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Learning Together Joyfully:

Welcome back educators, parents, grandparents and caregivers! June is often a month filled with excitement and anxiety. It is a time when families begin to anticipate adventures and activities such as camping and getting back into nature. June 21 is the longest day of the year where warmer summer weather is expected. It is also a time to learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day as we continue to take steps toward reconciliation. It is a time for parents to support their children to organize their time so they can relax and enjoy fun activities such as camping or enrolling in summer camp. It is a time to look forward to summer when they can enjoy all the free time when school is out! Whether it’s visiting relatives or friends, sightseeing at popular destinations, or just unplugging from daily demands — health and wellness, physical activity and good nutrition will hopefully be a priority. It is a time for parents to support their children to organize their time so they can relax and enjoy fun activities such as celebrating the Summer Solstice or National Aboriginal Week or Father’s Day! All in all, June is the perfect month to play, learn, grow together joyfully!

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 📚

Asking questions during story time or when reading at home, helps children learn to be active readers and to think critically. When parents or educators ask questions to get kids thinking and discussing a text, it makes story time a richer experience. The following is one idea for you to generate questions about the structure of a story.

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 FATHER’S DAY BOOKS: No matter what preferences Dads might have, the one father-child activity most Dads enjoy and can agree on is reading together with their children. When you think about it, Fathers aren’t exactly the focus of many books so surprising him with a few books that celebrate him as the hero of the day can be the most touching Father’s Day gift. Not only will kids be reminded of how lucky they are to have such a wonderful Father, but he’ll end the day feeling extra special and appreciated. Enjoy the following read-aloud picture books that are perfect for kids of different ages or check out your school and public library or bookstore to buy or borrow the following recommended books. All siblings can take a turn reading with Dad on Father’s Day.  

  • Oh, Daddy! By Bob Shea. A Dad gets his son to do what he wants by pretending to do it wrong, prompting his ever so clever son to show him the right way. Daddies . . . they can be funny and lovable and really, really silly. Oh, Daddy! 
  • Things To Do With Dad by Sam Zuppardi. Dad’s to-do list is full of boring chores. Undeterred, his son launches a more creative approach to getting things done. Soon, dad catches on and joins the fun in this touching, almost-wordless title. 
  • Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko. When Nicholas loses his toy dinosaur, the one thing that helps him feel brave, his dad doesn’t hesitate to head out late at night to search for it with him. It turns out nothing is more reassuring than feeling understood. Luckily, his dad knows that even the bravest people can get scared, and it’s okay to ask for help facing your fears. It’s just guy stuff. 
  • And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. This true story of two male penguins who became foster parents together is impossibly sweet. The text sensitively portrays the penguins’ companionship and matter-of-factly explains why they couldn’t have their own egg like the other penguin couples. This important story honors the many ways there are to create a family – even in the animal kingdom. 
  • My Dad Used To Be So Cool by Keith Negley. This young narrator is pretty sure his dad used to be in a rock band and ride a motorcycle. So what happened? Let your students figure it out from the illustrations and ask them to imagine ways their own dads used to be cool. 
  • I Have Two Homes by Marian De Smet. When Nina’s parents separate it is challenging as she learns to live at two homes. 
  • When Dads Don’t Grow Up by Marjorie Blain Parker. Even Dads can remember what it’s like to be little and how to be goofy.  Join the celebration of Dads being big kids in this playful book which follows four father-child pairs as they spend happy, silly times together, popping bubble wrap and watching cartoons and taking part in shopping cart races. These are dads who aren’t worried about looking goofy or getting their hair wet – dads who still remember what it’s like to be little. Don’t be fooled. They may look like grown-ups on the outside, but underneath they’re just like… Kids! 
  • Home At Last by Vera B. Williams and Chris Raschka. After Lester is adopted by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, he develops a big problem—he can’t fall asleep. It’s the sweet dog, Wincka, who finally solves the problem and helps Lester feel at home.
  • A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager.  A young girl answers a friend’s straightforward questions about having two fathers. The story ends with simply, “Who is your dad when you’re sad and need some love?” Both, of course.
  • The Family Book by Todd Parr. All kinds of families are celebrated in a funny, silly and reassuring way. Includes adoptive families, stepfamilies, single-parent families, two-mom and two-dad families and families with a mom and a dad. 
  • Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry. This is a touching story about a Sikh father and daughter who share a special bond as they proudly celebrate family traditions related to their hair. Her favorite style is when he styles her hair in a bun just like the joora he wears every day under his turban. With her mom away, Zuri’s dad has to step in to style her hair, with all its beautiful kinks and curls. With lush artwork, and a heartwarming, empowering message, this book is a delightful celebration of the father-daughter relationship. 

