Play Learn Grow Together

Learning Together Joyfully: SEPTEMBER: SUMMER’S FAREWELL 

Welcome back grandparents, parents, and educators! It is time to welcome a new month and a new season. With the children back in school, it may take them time to settle into their new classroom. They may need additional support from family and educators. This may take the form of additional Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Regulation and Mindfulness activities, books and songs. It will also be important for educators to think carefully about how to create a positive learner-centered classroom environment including positive classroom management strategies. Remember to share books, songs and activities with our children on September 30 so they learn more about Truth and Reconciliation. As we pull out warmer layers from our closet, we watch the leaves turn from green to fall colours. Somehow, September represents summer’s farewell and the cheerful introduction to autumn festivities. Enjoy celebrating National Grandparents’ Day on September 10 by reading some of the books and singing the songs. All these ideas and more are included as you play, learn, and grow together throughout September!

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 is THINKING involves students reading to understand a book on a deeper level. Teaching reading comprehension strategies such as inferring, visualizing, making connections, predicting, summarizing, questioning, and monitoring information ensures they have a better understanding of the story.

TeacherKarma.com

BACK TO SCHOOL BOOKS: How does summer always go so fast? For some kids, the end of summer can create additional stress as they face the unknown. Of course, there are some kids who love the excitement of going back to school, back-to-school shopping, and getting ready for the first day of school. For others they may need a little something to help them get more excited and curious about what a new year of school could bring. The first days of back-to-school can truly set the stage for the entire school year with students. Read-aloud books are a perfect way to get to know one another, encourage class discussions, and figure out which values will define your class’s identity. The following recommended back-to-school books will help set the stage for an excellent first day of school and beyond. Check them out at your local school or public library or consider purchasing them as gifts.

first-in-first.blogspot.com

• The Color Monster Goes to School by Anna Llenas. If kids are feeling a little nervous about going back to school this fall, they might find something familiar in this book. The Color Monster is going to school for the first time, but he’s not even sure about what school is! Thankfully, with the guidance of his young friend, the Color Monster is able to make friends and have fun at school. And he can’t wait for the next day!

• The School Book by Todd Parr. This book introduces readers to all of the fun and exciting things you can do at school. Going back to school can be a source of anxiety for lots of kids, but with colorful images and plenty of playfulness, this book explores the fun sense of community, learning, sharing, and understanding that makes school so special. 

• Fall is for School by Robert Neubecker. This book is filled with beautiful illustrations and expressive rhymes all about the seasons and two seasonally-opposed siblings. In this book, Sister is excited to go back to school, but Brother is not so sure. But by the end of this book, they’re both ready to embrace the new season.

• Birdie’s First Day of School by Sujean Rim. Birdie, everyone’s favorite little fashionista is getting ready for her first day of school. And she has soooo many questions! How should she prepare for class? What should she bring? What will her teacher be like? And most importantly, what should she wear?! In this gorgeously illustrated story, Birdie discovers all the wonders and excitement of school.

• How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst. Just like many little ones, Octopus is nervous about going to school. He would rather stay at home and play, so he finds clever places to hide. Your students will get a kick out of trying to find him in the colorful illustrations.

Follow-up activity: Ask students to share with a neighbor about a time they hid when it was time to go somewhere they didn’t want to go. Ask them to include details about where and why they hid.

• Roar and Sparkles Go to School by Sarah Beth Durst. The first day of school can be scary, even for dragons! Big sister Sparkles is there to help her little brother Roar get through it. She reassures Roar that school is a fun place to meet new friends, learn new things, and play games. With the support of a sibling, the first day of school will be a breeze! Roar is worried that he’ll have to do really hard things, like molt his scales and fly over a volcano. And what if his teacher doesn’t like dragons? He meets new friends, plays dragon games, listens to fun stories, and finds a way to thank his sister for support. This book is a sweet story about the anxieties children may feel about attending school for the first time, as well as a comforting tale about the bond between siblings. 

• A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen. In this heartwarming book, a teacher writes a love note to her students. She shares all the things she is looking forward to for the school year and all the fun things they will share.

Follow-up activity: Ask students to turn to a friend and share what they are most looking forward to this school year.

• The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi. An inspirational rhyming book that teaches kids the power of “yet.” We all have a lot to learn in life, and sometimes skills we wish we had just aren’t there … yet. A book about perseverance and having faith in yourself. Add this to your list of back-to-school books that teaches a growth mindset.

Follow-up activity: Ask students to write about something they are hoping to learn or get better at this year.

• Our Class Is a Family by Shannon Olsen. Back-to-school books like this one show your class that they are a family, no matter whether they meet for online or in-person learning.

Follow-up activity: Have each student draw an image of their family and “extended family.”

• Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind by Jessica Hische. Sometimes the smallest gesture of kindness goes a long way. Reading sweet back-to-school books like this one teaches young ones how to be good friends and classmates.

Follow-up activity: Ask students to share what is the most important thing about being a good friend.

• Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School! By Christina Geist. If you’re looking for back-to-school books for students who are having a hard time leaving their parents, this sweet tale is a good pick. Perfect for the child who is feeling a little nervous about going to school, this story features a family that doesn’t want to be left behind.

Follow-up activity: Draw a picture of what school would look like if students’ moms and dads came to school with them.

• The Pigeon Has To Go to School! By Mo Willems. This silly picture book addresses many of the fears and anxieties that little ones feel as they get ready to go to school for the first time.

Follow-up activity: This one will get kids riled up, so after reading, have them stand up and shake their sillies out.

• All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman. A lovely story that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a school where everyone, no matter their dress or skin color, is welcomed with open arms.

Follow-up activity: Create an anchor chart of character traits. Brainstorm with your students all the ways they are alike and some of the ways they may be different.

• It’s OK To Be Different by Sharon Purtill. If you’re looking for a back-to-school book that embraces the uniqueness of your class, this is a lovely tale that subtly broaches the subjects of diversity and kindness in a way that students can grasp.

