Play Learn Grow Together

Learning Together Joyfully: APRIL: Rebirth and Renewal

April is a month of rebirth, renewal, and a continuation of unpredictable weather with both warm and chilly times. As migration begins, it is a time to reconnect with nature and explore the outdoors – including the return of the birds.  April is also a month for celebrations. Easter is one of the most popular events celebrated across the world as Christians observe holidays starting April 15 – 18th. The Punjabi New Year and Vaisakhi Day is celebrated by Sikhs on April 14. Ramadan, celebrated by the Muslims, begins on April 2. Passover, a Jewish holiday, is celebrated from April 15 – 23. Canadian Children’s Book Week is from May 1 – 7 although you may wish to prepare and find out what special events are planned in your school, public library and community. Finally Earth Day, meant to encourage everyone to appreciate, protect, and preserve our planet, is celebrated globally on April 22.   And of course, as we all know, “April showers bring May flowers,” so if the rain of April gets you down, get outside in nature, find joy in clouds and take time with your children to enjoy some bird watching as you Play, Learn and Grow together!

1.  Read and Sing together 📚 

Check out your school and public library or bookstore to buy or borrow the following recommended books.

CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK: Time to Prepare for this Early May Event.

In preparation for the significant celebration of Canadian Children’s Book Week from May 1 to May 7, hundreds of readings are given to thousands of children in over 100 communities across the country. Hundreds of schools, public libraries, bookstores and community centres host events as part of this major literary festival. Book Week is organized by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. It is time to begin preparing for this exciting event so find out more about what is happening in your community. Remember there are many reasons why it is important to share Canadian books with kids!

Download the free 2022 poster featuring the amazing Fan Brother books. The poster depicts the 2022 theme, Sail into Stories, and captures the magic and whimsy of stories and the unique journeys children can experience. Find out more about the Fan Brothers books and read some of their books below. 

• The Barnabus Project by Terry, Eric and Devin Fan. In a world built for Perfect Pets, Barnabus is a Failed Project, half mouse, half elephant, kept out of sight until his dreams of freedom lead him and his misfit friends on a perilous adventure. This suspenseful, poignant and magical story about following your dreams and finding where you truly belong will draw readers into a surreal, lushly detailed world in which perfection really means being true to yourself and your friends.

• The Night Gardener by Terry and Eric Fan. One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last. Soon, William’s gray little town is full of color and life. And though the mysterious night gardener disappears as suddenly as he appeared, William—and his town—are changed forever.

• It Fell from the Sky by Terry and Eric Fan. A book about community, art, the importance of giving back—and the wonder that fell from the sky. It fell from the sky on a Thursday. None of the insects know where it came from, or what it is. Some say it’s an egg. Others, a gumdrop. But whatever it is, it fell near Spider’s house, so he’s convinced it belongs to him. Spider builds a wondrous display so that insects from far and wide can come look at the marvel. Spider has their best interests at heart. So what if he has to charge a small fee? So what if the lines are long? So what if no one can even see the wonder anymore? But what will Spider do after everyone stops showing up?

SPRING BOOKS 

• Step Gently Out by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder. What would happen if you walked very, very quietly and looked carefully at the natural world outside? You might see a cricket leap, a moth spread her wings, or a spider step across a silken web. In simple, evocative language, Helen Frost hints at the many tiny creatures around us, while in stunning close-up photographs, Rick Lieder captures a katydid’s eye, a firefly, and many more living wonders awaiting discovery. Back matter amplifies the descriptions of the insects and spiders in the book.

• Who Likes Rain? by Wong Herbert Yee. Grab your umbrella and hit the puddles! Check out this interactive question-and-answer book to find out which species enjoy the rainy April showers as much as humans do. With spring come April showers. It’s time to put on a raincoat, grab an umbrella, and head outdoors. The worms like rain, and so do the fish and frogs. But what about the cat and dog? In this lyrical picture book, one spunky little girl discovers just who likes rain—and who doesn’t—as she explores the rainy-day habits of the world around her.

• Jigging for Halibut withTsinii by Sara Florence Davidson, and Robert Davidson. Off the northern tip of Haida Gwaii, a boy goes fishing with Tsinii, his grandfather. As they watch the weather, jig for halibut, and row with the tides, the boy realizes there’s more to learn from Tsinii than how to catch a fish.” This tender story highlights intergenerational knowledge, authentic learning experiences and the importance of Elders. It is at once poetic and calming, in both its words and illustrations, and gifts knowledge to us from those that have been entrusted with it.” -David Robertson, Governor General’s Award-winning author. 

• Every Day Birds by Amy Ludwig. Birdsongs provide the soundtrack for spring as this book focuses on twenty North American birds, with a poem and descriptions. After reading, families can look out their windows with curiosity–recognizing birds and nests and celebrating the beauty of these creatures! There are beautiful paper-cuttings and interesting facts about each bird are featured in the back of the book.

• Wake Up! By Helen Frost and Rick Lieder. In the fourth collaboration by this photographer and poet team, short verses invite readers to study stunning photographs that celebrate springtime awakenings. Wake up! Come out and explore all the new creatures being born — just-hatched birds in the trees, tadpoles in the pond, a baby fawn in the woods. 

• Robins! How They Grow Up! by Eileen Christelow. Full of information about robins, one of the most emblematic signs of spring, the author’s note shares that this book was prompted by the author’s own experiences observing a robin family in her garden shed. Inspire students to learn more about the habits of these birds and their bright blue eggs.

EARTH DAY BOOKS – APRIL 22

The following books, about our natural world, support the celebration of Earth Day, on April 22. From animals, plants, birds and ecosystems to environmental change, conservation, and notable environmentalists, there are many topics related to our environment that are important to explore with children. 

• Be a Friend to Trees by Patricia Lauber. Why should you be a friend to trees? Not only because “they’re nice to look at, nice to have around”, but because they are a valuable natural resource. This book explains how products are made from trees, how they are homes to a variety of animals, how they provide food for animals and people, and how they clean the air. 

• The Earth Book by Todd Parr. This story explores the important, timely subject of environmental protection and conservation. Featuring a circular die-cut Earth on the cover, and printed entirely with recycled materials and nontoxic soy inks, this book includes lots of ideas on how we can all work together to make the Earth feel good – from planting a tree and using both sides of the paper, to saving energy and reusing old things in new ways. There is an interior poster with tips on how kids can “go green” everyday. This sweet homage to our beautiful planet is sure to inspire readers of all ages to do their part in keeping the Earth happy and healthy.

• A Place to Start a Family: Poems About Creatures That Build by David L. Harrison. This  book combines a unique angle on a topic with excellent vocabulary and informative content. This winning poetry collection describes the building habits of different species, from prairie dogs to paper wasps. 

• Zonia’s Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal. Zonia and her family are Asháninka, members of the largest Indigenous group of the Peruvian Amazon. Alarmed when she notices a deforested area in her beloved rainforest, she pledges to act to protect her home. This gorgeous book, from a Caldecott honoree, opens many important discussions. A heartfelt, visually stunning picture book illuminates a young girl’s day of play and adventure in the lush rainforest of Peru.

• Keepers of the Earth by Michael J. Caduto. This book is a good resource about Native American culture. Twenty-five legends from twenty different cultures inspire children to connect with nature and care for the earth. Divided into sections of specific topics, this sensitive and thorough book includes inexpensive environmental indoor and outdoor activities. Keepers of the Earth, a resource about Native American culture, includes twenty-five legends from twenty different cultures. These stories will inspire children to connect with nature and care for the earth. This resource provides hands-on activities that inspire children to understand and appreciate Native American cultures and their relationship with Earth.

• Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre. The photographs and word choice in this appreciation for Earth’s diverse beauty are powerful. Remarkable photographs and a rich, layered text introduce concepts of science, nature, geography, biology, poetry, and community, perfect for reading in classrooms and at home. 

• Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals. What’s more fun than digging in the dirt? Making dirt! This alphabet book presents a simple and engaging rhyming “recipe” for home composting. Children can quickly grasp which items can be composted and which can’t and can participate in every step of the process, from collecting materials, to turning the pile, to spreading the finished product in the garden. This book teaches children to compost and develop life-long habits to protect the Earth. 

• Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer. In this Caldecott Honor Winner, poetic language and gorgeous collage illustrations encourage readers to explore all of nature’s many mysteries. After reading, kids (and adults too) will want to get outside and embark on their own wonder walk!  The detailed collages give readers a fresh outlook on the splendors of nature. When two curious kids embark on a “wonder walk,” they let their imaginations soar as they look at the world in a whole new light. They have thought-provoking questions for everything they see: Is the sun the world’s light bulb? Is dirt the world’s skin? Are rivers the earth’s veins? Is the wind the world breathing? I wonder. 

• A Cool Drink of Water by Barbara Kerley. Everyone, everywhere enjoys a nice, cool drink of water.  With minimal text this book teaches children that water is basic to human life all over the globe. Stunning National Geographic photos show how people in various cultures use and conserve water. An Italian boy sips from a fountain in the town square. A hiker takes a refreshing drink from a mountain stream. Black-robed women in India stride gracefully through a field with brass water jugs balanced on their heads. Whether they squeeze it out of a burlap bag, haul it home from a communal tap, or get it out of their kitchen faucet, people all around the world are unified by their common need for water. This beautiful book doesn’t address water pollution, it is purely a celebration of the world’s most vital resource.

• Miss Fox’s Class Goes Green by Eileen Spinelli. When Miss Fox shows up at school riding her bicycle, Mouse asks, “Do you have a flat tire?” “No,” Miss Fox tells her students. “I am going green!” Soon everyone in the class is working to keep the earth healthy. Mouse takes shorter showers (and does her singing after!); Bunny brings a cloth bag to the supermarket; and Possum turns the lights off when he goes out. Miss Fox’s simple act has ripples even beyond her own students…soon the whole school starts riding their bikes–including the principal. 

• Earth Day Every Day by Lisa Bullard and Xiao Xin-Earth Day Books for kids. On Earth Day, we find ways to help the Earth. Trina plants trees with her class. She forms an Earth Day club with her friends. What can you do to make every day Earth Day? Do your part to be a planet protector! Discover how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and more with Tyler and Trina in these nonfiction picture books featuring kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun!

WORLD RELIGIONS AND CULTURE

Reading the following books is an opportunity to bring culture into the classroom and celebrate cultural diversity. Reading books followed by purposeful discussions, assists children to understand different cultures and for some to feel proud and develop a sense of identity. To form positive self-concepts, children must honor and respect their own families and cultures and have others honor and respect these key facets of their identities too. If the classroom doesn’t reflect and validate their families and cultures, children may feel invisible, unimportant, incompetent, and ashamed of who they are. The following books are culturally relevant and assist educators and parents to incorporate anti-bias curriculum and values in their learning spaces and at home. 

EASTER – April 15 – 18 This Christian holiday celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year it is celebrated from April 15 – 18. For some, this holiday begins with Lent—a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and sacrifice—and ends with Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday (the celebration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his 12 Apostles). Good Friday (on which Jesus’ crucifixion is observed), Easter Sunday (the day Jesus emerged from the tomb after his crucifixion) and Easter Monday. Several non-religious Easter traditions include Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny delivering candy and chocolate eggs to children on Easter Sunday morning and related games for children such as egg hunts and egg decorating.

• Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. A little bunny keeps running away from his mother in this imaginary game of hide-and-seek. Children will be profoundly comforted by this lovingly steadfast mother who finds her child every time. The Runaway Bunny, first published in 1942 and never out of print, has indeed become a classic. Generations of readers have fallen in love with the gentle magic of its reassuring words and loving pictures.

• The Great Eggscape by Jory John. The Good Egg and his pals escape their carton and drop into the store for a morning of fun, which is enjoyed by everybody. Well, almost everybody. Shel (an egg) isn’t a huge fan of group activities, especially when he’s made to be “It” for a game of hide-and-seek. Nevertheless, Shel doesn’t want to let his friends down, so he reluctantly plays. After a morning of hiding and seeking, somebody’s still missing. Will the dozen eggs friends ever be reunited? Find out in this hilarious egg hunt adventure that reminds us to break out of our shells and help our friends in need! A funny book to share anytime, and the two sticker sheets make it especially egg-cellent for Easter.

• The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Du Bose Heyward. The country bunny attains the exalted position of Easter Bunny in spite of her responsibilities as the mother of twenty-one children. The classic book, which has never been out of print, has come to be regarded by some as a feminist and anti-racist statement.  This all-time favorite character, can be seen as a woman who re-enters the work force while raising a family. It is a childhood favorite in which the Country Bunny, goes on a quest to prove that she (as much as the male bunnies) can be wisest, swiftest and kindest.

• The Golden Egg Book by Margaret Wise Brown. This classic story follows a little bunny who finds a blue egg and begins to wonder about all the wonderful things that might be inside. With colorful illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Leonard Weisgard, and a playful and endearing story by the legendary Margaret Wise Brown, this is a well loved Easter read that children will enjoy.

 

• It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler. P.J. Funnybunny is tired of cooked carrots and his big ears. It would be way more fun to be a bear, a bird, or a pig…right? Read along as P.J. leaves home and tries to determine who he is—and where he belongs. But this bunny might just learn that all he wants to be is…himself!

VAISAKHI (or Baisakhi):  April 14. 2022. The Sikh New Year festival is one of the most important dates as it marks the start of the Punjabi New Year. It is also a day to celebrate 1699 – the year when Sikhism was born as a collective faith. Often Sikhs begin Vaisakhi with a visit to the gurdwara, a place of worship. After religious services are held, people begin a day of celebration. Traditional colourful clothes are worn during the parade as they sing, dance and chant hymns through the streets. Giving out free food comes from a tradition called langar. Everyone in the community, no matter how rich or poor they are, comes together to share a meal.  Typically in BC, large local Sikh communities in the cities of Vancouver, Abbotsford and Surrey hold celebrations and Nagar Kirtan (parades) in April.

Designed by Nidhi Mishra From IndianExpress.com

• Let’s Celebrate Vaisakhi! by Ajanta Chakraborty In this multicultural and educational series join Maya, Neel and their pet squirrel, Chintu, as they visit Punjab in India to celebrate Vaisakhi, Punjab’s Spring Harvest Festival! Kids will learn about history, food, language and cultural elements of Vaisakhi.

• Let’s learn about Vaisakhi, Kids by Gurkiran Sandhu is a beautiful book with simple details for kids that will help them learn about Vaisakhi and its importance in the Sikh culture. It is educational, fun and opens a whole new world for children to learn about different festivals and cultures.

• The Garden of Peace by Navjot Kaur. When five ugly and dried up seeds are found, Elders wonder if they will grow.  Some throw the seeds aside, while others hold out hope. This is an allegory rooted in the social despair, with a tyrant ruler and unfair social class system. Read to discover how a nation-building event in Sikh history harvested citizens of change. Included are five steps on how to grow a garden of peace. Earth Day takes place on April 22nd and points out the importance of our choices to conserve our earth. You may wish to connect these concepts and discuss how we can incorporate anti-racism by “planting seeds” and carrying out random acts of kindness, being fair (no discrimination); being brave; and having a growth mindset. Read more about The Five Khalsa Values.

• A lion’s mane by Navjot Kaur is a beautiful picture book that details the journey of a young child as he embraces his patka or dastaar using the metaphor of a Lion’s Mane. The main character also connects the lion metaphor to other cultures and historical figures around the world. Central to this story is a young Sikh boy, who explores what it means to be different just like you. The first page asks a question that will encourage deeper conversations about identity and belonging: “Do you know who I am?” Join this child’s quest for self-discovery through the metaphor of a lion’s mane.
  • Interview with the author about the book
  • How to tie a Patka

PASSOVER: APRIL 15 – 23. In Judaism, Passover commemorates the story of the Israelites’ departure from slavery in Ancient Egypt when Moses parted the Red Sea. It is the most widely celebrated of Jewish holidays. The Passover holiday celebrates spring, rebirth, and the journey from slavery to freedom. It also emphasizes responsibility for oneself, the community, and the world at large. 

• What is Passover by Harriet Ziefert. Help Jake and his family prepare for a special family seder in this holiday lift-the-flap book about Passover.

• Is it Passover Yet? by Chris Barash. It’s time to clean the house, set out our best dishes, and fill our homes with food and family to celebrate the joyous holiday of Passover! In this sweet story, join one family as they gather with loved ones to share the joy of togetherness and freedom that Passover brings.

• Passover by Miriam Nerlove. This introduction to the traditional Jewish holiday is told in rhyming verses. Full-color illustrations enhance the lively rhymes.

RAMADAN – April 2 This holy month is celebrated by Muslims around the world with the common greeting “Ramadan Mubarak”. It is believed to be the month in which the Qur’an (the religious text of Islam) was revealed to the prophet Muhammed. It is a quiet, reflective time of worship, prayer, helping others, and spending time with loved ones. Muslims, 12 and over, fast during Ramadan, not eating or drinking anything between sunrise and sunset as a reminder to appreciate their blessings and to help those in need. Sadaqah, or good deeds show kindness and generosity. As the new moon ends the “Festival of Fast-Breaking,” Eid al-Fitr, begins and includes a three-day celebration with prayers, the exchange of cards and gifts, and feasting with friends and family.

• Lailah’s Lunchbox by Rheem Faruqi. Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom. Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs. Decorative arabesque borders contrast the ordered patterns of Islamic observances with the unbounded rhythms of American school days.

• Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitz by Lisa Bullard. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer, and thinking of others. Rashad tries to be good all month. When it’s time for Eid al-Fitr, he feasts and plays! Find out how people celebrate this special time of year.

• My First Ramadan by Karen Katz, Look! There is a new moon in the sky and it’s time for Ramadan to begin. Follow along with one young boy as he observes the Muslim holy month with his family. This year, he is finally old enough to fast and shares his experiences of this special holiday in Islam.

• It’s Ramadan, Curious George by H.A. Rey and Hena Khan. It’s the first day of Ramadan, and George is celebrating with his friend Kareem and his family. George helps Kareem with his first fast and joins in the evening celebration of tasting treats and enjoying a special meal. George helps make gift baskets to donate to the needy, and watches for the crescent moon with the man in the yellow hat. Finally George joins in the Eid festivities to mark the end of his very first Ramadan. 

• Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan. With breathtaking illustrations and informative text, this book magnificently captures the world of Islam, celebrating its beauty and tradition. Sure to inspire questions and observations about world religions and cultures, this entrancing volume is equally at home in the classroom or at home.

SONGS: Enjoy singing with children to introduce a new topic or to pause and take a “brain break”.

EASTER

• The Bunny Hops with movement
• Easter Song for Kids 
• Easter Bunny Song
• Here Comes Peter Cottontail 
• Bunny Hop
• Easter Bunny Song

VAISAKHI

• Vaisakhi Harvest Song
• Bhangra Dance Steps for children
• Bhangra Dance for children
• Vaisakhi Indian Festival

PASSOVER

• Dayenu: Learn the words to the Passover Seder song
• Ma Nishtana (The Four Questions)
• The Passover Seder: What to Expect
• The Passover Story in 10 Scenes

RAMADAN

• Ramadan Moon 
• The Month of Ramadan is here
• Ramadan Song for Kids
• Popular Ramadan Song
• Kids explain Ramadan

SPRING – BIRDS

• Sounds of spring – Birds singing in the morning
• Bird Songs for Kids
• Bird Song; Learn about Birds
• Birds for Kids
• Life Cycle of a Robin OR Nest of backyard Robins hatch 
• Sparrows Learn to fly
• North American Bird Sounds

EARTH DAY

• Save the Planet for Me and You
• Celebrate Earth Day (Move and Sing)
• Recycle, Reuse, Recycle
• Recycling Song The Three R’s by Jack Hartmann (2:39)
• Earth is Our Home. Sing and discuss inferencing as there are many clues why we should take good care of our “home”. 
• The Earth Song (good for a calming Brain Break)
• Song Going Green

CULTURAL AWARENESS:

Amongst our fondest memories are the experiences and traditions that we share with our family and friends. Families that share cultural traditions with established rituals, traditions, rhythms and routines report a stronger connection and bond. Making our children aware of other culture rituals and traditions helps young children develop a positive sense of identity and builds self-esteem among these many other benefits. Culture refers to commonalities that exist in a group of people with a shared heritage. Most children believe that their culture or way of doing things is the “right” one and that others are a bit “strange or different.” As you look at other cultures with your children, aim for an appreciation of differences. Hopefully this will lead to more flexible thinking, less prejudice and stereotyping and an increased appreciation of the commonalities as well as the differences we share as human beings. Culture shapes not only our values and beliefs, but also our gender roles, family structures, languages, dress, food, etiquette, approaches to disabilities, child-rearing practices, and even our expectations for children’s behavior. In this way, culture creates diversity.

2. Create Together: Puzzles, Crafts, Games, Drawing and Constructing 🧩

RAMADAN ACTIVITIES: 

• Create Suncatcher Arabic-inspired Lanterns to celebrate Ramadan. Sing Ramadan Moon; read Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns:and then create these lanterns. Ask children to draw 2 lanterns on black paper and insert and glue coloured tissue to create suncatcher lanterns. 

Salamsisters.com

• In celebration of Ramadan, create a tree of good deeds. Have children find a branch from your nature walk and then attach “leaves” showing how they have been kind and helped others. Children can also cut a tree, brainstorm good deeds and print them on their leaves. Find further instructions for the Good Deeds Tree.

• Ask children to listen to the Lantern Story and complete sequencing activities.

EASTER ACTIVITIES: 

• Egg-cellent Activities and Decorating Easter Eggs:  Eggs are a symbol of new life and fertility. The tradition of painting and decorating eggs is one of the most popular activities for celebrating Spring and Easter. The following are several ways for children to decorate eggs.
• Dye eggs using onion skins, natural ingredients, or Kool-Aid.
• Watch instructions on how to dye Ombre Easter Eggs OR create easy Rice Shake Easter Egg from Crafty Morning.
• Children can create some  Easter Egg Glue Resist Eggs with black paper, glue and chalk.
• Create Chalk Pastel Easter Eggs This chalk pastel Easter egg art is fun and colorful using chalk pastels on black paper. Using white glue to draw in the Easter egg designs acts as a barrier and helps to keep the pastel colors separate.

• Play Dough decorated Easter Eggs.

• Rice Shake Easter Egg Potato Stamping.   

• Make egg grass heads or wool felted eggs.

VAISAKHI ACTIVITIES:

• Design and create colourful kites to fly during April. A kite is called a Patang or Guddi Manjha in Punjab. On Vaisakhi day some Punjabi people write poems on their kites and send messages to someone special.
  • Make a simple lion kite or watch a guided drawing activity to create a kite.
  • Teach children how to write a Haiku poem to include on the kite to celebrate nature and Spring on Haiku day – April 17th.

EARTH DAY & BIRD ACTIVITIES

• Create a Spring Nature Table with your children by using natural, found and items that have meaning for the classroom or family. Start off by going on a nature hunt to collect natural magical items as you look for the signs of Spring.

• After singing Save the Planet for Me and You and reading The Earth Book , brainstorm with children what they can do to protect our earth. Have them write all the different ways they can help.

Create a world collage by reusing old magazines. 

• Have fun together working on the Bald Eagle Online Puzzle OR Bald Eagle Chicks Online Puzzle.
• Print off a set of downloadable Environment flashcards to remind children of the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment.
• Have fun playing Nature in the Spring Bingo. 
• Discuss a bird-friendly environment and have children make a few simple Homemade Bird Feeders.
• Download a free educational mobile game about birds & conservation.
• Bird Circle Time colour activity. During your circle time, hand the trees with coloured birds out to the children. Then say the words: Red bird, red bird, High in the tree, Name all of the red things that you see. Click on the Colour templates: red; blue; yellow; green; orange; purple; brown; black; white; gray; pink. OR the Black and white version: red; blue; yellow; green; orange; purple; brown; black; white; gray; pink.
• Create a Bird Centre where children can:
  • Be introduced to the birds and birdwatching by viewing the Life Cycle of a Robin OR Nest of backyard Robins hatch; read the poem  5 Little Robins in the Nest with a glove puppet template; 
  • Complete the life cycle of a Robin as well as a Colour package of activities or black and white; 
  • Complete a sequencing activity using the downloadable Life Cycle of Robin Card; 
  • Have fun completing mazes including a: Robin, Stellar Jay, Canada Goose, or Great Horned Owl
  • Learn more about the Anatomy of a Bird and Birds and their Beaks and Bird’s Feet and Function or Beaks and Feet using these cards;
  • Play games using ABC Birds on a Post with these instructions for use Games to play with ABC Birds on a Post.

NATURE: BIRDS AND BIRD WATCHING

Birdwatching is a great way to study nature at home and in the wild. Invite children to observe birds using their eyes or with binoculars to discover the wonderful world of birds. It’s never too early to help our children develop a lifelong passion for nature and science. Bird watching is the perfect place to start. Fun, colorful, and inspiring, birds capture students’ curiosity and inspire them to get outside and explore their environment. The world needs green-thinking kids like never before, and a love of birds will spontaneously spill over into a desire to protect the wild spaces where birds live.

3. Explore, Engage & Interact together 🌍

EARTH DAY & BIRD ACTIVITIES 

• Enjoy some of these Birdwatching field trips for classes or family. Of course you can birdwatch on any outdoor nature walk! 
  • Five Bird Watching Hotspots around Vancouver OR Bird watching spots in Vancouver OR sign up for Bird Watching at Jericho Park with Evan.
  • Schedule a visit to Reifel Bird Sanctuary Range – In April Wild Birds are nesting and are at their most vulnerable when they nest. They are preoccupied, and they and their eggs are at high risk of predation simply because they need to stay still and in one place during incubation. Their nests need to be the best they can be and hidden away, and above all, we need to leave them be. Review the resource guides with multiple activities called Exploring the Sanctuary or Just Hatch  before and after the visit.

• Download this poster of 15 Ways to be a good neighbour in your “Nature Hood”.
• Enjoy watching Time-Lapsed Blooming Flowers.
• Go on a virtual nature walk to learn how to identify 12 Spring Wildflowers; go outside to find them.
• Learn why birds lay their eggs in the Spring; then go outside and observe birds building their nests.
• Have older children complete this Characteristics of Birds graphic organizer.
• Explore Birds and Nesting:
  • Sing the song Bird Song; Learn about Birds and read the book Every Day Birds;
  • Create a Bird Nest Sensory Bin that might include: shallow container, bird seed, pretend birds, worms and eggs, a wooden birdhouse, a pre-made nest, and a small terracotta pot for scooping and pouring and natural materials (sticks, acorns, leaves, moss) collected from outside. 

• Read about inviting children to create at a Bird Nest Playdough  Centre at school or at home.

• Teach children to identify birds:
  • Download this BirdSleuth Explorer Guidebook;
  • Download this Sparrow Bird Guide courtesy of Cornell Lab of Ornithology to begin birdwatching and identifying these common birds; 
  • 35 Bird photographs for kids to know and identify;
  • Pictures of Common Backyard Birds found in most local neighborhoods;
  • The National Audubon Society has an online guide to help children identify birds
  • All about birds also has an excellent online bird guide;
  • Birdwatching tips and reading of the book Crow Not Crow by Jane Yolen; 
  • Identifying birds is made easy with the free Merlin Bird ID for iOS and Android courtesy of Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
• As you go on a nature walk to birdwatch, download or create your own simple My Bird Book Cover and Pages for children to record their observations.
• Check out this Junior Birder Guide from Nature Canada filled with activities for older children.
• Children will have fun and learn more about Bird Beaks playing the Bird Beak Game.
• Mommy Bird Mini-Book Templates and review how to assemble the mini-book. Page 1 & 2 (color)(B&W); Page 3 & 4 (color)(B&W); Page 5 & 6 (color)(B&W); Page 7 &8   (color)   (B&W); COVER   (color)(B&W); Sequencing Cards to accompany the Mini-Book.

RAMADAN

• Remind children that during Ramadan, acts of kindness are very important then play a game of Kindness Bingo.
• Have children complete a word search to learn more about Ramadan Indian Food. 
• Sign up for several Ramadan activities or check out the A Crafty Arab website for more ideas.
• Explain the importance of the Moon during Ramadan then teach children the phases of the moon and have them draw it.

EASTER ACTIVITIES

• Have children enjoy a game of  Easter Bingo.
• Download these templates of Easter Words or Easter Flashcards.
• Download some literacy and game templates:
  • From An Egg- Part 1. 
  • Easter Activities Part 2 .
• Children will enjoy these downloadable Easter Playdough Activity Mats.
• Print the lyrics for Here Comes Peter Cottontail; sing Here Comes Peter Cottontail; create a felt board story with templates. 
• Math anyone? Have children learn about measurement with the  Peter Rabbit Measurement Cards.
• Read the Five Little Rabbits booklet; follow-up by engaging children with the Carrots for the rabbit Playdough Mat.
• More Easter Play Dough fun! Print the pages; laminate if you choose; have children roll snakes of play dough and place them over the letters: Basket; Bunny; Chick; Duck; Eggs; Lamb.
• Easter Egg Tissue sensory play craft.  Children draw an egg on construction paper, tear tissue paper, glue it, and fill in their egg!  

• Felt Board Fun – Review Colours with the poem “This Little Chick” and create the colour felt board pieces  from the following templates.
  • Black, Brown, Yellow and White Chicks   color   or   B&W;
  • Purple, Green, Blue and Pink Chicks   color   or   B&W;
  • You pick the color (blank) Chicks    B&W;
  • Red Barn   color   or   B&W.

VAISAKHI ACTIVITIES

• Download a variety of activities in the Countdown to Vaisakhi resource booklet – check the last page for links to the several downloadable templates.

Encouraging children to go outdoors and into nature is a great way to celebrate and appreciate our natural surroundings on Earth Day April 22. Nature helps children learn better as it improves our psychological and physical well-being and enhances our learning. Scientists suggest that exposure to nature improves a child’s ability to learn and improve retention in a variety of subject areas. Research confirms that contact with nature is likely to improve a learner’s ability to be more attentive, less stressed, more self-disciplined, and more engaged and interested. Read more about how nature impacts cognitive development and why outdoor play is more important than ever. It also includes examples of inexpensive “loose parts” for children.

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT

• Get outside and explore the skies! April is a great month for meteor showers. Watch and learn more about meteor showers.
  • Watch and learn more about the Lyrids meteor shower which appears from April 21 – 22, 2022 around Vancouver. 
  • Check for more details of timing in the lower mainland or in other parts of B.C.
• Go on a walk and enjoy a Nature Scavenger Hunt or find these 20 items on your walk.
• Enjoy Outdoor Kids Yoga –  Easy Poses.
• Go on a Neighborhood or School yard Clean up. Grab some gloves and garbage bags and beautify your neighborhood by removing all the trash humans have tossed around. 
• Springtime Brain Break “Springtime Dance”. 
• Set up these movement activities outdoors and have children have fun with Balance Beam Easter. Egg.Hunt or Bosu Easter Egg Squats or Easter Egg Hurdles.
• Sing and Move to Funny Little Bunny or Bunny Hop.
• Bhangra Dance Steps for children.
• Bhangra Dance for children

NUTRITION

• Enjoy making these 9 kid-friendly Passover recipes and involve them in the preparation. 
• Make a delicious Passover Apple Cake with your children.
• Make these 5 Ramadan Dishes with children or have them help prepare these delicious recipes for the whole family. 
• To celebrate Vaisakhi involve children in creating this kid-friendly dishes:
  • Grilled Chicken Tikka – children can assist by measuring, combining ingredients and then putting the chicken pieces onto the skewers.
  • More Kid friendly Indian recipes
  • 14 Easy healthy kid friendly Indian recipes with video instructions
• As you prepare for Easter children will love to help you create this Krispy Easter Egg recipe or make some Baby Chick Easter Sugar Cookies together.
• Enjoy making this Carrot Cake recipe (or muffins) with your kids AND then decorate them with roll icing or marzipan carrots.  

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning 💭

LEARN FROM THE BIRDS