Parents and Families External Resources
December Fun and Activities: Sesame Workshop
It's a wonderful time of year for families to connect! Sesame Workshop has put together a fun list of books, music, movies and more that you can share with the children and families in your program this month.
10 fun autumn activities for kids
Cool but comfortable autumn weather is a great time to encourage families to get active outdoors and enjoy everything the season has to offer here in Canada! As a way of saying thanks to autumn, Active for Life has 10 fresh ways to play that you can share with families this season... because developing physical literacy is a year-round journey.
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.
Helping Newcomer Parents Start the School Year Strong
There are lots of multilingual resources on our website for you to share with parents to help start the school year strong! We’ve compiled a list of our favourites.WEBINAR – Nurturing Transitions: Supporting children and families in the new school year
Looking to strengthen transition practices to ensure new children and their families feel a strong sense of belonging in your program this year? This webinar provides essential tips and strategies to foster confidence and belonging for both children and families. In it, you will learn about effective communication, relationship building, how to nurture emotional well-being and belonging throughout transitions, and how you can tailor your approach for individual children.
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.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
When children experiencing emotional distress receive support from caring adults in their lives, they’re better able to build a strong foundation for emotional well-being. For Mental Health Awareness Month, Sesame Workshop has launched a new set of resources to support children experiencing emotional distress. The new resources include animated videos, Sesame Street Muppet videos, printables, a digital storybook, and more.