Follow-up activity: Have students reflect about the one thing that they think is truly unique about themselves and write or draw about this special trait.

• First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. This book is a MUST READ on the first day of school! I like to read it early in the morning on that day so anyone who feels nervous will know they’re not alone. It starts with a man trying to coax someone to get ready for the first day of school. Students may think that he’s talking to his son or daughter, but it turns out he’s talking to his wife. It’s the TEACHER who has the first day jitters! I love that it flips the script so students who are feeling nervous know they are not alone.

• Schools First Day of School by Adam Rex. This book had to be included because if we’re looking at different perspectives, how could we forget our school building? Students can identify with the way the school is feeling while also gaining some comfort with their own school building’s spaces. This book is a perfect read before touring the building! Students may even have empathy for the school building in a way they wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s a win-win!

• How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan. This book turns the tables. The kids get to tell the teacher how to get ready for all of the things that are coming up this school year. It starts with the first day, ends with the last day and shares about all of the fun milestones in between. What a great preview to get your kids excited about what is to come this school year. I love giving my students the chance to be leaders on the first day because that is who I ultimately want them to be by the end of the year! Giving them this responsibility is empowering.

Download this poster. 

SELF-REGULATION BOOKS:

Social emotional learning is the process to help learners acquire necessary life skills. Those skills make up five areas:

• Self-awareness: understanding who we are as individuals;
• Self-management: learning to manage our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors;
• Social awareness: understanding the social world around us;
• Relationships: developing meaningful connections with others;
• Decision-making: Learning to make responsible choices.

The following recommended self-regulation books can support adults to teach children social-emotional regulation skills. They are a great starting point for educating children about their feelings and teaching them how to choose effective responses. These books can teach children to breathe through emotions, to be able to pause before acting, to be mindful of their bodies and more. Through mindfulness, children can learn self-awareness and self-calming strategies that will become life-long skills for handling stress and emotions. These books show characters in laughable and relatable situations. Kids may want to read these books frequently, and hopefully they will learn a few self-regulation skills along the way. The links between empathy and reading literary fiction are well documented. A 2019 study looked at how children’s story books foster identification with characters who are dissimilar from the readers. Check them out at your local school or public library or consider purchasing them as gifts.

The TeacherDoor.com

• How to Apologize by David LaRochelle. This is a funny and handy guide that explains just how (and how not!) to say “I’m sorry.” Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone knew how to apologize? Luckily, this humorous guidebook is full of practical tips about when, why, and how to say you’re sorry. From a porcupine who accidentally popped his friend’s balloon to a snail who was running so fast he stepped on a sloth’s toes, hilarious examples and illustrations abound. For both listeners who are just learning and older readers who need a refresher, this book will come as a welcome reminder that even though apologizing can be hard, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

• A Little Calm SPOT: A Story About Yoga and Feeling Focused by Diane Alber. Sometimes when your emotions get TOO Big, it’s hard to stay CALM and FOCUSED. This book is about how using breathing, movement and mindset can help overcome some of the biggest emotions. This book is full of fun illustrations that will inspire children to try belly breathing and yoga!

• How Do Dinosaurs Say I’M Mad by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague. Highly sensitive kids often struggle with how to effectively express and handle anger. This book does a great job of demonstrating appropriate and inappropriate ways of handling anger in a humorous way that children can relate too. Plus what child doesn’t love dinosaurs!

• Waiting is Not Easy by Mo Willems. Our family loves Elephant and Piggie books and this one is no exception. In fact, this is one of my favorites in the series. A humorous book that tackles the topic of being patient and delayed satisfaction.

• The Great Big Book of Feelings by Mary Hoffman. This book explores a wide variety of feelings and helps the reader see how emotions can creep up in a variety of different settings. This is a great book to reference when a child is struggling with a specific feeling, as it also gives ideas for working through big emotions.

• I Can Handle It! By Laurie Wright. In this book, the main character identifies challenging emotions he faces in varying situations and then gives great kid-friendly examples of how he can handle it. An effective story to teach kids how to use positive self-talk when dealing with tough emotions.

• Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia. This book is unique in that it not only addresses the mental side of emotions and feelings, but also the physical side, the body sensations, that can accompany them.

• The Way I Feel by Janin Cain. This rhyming picture book is a great introduction to feelings. The illustrations reflect the characters feelings and teaches about emotions in a simple way that younger children can understand.

• Sometimes I Feel Like a Storm Cloud by Lezlie Evans. This story uses analogies as it takes the reader on a journey of the everyday ups and downs of big emotions felt by children.

• The Color Monster by  Anna Llenas. In this story a young girl tries to help a monster who feels “All mixed up.”  Feelings are associated with colors and described in a way that young readers can understand.

• What Were You Thinking? By Bryan Smith. This story is about Learning to control impulses. Braden, a 3rd grader, is learning how to control his impulses. Braden wants to be funny and blurts out things he shouldn’t, reacts to things he believes to be unfair without thinking, and eats a bunch of cupcakes without thinking about who or what they might be for. Braden has some pretty understanding adults in his life who give him some tips on how to start controlling his impulses: Stop, Think and decide if your actions will make the situation better or worse. This book opens a lot of opportunities to talk about self-regulation in the school setting. Things like when you can be funny when you should be serious, how to react to situations when you are angry, and thinking through issues.

• Of Course, It’s a Big Deal by Bryan Smith. Reacting calmly and appropriately during these times is an important skill for children to learn and use to be successful at home, school, and with others. Braden brings the drama to every minor misunderstanding and annoyance in his life! What was supposed to be a carefree afternoon of go-kart racing and putt-putt golfing quickly turns sour when Braden shouts and pouts about the rules. When homework interferes with Braden’s plans, he overreacts again, and makes things even more difficult on himself. But Mom and Dad are there to teach Braden the best way to react calmly. Find out what lessons are learned in this fast-paced story about the perils of overreacting and losing self-control. 
  • The same author has also written My Day is Ruined!.

