By

Learning Together Joyfully: LOVE AND KINDNESS

Welcome Educators, Parents and Grandparents! There is much to celebrate and keep us engaged throughout February. Have some fun celebrating Groundhog Day on February 2. Celebrating Black History month provides us opportunities to reflect and support our children to better understand the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion. Love, kindness and empathy are perfect to discuss on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 or on Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17th. Enjoying a special BC Family Day, on February 20, 2023 filled with activities…or just a calm day bonding and enjoying each other at home…may also form part of your plans. All in all, there is much to do. February looks to be another month filled with many positive family activities as you play, learn, and grow together with your children.

Quick Links

Use these links to quickly navigate to specific sections within this blog!

  1. Read and Sing Together
  2. Create together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing
  3. Explore, Engage & Interact together
  4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition
  5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning

1.  Read and Sing together 📚

Reading books with your children:

  • Inspires a child’s imagination;
  • Builds vocabulary;
  • Encourages kids to explore their interests;
  • Fosters a love of reading
  • Creates a bond between parent and child.
Download free poster There-are-many-little-ways-to-enlarge-your-childs-world-Love-of-books-is-the-best-of-all-Jacqueline-Kennedy (uniqueteachingresources.com)

Black History Month – Feb 1 – 28th Every year in February, people of African descent celebrate Black History Month where they remember important personalities, events, and important historical events. Black History Month allows us to learn about, celebrate, and honour Black leaders. Many of these leaders who contributed to the world in the name of science, innovation, and economy were never acknowledged and/or received their honour. Black History Month celebrates and puts their achievements in recognition and mitigates the damage caused by the unfair depiction of Black Americans in the media. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada. Two important leaders to remember, who made significant change for black people in North America are Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. These two books are great introductions to who they were and what they stood for.

  • I am Martin Luther King Jr. by Brad Meltzer. As a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what’s right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future.
  • I am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer. Each picture book in this series is a biography of a significant historical figure, told in a simple, conversational, vivacious way, and always focusing on a character trait that made the person heroic. The heroes are depicted as children throughout, telling their life stories in first-person present tense, which keeps the books playful and accessible to young children. Each book ends with a line of encouragement, a direct quote, and photos on the last page.  
  • Maya Angelou by Lisbeth Kaiser. Maya Angelou spent much of her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas. After a traumatic event at age eight, she stopped speaking for five years. However, Maya rediscovered her voice through wonderful books, and went on to become one of the world’s most beloved writers and speakers. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Maya Angelou’s life.

GROUNDHOG DAY

Groundhog Day is a tradition observed every year on February 2nd, which celebrates the weather prediction made by a groundhog. The premise is that every year some time in the morning of this day, a groundhog comes out of its den and if it sees its shadow on the ground and returns into the hole, that means there will be six more weeks of winter from that date. However, if the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, and stays out of its hole, it means that spring is near, and will arrive early. The first known record of people searching for groundhogs to determine the weather happened in the 1880s when a group of friends went into the woods of Punxsutawney looking for groundhogs who were coming out of their dens. This soon became a popular tradition with people in the town, and in 1887 Groundhog Day was officialized. The ceremony remains a popular one until this day. Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow 9 out of 10 times. Consider reading the following books to introduce Groundhog Day either at home or at school. They include facts about groundhogs and some stories!

  • Groundhog Day by Gail Gibbons. Will he see his shadow? Will spring come early or late? But most importantly– what does a groundhog have to do with the weather? Every year on February 2nd, people all across the United States watch groundhogs come out of their burrows– especially in the town of Punxsutawney– trying to figure out if the weather will stay cold, or begin to warm up. In this book, children’s nonfiction master Gail Gibbons delves into the history behind this unusual holiday, and examines the ancient traditions that evolved into our modern holiday. With her signature combination of simple, clear text and bright illustrations, Gibbons introduces everything you need to know about groundhogs, too– what they eat, where they live, and how they raise their young. An overview of different Groundhog Day traditions around the country is included, as well as a page of groundhog trivia.  A perfect introduction to this unique celebration! 
  • The Night Before Groundhog Day by Natasha Wing. The anticipation is building: Will the groundhog see his shadow? Will there be six more weeks of winter? Get ready for this festive occasion with the countdown to Groundhog Day in this fun, rhyming story told in the style of Clement C. Moore’s holiday poem. 
  • Groundhog’s Day Off by Robb Pearlman.  Every year, people ask Groundhog the same, boring old question. Is spring around the corner? Or are we doomed to more winter? Sure, they care about his shadow, but what about him and his interests? He’s had enough! Groundhog packs his bags and sets out for a much-needed vacation. Now the town is holding auditions to find someone to fill his spot. None of the animals seem right for the job, though. Not Elephant, not Ostrich, and most certainly not Puppy. No one has Groundhog’s flair for the dramatic, but is it too late to woo him back into the spotlight? With a fresh take on a familiar event and bold, lively illustrations, this hilarious picture book will leave readers wishing it was Groundhog’s Day year-round.

