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Learning Together Joyfully: MAY: CELEBRATIONS & TRANSITIONS

Welcome back educators, care-givers, parents and grandparents! May is known as a month of transitions and possibilities. Living in the northern hemisphere, the fresh cold winds are gone, and the rains of early spring have arrived. By the time May arrives, the spring flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and life is starting to seem a little more joyful each day. May acts as the bridge between spring and summer, hinting at warmer weather for those still stuck in spring’s grasp, while heating things up for those plants and gardens which are already well on their way. May is often a beautiful month, full of flowers and sunshine with much to be celebrated as the spirit of May-time possibilities are passed down through generations. The following May celebrations highlighted are Teacher Appreciation Week from May 8 – 12, Cinco de Mayo on May 5 and Mother’s Day on May 14th, 2023. Enjoy the many following activities as you play, learn, and grow together! 

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
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1.  Read and Sing together 📚

BOOKS ABOUT TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK – May 8 – 12, 2023. Most of us can remember teachers who made a lasting contribution to our lives. This is the week 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. Enjoy reading the following fun books together where they may be found in your school or public library. 

BusyTeacher.org
  • 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 favourite 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).

MAY 14 – MOTHER’S DAY BOOKS: As we celebrate and honour mothers and caregivers in schools, Mother’s Day can be an opportunity for parents and educators 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 about the love nurtured in any family. Mother’s Day provides an opportunity to share these ideas with children about families, diversity, and inclusion. Here are a few ideas to guide the conversation with your children. Read more about how to help children understand diverse families.  Adults may find this family diversity vocabulary list helpful to initiate a discussion about ways for all students and their families to feel welcomed and a part of the school community.

You  may wish to download this Mother’s Day Card
  • 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! 
  • 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.
Parade.com

CINCO de MAYO on May 5: is a day to celebrate 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 neighbours 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. 
  • 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!
  • Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin. Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa…oh, boy. You’re in red-hot trouble. 
ARCHI-LIVING.com

GARDENING AND SPRING BOOKS:  How can you encourage your children to listen and talk about reading and language, or beg for a bedtime story or a trip to the library even when they choose the same books each time? Take their lead and sing, read and share their favourite books daily! The following books about springtime activities may encourage you to build literacy activities into your daily routine. Reading together, planting bean seeds, watching birds’ build nests, playing outdoor games or observing all the different flora and fauna activity during Springtime are engaging learning opportunities whether enjoyed in the classroom or at home. Learning how to retell a story helps learners become readers and thinkers. It helps to organize thought, and recognize the thoughts we have during reading.  It helps children recognize when our thinking changes throughout our reading.  Characteristics of good retelling are: using character names, telling about the setting, including the happenings or plot (beginning, middle, and end), discussing the problem the character is having, and describing how the problem was solved. Keep in mind the primary purpose of reading together is to develop children’s love of books and reading so the purpose of asking questions is to enhance their understanding of the story. The following titles, which you may borrow from your school or public library, encourage the exploration of Gardens & Springtime for children and families.   