SUMMER ACTIVITIES: CAMPING There’s truly nothing better than going camping and introducing children to the great outdoors. Many schools organize outdoor camp experiences for their classes. Going camping is a relatively affordable vacation for families that also has many benefits. Whether your style is in a camper, cabin, or tent, you and your children can reap the many benefits of spending time in nature. There are many benefits children gain from a camping experience. Camping teaches basic survival skills as they learn about fire safety, how to build a fire, what plants are edible, and basic outdoor safety.  It builds self-esteem and confidence as children learn to be independent, make mistakes, learn from them, and solve problems. Camping helps them unplug as they get outdoors and away from technology and take a step toward a healthy balance. It helps connect families and friends as they have time to share stories, real or imagined, around the campfire creating bonds, connections and memories to last a lifetime. It teaches respect for nature and allows children time to enjoy a slower pace of life and appreciate fresh air, plants, and wildlife. Camping teaches children that less can be more because it is all about simplicity and offers kids experiences not “stuff”. 

CAMPING BOOKS: When you can’t get away from home or the classroom for a family camping adventure or in preparation for an upcoming camping trip here are some favorite children’s camping books to share and enjoy together as you spice up your classroom or bedtime routine. You can also check out your school and public library or bookstore to buy or borrow the following recommended books.

  • Blackflies by Robert Munsch. One day Helen wakes up and it’s SPRING! The snow has melted and the sun is shining but Helen knows that the blackflies will be coming out soon. So she does what any smart kid would do: she sends her little sister outdoors to check! When the blackflies and mosquitoes carry her away, Helen tells her dad, who rushes outside and is carried away himself. Now Helen needs to rescue BOTH of them, along with a wolf and a very clever bear. Munsch “uses a narrative shared with him by a First Nations family he met in Fort McMurray in 1996, and utilizes illustrations by First Nations artist Jay Odjick to help tell the story.” 
  • Byron Through The Seasons. This Dene-English story book was produced by the students and teachers of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, Sask., with assistance from local advisors and elders. They wrote the story, translated it, and worked on the pictures to highlight some aspects of Dene culture that were vital in the past and are still important today. To produce the book, over 400 hundred students and a dozen elders were consulted to provide accurate and culturally-correct information. The story is told by Grandfather Jonas and imagined by his grandson, Byron. The balloon diagram in each picture represents the symbolic journey taken by Byron as he listens to stories of what Dene life is like during the four seasons of the year. This book recalls early aspects of Dene lifestyle, from tanning and medicine to camping and food preservation. 
  • Backyard Street Buddies: Backyard Camp-Out by Jerdine Nolen. When twins Jada and Jamal find their parents’ old tent in the garage, they plan a backyard campout with neighborhood friends. A rustling in the bushes leads to a big surprise! The backyard campout is coming and Jada and Jamal Perkins have never slept in a tent before. Neither have their best friends. Camping is going to be so much fun. Or is it? It’s really dark in the backyard. And what’s that noise? It’s coming from the bushes.  Crunch! Crunch! Crunch! Scrunch! Scrunch! Scrunch!  Will an unexpected visitor ruin the Bradford Street Buddies campout under the stars? Grab a flashlight and find out in this neighborhood adventure.
  • When we Go Camping by Margriet Ruurs. This story highlights the magic of a day spent camping: waking up to the morning chill, quietly observing creatures from water striders to elk, boating, swimming, berry picking, and campfire cooking. In this beautifully illustrated book, one busy family finds lots to do from sunup to sunset. At the campsite, there’s wood to chop for the fire and fish to catch and there’s lots of time to explore, climb rocks, splash in the lake, and discover animals in the shadows of the woods. As afternoon turns to evening, supper needs to be made, and just before bed, stories are told around the campfire. This book is as instructional as it is delightful with a glossary for more details about the wildlife depicted on each page.
  • Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse by Tamera Will Wissinger. Lucy, Sam, and Grandpa pack the car and head to the woods for a camping trip. Different poetic formats chronicles their adventure, from the standard cinquain and haiku to lesser-known types of verse, like the what-if poem and the charm poem. Back matter includes an extensive and engaging guide to writing poetry.
  • Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine George. This collection offers a range of poetic forms describing many quintessential camping moments, from “Mosquito Song” to “Moose Brunch” to “Two Voices in a Tent at Night”. Everything that happens when you go camping can be an adventure, from getting dressed inside your sleeping bag on a chilly morning to meeting a moose to sharing secrets in a tent at night. The memorable moments of a family outing with vivid paintings provide a cast of characters and the perfect setting. The captivating poems and pictures will leave readers with wonderful memories of a camping trip—even if they’ve never been on one! 
  • Don’t Feed The Bear by Kathleen Doherty. (Read by a Forest Ranger) Bear loves his snacks, but what trouble will he get into next? Hungry Bear and a park ranger go head to head in a humorous tale of what happens when unsuspecting campers feed the wildlife. It’s Bear vs. Ranger in the funniest food fight ever in this entertaining picture book. Mac and cheese, carrot cake, meatball stew: Bear loves when campers leave him. The park ranger does not.  Smackity smack, Ranger pounds a sign into the ground: DON’T FEED THE BEAR! Upset—no more chewy cookies? No more juicy burgers?—Bear quickly crosses out the “don’t.” Now, it’s war in the park! But when both Bear and Ranger end up losing out, will they finally call a truce? 
  • Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Mélanie Watt. Scaredy Squirrel isn’t exactly the bravest of woodland creatures, but he decides to pack up all his most important supplies and venture out into a nearby campground to see the natural world. After preparing and planning for every conceivable danger, Scaredy squirrel sets off just beyond the safety of his home tree for an epic – but safe – adventure of watching movies about camping from the comfort of a television set. However, his plans to watch the outdoors on TV falter quickly when he realizes that there are no outlets to be found in the great outdoors. In an attempt to find an outlet to power his television, he ends up dealing with countless obstacles, proving to himself that he is brave enough to enjoy the world beyond his tree, after all. 
  • S is For S’mores by Helen Foster James. The perfect learn-to-read guide for outdoorsy children. Why should “s” be for soccer when it can be for “s’mores’? This A-Z guide puts a fun camping-related spin on learning vocabulary. Written especially with the young camper in mind, S Is For S’mores is a great introduction to the wonderful world of camping and outdoor adventure for little children. This A to Z book is a great way to help young kids learn more about the natural world through fun facts and stunning pictures that are perfect for campers of all experience levels.
  • Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival by Denise Long. Written by a search-and-rescue volunteer, this guide uses a relatable and encouraging tone to teach survival skills, like finding food and drinking water, staying safe from animals and bugs, and building fires and shelters. 

SUMMER SOLSTICE BOOKS: As the days get longer and warmer, the summer solstice marks a time of renewal and exploration! For lovers of nature and science, June 21st  marks an important cycle of the year. So, experiencing this day from sunrise to sunset is a piece of the celebration in order to truly feel the earth’s events. Celebrate this special day by singing some songs and then introducing the following books, available at your school, public library, or bookstore that teach about the wonders of nature.  

  • The Longest Day by Wendy Pfeffer. Summer is the glorious time when butterflies emerge from silky cocoons and daylight hours stretch longer and longer. With lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations, this book takes us on a journey through the history and science behind the summer solstice.
  • Summer Solstice by Ellen Jackson. This book is super cool taking us on a summer solstice journey through the mysterious rites of the Egyptians, the tales of fairies and selkies, and the modern parades and baseball games. Folklore related to this celebration is examined..
  • Under Alaska’s Midnight Sun by Deb Vanasse. Alaska during the solstice is a unique and magical time. With little darkness, light infuses the days giving way to only a few hours of dusk. This book introduces this amazingness to young children in a simple and beautiful way. 

BOOKS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS DAY, JUNE 21ST. This is a week for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

MONIQUE GRAY SMITH BOOKS: Monique Gray Smith, is a Canadian writer of children’s and young adult literature, an international speaker and consultant. Of Cree, Lakota, and Scottish descent, Smith is based in Victoria, B.C.  Reading Monique’s books allows adults to open discussions about the meaning of reconciliation as well as highlighting important social emotional learning skills children can practice on their journey to reconciliation. Monique’s books can be used effectively to share wisdom, knowledge, hope and the important teaching that love is medicine. 

  • You Hold Me Up. This book encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions. Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote this book to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. With vibrant illustrations from celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, this is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens. Available in an edition with English and Plains Cree.
  • I hope This book has poignant words about all the hopes adults have for the young people in their lives. The hopes we have for the children in our lives are endless. We want our young people to thrive and experience all that life has to offer, but we also feel protective of them. Using simple but powerful statements, Monique Gray Smith delivers a touching message about loving, nurturing and wishing the best for our children. Paired with Gabrielle Grimard’s warm and enchanting illustrations, the message will resonate with educators, parents, grandparents and caregivers.
  • When we are kind. This book centers Indigenous families and characters of color in personal and communal activities—and encourages readers to evaluate their actions toward others. The book celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation and communicates an important message through carefully chosen words for readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves. Available in an edition with English and Diné.
  • My heart fills with happiness. This book emphasizes a quiet loveliness, sense of gratitude, and happiness emanates from this tender celebration of simple pleasures. The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy. Monique Gray Smith wrote this book to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy. Available in an edition with English and Anishinaabemowin.

SONGS: Language development – Singing is a great way for children to explore rhyming words and become attuned to the rhythm of language. Their receptive language skills or ability to listen to the pattern or sequence of a melody, lyrics and patterns are enhanced through singing and build important early math and reading skills.

