Moon Festival to Olivagando. We share some of the many ways people celebrate harvest around the world.
Heartwarming Video Shows How Kids See Differences
A heartwarming video from the BBC, is showing how children think about differences. In the video, pairs of young friends answer the question, “What makes you two different from each other?” And their responses reveal a simple and inspiring truth about acceptance and inclusion among kids.
Nurturing Childhoods Through Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Register Now for this Free Online Course
In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, registration is now open for Nurturing Childhoods Through Indigenous Ways of Knowing. This free, fully online course was co-created with the voices of our community members, educators, and scholars, and it is designed to empower and support educators, service providers, and families to engage deeply with Indigenous knowledge in early learning environments. Through six learning circles, participants will explore topics such as Indigenous knowledges, perspectives, pedagogies, children as a gift, family and community, land as the first teacher, and Indigenous languages and literacies. This offering seeks to honour the important role that Indigenous ways of knowing play in shaping early childhood education.