Valentines Day February 14, 2023 or alternatively Saint Valentine’s Day or Feast of Saint Valentine, takes place every year on February 14th. The exchange of Valentine’s Day cards with declarations of love goes back to the 1500s, with people making their own handmade cards, often decorating them with ribbons and lace. In the late 1700s, romantic cards started being commercialised, and they usually depicted the image of Cupid, and hearts, which still prevail as symbols of Valentine’s day.

There’sGoodInStore

We encourage you to start a conversation with your children about feelings of love and how it ties in to kindness, family, and respect. The following picture books about love are a great jumping off point for these conversations. Find other children’s picture books about kindness listed below and in the February mini-blog Seven Sacred Teachings . 

  • Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.  A simple and timeless celebration of the power of love. Little Miss planted a kiss…One small act of love blooms into something bigger and more dazzling than Little Miss could have ever imagined in this epic journey about life, kindness, and giving. Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Peter H. Reynolds team together to share a message of hope and to remind us all of the joys to be gained from being open and unselfish. Plant a Kiss works to spark the imagination of the youngest readers, but it will also resonate with anyone, such as a new graduate, who responds to the power of planting a kiss.
  • In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Whitok. This story celebrates feelings in all shapes and sizes including happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness. Our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. A full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practise articulating and identifying their own emotions.

  • Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson. Can one child’s good deed change the world? It can be when she’s Ordinary Mary―an ordinary girl from an ordinary school, on her way to her ordinary house―who stumbles upon ordinary blueberries. When she decides to pick them for her neighbor, Mrs. Bishop, she starts a chain reaction that multiplies around the world. Updated illustrations and endpapers are now paired with this beloved storyline as it stirs a whole new generation on to more random acts of kindness–proving one child’s compassion and empathy really can change the world.

 

Paperback – Kidsbooks

  • Sad, the Dog by Sandy Fussell. A clever little dog christens himself “Sad” when his humans fail to give him a name. Although they feed him and wash him, they don’t appreciate his many gifts, like his love of singing (“stop that yapping!”). When the people move away and leave Sad behind, Sad is heartbroken. But then a new family with a young boy arrives at Sad’s house in a big truck. Although Sad is initially frightened, it soon becomes clear that the boy is just the right person to make a dog’s life complete with playtime, treats, and a brand-new name: Lucky. Welcoming illustrations illuminate this joyful tale, which reminds young readers to appreciate themselves and the ones—human or otherwise—who depend on them.
LoriFoster.com

On February 17, 2023 let you and your children be inspired by Random Acts of Kindness Day to bring joy to the people you come across. The day encourages people to do good deeds, and celebrate the “pay it forward” mentality. It also reminds us that doing something kind for someone else can have a big impact not only on their day, but also on ours – being kind to others makes us happier, and makes us realise we need to be kinder to ourselves too. Another benefit of being kind is that it benefits your health. Studies show that doing something kind for others promotes a chemical high, which in turn, in big quantities, has the ability to lower the risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. An act of kindness doesn’t have to be a big gesture either, sometimes the smallest act can have the biggest impact. So, on Random Acts of Kindness Day, do kind things for others. It is easy, it is free, and it will put a smile on everyone’s face. In today’s world, teaching children to be kindhearted and influencing their interpersonal skills is more important than ever.

The following books will introduce children to engaging, kind characters with story lines that demonstrate kindness in action.

  • Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. While using a simple metaphor of a bucket and a dipper, author Carol McCloud illustrates that when we choose to be kind, we not only fill the buckets of those around us, but also fill our OWN bucket! Conversely, when we choose to say or do mean things, we are dipping into buckets. All day long, we are either filling up or dipping into each other’s buckets by what we say and what we do. When you’re a bucket filler, you make the world a better place to be! This 32-page picture book is perfect for children, parents, grandparents, teachers and people that want to teach empathy, nurture kindness and create a positive environment in their home, classroom, workplace and community.
  • Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen. A colorful picture book that will warm the hearts of children and adults alike, each of its pages contain endearing examples and vibrant illustrations to inspire children to grow into grateful, caring, and giving people. It provides a wonderful way to calm children before sleep, ease their fears, and help them develop an appreciation for good work. Also included are activity pages to help children practice skills for creating gratitude, compassion, and beauty in daily life.
  • Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson. This unforgettable book has a powerful anti-bullying message with striking art. Chloe and her friends won’t play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she’d shown a little kindness toward Maya. 
  • The Cloud by Hannah Cumming. Everyone has bad days, and children are no exception. When a black cloud descends on a little girl at school, support from a classmate with a great deal of imagination helps to brighten up everyone’s lives. The atmospheric illustrations really tell the story in this delightful picture book from a new author/illustrator.
  • What Does It Mean to be Kind by Rana DiOrio. What Does It Mean to Be Kind? is a rare kindness book for children because it uses a proactive, not reactive, introduction to a conversation about kindness in an accessible and understandable way. When the girl in the red hat finds the courage to be kind to the new student in class, her kindness spreads. Kind act by kind act, her whole community experiences the magical shift that happens when everyone understands―and acts on―what it means to be kind. What Does it Mean to Be Kind? is a teacher must-have for the classroom, and for parents in search of kindness and feelings books for children. Being kind means…Smiling at the new student in class; Giving someone a compliment; Celebrating the differences in others.
  • Superworm by Julia Donaldson. An unlikely hero, Superworm, saves the day in all kinds of ways. He is beloved by his garden friends who then get a chance to come to Superworms rescue when he is kidnapped by an evil lizard. A story of friendship and helping each other with a message that anyone can be a superhero. Toad in trouble? Beetle in a jam? Never fear — Superworm is here! And he’s wiggling to the rescue! But when Superworm is captured by a wicked Wizard Lizard, will his friends find a way to help their favorite superhero escape?

Celebrating Family, Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: 

Canada truly is a ​melting pot of many cultures, and our diversity is what makes us unique, strong and vibrant. No matter what race people are or what religion or cultural beliefs we have, in the end, we are all Canadians. As parents, it’s our obligation and responsibility to instill in our children a healthy attitude of acceptance and tolerance for everyone. We want children to grow up in a world free from bias and discrimination, to actualize their dreams and believe that whatever they wish to accomplish in life is possible. We want them to feel loved and included and never to experience the pain of rejection or exclusion. If we want our children to become kind and caring adults, it’s critical for parents, educators, and communities to begin teaching respect and empathy to our young children. The reality is that we do live in a world where racism and other forms of bias continue to affect us. Discrimination hurts and can leave scars that last a lifetime, affecting goals, ambitions, life choices, and feelings of self-worth.

It is important that we prepare children to meet the challenges and reap the benefits of the increasingly diverse world they will inherit. We can teach children to respect and value people regardless of the colour of their skin, their physical abilities, or the language they speak.  Reading about different types of families in storybooks is an excellent way to introduce children to respect diversity and unique individuals. The following stories can help them see that having different kinds of families in the world is enriching for us all. Books are ways to initiate discussions at home and in the classroom so we can raise children: 

  • to celebrate and value diversity and family traditions; 
  • be kind to those who are different; and 
  • love and be proud of themselves.
Sara Brunner QuotesGram.com

There are an increasing number of supportive children’s books out there starring families of every kind. Check out these top finds, featuring all kinds of family structures with one thing in common: an abundance of love!  Children are constantly soaking up information. Early on in life is a great time to introduce them to a lot of diversity in small doses. Show them that the world has so much variety in it, that diversity is the norm of our world. 

