Play Learn Grow Together

Learning Together Joyfully:

May is often a beautiful month, full of flowers and sunshine with much to be celebrated as the spirit of May-time merriment passed down through generations remains to this day. May celebrations highlighted include Teacher Appreciation Week from May 1 – 7, Cinco de Mayo on May 5 and Mother’s Day on May 8.

1.  Read and Sing together 📚 

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

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK MAY 1 – 7. Most of us can remember teachers who made a lasting contribution to our lives. This is the day we say thank you to all the wonderful educators who inspired us, believed in us and changed us in some important way. Educators or parents – one of the ways you can celebrate this week is to share some fun books with children about teachers and classrooms. Parents may wish to have their child complete this downloadable template All About My Teacher for their child to share their appreciation for and with their teacher. 

• How to Teach a Slug to Read by Susan Pearson This is a funny story that will help children appreciate how much patience and effort is put into teaching. A little boy explains to Mama Slug how to teach Little Slug to read. Here are a few of his reading rules: Attach labels to Little Slug’s favorite things; Read out loud to him; Point out words that repeat; Sound out words; Make a vocabulary list; Be patient! 

• Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry Allard and James Marshall. The kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs stuck to the ceiling. Paper planes whizzing through the air. They were a challenging class!  So begins this quirky classic, first published in 1977 and still relevant today as a lighthearted reminder to show our appreciation to those we value – especially teachers! The students offer little respect for their good-natured teacher Miss Nelson, but when the witchy substitute Miss Viola Swamp appears on the scene, they start to regret their wicked ways. This is another funny story for children to reflect on the patience and effort involved in teaching.

• The Best Teacher Ever by Mercer Mayer. Little Critter has the best teacher around. Miss Kitty even makes math class fun! Join Little Critter as he searches for the perfect gift to show Miss Kitty, his teacher, just how special she is to him!

• When the Teacher Isn’t Looking and Other Funny School Poems Read by Kenn Nesbitt. Who knew school lunches and detention could be so funny? Do you attend a school like the one Kenn Nesbitt describes in this funny collection of poems? There’s a frenzied food fight in the cafeteria. For show-and-tell, kids burp the ABCs. Recently, “pet days” have been banned (and for good reason). And the funniest things happen when the teacher isn’t looking. Kids and teachers rate these rhymes A+ (and you will, too).

MOTHER’S DAY – MAY 8

Literature provides a pathway to open discussions with children to discuss and celebrate the different family structures that exist in today’s more complex world. By sharing books such as the ones listed below, you are communicating that diverse families and people are all acceptable. The following are some ideas about families, diversity and inclusion to consider sharing with children around Mother’s Day: Present ideas simply – children are concrete thinkers and not ready for a philosophical discussion; Stress that some families may have two mommies or daddies, one mommy or daddy, no mommy or daddy; Mention that some families may also include blended families, grandparents, foster parents, aunts and uncles; Stress that any combination works as all families are special in their own unique and loving way; Remind them that having someone who loves and cares for us is the commonality amongst all our families.

• The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman. What is a family? Once, it was said to be a father, mother, boy, girl, cat and dog living in a house with a garden. But as times have changed, families have changed too, and now there are almost as many kinds of families as colours of the rainbow – from a mum and dad or single parent to two mums or two dads, from a mixed-race family to children with different mums and dads, from families with a disabled member to those with a mum or dad in prison. This book takes a look through children’s eyes at the wide varieties of family life: from homes, food, ways of celebrating, schools and holidays to getting around, jobs and housework, from extended families, languages and hobbies to pets and family trees – and concludes that, for most people, their own family is the best one of all! 

• The Family Book by Todd Parr. Some families have two moms or two dads. Some families have one parent instead of two. Some families live in a house by themselves. Some families share a house with other families. All families can help each other be strong! The Family Book celebrates families and all the different varieties they come in. Whether they’re big or small, look alike or different, have a single parent or two, Todd Parr assures readers that every family is special in its own unique way.

• Whoever You Are by Mem Fox. Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different. But inside, they are all alike. Stirring words and bold paintings weave their way around our earth, across cultures and generations. At a time when the lessons of tolerance still need to be learned, this book urges us to accept our differences, to recognize our similarities, and-most importantly-to rejoice in both.

• On Mother’s Lap by Anne Herbert Scott. A warm, tender story of an Inuit family and of a young boy’s realization that there is enough room on mother’s lap for both him and his sister.

• A Day with Yayah by Nicola I. Campbell. Set in the Okanagan, BC, a First Nations family goes on an outing to forage for herbs and mushrooms. Grandmother passes down her knowledge of plant life to her young grandchildren 

• Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. This book depicts everyday aspects of Muslim children’s lives as it describes one girl’s delightful game of dress-up with her mother’s head scarves. She feels her mother’s love with every head scarf she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl’s life.

• The Best Mother by C. M. Surrisi. When Maxine wakes up on the wrong side of the bed one morning, she wonders if the problem might be her mother. What if she could try out a new mom who doesn’t make her brush her teeth or comb her hair? Enlisting Mom to help her with the search, Maxine interviews various prospects to be her new mother – at the park, the toy store, and the zoo. Unfortunately, these other mothers present a host of new problems and concerns. Maybe her “old mother” was the best mother of all? For every child who’s ever wondered if the grass is greener, this book affirms that there’s nothing better than your own mother’s love.

• The Story I’ll Tell by Nancy Tupper Ling. When a young boy asks his mother to tell him how he came to their family, she shares a beautiful bedtime tale that culminates in the story of his international adoption. A young child asks his mother to tell the story of where he came from. “I might tell you how you came from a land far away in a hot air balloon. The basket slowly drifted down like a feather into our yard. I dropped the firewood I was carrying and ran to you. ‘You’re home now,’ I said.” Or maybe it was a lark——and not a stork——that brought the child to the mother. Or perhaps he was rescued from a dragon! Each lyrical and fantastic tale contains a small kernel of truth that pieces together the baby’s journey from China into his new mother’s arms. 

• Stellauna by Janell Cannon. This bookshelf favourite is a wonderful opportunity to talk about familial bonds—and how the love of foster families is special, too. Knocked from her mother’s safe embrace by an attacking owl, Stellaluna lands headfirst in a bird’s nest. This adorable baby fruit bat’s world is literally turned upside down when she is adopted by the occupants of the nest and adapts to their peculiar bird habits. Two pages of notes at the end of the story provide factual information about bats.

• How to Raise a Mom by Jean Reagan. Kids will love imagining what it would be like if they were in charge of their moms! From packing supplies for an outing to waiting patiently in long lines, it isn’t hard to figure out where the kids in this story learned all their tricks.

• Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer. When Stella’s teacher announces that her class will have a Mother’s Day celebration, she wonders whom to invite. She has two awesome dads, but no mom. After much thought, she arrives at the perfect solution.

• My Mom has X-Ray Vision by Angela McAllister. For every child who’s wondered how Mom just “knew” what he or she was up to—this fun tale gives a nod to maternal superpowers.

• A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams. Like countless Moms, the one in this story works hard to provide for her family. The multi-generational love between women in this family is worth revisiting every year.

• The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin. A young girl wishes her mother’s garden were filled with beautiful flowers like all the neighbours. Her outlook changes when her mother uses their “ugly” produce in her delicious traditional Chinese cooking.

• In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco. Marmee and Meema’s household is full of kids, chaos, and love. Patricia Polacco challenges readers to think inclusively about what makes a family.

• I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb is a celebratory and poetic testament to the timeless love felt between parent and child. This beautiful picture book is inspired by the author’s heartwarming adoption of her baby girl, Haley Joy.

•  All the Things I Love About You by LeUyen Pham. Mama lists the reasons she loves her little boy: the way his hair sticks up in the morning, the way he says “Mama” (even in the middle of the night), and the way he laughs. Simply written and beautifully illustrated, this book speaks to the unconditional love between a mother and her child. Children and parents alike will treasure this heartwarming book and, in reading it together, appreciate the small actions that make love grow stronger every day.

CINCO de MAYO on May 5 is a celebration of the 1862 Battle of Puebla and victory over France. In North America, it is usually a day celebrating Mexican culture and traditions, especially music, food, and dancing. Celebrations sometimes feature parades and parties featuring Mariachi bands, Mexican folk music, Mexican and Mexican American cuisine, and costumes. The following kid-friendly books provide an opportunity to teach children more about our Mexican neighbors and their celebrations. Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

• Celebrate! It’s Cinco De Mayo by Janice Levy.  Everyone is celebrating the holiday in their own way. “Mama marches in the parade. Papa plays in a mariachi band. Abuelita cooks a special meal.” This is a simple history and good introduction to the holiday interspersed with the story of a young boy celebrating Cinco de Mayo with his family. This bilingual book features a section with “find what’s missing” pictures and simple crafts perfect for any child’s Cinco de Mayo celebration. 

•  Max Celebrates Cinco de Mayo by Adria Worsham. Max is invited to a fiesta at José’s house where they are celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Food, music, dancing, and a parade are all part of the celebration.

• Cinco de Mayo by Ann Heinrichs. Viva México! Pinatas, floats, and tasty food all play a role in the holiday that remembers celebrates the Mexican victory. Kids learn the historical significance behind the festivities and gain an appreciation for the exciting traditions and rich cultural celebration associated with this celebration.

• Cinco de Mouse-O! by Judy Cox. Mouse goes on a hilarious Cinco de Mayo adventure. Along the way he smells some yummy candy in a piñata hung high up in a tree for the Cinco de Mayo festival. He NEEDS to have one! But first he wants to eat some mouse-meal-sized tamale crumbs and watch heel-stomping dancers in bright-colored dresses. Everything will be perfect so long as he stays away from the cat following him down the street. 