• What Should Danny Do? School Day by Ganit & Adir Levy. 8 stories in 1! Danny is back in an all new adventure! In this follow up to the #1 Amazon Best Seller, What Should Danny Do?, your children will get to decide how Danny’s day at school will end! Children love being able to make all the choices for this Superhero-in-Training and control the outcome of the book, while parents and teachers love the lessons the book teaches! Try to reach all 8 endings in this “Choose Your Own Story” adventure!
  • If you enjoyed this book you may also enjoy sharing What Should Danny Do?

BOOKS ABOUT MINDFULNESS. These recommended books about mindfulness are great resources for helping kids further develop their social-emotional awareness. They encourage kids to cope with challenging situations through breathing exercises, journaling, and other activities. Mindfulness is simply focusing and guiding your attention. And while it may sound easy, it’s one of the best ways to help your brain adapt to and manage stress. The benefits of mindfulness are mental and physical, including improved immunity, better heart health, less depression and anxiety, and sharper cognitive skills and helping children to make better choices.  Empower your children with mindful skills such as awareness and stillness. Increase their well-being and enable them to meet the world with calm confidence, compassion, and presence. Mindfulness is the contentment that comes from being deeply engaged right now. One of the most powerful skills you can teach children is how to return to that state of wonder and presence. Mindfulness helps us to live in harmony with our thoughts, words, and actions. “Mindfulness” helps to achieve relaxation, gratitude and positive thoughts and we can teach children to learn this skills through books. Check these recommended books out at your local school or public library or consider purchasing them as gifts.

•  I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde. Created by the same team who wrote I Am Yoga, I Am Peace is a wonderful picture book that helps children find peace through mindful practice. It is an ideal tool for teachers in the classroom and moms and dads at bedtime, as it brings a simple clear message of awareness and understanding in a manner perfect for kids. Connect your kids with the earth. Enhance their imagination. Develop the expression of their emotions. Be present in the present.

• Cassidy’s Present by Sue Mateer. If your child loves dogs this is a great book to inspire mindfulness. Cassidy is a playful pup who likes the smell of flowers, the feel of the warm sun, and the taste of a snowflake on her tongue. But her human friends, Anna and Charlie, seem too distracted by the cares and concerns of their everyday life to join Cassidy as she plays through the seasons. Cassidy helps her friends to appreciate the present moment and everything it has to offer.

• Listening with My Heart: A Story of Kindness & Self-Compassion by Gabi Garcia. As much as it is necessary and important to teach our kids to be friendly to others, it is essential to talk to them about being friends to themselves. This friendly book regards self-acceptance and positive self-talk to be helpful in building a child’s emotional resilience to develop a happy and strong mentality. Listening to My Heart also touches on other universal subjects of empathy, friendship, and kindness. As a bonus, mindfulness and self-compassion activities are also included in this small yet beautiful book.

• The Mindful Dragon by Steve Herman. Kids love dragons, and, with the help of cute and entertaining creative illustrations, the Mindful Dragon teaches kids the importance of focus and peace, and helps them develop an understanding of their present emotions. What if your dragon is worried about many things? Well, grab this fun book and train him to be mindful!

• Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids by Eline Snel. Even kids have anxieties and worries. Sitting Like a Frog presents mindfulness practices in a simple, kid-friendly way to help children learn concentration, deal with anxiety and stress, and handle demanding emotions. The book also contains practices that are focused on certain common scenarios to help youngsters get a grip on their feelings, manage anger, become more aware, and exercise patience. Along with the book is a 60-minute audio CD of guided exercises. This book is the perfect introduction to mindfulness meditation.

• What Does It Mean to Be Present? By Rana DiOrio. Join a group of friends in this interactive book as they navigate through childhood in school, at home, and at the beach! Follow their experiences as they learn how to be in the present, such as waiting patiently for their turn, focusing on what is happening at the moment, and noticing and taking action when someone needs help. For parents and teachers, this book is a great tool to help children start mindfulness early and set the tone for their lives!

• Meditation Is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids by Whitney Stewart. This book contains simple exercises that help children to help handle difficult emotions, manage stress, deal with challenges, and find focus. This book is designed to teach children the value of kindness and gratitude and how to feel safe when afraid, be calm when anxious, and relax when frustrated. Simple and fun, this mindfulness book is perfect for helping kids navigate through their everyday life, all the while maintaining their wellbeing.

• I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids by Gabi Garcia. Positive self-talk builds confidence, and confidence empowers a person. Start from the early years and help your children tap into their own inner strength to find the empowerment they need for situations they will face in everyday life. This fun and colorful book is a wonderful way to teach kids to practice kindness and peace, speak up when necessary, handle difficult situations, and listen to that quiet voice inside.

• Yoga and Mindfulness for Kids by Uliana Klepinina. Providing real, actionable yoga information, this book is an ideal partner for adults to practice yoga with their kids. This book introduces the secrets of yoga success and the reasons why yoga is an effective way to build a child’s wellness and help him/her cope with emotional stress. It is also a powerful method to bring the child’s attention to the present. The book presents a Kid’s side containing beautiful, colorful illustrations, and a Parent’s Side, which houses high-quality colored photographs of yoga poses.

• Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MacLean. A perfect way to introduce meditation to children, Moody Cow Meditates is designed to help kids discover calm, confidence, and resilience! In this fun-filled, colourful book, Peter the cow learns how to manage his mind and control his emotions through a simple exercise with the help of his grandfather. Teach your child the secret to handling negative emotions and calming  thoughts with this playful book.

• The Boy with Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee. A child learns to process the huge waves of  positive and negative emotions he experiences regularly.

• Alphabreaths: The ABC’s of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard and Daniel Rechtschaffe. Objects in nature—such as trees and mountains—are used as verbal cues in this relaxation-focused picture book.

BOOKS ABOUT GRANDPARENTS: National Grandparents’ Day in Canada is on the second Sunday in September –  September 10, 2023. The special relationship between a child and their grandparent is worth celebrating. The following picture books make wonderful gifts that both grandparents and children may enjoy sharing. These books about grandparents are fun to read any time of the year. Grandparents will love reading them to their grandkids (or getting them as gifts) and in the classroom, these books can be an especially fun addition to your Grandparent’s Day celebrations. Check them out at your local school or public library or consider purchasing them as gifts.

• How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan. Celebrate the special bond between grandmas and grandkids with this delightful New York Times bestseller that puts the kids in charge of babysitting…if just for one day. The perfect gift for Mother’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, and any day shared with Grandma!

• How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan. When you babysit a grandma, if you’re lucky, you’ll have a sleepover at her house! And with the useful tips found in this book, you’re guaranteed to become an expert grandma-sitter in no time. (Be sure to check out the sections on: How to keep a grandma busy; Things to do at the park; Possible places to sleep, and what to do once you’re both tucked in for the night.) 

• Grandpa’s Tractor by Michael Garland. Kids and grandparents who love tractors or have a connection to them will appreciate this heartfelt story. Filled with nostalgia and charm, it celebrates farms, family, and fond memories. It might even inspire children to ask their grandparents about what life was like when they were young.

• Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, she always brings her purse. For her granddaughter, the purse is almost magical. She can’t wait to open it up and see what Grandma has inside. With bright, energetic illustrations, readers will be enchanted by this familiar slice-of-life story.

• Just Grandma, Grandpa, and Me by Mercer Mayer. In these heartwarming stories, Little Critter gets to spend the day with two of the best people: grandma and grandpa! This two-in-one picture book features both grandparents.

• My Nana’s Garden by Dawn Casey. After her grandmother passed away, a young girl discovers that the special connection they shared still exists in her heart. Told through lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, this book is a must-read for any child dealing with the loss of a grandparent.

• Nana the Great by Lisa Tawn Bergren. This adorable picture book shows how the little things grandparents do for the grandkids can make big impressions on them. Of course, everything’s more fun when Nana comes to visit. After all, she has no problem breaking some of Mama’s rules — like making a mess or climbing too high. She may be a little bit naughty, but it’s in the best, most loving way.

• Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Laksmi. This tasty picture book celebrates grandparents who live far from their grandchildren and the traditions passed down through families. Through this heartfelt story about a girl learning to cook Paati’s (her grandmother) recipes, bestselling author and TV personality Padma Lakshmi gives readers the chance to reflect on the foods, flavors, and customs in their own families.

• Granddude’s Green Submarine by Paul McCartney. If you loved Hey Granddude, the first book in this charming series from music legend Paul McCartney, you don’t want to miss the sequel! Everyone piles into Granddude’s green submarine for a new adventure beneath the ocean waves. Filled with imagination, music, and the right amount of danger, this book will delight kids and grandparents alike.

• Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola. A charming reminiscence of the author’s close childhood relationship with his grandmothers. Their bond is heartwarming, and even Nana Upstairs’ eventual death is handled gently and touchingly.  This book is a nostalgic tribute to the author’s family, but its theme rings true –that not only people but our love for them survives in our memories–is universally true and important. 

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION BOOKS: Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”.  The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. On September 30, all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. Here are a few of our recommended books for kids. Check them out at your local school or public library or consider purchasing them as gifts.

• I’m Finding my Talk by Rebecca Thomas. A response to Rita Joe’s iconic poem I Lost My Talk, and published comes a companion picture book by award—winning spoken—word artist and Mi’kmaw activist Rebecca Thomas. A second—generation residential school survivor, Thomas writes this response poem openly and honestly, reflecting on the process of working through the destructive effects of colonialism. From sewing regalia to dancing at powwow to learning traditional language, This book is about rediscovering her community, and finding culture. Features stunning, vibrant illustrations by Mi’kmaw artist Pauline Young.

• Stolen Words by Melanie Florence. The story of the beautiful relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. When she asks her grandfather how to say something in his language – Cree – he admits that his language was stolen from him when he was a boy. The little girl then sets out to help her grandfather find his language again. This sensitive and warmly illustrated picture book explores the intergenerational impact of the residential school system that separated young Indigenous children from their families. The story recognizes the pain of those whose culture and language were taken from them, how that pain is passed down, and how healing can also be shared.

• When we Were Alone by David Robertson. A young girl notices things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully coloured clothing? Why does she speak Cree and spend so much time with her family? As the girl asks questions, her grandmother shares her experiences in a residential school, when all of these things were taken away. Also available in a bilingual Swampy Cree/English edition. Download the free teacher guide on the Portage & Main Press website.

• Swift Fox All Alone by Rebecca Thomas. When Swift Fox’s father picks her up to go visit her aunties, uncles, and cousins, her belly is already full of butterflies. And when he tells her that today is the day that she’ll learn how to be Mi’kmaq, the butterflies grow even bigger. Though her father reassures her that Mi’kmaq is who she is from her eyes to her toes, Swift Fox doesn’t understand what that means. Her family welcomes her with smiles and hugs, but when it’s time to smudge and everyone else knows how, Swift Fox feels even more like she doesn’t belong. Then she meets her cousin Sully and realizes that she’s not the only one who’s unsure—and she may even be the one to teach him something about what being Mi’kmaq means. Based on the author’s own experience, with striking illustrations by Maya McKibbin, Swift Fox All Along is a poignant story about identity and belonging that is at once personal and universally resonant.

• Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad. This true story also inspired the movement of Orange Shirt Day and is a federal statutory holiday. When Phyllis Webstad (nee Jack) turned six, she went to the residential school for the first time. On her first day at school, she wore a shiny orange shirt that her Granny had bought for her, but when she got to the school, it was taken away from her and never returned. This is the true story of Phyllis and her orange shirt. It is also the story of Orange Shirt Day (an important day of remembrance for First Nations and non First Nations Canadians).

Facebook.com

SONGS: Music means children spending time creating feeling and emotion.

CREATING A LEARNER-CENTERED CLASSROOM: Learn more about how teachers can facilitate student-centered learning. 

• How to Set up a Learner-centered classroom.
• Student Centered Learning – Why How and What.
• Watch the video Focus, Flow and Frazzle by Daniel Goleman

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING:

• The Feeling Song.
• The Mood Song.
• Kind Words.
• My Wallaby Won’t Use His Words 
• Sad, Bad, Terrible Day
• Emotions Hokey Pokey
• Songs About Emotions.
• Feelings Game for Kids.
• Coping Skills – Managing Feelings and Emotions.

MINDFULNESS:

• I Need to Slow Things Down.
• Calm Body, Calm Mind.

GRANDPARENTS: It is important to include grandparents at home and at school. There is a threefold purpose: to honour the important role of grandparents; to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children and to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

• Grandparents Are Special.
• A Song for Grandma and Grandpa.
• Grandma’s House.
• Grandma’s Got a Little Purple Car.
• The Grandpa Song.
• Grandpa’s Farm.
• Grandma’s Spectacles – Action Song

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION:

• Orange Shirt Day Song.
• Every Child Matters Dance.
• The Day for Truth & Reconciliation.
• Orange Shirt Day with Phyllis Webstad.
• Messages from Kids about Orange Shirt Day.

STUDENT-CENTERED LEARNING

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

As children prepare to go back to school, it is important to support those who may be feeling anxious. The following information and activities are for both parents and educators. It is hoped that by addressing and being supportive of children’s concerns, they will adjust quicker to the new school year.

CREATING A WARM AND WELCOMING LEARNER-CENTERED CLASSROOM: Gone are the days when students sit quietly in rows, with the teacher talking. That’s not how the teaching and learning process works anymore. Instead, students are active participants in the learning process and construct their own knowledge. The teacher is a guide who provides them with context, background knowledge, and activities that will help them acquire the skills that they will need to compete in our global economy. How can teachers facilitate student-centered learning? As you begin to think about setting up the classroom, consider these important pillars to create a warm and engaging learner-centered classroom.

CONNECTION – One of the most important pillars of classroom management is connection. Students who feel connected to you and to other students behave better.  Imagine yourself in any new setting or group of people.  How do you feel before you’ve made any connections?  Unsure, anxious, maybe even distrustful? Some children come into our classrooms carrying past negative experiences with adults or peers that color the way they relate to us and their new classmates.  We need to make personal connections to help those students feel seen, included, and part of the group. Kids who feel connected are more willing to open up and be a part of the group.  They are more invested in the group’s goals and willing to hear feedback from the teacher or their peers.  For some students, connection is the single most important factor in promoting better behavior.

ENGAGEMENT – Many teachers think of engagement as a goal related to instruction and learning.  But engagement may also be the single most powerful classroom management strategy available to us.  When students WANT to be a part of things, when they are excited about what they are doing and are interested in the outcomes, we see better behavior. Students who are engaged and excited about learning are motivated to make better choices that keep them involved and help them remain a part of the group.  

DEVELOPMENTAL ALIGNMENT – So often, we forget that kids are kids.  In well-run classrooms, the day is designed for the students.  This means that we are thoughtful about the age, developmental-levels, and abilities of our students. It means that we use active learning strategies and build in time for movement and brain breaks. And it means that we differentiate instruction so that we honor the needs of different students.  For some kids, frustration or boredom leads to behavior issues in the classroom.  To ensure better behavior, set children up for success by creating a learning environment that works for all.

ROUTINES – Humans are creatures of habit.  For much of our day, we operate on autopilot, doing things simply because it’s the way we’ve always done them.  Many challenging classroom behaviors are nothing more than bad habits that can be replaced.  By creating efficient routines and training students to follow those routines, you are building good habits that will run on auto-pilot.  The beauty of strong routines is that with minimal time and maintenance, you can instill good habits that will carry on throughout the school year (and beyond).  On the flip side, without strong routines, you increase feelings of anxiety and stress in your students, which in turn leads to more behavior issues.

EXPECTATIONS – In addition to strong routines, we must repeatedly review positive and clear explanations of what we expect students to do.  Be careful not to focus on sharing expectations of what not to do (don’t run, don’t talk, don’t hit) when our true goal is to allow students to visualize what they should be doing.  You can empower your students to come up with expectations for different parts of the school day by asking simple questions like: What should we be doing? What should it look and sound like? and why? Children need opportunities to understand and practice expectations along with knowing the reasoning behind each one.  This is not about posting a list of rules, but about helping kids visualize what success will look like before each activity or part of the school day.

Celebratingchildhood.com

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT is key to a successful school year.  The beginning of the school year is the time to teach acceptable classroom behaviours and expected procedures or systems.  It is also the time to promote positive behavior in the classroom.  Promoting positive behavior in the classroom is an essential part of teaching.  If you are positive and show your students kindness and compassion, they will respect you in return. Check out these classroom management tips and tricks to help your school year go smoothly. Remember that these classroom management strategies take time, so be as kind to yourself in this process as you would be to your students.

• Embrace Predictability through the following Classroom Management Strategies:
  • Post your class schedule for students to see. When students know what to expect, they’re more likely to oblige. Incorporate posting your daily schedule into your classroom management strategy so students know what’s on deck and can prepare themselves. If your plan ends up needing to be changed, be transparent with your students about why and take the moment to emphasize the importance of being flexible when needed.
  • Preview exciting lesson plans and materials. Use a strong hook in your lesson introduction. Add some creativity to this preview to pique your students’ interests and capture their attention.
  • Practice transitions with students: Similar to having a classroom routine, practicing lesson and class transitions gives students an opportunity to learn, understand, and improve the way they change from one activity to another. Rehearse one or two transitions consistently to allow for the habit to take shape. 

• Use Smart Classroom Management to Correct Disruptive Behavior
  • Explore creative solutions to prevent disruptive behavior before it begins. Adding an activity such as brain breaks or movement activities after recess can be a creative way to defuse their energy. 
  • Be positive as you redirect students’ behavior. Maintain neutral body language and an even tone of voice while redirecting your student’s attention so students feel encouraged, not punished. 
  • Give appropriately-sized consequences. While it’s important to correct behaviors before they escalate, it’s equally important to ensure the consequence matches the action so trust and fairness are developed.  
  • Address classroom behavior with individual students instead of the whole class. Correct individual students’ behavior instead of reprimanding the class at large. If you do need to address the whole class, be positive. This allows you to acknowledge on-task students’ positive behavior and to motivate disruptive students to change their course.

• At the outset of the school year ask your class to brainstorm classroom behaviours that will encourage the best learning for all. Consider creating a poster so children are reminded. It might look like this:

• Read All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman. This story celebrates diversity and inclusion in a school where everyone, no matter their dress or skin color, is welcomed with open arms. Parents and educators may wish to download and discuss Why Do they Look so Different.
• Focus on Math skills that highlight: Know Your numbers 1 – 10; Counting from 50 – 100; Identifying numbers 1 – 20.
• Consider sending home regular communication with your parents. Your newsletter might contain some of these items.
• Consider downloading these Positive Notes for kids OR these Positive Notes for Kids. “Catch them being good!” What better way to start off the year by connecting and finding positive things to say about the children in your class.
• Routines are important to establish. Download these Bedtime routines or School Morning Routines.
• Download a Classroom Management Tip Sheet OR consider these suggested Classroom Management Tips.
• Read about Morning Meeting Ideas and Routines for K-3 to Start the Day Off Right.
• Download this Back to School checklist for parents.
• Download this Back to School Drawing Prompts OR Back to School Printable Puzzles.
• Download the Emotion Mood Wheel for kids.
• Download this set of Mindset posters.
• Provide opportunities for children in the class to get to know each other better. Download this activity for children- Find A Friend to learn more about their classmates OR this classroom Scavenger Hunt.
• Download this All About Me and My Classmates activity to start off the year on a positive note.

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL/MINDFULNESS (SEL) ACTIVITIES: Including social emotional learning activities during teaching can lead to better academic performance. There is great value in teaching the whole child. Social emotional learning helps kids understand themselves and others, leading to better quality relationships and interactions. The teacher who cultivates a classroom culture of caring makes students feel welcome, respected, and more comfortable. As a result, in this kind of setting, students are best able to take risks, make mistakes, and learn. Their minds are open to learning when their basic needs of feeling safe, relaxed, and cared for are met. Recognizing and identifying one’s emotions is one of the best life skills anyone can have. Thus, teaching children as early as possible how to identify and express their emotions is an essential part of their growth and development. Asking them every day about how they feel is a crucial tool for improving a child’s  emotional intelligence.

• Parents & Educators can improve SEL learning through the following ways:
  • Recognizing their own feelings and labeling them for children;
  • Talking about specific feelings and how to achieve them;
  • Narrating children’s behavior using feeling and emotion words;
  • Expressing your own feelings and how they affect your actions;
  • Discussing different strategies for how to deal with certain feelings.
• Read The Great Big Book of Feelings or  I Can Handle It! and download this Character Traits package.
• Brainstorm strategies that children can use to develop their independence and boost their confidence.
• Download these 12 Self-Regulation Strategies and learn more about the supporting research.
• The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence has created an effective and systematic way to teach kids about social and emotional intelligence. Their acronym RULER stands for the 5 skills of emotional intelligence: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing and Regulating. Learn more about RULER.
• Download this Growth Mindset Game.
  • Scroll down to download several handouts for Growth Mindset Centers.
• Download this Feeling Faces Activity play dough activity to help children explore the first three parts of RULER: recognizing, understanding, and labelling. If your child is having difficulty understanding and labeling their feelings, or the feelings of others, it may also be beneficial during this activity to have them describe and create the features that go with each emotion.
• As you promote children’s positive self-image, consider downloading these Writing Prompts for Kids.
• Download this poster about Words to encourage children.
• Download this How Do You Feel Today  poster. These feelings face flashcards can come in handy in a game of charades, making play-dough feelings faces, or even in a feelings memory matching game. Make sure to print out 2 sets.

• Download these Feelings Flashcards. To make a matching game, download two copies, cut out, and have children match the pictures. Ask them to describe their feelings and actions as they match each of the cards.

• Download these Emotion Graphics (click on the ones you would like to download)

• Download this Ice Cream Alphabet Matching Activity (funwithmama.com)
• Download this Feelings Bingo Game. Click on the Download button for free copies.
• Listen to Coping Skills – Managing Feelings and Emotions.
• Create a Feelings Matching game. Download these Big Emotions cards and also check  the information about anxiety. You may wish to create a matching game as described above.

• Download this Feelings Ball Toss Game. Ball toss games are a great way to have students enjoy learning new vocabulary. All you need is a board with images or text and a ball. A sticky ball with a white board works great and a smart board also works.

Pinterest.com

FALL ACTIVITIES:

• Download a September calendar – click on the suggested activities.
• Download two Fall Word Search OR this easy Fall Word Search.
• Download a set of Fall Flashcards.
• Download this List of Fun things to Draw in the Fall.
• Enjoy some relaxation and have children complete this Fall Colour by Number activity.
• Download this Nature Journal for your children. This journal template is an introduction to nature journaling for children. It gives them prompts and tasks to complete. With only ten pages, they will be able to fill it in a day or two. If they enjoy the experience, afterwards they will be able to start another nature journal from scratch.
• There are many Benefits for children to keep a Nature Journal, as it:
  • improves their observational skills;
  • encourages them to practice drawing and writing skills;
  • allows them to create a keepsake;
  • gets them outside to be engaged and active;
  • connects with other people through art and nature – especially if friends or family members do it together.
• Go for a hike and enjoy completing this Fall Scavenger Hunt.
• Collect colorful fall leaves and create leaf rubbings.

• Download the poem Autumn is coming to accompany your display of children’s hand leave prints.

Pinterest.com

3. Explore, Engage & Interact together 🌍

Activities for Kids and Grandparents. National Grandparents’ Day is celebrated on September 10, 2023. To honor the occasion here is a list of fun things for grandparents to do with their grandkids. Whether they have a weekend sleepover planned or just an afternoon visit, this list is sure to keep kids (and grandparents) entertained and making marvelous memories. Because let’s face it, while kids never get enough time with grandma and grandpa, sometimes the generation gap can make it hard to think of things to do together.

• Download these Grandparent’s activities.
• Download this Family Tree and ask children to create one for their family. Family members of all ages love talking about their family. While the kids and grandparents draw out the different branches and see how far back in the tree they can go, ask grandparents to tell stories about different family members. These stories help kids feel connected to family and the past. 
• Ask children to interview their grandparents. Once the interview is over children can post the Q & A on poster boards w/a picture of their grandparent(s) and themselves or the questions can be put into a story form.
  • You may wish to choose a selection of the following Sample Questions for children to  ‘Interview’ Their Grandparents.
    • Where were you born? What year?
    • What are the names and birth-dates of your brothers and sisters?
    • Did you have a pet when you were growing up?
    • Did you get an allowance?
    • Who was more strict, your mom or dad?
    • What were your favorite games and activities?
    • What chores did you have to do?
    • What did your house look like? Is it still there?
    • Did your house have electricity when you were young?
    • What traditions did your family have?
    • Did your family have reunions?
    • Did you like school? What kinds of grades did you get?
    • What were your favorite subjects?
    • When you were a teenager, what time did you have to be home at night?
    • How old were you when you met grandma/grandpa?
    • How old were you when you got married?
    • What was your first job?
    • Tell me about my mom/dad when he/she was growing up.
    • What makes you proud of my mom/dad?
    • Have you accomplished what you wanted in life?
    • What advice would you like to give me?
    • What was their favorite music/group/band?
    • What things do we have today that were not in existence when they were young?

• Make a fort. Who says making a fort is just for kids? Grandma and grandpa likely have a few fort-building techniques the kids have never seen. Get out the sheets and couch cushions and enjoy hours of indoor fun.
• Play cards. This is a fun and easy way for kids of all ages to spend time with grandparents. Classics such as UNO, Go Fish, and Old Maid are easy games for even very young kids to learn. Keep the card playing going all day as you work through our list of 25 card games every kid should know.
• Do crossword puzzles. Crossword puzzles not only get your mind moving but puzzles also help kids with reading, writing, and spelling. Give everyone a little brain workout with some kid-friendly crossword puzzles. There are plenty of free ones to download here. 
• Read books together.  Check out the Grandparents’ books in Read and Sing together listed above. Reading is one of the best things any adult can do together with a child. With grandma or grandpa, it’s even more special. Have kids and grandparents take turns reading to each other from their favorite book. Another great place to look for a new book to read is in this list of 100 Kids’ Books Every Child Should Read Before They Grow Up.
• Draw portraits of each other. Set up the kids and grandparents with some paper and colored pencils and ask them to draw portraits of one another. Keep these prints to frame as a birthday or holiday gift!
• Play board games. Board games are a fun and easy way to pass the time, especially on a cold or rainy day. The best part is you likely already have a few on hand; but if you need some new games, here are some suggestions for the best board games for all ages.
• Put on a puppet show. A puppet show is a great way to stay active for an entire afternoon. Watch this video to learn some ways to create simple paper puppets. 
• Bake together. Grandma’s desserts instantly take everyone back to childhood. Choose easy recipes that kids can help make or grandparents can pass down a secret family recipe!
• Colour together. There’s something timeless and soothing about sitting down to color. With a new pack of crayons and coloring books or download these printed out colouring pages. Kids and grandparents can spend some restful and creative time together.

Classroom Activities:

• Ask students to bring in pictures of their grandparents as children. Create a bulletin board with these photos. See if the class can match the grandparents’ photos to the correct classmate. It may help to have pictures of the students as well. This promotes an understanding of growing up and the aging process.
• Consider having a grandparent’s day. Invite the children’s grandparents to school. You may wish to share a favorite grandparent story and song with them. Children can give a tour of the room. You may wish to serve cookies and a drink. Give each grandparent a downloadable vintage bookmarker or you may wish to have children create their own bookmarker for their grandparents.

Elsa-support.co.uk

SELF-REGULATION, MINDFULNESS AND CALMING STRATEGIES: Games and therapy tools that support planning and problem solving, patience, memory, attention, motor control, and sequencing can help kids develop the ability to self-regulate despite challenging situations and circumstances. Self-regulation tools kids can remind children how to stay calm and demonstrate self-control at school. Calming techniques, self-awareness exercises, and mindfulness activities can also be effective in supporting the development of self-regulation.

• A difficult part of self-regulation is knowing what to say in specific situations, as children often get overwhelmed by their emotions. Educators can download the following activities to support children who are learning about social behavior.
  • Activity for children to label their thoughts – Inside & Outside.
  • Thinking through decisions – Ups and Downs.
  • Should statements be thought or said – Think It or Say It.
  • Introduce children to deep breathing with Follow the Shapes.
  • Children learn more about self-control – Self-Control Spotting.
• Educators take a look at these student-centric Engagement Strategies.
• Download this poster about Words to encourage children.
• Check out the wholeheartedschoolcounsellingservices.com website for free downloadable SEL resources.
• Here are some recommended SEL apps for children from 3 – 9 years of age.
• Ask children to brainstorm ideas to help them when they feel Mad, Sad, Worried or Unfocussed at school. You may wish to create a chart to record their ideas and display to act as a reminder.

• Ask children to brainstorm ideas of how they can cope when they are upset. You may wish to create a chart to record their ideas and display to act as a reminder.

kindermooney.blogspot.com

• Download 5 things that I like about myself.
• Download these positive and encouraging Permission Slips – at home or in the classroom.

TRUTH & RECONCILIATION ACTIVITIES: Adults should approach the subject tenderly, honestly, and with age-appropriate information. Remember that children may be new to learning about Residential Schools. Please preview all materials you plan to use. Think about how you will answer tough questions-like the different types of abuse students suffered-so that you have answers prepared for the learning age and maturity of your students. While it is important to be honest with students, it is also important to give them age appropriate answers. Avoid “sanitizing” the truth. Not speaking the truth is part of the reason Residential Schools and their history has been so unknown to most Canadians. Education is one of the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

• Encourage children to wear an orange shirt to class. It is one of the simplest ways to show support.
• Sing some songs like Orange Shirt Day Song and then read some of the recommended books such as: Stolen Words OR When we Were Alone OR Swift Fox All Alone.
• Make bannock – see recipe below.
• As a first step in this activity, based on the knowledge acquired by students to date on Canada’s Residential Schools, ask them to compare their class or their school to that of a residential school in Canada.
  • Ask students to identify similarities and differences? Consider using the chart below to list their findings.
    My classroom / My school compared to a residential classroom or school

Similarities Differences  

• As a second step in this activity, ask students to imagine they are a new residential school student at the primary or elementary level. They have an opportunity to write a letter to one person about their experience in their new surroundings and their new life.
  • Who would they write the letter to?
  • What would the letter say?

• Questions addressing hope for future change:
  • As one INDIVIDUAL person, what actions can you take to support the ongoing process of reconciliation?
  • As a CLASSROOM or school, what collaborative actions can you take to support the ongoing process of reconciliation?
  • If you had to reach out to your COMMUNITY, what could you do to increase public knowledge of the injustices brought on to Aboriginal People in Canada?
  • If you had to explain about Truth and Reconciliation to someone who knew nothing about this, what would you say?

Nsg.kavibham.org

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT: Yoga, brain breaks and flow activities encourage mindfulness, and are all forms of exercise that help kids with flexibility and muscle tone. It also improves their focus and reduces stress.

YOGA:

• You may wish to begin yoga by reading A Little Calm SPOT: A Story About Yoga and Feeling Focused.
• Yoga for Kids.
• Rocky the Rabbit.
• Cosmic Kids Yoga – YouTube.
• Mini The Puppy (Mindfulness)
• Download this Growth Mindset Yoga Poster OR these Yoga Poses.
• Download these Affirmation Cards. Read more about games to play with the affirmation cards. 

BRAIN BREAKS:

• Download these lyrics and enjoy 5 Brain Break Songs.
• Every Child Matters Dance.
• Brain Break; Exercise Song.
• Be a Scientist.
• King Shapes.
• Giddy Up.
• Move With Me & Action Songs. 
• Hello, Hello Can you Clap Hands.
• Walk Around The Circle Song .
• Walking, Walking.
• Meet the Teacher Brain Break for Kids.
• Grandma’s Spectacles.
• All About Me Reading – Brain Break.

FLOW: is a term used in psychology to mean the mental state of a person completely immersed in an activity. It is an altered state of consciousness. The person is fully focused, performing actively and successfully. 

• Melting.
• Rainbow Breath.
• From Mindless to Mindful.
• Bring it Down.
• Meditation for Kids – Calming Activity

NUTRITION: There are so many reasons to love this time of year because of the seasonal produce. The seasonality of food refers to the time when food is at its peak in terms of harvest. There are so many reasons to love cooking in the Fall because of the fresh produce. Eating in season is associated with enhanced flavor, nutrition, and affordability. As you teach children about Truth and Reconciliation, make some Canadian Bannock bread together.

NutritionbyMia.com

• Download these Positive Affirmation Lunchbox Notes.
• More downloadable Positive Lunchbox Notes OR these OR these. (superbusymom.net)

• Download this poster – How to Include KIDS in the Kitchen for ideas.
• Check out these 5 Gluten Free Back to School recipes.

FALL RECIPES:

• Try this Traditional Canadian Bannock Bread. Children will enjoy pounding the dough!

• Create this family friendly Apple Crisp where kids can join in by peeling apples and mixing the toppings and adding the ice-cream on top!

• Root Vegetable Soup for kids. This simple, robust, cold-weather soup can be made with any mixture of root vegetables you have on hand: carrots, parsnips, celery root, turnips, rutabaga, sweet or regular potato. Flavored with garlic, rosemary and bay leaves on top of a sauté of onions and celery, it’s an earthy, sweet, and warming meal for days where the air has some bite. Puree and then top with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice, some grated cheese, flaky salt and a shower of black pepper.

• Cranberry muffins. There’s an abundance of cranberries in B.C. during the fall. Children can mix, stir and chop the cranberries as they help out in the kitchen.

• Pear Crisp. This dessert recipe is perfect for using fresh pears. It’s easy to make so kids can help cutting, mixing and putting it together!

• Apple Crostata. This simple apple recipe is another way to involve children in preparing a yummy dessert.

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning 💭

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE:

• Learn more about 50 free SEL resources for you to download.

SELF-REGULATION STRATEGIES:

Download this poster

• Read 5 Key Steps to Raising Assertive Kids

CREATING A LEARNER-CENTERED CLASSROOM:

Self-reg.ca

CELEBRATING FALL:

CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS:

Excuse some of the language – no offense meant/just fun