weareteachers.com
  • Ladybugs by Gail Gibbons. This new and updated edition presents the latest scientific information on ladybugs in language accessible for young readers through bright illustrations, informative diagrams, and easy-to-read text. Kids will rethink what they know about the little red bug while being introduced to biology vocabulary and environmentalism. See the ladybug grow from an egg to an adult. Explore just some of the different colorings and markings from the thousands of ladybug varieties around the world. Learn about the ladybug’s behavior, habitat, and how they protect crops by eating harmful insects. The final page includes quick ladybug facts and resources for further learning.
  • Ladybugs Kingfisher Reader byThea Feldman. Developed with literacy experts, this five-level graded reading series will guide young readers as they build confidence and fluency in their literacy skills and progress towards reading alone. Ladybugs introduces beginner readers to a variety of ladybugs from different habitats, from those with two spots to seven spots to those with stripes! It includes facts about diet, flying and how to identify these tiny insects.
  • The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle. As children follow the Grouchy Ladybug on her journey, they will learn the important concepts of time, size, and shape, as well as the benefits of friendship and good manners.For generations, this book has delighted readers of all ages with the story of a bad-tempered bug who won’t say “please” or “thank you,” won’t share, and thinks she is bigger and better than anyone else. Readers will love how this testy ladybug introduces them to many new animals and learns that maybe being grouchy isn’t always the best option.
  • Happy Springtime Happy Springtime by Kate McMullan. This bright, bouncy, and colourful picture book is an ode to the joys of spring, encouraging everyone who waits out the slow lengthening of days through the end of winter. From ear-muffed crossing guards to sweater wearing dogs, from painters of flowers to planters of seeds, this book celebrates the burst of life following the thaw of winter. The author’s jubilant love-letter to this exciting time of year is the perfect book to bring in the season of birth and renewal. 
  • Fletcher & Springtime blossoms by Julia Rawlinson. Fletcher enjoys the sunny weather and the warmth of spring. But when he stumbles across snowy flakes gently floating to the ground, he spreads the news of winter’s return to all his friends. But spring is full of wonderful surprises for Fletcher and his friends. The Fletcher books are enjoyable picture books for sharing at home or in the classroom and are perfect for units on the seasons.
  • What’s Inside a Flower? This book effortlessly pairs together child-friendly flower facts and interesting illustrations. This gorgeous nonfiction picture book will pull children into the magical world of plants! Budding backyard scientists can start exploring their world with this stunning introduction to flowery show-stoppers – from seeds to roots to blooms. Learning how flowers grow gives children building blocks related to science and inquiry.
  • The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner. With their engaging tone and fascinating facts, this book raises children’s awareness about the role Bees play in our environment through a Q&A format. The perfect introduction to bee conservation. Children learn all about the world of bees, their adventure from flower to flower, how much they matter, why they are declining, and what we can do to help. 
  • Lessons From Mother Earth by Elaine McLeod. This gentle story demonstrates the First Nations’ tradition of taking care of Mother Earth. Tess has visited her grandmother many times without really being aware of the garden. But today they step outside the door and Tess learns that all of nature can be a garden. And if you take care of the plants that are growing, if you learn about them — understanding when they flower, when they give fruit, and when to leave them alone — you will always find something to nourish you
  • A Seed is the Start by Melissa Stewart. Beautiful photography and lyrical text pair with comprehensive picture captions in this award-winning author’s story about the surprisingly diverse world of seeds. In this National Geographic Kids title, learn all about the plant cycle, from how seeds grow, the fascinating ways they travel, and what it takes for a seed to become a plant.
  • From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons. Do you know how a seed begins? What pollination is? How flowers, fruits, and vegetables get to be the way they are? The mystery of how seeds are formed and grow into plants is revealed for young readers in this informative book.
  •  A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Aston. This book has gorgeous illustrations and amazing plant facts. Learn about unique seeds and the plants they become in this beautiful and informative look at the intricate, complex, and often surprising world of seeds. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts, making it perfect reading material at home or in the classroom.
  • Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner. Follow a garden over the course of the year to see how it grows and transforms throughout the seasons! This book is part of a seasonal series that is full of green—leaves and sprouts, growing vegetables, and ripening fruit. But down in the dirt there is a busy world of earthworms digging, snakes hunting, skunks burrowing, and all the other animals that make a garden their home. In this lyrical book, discover the wonders that lie hidden between stalks, under the shade of leaves…and down in the dirt.
  • Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner. Explore the secret realm beneath the dirt that brings the world of nature to life: Follow a young girl and her grandmother on a journey through the year planning, planting, and harvesting their garden—and learn about what’s happening in the dirt to help make it all happen. This book is full of green—leaves and sprouts, growing vegetables, ripening fruit. But down in the dirt exists a busy world—earthworms dig, snakes hunt, skunks burrow—populated by all the creatures that make a garden their home. These secrets and many others are waiting to be discovered up in the garden and down in the dirt in this sweet children’s book from Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal, the latest in their beloved series that offers kids a peek into hidden ecosystems.
  • Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert. Fans of Lois Ehlert will love the vibrant artwork featured in each of her books. This book takes beautiful collage illustrations to the garden, offering young readers a pretty introduction to gardening. This short picture book outlines the lifecycle of a plant in an easy to understand way – with tons of colourful pictures.