  • The Colors of Us by Karen Katz. A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist’s perspective. Lena is going to paint a picture of herself and wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.
  • Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger by Elizabeth Cole. This Social Emotional Book for children is about Diversity and Kindness. In this book, Nick shows children that we all are different in many ways, and everyone is unique—which is great! He is afraid that his friends will not accept him because of his new reading glasses. By talking to his peers on the way to school, he discovers the beauty of diversity and realizes that our diversity is actually our strength.
  • Listening with My Heart by Gabi Garcia. Kindness matters – especially to ourselves. When Esperanza finds a heart-shaped rock, she sees it as a reminder to spread kindness and love in the world. But when the school play doesn’t go the way she’d hoped, will she remember to show kindness to herself? We talk to kids a lot about how to be friends to others, but not much about how to be friends to themselves. Yet self-acceptance and positive self-talk help them build emotional resilience, a growth mindset, and well-being. This book reminds us of the other golden rule — to treat ourselves with the same understanding and compassion we give to others. It Includes kid-friendly mindfulness and self-compassion activities.
  • Little Chief and Mighty Gopher by Victor Lethbridge. Discover what happens when a young boy’s friendship with a gopher turns everyone’s life upside down! This is a story about a young boy who finds friends and acceptance in unexpected places. This is a funny, heartfelt story of hope, empowerment and determination suited to young readers, the young at heart and those who struggle with bullying and rejection. 
  • What Makes Us Unique? by Dr. Jillian Roberts focuses on introducing children to the complex topic of diversity and prejudice. The author includes types of discrimination children notice, what prejudice means, why it’s not okay, how to stand up against it and how kids can spread a message of inclusion and acceptance in the world around them.
  • We All Belong: A Children’s Book About Diversity, Race and Empathy by Nathalie Goss. This book is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s picture book that recognizes and celebrates the diversity in a caring group of children. A wonderfully flowing, rhyming poem about respect… whatever our culture, whatever the colour of our skin. This is a stunning poem about inclusion, with excellent representation of different cultures which is much-needed in today’s society. By recognizing differences between cultures and races, and appreciating that everyone is beautiful, children can grow up with empathy and appreciate others around them. This book gives young readers a safe space to see themselves and others through a diverse group of characters. The book includes an activity at the end, to help children appreciate how we are all similar in some ways and different in other ways too.
  • All Are Welcome by A. Penfold & S. Kaufman. No matter how you start your day, What you wear when you play, Or if you come from far away, All are welcome here. Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcome. A school where children in patkas, hijabs, baseball caps and yarmulkes play side by side. A school where students grow and learn from each other’s traditions. A school where diversity is a strength. Warm and inspiring, this book lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, and they are welcome in their school. Engaging lyrical text and bright, accessible illustrations make this book a must for every child’s bookshelf, classroom and library.

  • Sometimes It’s Grandmas and Grandpas, Not Mommies and Daddies by Gayle Byrne. This book explores the life of a child being raised by her grandparents rather than her parents. This story is a reality for many Canadian children. It focuses on the positives and sweetness of this relationship and how it’s a normal and positive arrangement. It might be a particularly good book to add to a classroom library if one or more kids in the class are being raised by grandparents.
  • The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman. Structured to teach kids a fun and easy vocabulary for all the ways that families can be structured, alongside engaging illustrations, this book includes a variety of family structures that will help children see how new family figures, like stepparents or new siblings, can fit into their families too.
  • Who’s in My Family? All About Our Families by Robie H. Harris. Join Nellie and Gus and their family — plus all manner of other families — for a day at the zoo, where they see animal families galore! To top off their day, Nellie and Gus invite friends and relatives for a fun dinner at home. Accessible, humorous, and full of charming illustrations depicting families of many configurations, this engaging story interweaves conversations between the siblings and a matter-of-fact text, making it clear to every child that whoever makes up your family, it is perfectly normal — and totally wonderful. 
  • Me and My Family Tree by Joanne Sweeney. In this book, a young girl uses simple language, her own childlike drawings, and diagrams to explain how the members of her family are related to each other and to her. Clear, colorful, detailed artwork and a fill-in family tree in the back help make the parts of the family–from siblings to grandparents to cousins– understandable to very young readers.
  • Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman.When Heather goes to school and her class talks about families, she wonders if she’s the only one who has two mommies and no daddy. When everyone draws pictures of their families, she sees that all families are different and that’s okay—the important thing is that they all love each other!  

The Family Book by Todd Parr. This book has friendly, colourful illustrations that highlight all kinds of different families—from two moms and two dads to a single parent and a family with an adopted child—while emphasizing the things they all have in common.

  • Two is Enough by Janna Matthies. Kids of single parents may feel like they’re missing out, but this story shows them that there are plenty of fun things to do when there’s only two people in your family—from snowball fights and blowing dandelions to grabbing ice cream and playing cards!
Sherrie Bolin QuotesGram.com

DIVERSITY

Because of music’s universality and accessibility, sharing songs about inclusion and diversity is an excellent place to start . People from many cultural backgrounds use music to convey unique experiences and connect with others. Music can help teach a child about their heritage, foster language development, and present new values. Educating children about different cultures promotes socialisation, tolerance, and openness. These characteristics can lead to an appreciation of diversity and establish new relationships, introduce new cultures and promote curiosity. 

