Programs and Activities
International Mother Language Day: February 21
Languages are the most powerful instrument in preserving and developing heritage. Every February, International Mother Language Day helps to increase awareness and mobilize partners and resources that support language diversity and multilingualism across the globe. How will you celebrate the linguistic diversity of your CNC program this year?
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!
FREE Kindness Calendar
When we practice skills like kindness, empathy, inclusion, gratitude, and mindfulness with children from an early age, it can set the stage for their daily interactions with the world around them – how they treat others as well as how they take care of themselves. Now, you can download a free Kindness Calendar that includes daily questions, activities, and book recommendations to help children explore what it means to be a kind, inclusive, and empathetic friend.
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.
A Very Angry Preschool Song… Will it Work for Multiple Languages?
"This is an Angry Song” is a popular early years song in England that is a simple way to enable a child to express their anger with words and actions, and help other children understand the feelings a friend is experiencing. When we're working with multilingual groups of children, it's important to consider: Are the expressions and actions meaningful within the children's cultural context? Do they actually understand the words? Here are some tips for adapting songs like this for your CNC group.
5 Tips for Teaching and Practice Gratitude with Children Every Day
Gratitude is an important skill that needs to be nurtured and practiced often, which is why it is so important to teach children about gratitude, empathy, and helping others. Here are five ways to ensure kids are practicing gratitude daily, along with suggestions for simple language you can use!There’s plenty to acknowledge and celebrate in October!
Are you busy collecting ideas and planning for your CNC program this month? If so, there are a few important days this month that you might want to incorporate and honour to raise awareness in your CNC program and community!
October is Canada Library and Fire Prevention month, and National Family Week is October 2-8. Thanksgiving is also celebrated on October 9th, and International Day of the Girl Child on the 11th. Make a Difference Day is October 23rd, Dress Purple Day is October 27th, and Hallowe'en is on October 30th!