Some positive outcomes of reading children’s gardening book to kids:

  • Teaches them about where their food comes from;
  • Encourages them to be physically active as they rake, dig, pat, etc.
  • Engages them in a fun family activity besides screen time.
  • Prepares them to better understand how to grow food;
  • Allows them to enjoy tasting the fruits of their labour.
quotesGram.com

LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE: 

  • Bike On, Bear by Cynthia Liu. Bear can do almost anything. His one-paw pawstand is perfect. He can solve the trickiest of equations. He can even out-build a brigade of beavers. But the one thing Bear can’t do is ride a bike. Bear tries everything to help him learn: library books, training wheels and super-cheers from his fellow animal friends. But all of those fail to get poor Bear on two wheels.The situation is looking unbearable—but an unexpected mishap might be just the thing that propels Bear to bike on!
  • Together We Ride by Valerie Bolling. Learning to ride is no easy feat! But with a little courage, a guiding hand from her dad, and an enthusiastic bark from her pup, one brave girl quickly learns the freedom that comes from an afternoon spent outside on a bike. Experience the fear, the anticipation, and the delight of achieving the ultimate milestone in this energetic, warm story that celebrates the precious bond between parent and child. Who can forget the first time they learned to ride a bike? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to ride.
  • Elena Rides by Juana Medina. Elena wants to ride her bike. She steadies, she readies. She wobbles, she bobbles . . . KA-BANG! Learning to ride a bike is hard. But Elena can do it. She just has to try, try again. With this reassuring story of childlike persistence, Juana Medina, creator of the acclaimed Juana & Lucas series, introduces Elena, a plucky elephant, and the little red bird who is Elena’s faithful cheerleader. Simple, energetic text and bold, brilliant artwork convey a relatable tale of the ups and downs of learning something new (not without protest or tears) and the final thrill of mastery that will have children rooting for Elena and ready for her next adventure.

  • Ride It! Patch It! by Kaylani Juanita. This series is part of Scholastic’s early reader line, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humour, and full-colour artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow! Ace polishes up her mountain bike and prepares for the big bike race! She oils the chain and tests the brakes. Then the race begins! But Ace’s bike chain comes off the sprocket and then she needs to patch a tire! Will she be able to fix her bike and find her way to the finish line? With Larry Dane Brimner’s simple text and Kaylani Juanita’s full-colour artwork on every page, this fast-paced, action-packed book is perfect for new readers!

  • Bicycle Bash by Alison Farrell. This is a seek-and-find/activity book rife with quirky illustrations that hits the sweet spot of every reader from the youngest to the oldest! The wheels keep turning in Cycle City, and it’s finally time for the annual Bicycle Bash, where one and all can ride their bikes indoors. Etta’s been specially invited by her Aunt Ellen to attend! But why does Aunt Ellen need a list of Etta’s friends? Taking place in the Bicycle Museum, this celebration rolls out bicycles of all kinds—from low riders to tricycles to “bone shakers.” The Museum even has lanes and tracks indoors so that everyone, Giraffe and Mouse alike, can ride their bikes anywhere. After a full day of riding through the museum halls, Etta pedals out to find a special surprise—her own birthday bash with her best friends! Follow Etta along her first bike tour with this delightfully detailed seek-and-find adventure.
  • My Bike by Byron Barton. Award-winning, best selling picture book creator, this book is a lively celebration of transportation (bicycles and unicycles and other things that go) and animals (elephants, monkeys, and lions) with a surprise ending.

CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK – APRIL 30 – MAY 6. Canadian Children’s Book Week is the single most important national event celebrating Canadian children’s books and the importance of reading. Each May, over hundreds of readings are given to thousands of children, teens and adults in over 100 communities across the country as we make every possible effort to reach children in more remote regions and communities. Hundreds of schools, public libraries, bookstores and community centres host events as part of this major literary festival. Canadian Children’s Book Week/Tournée Lire à tout vent is organised by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

  • Shi-shi-etkoby Nicola I. Campbell. In just four days, young Shi-shi-etko will have to leave her family and all that she knows to attend residential school. She spends her last days at home treasuring the beauty of her world — the dancing sunlight, the tall grass, each shiny rock, the tadpoles in the creek, her grandfather’s paddle song. Her mother, father and grandmother, each in turn, share valuable teachings that they want her to remember. And so Shi-shi-etko carefully gathers her memories for safekeeping.
  • When I Was Eight by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton. Olemaun is eight and knows a lot of things. But she doesn’t know how to read. Ignoring her father’s warnings, she travels far from her Arctic home to the outsiders’ school to learn. The nuns at the school call her Margaret. They cut off her long hair and force her to do menial chores, but she remains undaunted. Her tenacity draws the attention of a black-cloaked nun who tries to break her spirit at every turn. But the young girl is more determined than ever to learn how to read.
  • When We Were Alone by David Alexander Robertson. A young girl is curious about her grandmother’s long braided hair and beautifully coloured clothing. Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? Nókom (grandmother) explains about life in a residential school long ago, where everything was taken away. A story about a difficult time in history and, ultimately, of empowerment and strength.
  • Sometimes I feel like a fox by Danielle Daniel. Children’s love for animals and disguise come together in this award-winning introduction to the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals. In this introduction to the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals, young children explain why they identify with different creatures such as a deer, beaver or moose. Delightful illustrations show the children wearing masks representing their chosen animal, while the few lines of text on each page work as a series of simple poems throughout the book. In a brief author’s note, Danielle Daniel explains the importance of totem animals in Anishinaabe culture and how they can also act as animal guides for young children seeking to understand themselves and others.
  • Emet’s Box by Jeni Chen. Emet loves to paint. But grown-ups think he should spend his time doing more important things. When Emet stops doing what he loves, colour disappears from his world. What does Emet discover within himself in order to bring colour back into his life? This book promotes creativity, individuality, and following your heart. Jeni Chen’s vibrant illustrations are a pure celebration. This is the perfect story for any creative classroom or for any child who loves to draw, paint, play an instrument or, quite simply – create.
theyrenotourgoats.com