FATHER’S DAY 

GRADUATION SONG FOR KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN:

CAMPING:

SUMMER SOLSTICE

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS DAY & WEEK

  • When We Were Alone (5:15 mins.) read by author David Robertson, is a story about the author’s grandmother who, by sharing her experiences when she attended residential school, helps all of us to better understand the many challenges.
  • Go Show the World (4:13 mins.) by Wab Kinew celebrates Indigenous people and their achievements. This inspirational non-fiction picture book showcases a diverse group of 13 Indigenous people. 
  • Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with your children by reading this free ebook Spirit Bear: Honoring Memories, Planting Dreams based on a true story written by Cindy Blackstock.
  • Check out Monique Gray Smith’s website a highly regarded author whose books are featured as entry points into discussions about reconciliation.

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

Many crafts focus on the development of fine motor skills. Cutting, pasting, tearing, and positioning are functional tasks that require fine motor strength, coordination, grasp, precision, and manipulation of craft materials and tools. Children can create and enjoy themselves while working on skills like fine motor dexterity and strength, line awareness, scissor skills, language, self-confidence, problem-solving, tool use, and more. Below, you’ll find crafts for kids that can be used to promote many of these skills. 

CAMPING ACTIVITIES:

FATHER’S DAY ACTIVITIES: Welcome back educators, parents, grandparents and caregivers! There’s no one “type” when it comes to an amazing Dad. Some family structures might have two Dads or one or have a Dad who lives in a different home. There are so many great dads and grandfathers in children’s literature—sensitive, funny, encouraging, and strong, just like the real-life ones we love. Some Dads might enjoy being outdoors or watching sports or a movie. Whatever they choose to do in their spare time, Fathers are more involved in the raising of their children than ever before and deserve to be celebrated on Father’s Day!

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  • This Father’s Day Gift – 10 Things I Love About Dad – is the perfect way to show how much children love and care for this special care-giver. Read instructions here to create this popsicle stick idea. (Ezebreezy.com)
  •  Ask children to create an acrostic poem such as the following:

F.A.T.H.E.R.S.

  • “F” aithful.
  • “A” lways there.
  • “T” rustworthy.
  • “H” onoring.
  • “E” ver-loving.
  • “R” ighteous.
  • “S” upportive.
  • Author Unknown

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS DAY ACTIVITIES – JUNE 21st, 2023 

  • Nathan shares a seasonal cultural activity that only occurs at this time of year – Harvesting Cedar Bark.  In this video (10:20 min.) Nathan takes us on the land in the Katzie Territory to witness the harvesting of cedar bark.  Students might reflect on the teachings Nathan shares or use this as an example of an exposition or “how to” text.
  • Nathan loves making bannock and shows us how to make this delicious treat.  This video can serve as a mentor text for “how to” writing and could be followed up with students creating their own “how to” texts.  Families can use the recipe to make their own bannock at home. (recipe is belo
  • Watch Nathan and his dad get ready for fishing season on the coast. They are preparing the nets that they will use to catch salmon.
  • Read Byron Through The Seasons or Monique Gray Smith’s books. After reading, open a discussion about what children can do to be kind and helpful to others as they begin their journey on reconciliation.
  • Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day which takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Learning about Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step forward each Canadian can take on the path to reconciliation.

The Inukshuk in Vancouver at English bay.

SUMMER SOLSTICE ACTIVITIES – JUNE 21ST As well as National Indigenous Day, June 21st also marks the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt (about 23.5 degrees) toward the Sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year. The longest “day,” means it is the longest period of sunlight hours. On the day of the June solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives sunlight at the most direct angle of the year. 

3. Explore, Engage & Interact together 🌍

SUMMER CAMP IDEAS: Here are a few programs and camps worthy of consideration:

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS:

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT:

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NUTRITION: Cooking while camping – While children may not be ready to cook on the campfire, under your supervision they may be involved in the process. They can help by using tongs to turn sausages, lay the table out, grab ingredients for you, and mix things. These simple pleasures can teach them new skills such as confidence and independence.

  • Smashed Potatoes with Tomato and Avocado. Children can help prepare this tasty side dish recipe, which combines almond/avocado/lemon/basil – it blends well with the salt and oil of the potatoes. 
  • Quinoa Lettuce Wraps – Kids can be hesitant to try new foods that look different or have  a different texture.  Involving children in preparing foods can help ease anxieties about trying that new food. It can also be a perfect time to work together to talk as they create.
  • Kid Friendly Antipasto Skewer Recipe – Antipasto can contain many different ingredients so modify it to meet the tastes of your family or use what you have on hand. Use your garden-fresh cherry tomatoes, olives, cheese, and sliced deli meats such as salami. 

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning 💭

FATHER’S DAY

CAMPING