Playful Tubs and Trays for Toddlers
It can be a challenge setting up activities for toddler play – so when planning for toddler play, it's often best to keep it simple. Here's a collection of
ideas for trays and baskets of all shapes and sizes that will simplify setup, interaction and clean up in your toddler program!
New Online Tutorial: The Power of Play
Children learn best when they are playing. In fact, play is so important to children’s development, that the United Nations has included play as one of the basic rights of every child in the Convention on the Rights of the Child! Through play, children get to know the world around them while exploring and testing their own limits. They’re figuring out how to coordinate their body movements, talk with friends, apply rules, and so much more.
In the
Power of Play tutorial, you’ll have an opportunity to consider why is play so important, how play supports children’s development and learning, three common myths about play, and strategies that can be used to support children’s learning through play in CNC each day.
At the end of the tutorial, you’ll also find resources, references, a
facilitator guide and added
group discussion questions so that you can easily facilitate your own team training.
Guelph children from Syria illustrate and co-author a picture book
Seven Suitcases is a new children's book written from the perspective of a 9-year-old Syrian girl who is new to Canada. It's based on the true story of Ahmed, Farah and Hala Marie, who came to Canada with their parents three years ago. In this interview,
the three siblings talk to CBC about what it was like to co-author and illustrate the book with the help of their teacher/librarian friend.
CNC in Action: Five Great Practices in a Child Centred Program
Red River College’s CNC program in Steinbach, a rural area one hour outside of Winnipeg, serves a growing local immigrant population. Located in a Mennonite Church, increased enrolment keeps the site running at or near its capacity of 25 children, who range in age from 18 months to five years old. Not only is the program filling a need within the community, but the staff is showing strength in child-centred care and explorative play, according to their CMAS consultant, Jackie Cunningham.
CMAS spoke with the Childcare Supervisor, Nalini Ranganath, to explore
five of their practices that really benefit the newcomer children.
We’re going on a Goopy Bear Hunt…..Fine Motor Sensory Fun!
If you have children showing interest in the concepts of big and small, counting and grouping colours, try this
fun activity that encourages them to explore and expand on those concepts during sensory play!
Playful Learning Spaces for Babies and Toddlers
Creating engaging , welcoming and playful learning spaces for babies and toddlers is just as important as setting up environments for older children. Yet sometimes this is easier said than done and we struggle to find the right balance between offering an environment that is developmentally appropriate and yet still allows for both security and basic caregiving needs to be met alongside the freedom of exploration as they challenge and extend upon new skills. Find out more about
why designing a playful learning space for babies and toddler is so important here!
15 Tips for Creating Invitations To Play
Invitations to play are really just a collection of materials set up with some thought and creativity to
invite children to explore, investigate, and PLAY. The goal is to create invitations that allow children to direct their own play - by giving them access to open ended materials that encourage investigation, further exploration of current interests, curiosity and imagination. It's about being intentional in your teaching but keeping it simple, hands on, child led and above all fun!
How to Plan & Observe: Play Ideas for Babies & Toddlers
To plan effectively for the 0-2 Years age group takes a little thinking outside the box. Here, you'll find
ideas for planning play experiences and programming for babies and toddlers that are not only easier and faster, but also more meaningful and effective for the children and educators.
CNC in Action: Inspiring Care Beyond CNC
For years, Opal Robinson, has been caring for children who are new to Canada. However, it was her own travels abroad that transformed her work with children—both within and beyond the CNC program.
Read more....
Resilience Building Strategies for Everyone!
Devereux Centre for Resilient Children has created these simple infographics with some of their favourite resilience-building strategies for
infants,
toddlers,
preschoolers and
adults. They're full of important reminders, easy to print and post for everyone to see!
