Programs and Activities
We Dig Dinosaurs! A New Way to Follow Their Lead
What do you do when a child in your program becomes obsessed with dinosaurs? You follow them! Nancy Tovell, from Bookmates, is a master at turning a simple interest into a deep, literacy-rich learning experience. In this recorded session, you'll explores stories, rhymes, songs and hands-on activities that can be easily adapted. This session is packed with practical ideas you don't want to miss!
Family Day Across Canada
Family Day is celebrated differently across the country, but no matter where you live, it's a great opportunity to encourage families to get outside and have some fun with the kids! Here are two lists full of outdoor winter activity ideas to share with parents this month: 6 Budget-Friendly Winter Activities for Families & 10 Fun & Easy Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids
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.
New Year, New Inspiration: Early Years STEM
Kick off 2026 with fresh ideas for hands-on learning! Watch this 1-hour recorded session with top-rated presenter Lobna Ajaini, who shows how STEM in the early years is rooted in curiosity, loose parts, and creative problem-solving—not just “hard science.” Watch Creativity and Innovation Using STEM in the Early Years!
It’s Multicultural Children’s Book Day!
The goal of Multicultural Children’s Book Day is to raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity and get more of these books into classrooms, libraries and collections. Here's a list of books and activities... maybe you'll find a new favourite!
Storybooks Canada — Free Multilingual Stories
Storybooks Canada is a free open educational resource that offers beautifully illustrated children’s stories in text and audio, available in English, French, and 30 of the most commonly spoken languages in Canada. These stories come from the African Storybook collection and have been carefully adapted to reflect themes that resonate with children across diverse communities.
Free E-Book: An Educator’s Guide to a Whole-Child Approach
Whole-child learning goes beyond a simple idea—it supports every child’s growth by celebrating strengths, personalizing instruction, and reducing challenging behaviors. This approach can help us create spaces where all children can thrive. Explore what it means, why it works, and how to apply it in this e-book.
Creating Magical Spaces
Creating environments that inspire curiosity, exploration, discovery, and play is both an art and a challenge. While trends evolve, truly meaningful spaces always center the child—supporting play, belonging, safety, and well-being.A magical environment responds to children’s interests and invites everyone to participate with joy. Join Tina Geers from Inspired Minds ECC Consulting Inc. as we explore how thoughtful choices—from natural elements and cozy lighting to our own presence and engagement—can transform early learning spaces. Every setting is different, but each one has the potential to be magical. ✨
Baby Talk: Supporting Infant and Toddler Language Development
Are you working with young children who are actively learning language(s)? In this his online workshop Nancy Tovell of Bookmates focuses on how we can support children’s language development in the early years. Included will be practical, interactive family literacy strategies to help children engage and communicate with their caregivers, while building fundamental speech and language skills.
Handouts:
Baby Talk Literacy Activity Ideas
Baby Talk Rhyme Booklet
Baby Talk Suggested Book List
Beyond Pom Poms: Exploring Process vs Product Art Through A Cultural Lens
Megan Wales DiCarlo, CNC Program Manager & Arts-Infused Early Learning Specialist at the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, invites educators to reimagine art through a culturally inclusive lens. This session explores diverse materials, traditions, and process-based, child-led approaches that foster identity, sensory exploration, and meaningful creative expression. Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating authentic cultural materials, music, movement, and storytelling to create inclusive, engaging art experiences.