SONGS:

SPRING: 

GARDENING:

RIDING A BIKE:

CINCO DE MAYO:

MOTHER’S DAY:

TEACHER APPRECIATION:

CELEBRATE CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK:

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

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK ACTIVITIES:

IDEAS TO CELEBRATE CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK:

  • Print a copy of the above Poster by Jeni Chen for home or your classroom.
  • Here are some tips from the Canadian Book Centre on how to select books for your early learners.
  • Download Emet’s Box Educational Guide.
  • Download Emet’s Box Coloring Sheet.
  • Download Emet’s Box Activity Sheet.
  • Click here for more Freebies.
  • Read the book Emet’s Box and ask children to write about it using some of these writing prompts (tonnyefletcher.com)
    • Why did Emet’s world turn to grey?
    • Why is creativity important?
    • What is your favourite colour?  Why?
    • Would you rather sing or draw?  Why?
    • I wish I could _______________.  (what and why?)
    • How do you express yourself?
    • If you could go anywhere in your imagination, where would you go and why?
    • What is your favourite kind of music?  Why?
    • One time I built_____________. . . 
    • My imagination is _______________.
    • How could you mix art, dance, and music?
    • Are sports creative?  Why or why not?
    • What makes you, you?
    • If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?  Why?
    • If you had any super-power, what would it be?  How would you use it?
    • If you had a different name, what would it be?  Why would it fit you?
    • Create an imaginary friend and write about them.
    • Listen to a piece of music with no words.  Write a story to match.
    • Write a poem about creativity.
    • If my imagination had a name, it would be -__________ because _______
    • If you could play any instrument, what instrument would you play and why?
lovethispic.com

SPRING & GARDENING ACTIVITIES: When considering activities that support cognitive development, video games can make a difference. Research suggests that it is most beneficial for children when the virtual and physical worlds are combined in interactive computer games. Parents and educators are encouraged to ensure that content is educational and to remember that creating knowledge and intelligence is an inherently active process. Children thrive in environments that encourage investigating and experimenting with adult involvement as they build their understanding of how the world works. The following activities are best done together child to adult.

  • Ask children to complete a ladybug life cycle. Go to itsybitsyfun.com – search for Life Cycle of a Ladybug then scroll down, click on the link, and print copies.
  • Go to itsybitsyfun.com to download Fruit Dot-to-Dot count by 2’s, 5’s and 10’s. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click on the link and print copies. 
  • Go to itsybitsyfun.com – search for the Spring Tracing Coloring then scroll down, click on the link, and print copies.
  • Read the book Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner and then download these Worms Play Dough Mats for children to practise counting.
pinterest.com

RIDING A BIKE ACTIVITIES: 

 

MOTHER’S DAY ACTIVITIES:

  • Ask children to complete this downloadable Mother’s Day poem by having children add their handprints as flowers on top.
  • Cut out a loving hand card for a children care-giver or mother to celebrate Mother’s Day. 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 cute card, ready to colour and sign! Find directions at Crafting Ireland. 
biglifejournal.com

SPRINGTIME & GARDENING ACTIVITIES: A healthy respect for nature and how things grow, and why we need to look after our environment is a positive part of gardening. The garden is a sensory wonderland where children can be involved in purposeful digging or learning more about a sense of time, patience and responsibility or participating in and understanding more about the life cycle of plants. The garden is a place for families, friends, and communities. Lessons in conservation, recycling and nurturing the planet may seem like high reaching topics, but even a small seed of knowledge and caring for the earth is never wasted on children. Whether you start with seeds in cups near a sunny window, pots outside your door, or a plot of land, your whole family or class can participate in something that is sure to cause a sense of wonder in children of any age.