• Marco’s Cinco de Mayo by Lisa Bullard. Marco loves the food, parade and fun of Cinco de Mayo. This year he’s one of the dancers. As he listens to the mariachi music, Marco thinks of the brave Mexicans at the first Cinco de Mayo. Find out the different things people do to celebrate this holiday!

SONGS: 

Children do well when they have time to sing and move and get their wiggles out!  Teaching folk dance is also a great way to get students moving, listening to the music, and working together. Enjoy singing some of these songs as you and your children engage in the merriment associated with May!

CINCO DE MAYO:

• Mexican Hat Dance
• Mexican Hat Dance with Lyrics
• Lesson on how to Mexican Hat Dance
• La Cucaracha (The Dancing Cockroach Video) 
• Cinco de Mayo for Kids
• Cinco de Mayo Song Sesame Street
• Facts About Mexico 
• Guacamole – (Movement Song)

MOTHER’S DAY SONGS

• The Family Song based on the “The Family Book” by Todd Parr
• Happy Mother’s Day Song for Kids 
• Mother’s Day Songs for Kids
• Robert Munsch sings the song from I’ll Love you Forever. 
• La Ensalada

As we celebrate and honor Mothers and all caregivers, let the celebration of Mother’s Day be an opportunity to teach children about the diversity of family structures. Our world is a melting pot of different family configurations, beliefs, cultural norms, and personal practices. Families come in many different structures and sizes. Today, many families are made up of LGBTQ+ parents, single parents, separated/divorced parents, step-family members, multiethnic family members, foster/adoptive family members, multigenerational families, and biological guardians. One of the most important gifts we can give our children is to help them feel good about the uniqueness of their family and help them learn to accept, respect, and include people whom they may experience as “different.” Young children often have questions when they notice families that seem different than their own. There may be different values and structures, but in the end…it’s all about the love nurtured in any family. Mother’s Day provides an opportunity to share values about families, diversity, and inclusion with children. 

Here are a few ideas to guide the conversation with your children. Read more about how to help children understand diverse families. For educators, you may wish to review this family diversity list and engage in a discussion to find even more strategies to ensure all of your students and their families feel welcomed as a part of the school community.

2. Create together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing 🧩 

MOTHER’S DAY ACTIVITIES

• Share the Great Big Family Book about family diversity with children as you ask children these discussion questions and then do a follow-up drawing activity. 
• Share another book about family diversity: The Family Book. Listen to Todd Parr sing the story and then do another engaging follow-up art activity. 
• To celebrate Mother’s Day you may ask children to cut out a loving hand card for their caregiver or mother. Simply have them fold the paper in half and trace their hand with the first finger and thumb hanging off the fold. When they cut it out, they’ll have a card with a heart, ready for them to write a poem or greeting and sign! Learn how it’s done at Crafting Ireland. 

• Educators can download these templates for children to give and share their love for their care-giver, mother, and/or grandmother. 
• Read Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer and consider these questions to deepen the discussion as you share the book with children.
• Have children print out the following poem and then make two handprints for their Mother or care-giver on Mother’s Day:

3. Explore, Engage & Interact together 🌍

CINCO DE MAYO ACTIVITIES

• If interested sign up for the Cinco de Mayo Printable Pack – Fun with Mama that includes flashcards, word games, puzzles, patterning, and counting activities. 
• Here are some activities to involve children as they learn more about Cinco de Mayo.
  • Watch and learn interesting Facts About Mexico.
  • Sing some Cinco de Mayo songs:
    • La Cucaracha (The Dancing Cockroach Video). 
    • Cinco de Mayo for Kids.
    • Cinco de Mayo Song Sesame Street.
  • Speak the Language – A great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with children is to learn some Spanish. Kids will have fun learning to pronounce the new sounds. Start off with these easy phrases or do some counting.
  • Play Marbles – Marbles are still very popular with children in Mexico. Get a variety of marbles in different sizes and colors and encourage children to play this classic game.
  • Watch how easy it is to have your children to make a pinata.

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT:

• Pass the Sombrero Game – This game is played like musical chairs where children pass a hat and when the music stops, the person holding the hat is out. Make things more entertaining by giving contestants the option to do a Mexican hat dance for a chance to get back in the game.
  • Here is a Lesson on how to do the Mexican Hat Dance.
  • Watch a Mexican Hat Dance with Lyrics.
• Move and have fun singing and dancing to Guacamole and then make some Fresh Guacamole!

NUTRITION:

• Here are some recipes for children to make to celebrate Cinco de Mayo:
  • Fresh Guacamole.
  • Mexican Easy-to-Make Enchiladas.
  • Simple Taco Recipe or watch kids make Tacos.
  • Strawberry Mango drink.
  • Layered Taco Salad.
• Consider these recipes for children to make for a special Mother’s Day breakfast:
  • Egg-in-a-heart-shaped hole.
  • Strawberry Smoothie.
  • Fruit Scones.
  • All of the recipes kids can make for Mother’s Day
  • Kids can watch this video to learn how to prepare 3 breakfast dishes.

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning 💭