Programs and Activities
How to Keep Kids Active in Winter
Winter brings shorter, colder days and, typically, much more indoor time for kids. But exercise is essential, no matter the season. It helps kids maintain strong muscles and bones, builds cardiovascular strength, reduces the risk of illness, and improves mental health. Here are some fun ideas to share with parents to keep kids moving all season long!
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 Saturday, February 10 and goes for 15 days, ending on Saturday, February 24. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, which symbolizes honour and success 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!
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.
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!
The CMAS Play Across Cultures Tutorial is Available in French!
Children from different cultures engage in play differently. This makes sense because there are differences in language, context, and social norms in different cultures – and these are all reflected in children’s play! In the Play Across Cultures tutorial, participants will have the chance to reflect on how play is different across cultures, and how we can encourage and foster all kinds of play variations in our CNC programs... and now it's available in French!
NEW! LET’S PLAY: House Activity Ideas
Playing house gives children plenty of opportunities to explore different roles, practice problem-solving, and act out feelings that they might not yet be able to express in words. A team of CNC staff put their heads together and came up with over 140 house activity ideas and play extensions to build on this interest.
New Year’s Resolution: Be Present for the Children in Our Lives
We all get distracted and, at times, bogged down by the hustle and bustle of life and the obligations we must fulfill. However, a harried and stressed life can take a toll on our littlest family members and learners–during a time of critical brain development. As we head into 2024 and reflect on areas in our lives where we can improve or bring more joy and satisfaction, we should consider that we can be more present, responsive and calm for the children in our lives–through actionable steps. Here are 6 things we can do to become more available to children even in the midst of our own struggles.
New 3-part webinar series: Understanding and Guiding Children’s Behaviour
Behaviour is one of the many ways that children communicate with us, so it’s important for us to be able to recognize and strive to understand children’s behaviour in our programs. Participants in this webinar series will be encouraged to think about behaviour differently while gaining deeper understanding and strategies for their programs.
Module 1–Understanding & Guiding Children's Behaviour: Perspectives
Module 2–Understanding & Guiding Children's Behaviour: Cultural Considerations
Module 3–Understanding & Guiding Children's Behaviour: Environmental Considerations
NEW! LET’S PLAY: Painting & Colouring Activity Ideas
A team of CNC staff put their heads together and came up with over 100 painting and colouring activity ideas for CNC… and now you can find them here!
30 Engaging Baby Activities for Cognitive & Physical Development
A baby’s brain is growing and forming new connections every day. And everything you do—from talking and reading to singing and dancing—is helping that process. Even if baby's movements seem random and uncoordinated, important development is taking place, and they're gradually building their strength, coordination, and neural connections. That’s why it’s important to give babies lots of time to explore freely through a variety of movements. Here are some ideas to help get you started.