GROUNDHOG DAY

KINDNESS AND LOVE

woojr.com

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

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY Here are some ideas of acts of kindness you can do for others to inspire you and motivate you on Random Acts of Kindness Day. It is to be kind:

  • Smile at the people you come across on your way to school and at school. 
  • Compliment a friend on their achievements.
  • Offer to do difficult chores for your elderly neighbour.
  • Kind Peers Discussion Activity:
    • What are the attributes of a kind peer? Some ideas to get started might include: always has something nice to add to the conversation; is enjoyable to be around; or makes me smile. Record children’s ideas on a chart as a reminder.
  • Unsung Heroes Discussion Activity:
    • Discuss who in your family or neighborhood is an unsung hero of kindness? Who can you count on for a kind word, hug, listening ear? Many heroes go without recognition. After you identify your hero, brainstorm 3 ways to thank them for their kindness. They are setting an amazing example for you and others in how to be kind.
  • For Small Groups – Kindness
    •  Brainstorm ways to show kindness to adults in your life, even when you do not want to do what they are asking or when you do not agree with what they are saying. This includes teachers, parents, other family members, or some community members you may encounter. Share one kind way you deal with this in your home life. Listen to others – maybe they have ideas you didn’t think about!  

VALENTINE’S DAY ACTIVITIES  

GROUNDHOG DAY – Playing with light is creative and interesting for children to do. These activities and shadow science experiments for kids are a hands-on way to learn about shadows, the sun, and the science of light. They are perfect for groundhog day and year-round fun at home or in the classroom!

  • Click here to find out more information about Wiarton Willie – Canada’s most famous Ontario weather forecasting groundhog! Each year on February 2nd, people from around the world eagerly wait to see if Wiarton Willie will see a shadow indicating 6 more weeks of winter, or not see a shadow, predicting an early spring.  
  • Making shadow puppets is another form of shadow art that makes experimenting with blocking light and creating shadows fun for kids. Invite children to block light with their hands and arms to cast animals and other fun shapes onto a wall, screen, or curtain. Simple shadow puppets include a dog, a bunny, and a bird. Watch this video on how to make Animal Shadow Puppets OR create a Monster Shadow Puppet
  • Draw Shadows by using building blocks to make shapes you can draw around. How does the shadow change if you rotate the block? Is the shadow different at different times of day?

Or have children create 3D images to trace around.

  • Educators may wish to recreate this chart and sing the song (Song to I’m A Little Teapot) from Candokinders.blogspot.com 

  • Create a Math Groundhog predicting activity and survey for your classroom.
FirstGradeBlueSkies.com

3. Explore, Engage & Interact together 🌍

During the month of February celebrate these attributes associated with kindness, love and having fun:

BRITISH COLUMBIA FAMILY DAY – February 20, 2023, is a provincial statutory holiday on the second Monday of February that provides families the opportunity to spend more time with their loved ones and celebrate the importance of home and family life.Create a Family Fun Jar by downloading some of these ideas.

Theseamanmom.com

  • Read the book Me and My Family Tree and then consider having children create this simple Family Tree (from skiptomylou.org)
  • Read The Snowglobe Family written by Jane O’Connor. This is a fun read about a family who lives in a snow globe alongside a “real” family. The illustrations are a great model to show students how to create a winter scene in the snow globes they create. 
  • Before children create their writing to accompany their snow globes:
  • Spend Quality Time with Your Child – Spending quality time with your children doesn’t require an entire day, or sometimes even hours, of your time. Put away the distractions even if you only have a few minutes, and make the most of the time you have together. Even if you’re short on time, try to get your children involved in what you’re doing. Before you know it, spending quality time with your kids will happen all the time!
    • Cook Together – read a family recipe together while teaching children an important life skill.
    • Read a Book Together – go to the library each week so they can pick out a book to read aloud each week. Take turns reading together.
    • Watch a Movie Together – they don’t take much pre-planning and are great for family bonding.
    • Play a Game Together –  Playing games is a great way to spend time together, and you can even do this while dinner is in the oven!
    • Do a Craft Together – there are hundreds of crafts for kids on the internet and most include supplies from your home. This is a great way to encourage creativity and spend time together!
    • Have a Breakfast Date –  If you don’t have a lot of time during the day, wake your kids up early and take them to breakfast before school. It is still time you can spend eating together and enjoying some quality time.

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT: BRAIN BREAKS – Brain breaks are exactly that – breaks for our brains. They help us get our energy up and our creative juices flowing. They allow kids to reboot their brains. Try brain breaks before an activity that will require lots of concentration as they take our minds away as they help children clear their heads and allow them to better focus on their work. The more we keep our minds active, the better our stamina will be.

NUTRITION:

  • Celebrate Valentine’s day with your children by decorating these Heart-Shaped Cookies.(Delish.com) They make great gift packages for family members.

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning 💭

MovingMinds.com

OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS TO ENGAGE THEIR CHILDREN

Sleepingshouldbeeasy.com