Programs and Activities
Intentional Inclusion For Multicultural Classrooms
In this episode of the preschool podcast, HiMama chats with K’Sandra Earle, Associate Director of Early Learning Neighbourhood Collective (ELNC), about how to be intentional about diversity in early learning classrooms. K'Sandra shares tips on empowering teachers and involving parents to create a space that celebrates young children and their unique cultural backgrounds.Extending Block Play for Early Learning
There is absolutely no wrong or right way to play with blocks! Every child is unique in the way that they choose to approach materials and blocks can be such a valuable tool to encourage open ended play and learning. This mini guide provides ideas and inspiration for block play, and even has a suggested block play materials list.The Power of Mirror Play for Infants and Toddlers
Mirrors are wonderful tools for engaging babies and toddlers. But what makes mirrors so intriguing and why should you hang one in your play space?WEBINAR: Provoking Inquiry with Loose Parts
Join co-author of the award-winning books, Loose Parts: Inspiring Play for this webinar full of tips for choosing and setting up loose parts for children in your program! Participants will learn the value of loose parts in play, how to choose loose parts using different lenses for different learning goals, and how to set provocations that promote inquiry.15 Things Every Early Childhood Educator Should Do
Looking for a little inspiration? Here are 15 things for early childhood educators to focus on, accompanied by links to books, blog posts, and other practical resources.Looking for ways to honour and celebrate Black History Month?
February is Black History Month! Here are a few resources to help you learn and celebrate with the children in your program: How did Black History Month come to be? (a video), Canadian Children's Books for Black History Month, and 28+ Activities and Craft ideasWebinar: Puppet Pals for Children, SEL Partners for Teachers
Whether you are teaching in person or online, this information-packed webinar will provide strategies for using puppets to create engaging experiences for young children. Participants will be inspired to use puppets as "pals" who help children with problem solving, empathy, community-building, and all aspects of development. Join this webinar to learn how to make puppets partners in your online or in-person program.Activities Ideas to Help Get Kids Moving!
Keep children moving while learning with daily, quick and creative physical activities. Ideally, kids should have two to three active play times every day. Instead of thinking of exercise as a separate scheduled activity, just try to weave quick “moving” moments throughout the day.Webinar: Building Holiday Diversity
In this HiMama Helps Webinar, participants will take a look at diversity and inclusion around the holiday season, explore tips, and ways to be inclusive in early childhood programs while celebrating different holidays.
Prioritize “connections over content” in all virtual learning efforts
Ideally, virtual classrooms and programs can represent a space for children to focus on learning and to process the emotional and social effects of the pandemic. This article includes a list of considerations, including a recommendation to prioritize “connections over content” in all virtual learning efforts for children and families.