CMAS Webinar Series: Modelling Flexible Ideas About Gender in an Early Childhood Setting
We come from different families. We come from different cultures. We grew up in different decades. We each have our own individual experiences. We probably all see and experience gender in a slightly different way. Gender “refers to the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person’s biological sex” (American Psychological Association).
CMAS is pleased to present an opportunity for CNC staff to learn more about Modelling Flexible Ideas About Gender in an Early Childhood Setting. This two-part webinar series will include information about gender and child development, and will centre around the ideal of creating the best possible environment for nurturing the social and emotional development of children of all genders. Watch Part 1 and Part 2.
Note that live sessions are only open to CNC-funded programs that are working with CMAS, but the recordings will be available online for everyone this fall.
11 Simple Ways to Teach Kids Peace
Each year the
International Day of Peace is observed around the world on the 21st of September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. As we heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier for our children. Here are
11 simple ideas for activities and songs you can use to help bring peace into your CNC program this month.
Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers
During the early years, children need to be exposed to many activities that strengthen their large motor muscles. As babies, it begins with their trunk, neck, and head control, and then they strengthen their legs and feet. As preschoolers, once body control is achieved, you can help them work on throwing, running, and climbing! It's important to intentionally integrate fun, physical activities that kids can do to strengthen these muscles into your program. And since most gross motor activities center around physical fun, it won’t be hard to get the students excited about them!
Here are some examples of ways to enjoy gross motor activities with children.
Increasing Opportunities for Free Play
Did you know that the United Nations has created a list of rights for every child around the world? And did you know that the right to play is included on that list along with the right to access water and food? In this newsletter, you'll find
inspiration and ideas for creating more engaging play experiences in your program!
PROMOTING DIVERSITY IN THE PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM: IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES
The definition of diversity is simply a range of different things. When children learn very early that differences are normal, they learn to view them without a lens of discomfort. Children naturally begin to pick up on differences, and you may hear questions about why their skin isn’t the same as another child’s, why someone needs to use a wheelchair, how people speak other languages, and more beginning around this age. Many parents and educators experience that initial moment of panic. How am I supposed to explain to a three-year-old about racism, poverty, and disability? The key is to
keep it age appropriate, honest and simple.
WEBINAR: Wonder of Wonders! Harnessing the Wonder of Play through Provocations
From a very young age, children begin expressing their own unique views and ideas. Children are born with many strengths and abilities that continue to unfold and mature throughout their lives. When we respect and value a child’s individual interests in play, we are giving them the fundamental right to realize their unique potential. Children have the amazing capacity to construct their own learning. In this
webinar, participants will learn about how we can harness this undeniable power and wonder of play in Play Provocations. They'll learn about what a play provocation is and how they can support and expand the hidden potential of children’s play!
Programming to Promote Multiculturalism and Diversity
Scholastic has compiled these
tips from experts, ideas and ready-to-go activities to help you plan for your CNC program in a way that promotes multiculturalism and diversity.
Supporting Emergent Bilingual Children in Early Learning: CHECKLIST
Young children’s first learning experiences outside the home often happen in child-care settings, and many children come to school as emergent bilinguals (i.e., children who are exposed to two or more languages, also known as dual language learners). Research shows that learning multiple languages is very beneficial for development, yet few early child-care educators know best practices for supporting the learning of more than one language.
This checklist can help us better support children’s bilingual learning in our programs.
Moving Upstream: Confronting Racism to Open Up Children’s Potential
The scientific evidence is clear and growing: racism imposes unique and substantial stressors on the daily lives of families raising young children of color. Understanding how these stressors affect child health and development provides a compelling framework for new ideas about how communities, policies, programs, and funding streams might confront and dismantle these inequities and build a stronger future for us all. This new brief discusses how
racism creates conditions that harm the well-being of children and families, and the need to go “upstream” and create policy solutions to address the source of structural, cultural, and interpersonal forms of racism
A Look Around the World – Cultural Celebrations
We live in a diverse world where children are exposed to many different people and experiences, and they begin to recognize these similarities and differences at very young ages. In CNC, it is important to help children understand and respect similarities and differences among people, and exploring these similarities and differences positively is a good place to start. And decisions about what holidays to celebrate are best made together by teachers, parents, and children! The world is immense, and there are nearly endless customs and cultures to explore. McCormick Centre for Early Childhood Leadership has highlighted (listed chronologically)
four diverse cultural celebrations, and created a helpful infographic, for inspiration.