  • Plant some bean seeds and share videos or the book of the classic story – Jack and the Beanstalk then download this resource package and follow up with this sequencing activity that focuses on the beginning, middle and end of the story.  
  • Have some more fun with Jack and read the story Trust me, Jack’s Beanstalk stinks. The Story of Jack and the Beanstalk as told by the Giant written by Eric Braun.
  • Find instructions on how to Grow Avocado Seeds which can be a fun project for kids.
  • Sprouting Seeds Activity: Engage children in a Science experiment and Sprout beans, corn, tomatoes, watermelon or an avocado seed. By planting different types of seeds, children are able to observe which seeds germinate for shorter or longer periods of time. Children plant the seeds themselves and water them as needed. They watch the growth of the plants, which encourages observation and discussion skills. Sprouting a lima bean (or any of these seeds) in a labelled zip top bag is a relatively simple science project for kids. Find these labels at itsybitsyfun.com – search

3. Explore, Engage & Interact together 🌍

CINCO DE MAYO ACTIVITIES:

 Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
YourTrueNature.com

SPRING & GARDENING ACTIVITIES: Gardening at school or at home during the Springtime is an exciting and fun activity for all ages of children as they develop respect and appreciation for the earth and nature. Spending time in the garden offers children opportunities to develop their: Physical development as they dig, rake, plant and eat healthy foods; Emotional growth as they enjoy a sense of joy and delight watching plants grow as butterflies and ladybugs share the garden; Spatial skill development as they gain an appreciation of how things grow and need space; Mathematical skills as they count, measure, compare, and see patterns; Character development as they learn patience, take responsibility, and build self-confidence. 

SCISSOR CUTTING PRACTISE:

Benefits for children to practise scissor cutting are: 

  • Strengthens hand muscles & Independent movements of each finger (writing, painting);
  • Builds bilateral coordination skills (two-handed coordination); 
  • Determines the dominant hand (dominant cuts and helping hand holds and rotates);
  • Enhances visual motor skills (eye-hand coordination) & perceptual tasks (directionality);
  • Builds hand grasp (applied when fastening buttons and holding a pencil); and
  • Encourages focus and attention.
Download a free copy of this poster.
  • Read How to Teach Scissor Cutting Skills or  Watch the video outlining 7 sequential skills for children to practise as they learn cutting skills.
  • Download this cutting practice set from thefairyprintsess.com or 
  • Go to itsybitsyfun.com and search for downloadable Simple Scissor Practice Printables. Scroll down and click on the link to download and print a copy.
  • Invite children to combine straws, playdough and scissors for a creative activity and loads of fun as children develop their fine motor skills. 
  • Learn more about how to create a Cutting Practice Tray –  a quick setup that makes it easy for children to explore and develop their scissor cutting skills.
  • Read Mosaic art with styrofoam pieces – styrofoam meat trays are another way for children to practise their scissor cutting skills. 
  • Go to itsybitsyfun.com search for the following:
    • Frog Scissor Practice; Scroll down, click on the link, print copies..
    • Shark Scissor Practice; Scroll down, click on the link, print copies
    • Bugs Scissor Practice; Scroll down, click on the link, print copies
    • Shapes Scissor Practice. Scroll down, click on the link, to print copies.
  • Go to itsybitsyfun.com search for the following:
    • Spring Colour Puzzles – Scroll down, click on the link, print copies. Ask children to cut them apart and then recreate the puzzle.
    • Spring B&W puzzles – Scroll down, click on the link, print copies.
Powerofpositivty.com

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT: 

CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO:

  • 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.
  • Move and have fun singing and dancing to Guacamole and then make some Fresh Guacamole – see recipe below!

SPRING YOGA:

Go to Childhood101.com to download a free poster.

NUTRITION: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and involve your children in creating some of these recipes.

overhead shot of Almost Chipotle's Guacamole in blue bowl on blue background with chips
Virgin Layered Strawberry-Mango Margaritas

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST: Consider these recipes for Dad & children to make to celebrate.

MAY DAY PICNIC: 

  • Start with a salad in a jar; fill up a thermos with warm soup, add some sandwiches, bring along cut up fruit, veggies and cheese, and finally include some sweet freshly picked local strawberries for dessert.

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning 💭

SPRING GARDENING

Happierhomemaker.com

MOTHER’S DAY

Lovethispic.com
Freebiefindingmom.com. Download this poem.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: