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Learning Together Joyfully: February: Love & Surprise

Welcome back parents, grandparents, educators and caregivers. Winter is truly upon us. This month brings a special celebration for Valentine’s Day. It is time to share good feelings, kindness, books and activities at home and in the classroom. Groundhog Day is also a time to celebrate with songs, books and activities. This month also includes information about the importance of organizing regular morning meetings. Family Day events are also included for Vancouver and Prince George. Enjoy the many winter, groundhog, Valentine’s Day, Family Day, Leap Year, Chinese New Year and classroom meeting activities, books and songs as you play, learn, grow, together throughout February!

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Understanding literature requires intelligent judgments and decisions based upon reasonable and reflective thought. To make such judgments students must become familiar with how reading works.

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VALENTINE BOOKS: February is a great month to be stocked with engaging picture books about kindness, love, and friendship. Snuggle up with your favorite little Valentine and read these favorite books that are sure to warm your heart, home and classroom.

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  • Love by Matt de la Pena. From Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long comes a story about the strongest bond there is and the diverse and powerful ways it connects us all. In this heartfelt celebration of love, Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long depict the many ways we experience this universal bond, which carries us from the day we are born throughout the years of our childhood and beyond. With a lyrical text that’s soothing and inspiring, this tender tale is a needed comfort and a new classic that will resonate with readers of every age.
  • This is not a Valentine by Carter Higgins. This book is not a valentine. It doesn’t have lacey edges or sugary hearts. But it is full of lucky rocks, secret hiding spots, and gumball machine treasures. This is a book about waiting in line and wishing for cinnamon buns. About recognizing that if you care so much about someone not thinking you care, maybe you really do. But wait—isn’t that exactly what love is about? Maybe this book is sort of a valentine after all. A testament to handmade, wacky, bashful, honest love—sure to win over the hearts of all readers—this offering from debut picture book author Carter Higgins and children’s book veteran Lucy Ruth Cummins is the perfect gift to celebrate every relationship, from parent to child, sibling to sibling, partner to partner, crush to crush.
  • Love from Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. Say “I love you” to that special somebunny in your life! Celebrate all things love with this charming little book featuring original artwork by Beatrix Potter. A great gift for Valentine’s Day—or any day!
  • The Invisible String by Patrice Karst. Parents, educators, therapists, and social workers alike have declared The Invisible String the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string. “That’s impossible!” the children insist, but still they want to know more: “What kind of string?” The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can’t see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach? Does it ever go away? This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.
  • Part of my heart by Mike Sundy. “You are a part of my heart.  Before you were born, Mommy and Daddy gave a part of their hearts to each other.  And that made you.” So begins the sweet and simple tale that has delighted thousands of readers and moved many to tears.  Beautifully tells a child how much they are loved. Makes a great gift for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to share your love with your little one.
  • Love is by Diane Adams. This beautifully illustrated book tells the moving story of a little girl and a duckling who both grow to understand what it means to care for each other as they learn that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding on. When a little girl finds a duckling who has wandered away from the park onto the city streets, she takes it home to care for it. The baby duck requires constant attention—early morning feedings, bathing, and tidying—until the time comes to say goodbye. When her pet has grown too big for the bath, the girl takes the full-grown duck back to the pond. Afterward, she misses it and wonders if it remembers her . . . until one day, the duck comes back—with six ducklings of her own.
  • The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise. Fall in love with this endearing and adorable picture book that illustrates how a little bit of heart goes a long way to making the world a better place. Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel are best friends. One day, they each find a letter. But not just any letter…A love letter. 
  • Plant a Kiss by Amy Krause Rosenthal. Little Miss planted a kiss…One small act of love blooms into something bigger and more dazzling than Little Miss could have ever imagined in this epic journey about life, kindness, and giving. Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Peter H. Reynolds team together to share a message of hope and to remind us all of the joys to be gained from being open and unselfish.
  • Mirabel’s Missing Valentines by Janet Lawler. Poor Mirabel! It’s almost Valentine’s Day and the shy little mouse trembles at the thought of giving cards away. Yet she carefully crafts her valentines, drawing a heart on every one. In the morning, Mirabel forces herself to hurry to school. But, in her nervousness, she doesn’t notice her bag becoming lighter and lighter: her valentines are falling out! By the time she realizes what’s happened, they’re all gone. It turns out, though, that these lost valentines bring joy into the lives of all who find them. Then, with her valentines back in her pack, and some newfound friends, she musters up the courage to celebrate the holiday after all! This wonderful tale of overcoming insecurity will make its way to the hearts of all young readers.
  • My Heart by Corinna Luyken. My heart is a window. My heart is a slide. My heart can be closed…or opened up wide. Some days your heart is a puddle or a fence to keep the world out. But some days it is wide open to the love that surrounds you. With lyrical text and breathtaking art, My Heart empowers all readers to listen to the guide within in this ode to love and self-acceptance.
  • Wilford & Blue, Be My Valentine by Rebecca McDonald. It’s Valentine’s Day on the farm, and Wilford is looking everywhere for a friend to be his Valentine. He visits the many different farm animals and ends up with an unexpected surprise. Sometimes what we’re looking for is right in front of us, and it takes a few mishaps to realize it. Fun and laughs find Wilford and Blue in this funny Valentine’s book for children. This is a holiday book about love, friendship, and a little slapstick animal humor. It’s a great book for teaching the importance of being considerate of others’ feelings.
  • How to Catch a Loveosaurus by Alice Walstead. Can you catch the magical Loveosaurus? The How to Catch Kids are on the chase again, this time to trap a dinosaur that escaped from the museum and wants to spread love and kindness. Blending exciting traps and STEAM concepts with hilarity and chaos to encourage reading, learning, and imagination, this charming adventure will delight young readers, families, and educators alike―and maybe inspire spreading some kindness too! This funny children’s picture book makes the perfect bedtime read-aloud and Valentine’s Day gift.
  • Smooch by Karen Kilpatrick. Share your love with a Smooch, an unbreakable bond that lasts for all time and in all circumstances! Smooch! A Kiss! It’s stuck on you. The love inside is just like glue. Wipe or rub it’s there to stay, ‘Cause kisses never fade away! This lively, heartwarming picture book for all ages highlights the permanence of love and connections between loved ones. Both humorous and endearing, Smooch! is a fresh take on the expression of love that is relevant, relatable, and reassuring. A culturally diverse children’s book showcasing diverse family structures and characters through bright, colorful artwork, Smooch! engages young readers through familiar circumstances and humor and caregivers through touching sentiment. A poetic ode to the love that connects us, Smooch! is perfect for showcasing the permanent bond of love in a fun way, for children dealing with any kind of separation anxiety, or for children who are missing someone.
  • Love Grows Everywhere by Barry Timms. This beautiful and warmly-told story teaches us that love really does grow everywhere, in all shapes, forms, and sizes. Through gentle, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, feel the love in a close-knit family who grow plants and sell them in their local market, and discover the types of love that exist in the many homes of their diverse community. There are kisses from Dad, songs with Grandma, charity from neighbours and playtime with friends. There’s old love, new love and everything in between!
  • Celebrating Valentine’s Day: History, Traditions, and Activities by Shannon Anderson. Every year on February 14, or Valentine’s Day, people around the world celebrate love. This engaging book for kids explains the history, traditions, and customs of Valentine’s Day, and includes interactive activities that encourage children to celebrate at home or in their communities.
  • Valentine’s Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. Everyone’s favorite teacher has the jitters again! Sarah Jane Hartwell is determined to host the perfect Valentine’s Day party to show her students how much she cares. But no matter how hard she tries, nothing goes according to plan. From pin-the-smile-on-the-teacher to crafts with glitter, glue, ribbons, and lace, the class quickly devolves into chaos. Mrs. Hartwell feels like the event is a disaster, but the students have a great time! Not only do they already know that she cares, it turns out they care a lot about her as well.
  • What is Love by Mac Barnett. “What is love?” a young boy asks. “I can’t answer that,” his grandmother says, and so the boy goes out into the world to find out. But while each person he meets—from the fisherman to the actor to everyone in between—has an answer to his question, not one seems quite right. Could love really be a fish, or applause, or the night? Or could it actually be something much closer to home? This tender, funny tale is an original take on the “I love you” story and a picture book treasure for all ages to read and cherish.
  • I’ll Love you Till the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi. This book extends the saying, “I’ll love you till the cows come home” to the humorous extreme. Along the way there are yaks in Cadillacs, sheep setting sail, frogs on big-wheeled bikes, and more, in this great read-aloud.
  • Love Around the World by Alli Brydon. Introduce children to the wonderful ways love is expressed in different cultures and countries across the globe. From gifting lunch boxes in Japan to adorning brides with beautiful henna designs in India, writing someone a loving poem on Sinterklaas in the Netherlands or lighting a lantern on the Chinese New Year, Love Around The World shows the ways family and friendship are celebrated around the world.
  • I am Love by Susan Verde. Celebrate kindness, compassion, self-care, and love in all its forms in this beautifully illustrated book! Love means showing kindness, living with gratitude, and taking care of our minds and bodies. Letting our hearts lead the way can help move us closer to a better world. “I put my hands on my heart and listen. And that is where I find the answer: I have compassion. I act with tenderness. I am love.”
  • Love from the Crayons by Drew Daywalt. Love is yellow and orange. Because love is sunny and warm. Love is purple. Because it’s okay to love outside the lines. This special gift book, featuring all the The Crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit, explores the bright colors and subtle shades of love. This is a must-have for fans of The Crayons, and the perfect gift for that special someone.
  • A Little Spot of Love by Diane Alber. Everyone NEEDS to be loved! But sometimes its hard to figure out how to LOVE someone the way they want to be LOVED. This fun story visualizes LOVE as a fun PINK spot and it guides you through the ways you can express love, from listening to being kind. so any child can see how to grow their LOVE SPOT!
  • Sealed with a Kiss by Beth Ferry. What’s a seal to do when she’s new to the zoo? Make new friends, of course! But when the other animals aren’t so friendly, a wise sparrow inspires them to surprise Seal with a special treat. Full of heart and humor, this story of friendship and forgiveness from bestselling author Beth Ferry and illustrator Olivier Tallec will have little ones giggling along, and it makes for a fun Valentine’s Day gift!
  • How do I love thee by Jennifer Adams. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Whether in soft sunlight or rain-drizzled night or winter’s frost-etched breath, three children share the love and joy of friendship while exploring the wonders of nature.  
  • Hugs and Kisses for the Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle. Perfect for fans of Love from the Hungry Caterpillar, this reminds us that hugs and kisses truly make the world go ’round and that we all need love, even when we’re grouchy. With Eric Carle’s signature bright collage illustrations featuring an array of charming animals, thisis the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, or any time you want to share love with someone special. With its universal message of friendship, this little gift book is perfect for all ages.
  • Groggle Monster’s Valentine by Diana Murray. Groggle has been up all night making a Valentine’s Day card. This isn’t just any Valentine, though, and it has to be perfect—it’s for Snarlina, his beast friend in the whole wide world. Searching in the dark forest, he finds just the right heart-shaped leaves. He collects some bog slime and squirts everything he wants to say in bold, gooey letters. Groggle’s creation looks horribly good. But there’s just one problem—gobble, crunch, crunch, slurp! He has a monster appetite! Groggle tries again, this time writing poem after poem to make sure he has some extras just in case. He picks skunk flowers, carefully ties on snake bows, and sprinkles shiny beetle glitter. He decorates each card with care. But . . . gobble, crunch, crunch, slurp! Groggle’s monster impulses foil his efforts and he’s run out of time. Will Groggle ever be able to give his toothsome, stomping, monstrous friend Snarlina a Valentine? Find out in this monster of a tale.
  • Valentine’s Day Jokes for Kids by Chrissy Voeg. Your kids will have funny jokes to share with their friends and you’ll have plenty of one-liners ready for the dinner table. Complete with jokes, puns, riddles, artist illustrations that really bring the jokes to life, and 5 bonus activity pages, this book is fun for the whole family!
  • Littlest Ant’s Valentine by S.M.R. Saia. Little Ant hates Valentine’s Day. None of the girls in the anthill like him, so he has nothing to celebrate. Then he meets the pretty ant. She is as stuck-up and unfriendly as Little Ant himself can sometimes be – but who says you have to be perfect to deserve a valentine? This is an original story that illustrates Aesop’s moral: Even the wildest can be tamed by love.
  • Heart to Heart by Lois Ehlert. Readers of all ages will go bananas for this pun-filled and sweet story filled with rebuses and love. Alphabet letters and bold, graphic images of fruits and vegetables come together in this endearing and playful book that is perfect for sharing.
  • What the World Needs Now is Love by Burt Bacharach. With its soothing lyrics and calming tones, “What the World Needs Now Is Love” has become a beloved song worldwide since its release in 1965. Now, for the first time ever, these captivating lyrics are in book form accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, and perfectly packaged with a ribbon enclosure. Both a reminder of the importance of love and a call to make the world a better place, this book is the perfect gift for anyone you care about—or for yourself when you need some gentle comfort.
  • Groundhug Day by Anne Marie Pace. Moose is having a Valentine’s Day party, and all his friends are so excited! Everyone except Groundhog, that is. If Groundhog sees his shadow outside, he’ll hide in his hole for six more weeks and miss the party! Determined to help their friend join them, Moose, Squirrel, Bunny, and Porcupine put their heads together and come up with a plan. But will it be enough to get Groundhog out to play?
  • Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. You are the cherry on my cake; you make the sun shine brighter; you make my heart flutter. Using a range of images from the World of Eric Carle, and featuring the Very Hungry Caterpillar, this special gift book gives all the reasons why someone special makes the world a better and brighter place.

GROUNDHOG DAY BOOKS: Fri, Feb 2, 2024. Legend has it that watching a groundhog emerge from its burrow can determine the weather forecast for the coming weeks. Accordingly, if it is a sunny day and the groundhog sees its shadow, it goes back to sleep for six more weeks of winter. If the weather is cloudy and the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, it stays outside, meaning that the worst of winter is over and spring will soon arrive. Many communities in Canada keep up this tradition today, attracting the attention of tourists and media alike. Other groundhogs across Canada play meteorologist as well, including Balzac Billy in Alberta, Groundhog Harvey in Oil Springs, Ontario; Fred la marmotte in Val d’Espoir, Quebec; Two Rivers Tunnel on Cape Breton Island; and Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia.

  • Groundhog Day by David Biedrzycki. Phil and his shadow used to do everything together. But Phil got tired of Shadow shadowing him, so Shadow got up and left. True friends, however, have a way of finding each other, especially with an important groundhog holiday approaching on February 2.
  • Groundhog Day’s Off by Robb Pearlman. Every year, people ask Groundhog the same boring old question. Is spring around the corner, or are we doomed to more winter? He’s had enough!
  • Groundhog’s Dilemma by Kristen Remenar. After Groundhog announces six more weeks of winter, half his animal friends are disappointed, while the other half are excited.
  • My Favorite Animal: Groundhogs by Victoria Marcos. Learn all about groundhogs in this fun and informational text. Like all books in the My Favorite Animal Series, Groundhogs offers engaging facts and checks the reader’s knowledge and comprehension throughout the book.
  • Groundhog Day by Lynn Peppas. Will he or won’t he see his shadow? That’s the big question on Groundhog Day, an annual winter event on February 2nd to predict how soon spring will arrive.

WINTER BOOKS: The following are recommended children’s books to read during the winter months. After looking into some of the top choices and reading reviews from other teachers and parents. These are great for reading aloud, small group instruction, or to add to your classroom bookshelf for the season! These are all popular books that students love to read again and again.

  • The Mitten by Jan Brett. When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax. As the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see Nicki’s snowy outing in the borders of each page. In her distinctive style, Jan Brett brings the animals to life with warmth and humor, and her illustrations are full of visual delights and details faithful to the Ukrainian tradition from which the story comes. This book is a story based on a Ukrainian folktale. Consider using it to teach cause/effect, implicit reasoning, character’s feelings, and author’s tone.
  • Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. In this Caldecott Medal–winning picture book, the true story of Wilson Bentley and his singular fascination with snowflakes is rendered in rich prose and gorgeous artwork, perfect for the holidays, snow days, and everyday. Wilson Bentley was always fascinated by snow. In childhood and adulthood, he saw each tiny crystal of a snowflake as a little miracle and wanted to understand them. His parents supported his curiosity and saved until they could give him his own camera and microscope. At the time, his enthusiasm was misunderstood. But with patience and determination, Wilson catalogued hundreds of snowflake photographs, gave slideshows of his findings and, when he was 66, published a book of his photos. His work became the basis for all we know about beautiful, unique snowflakes today. This biographical tribute to a very special farmer is the perfect holiday gift or snow day read.
  • Winter Wonderland (National Geographic Kids) by Jill Esbaum. Each year, as days grow shorter and trees become bare, the world outside seems to slow and darken. But for children, this time of year is magical. The frosty air crackles with play and laughter. There’s a sense of excitement as snow and cold weather make for outdoor adventures that aren’t possible any other time of year. This charming picture book, the latest in National Geographic’s popular Picture the Seasons series, is a vibrant celebration of winter traditions. Winter means family, as loved ones travel many miles to visit. Holiday events bring a spark of warmth and togetherness that seems to happen only in winter. Twinkling lights and colorful displays bring cheer and goodwill. Glowing candles invite visitors to share a festive meal. Frosty weather outside draws lacy patterns on the window panes. With this beautifully photographed book in the home or classroom library, children will return time and again to see, feel, and learn about the magic of winter. An excellent choice for teachers wishing to celebrate the season, as well as for grandparents who seek a meaningful gift for their little ones.
  • So Much Snow by Kristen Schroeder. A beautifully illustrated, rollicking read-aloud about forest animals who are caught—literally up to their ears and antlers—in a snowstorm. On Monday, it starts to snow. Silent swirling. How high will it go? Follow seven forest creatures, from a tiny mouse to a giant moose, as they hunker down in a snowstorm. As the week progresses, the snow piles up and up–even past Moose’s antlers! On Sunday, the sun starts to melt the snow, and it seems that, as the next week passes and it grows sunnier, spring has finally sprung. But wait…is that more snow?! This cumulative picture book is at once beautiful and lyrical and playful and joyful, with charming illustrations by a highly acclaimed illustrator.
  • Little Country Cottage: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom by Angela Ferraro-Fanning. This charmingly illustrated seasonal treasury of nature-based crafts, baking recipes and gardening projects for the winter celebrates the country cottage lifestyle with self-sufficient and eco-friendly fun. Woven alongside the cooking, crafting and planting projects are little snippets of seasonal information and self-sufficient wisdom from homesteading teacher Angela Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead, with a focus on enjoying and celebrating the best of what the winter season has to offer.
  • The Thing About Yetis by Vin Vogel. Everyone knows yetis love winter. They love snowball fights and hot chocolate and sledding and building snow castles. But even yetis get the shivers, and even yetis get crabby from all the cold. So here’s a secret about yetis:  sometimes they miss summer. Sometimes, they have to bring a little bit of summer to the coldest of winter days. Those yetis, they’re just full of surprises.
  • The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino. Celebrate the magic of snowflakes with this insightful and beautiful book about the science of snow. How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included for aspiring young snow scientists!
  • The Snow Dancer by Addie Boswell. Young dancer Sofia wakes up to a quiet, white world―it’s a snow day! She makes her way outside to the neighborhood park, where a field awaits her, white and shining and open. It isn’t long before the rest of the neighborhood wakes its sleepy head―and the other kids make their way to the park, scattering all of Sofia’s beautiful silence. But with the help of a new young friend, Sofia is ready to show everyone what a snow dancer can do on a perfect day like this. With lyrical language and gorgeous art, this book sparkles with all the joy and beauty of a snow day.
  • Supertruck by Stephen Savage. When the city is hit by a colossal snowstorm, only one superhero can save the day. But who is this mysterious hero, and why does he disappear once his job is done? Find out in this snowy tale about a little truck with a very big job, the second of Stephen Savage’s vehicle-based picture books.
  • Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre. With gorgeous photo illustrations, this award-winning author sheds sparkly new light on the wonders of snow. From the beauty of snow blanketing the forest and falling on animals’ fur and feathers to the fascinating winter water cycle, this nonfiction picture book celebrates snowfall and the amazing science behind it.
  • Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro. For most field mice, winter means burrowing down and snuggling in. But not for Lucy! She loves snow crunching under her paws and wearing a fluffy wool hat. And most of all, Lucy loves to skate, and she’s just ACHING to show off her new skill with her friends. After all, a winter wonderland is twice as nice when you have friends to enjoy it with. But the other mice just don’t understand—and after a disastrous indoor snowball fight, it looks as if they never will. Can Lucy find a way to make the other mice come out and “mice skate” too? With intricately detailed illustrations as cozy as a fireplace in December (and a cup of cocoa, too), this funny punny warmhearted love song to winter—and to one brave, bold, and generous mouse—will have kids bundling up for some cold-weather fun of their own.
  • Lines by Suzy Lee. It starts with a line. Whether made by the tip of a pencil or the blade of a skate, the magic starts there. And magic once again flows from the pencil and imagination of internationally acclaimed artist Suzy Lee. With the lightest of touches, this masterwork blurs the lines between real and imagined, reminding us why Lee’s books have been lauded around the world, recognized on New York Times Best Illustrated Books lists and nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international honor given to children’s book creators. This seemingly simple story about a young skater on a frozen pond will charm the youngest of readers while simultaneously astounding book enthusiasts of any age.
  • Arctic White by Danna Smith. When you live in the Arctic in winter, everything is a shade of white. A young girl looks around her home in the Arctic and sees only white, white, white…but one day her grandfather takes her on a journey through the tundra.  And at the end of their cold walk across the ice, they find something special that brings color into their world.
  • Snow Birds by Kirsten Hall. Discover birds who survive winter against all odds in award-winning creators Kirsten Hall and Jenni Desmond’s poetic, gorgeously illustrated picture book. Snowflakes whirling, snow-flocks swirling, streaks of white twirl through the night . . . You’ve heard of birds who migrate to warmer climates in the wintertime—but what about those who persevere through snowy weather and freezing temperatures? With elegant verse and striking illustrations, this book salutes the brave and resourceful birds who adapt to survive the coldest months.
  • Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper. A snowy day, a trip to Grandma’s, time spent cooking with one another, and space to pause and discover the world around you come together in this perfect book for reading and sharing on a cozy winter day. One winter morning, Lina wakes up to silence. It’s the sound of snow — the kind that looks soft and glows bright in the winter sun. But as she walks to her grandmother’s house to help make the family recipe for “warak enab”, she continues to listen. As Lina walks past snowmen and across icy sidewalks, she discovers ten ways to pay attention to what might have otherwise gone unnoticed. With stunning illustrations by Kenard Pak and thoughtful representation of a modern Arab American family from Cathy Camper, Ten Ways to Hear Snow is a layered exploration of mindfulness, empathy, and what we realize when the world gets quiet.
  • Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sean Taylor. In this cozy bedtime story, follow a child and his grandma through a winter landscape to explore how the Earth goes to sleep for winter. Spot the sleeping animals as the tale unfolds, then learn about their hibernation habits from the information pages at the end. Co-authors Sean Taylor (picture book author) and Alex Morss (ecologist, journalist, and educator) offer a gentle introduction to the concept of hibernation. In the frosty, quiet forest, the snow blankets the ground and the trees have shed their leaves. Where have all the animals gone? Are they asleep too? In each cutaway scene, see what the child cannot—that underground below his feet are dens with sleeping creatures, and within the hollow trunks of trees, animals are nesting. After the story, annotated illustrations explain the hibernation facts for each animal and what they will do when they wake up for spring.
  • A Big Bed for Little Snow by Grace Lin. A heartwarming and tender picture book that introduces readers to their first snow. When it was quiet, Little Snow grinned and then jumped, jumped, jumped! Little Snow loves the new big, soft bed Mommy made him for the long, cold winter nights. But Mommy says this bed is for sleeping, not jumping! What happens when he can’t resist jump, jump, jumping on his new fluffy, bouncy bed? Bestselling and award-winning author Grace Lin artfully introduces young readers to their first snow through striking illustrations and heartwarming moments.
  • A Loud Winter’s Nap by Katy Hudson. Every year Tortoise sleeps through winter. He assumes he isn’t missing much. However, his friends are determined to prove otherwise! Will Tortoise sleep through another winter, or will his friends convince him to stay awake and experience the frosty fun of winter? Best-selling author Katy Hudson’s charming picture book will convince even the biggest winter grouch that winter can be magical if you have friends by your side.
  • Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester. Tacky’s the odd bird out among all his friends. Will this nonconformist teach old penguins some new tricks and help save the day? This book is a delightful tale about being true to yourself—even when it means being a little different from everybody else. Tacky likes to do splashy cannonballs and greet his friends with a loud, “What’s happening?” His fellow penguins find his odd behavior somewhat bothersome. But when fearsome poachers come to the iceberg hunting for penguins, Tacky’s odd ways may be just the thing that saves the day. This book will satisfy the curiosity of active children. A bit odd and possessing strange habits, Tacky is a lovable character who surprises everyone in the end.

  • Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright. B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right”. Hilarity chills the air with playful mixed-media illustrations by Stephen Gilpin as Sneezy attempts to warm himself with some silly results.
  • Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner. Snowmen play games at night when no one is watching.
  • Polar Bears by Laura Marsh. With their beautiful white fur and powerful presence, polar bears rule the Arctic. These majestic giants swim from iceberg to iceberg in chilling waters, care for their adorable cubs, and are threatened by global warming. In this level 1 reader you’ll learn all you ever wanted to know about polar bears and so much more. Complete with fascinating facts and beautiful images, National Geographic Readers: Polar Bears can’t miss.

LEAP YEAR BOOKS:

  • Leap’s Day by Stephanie Bee Simmons. Leap’s Day is a story about the calendar, friendship and the things that make us special. Join Leap as he sets out to find a special day – a “birthday” – for each one of his friends, only to discover that he must first create a calendar. Leap works with his dad to unravel the mystery of years, months, days and dates – and of course that pesky little day that comes along just once every four years.
  • Leap Back Home to Me by Lauren Thompson. A little frog’s first leap out into the world is a big, scary thing. But luckily, mama is always there to catch him when he comes home. As the leaps get bigger, frog gets braver—and before he knows it, he’s soaring out to the moon and beyond! This loveable little frog will hurdle his way into your heart. Come leap along and see what it’s like to shoot for the stars . . . and always have a landing pad ready to catch you.
  • What is Leap Year by Tatyana Ferrahi. Step into a world of curiosity and adventure with Zachariah and Wizard, the dynamic duo! In their latest escapade, they embark on an enchanting journey to unravel the secrets of a leap year. Join them as they discover the meaning behind adding an extra day to the month of February, ensuring balance in the ever-changing seasons. Embark on this unforgettable leap year adventure today and allow Zachariah and Wizard to ignite young imaginations while imparting lessons that will last a lifetime!
  • What in the world is a Leap Year and Other Time Measurements by Desiree Bussiere. This entertaining and educational title helps familiarize young readers with time measurements. From decades, to centuries, to millenniums, the easy-to-read book offers engaging pictures and simple sentences to illustrate each type of measurement fully. In no time, young readers will be able to use each measurement system for themselves. Fun facts and a quick quiz give young readers additional reading and learning.

CHINESE NEW YEAR – Feb. 10, 2024. Incorporating Lunar New Year stories will cultivate enthusiasm in your students for exploring culture and help them recognize the unique traditions associated with this holiday. Plus, sharing these stories with students from all backgrounds provides an appreciation for other perspectives and encourages global-mindedness. Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year is starting with the year of the Dragon. 

  • I Love Chinese New Year! By Eva Wong Nava.Chinese New Year is almost here, and Mai-Anne can’t wait. Her Nai Nai is coming to celebrate with them, and Mai-Anne is looking forward to sharing all their family traditions. Fish for good luck . . .Noodles for long life . . .Dumplings for blessings . . .And after dinner, Mai-Anne and her family will talk all about how Chinese New Year came to be: the Great Race!
  • Ruby’s Chinese New Year by Vickie Lee. In this picture book celebrating Chinese New Year, animals from the Chinese zodiac help a little girl deliver a gift to her grandmother. Ruby has a special card to give to her grandmother for Chinese New Year. But who will help her get to grandmother’s house to deliver it? Will it be a clever Rat, strong Ox, or cautious Rabbit? Ruby meets each of the twelve zodiac animals on her journey. This picture book includes back matter with a focus on the animals of the Chinese zodiac.
  • A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling. Celebrate the Lunar New Year through a young girl’s family traditions in this charming picture book featuring illustrations by New York Times bestselling artist Dung Ho that also includes a recipe for pineapple cakes! Little Ren looks forward to the preparation for and festivities of Lunar New Year, but she is always too little to help make the delicious pineapple cakes that are her favorite. She watches family members rolling out the dough and loves the mouth-watering smell. Watching and waiting, when will Ren be old enough?
  • Long Goes to Dragon School by Helen H. Wu. Wrapped in Eastern and Western dragon lore, this fantasy tale celebrates perseverance, cultural inclusion, and self-discovery. It’s the first day of Dragon School, where all the young dragons must learn how to harness their fire breath. Today’s lesson? Using it to cook food! All the dragons are excited to test their powers . . . except Long. Long is from the East and can only breathe out water. No matter how hard he huffs and puffs, he isn’t sure he can match his fire breathing classmates. But will he be discovered? Or will Long find his own unique path to cooking-and to fitting in?
  • Playing with Lanterns by Wang Yage.  Zhao Di wishes the New Year would never end! Zhao Di and her friends are excited to go out at night with their paper lanterns and celebrate Chinese New Year. Each holding a unique colorful lantern with a lit candle inside, they admire the breathtaking colors while doing their best to avoid the wind and the sneaky boys in the village. Every night, until the fifteenth day of New Year, Zhao Di and her friends take part in this fun tradition, experiencing the thrill of nighttime in their village. And then―it’s time to smash the lanterns!
  • Alex’s Good Fortune by Benson Shum. In this story designed to engage early readers, charming characters combine with simple text, lively illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor to help boost kids’ confidence and create lifelong readers! Chinese New Year is the most important holiday for Alex and her family, so it’s even more special when she gets to share her favorite traditions with her best friend, Ethan. Together, they join the Chinese New Year parade and get to help 6. make the dragon dance. Then they prepare for the festivities by tidying up, decorating, and making dumplings. After that, it’s time to open red envelopes, eat a great big feast, and enjoy the lantern festival! Exciting, easy-to-read books are the stepping stone a young reader needs to bridge the gap between being a beginner and being fluent.
  • Friends are Friends Forever by Dane Liu. A picture book based on the author’s own immigration story, the infinite impact of friendship, and passing on love and kindness around the world. On a snowy Lunar New Year’s Eve in Northeastern China, it’s Dandan’s last night with Yueyue. Tomorrow, she moves to America. The two best friends have a favorite wintertime tradition: crafting paper-cut snowflakes, freezing them outside, and hanging them as ornaments. As they say goodbye, Yueyue presses red paper and a spool of thread into Dandan’s hands so that she can carry on their tradition. But in her new home, Dandan has no one to enjoy the gift with―until a friend comes along.
  • How to Catch a Dragon by Adam Wallace. From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series comes an all-new dragon book for kids―do you have what it takes to catch a dragon? The How to Catch kids are off again, this time trying to catch a dragon as they chase him through Chinese New Year celebrations! A great Chinese New Year book for kids, How to Catch a Dragon is the perfect dragon book for kids ages 3-8. Set in China during the Spring Festival, otherwise known as Chinese New Year, the wily dragon will have to avoid trap after trap as the kids run through paper lanterns, red lunar envelopes, fireworks, and more! Includes bonus educational back matter and Mandarin translations to enhance your reading experience.

MUSIC: Keeping children listening to or playing music is important as it provides a total brain workout. Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.

Download this poster.

VALENTINE’S DAY: Teach children the joy of expressing love and friendship through music with Valentine’s Day songs for kids. These catchy tunes are perfect for setting a festive mood and getting little ones excited about the holiday. Incorporating simple lyrics and melodies, these songs can help children understand the concepts of affection and caring while engaging in fun, musical activities.

GROUNDHOG DAY – Fri, Feb 2, 2024: These songs capture the spirit of the holiday and cover various themes related to Groundhog Day, including the anticipation of spring, the folklore surrounding groundhogs, and the excitement of the festivities. With catchy melodies and age-appropriate lyrics, these songs are ideal for classroom activities, circle time, or any occasion where you want to infuse the day with music and fun. Whether you’re teaching about the traditions of Groundhog Day or simply looking for entertaining tunes to engage young learners, this collection of songs is sure to add joy and excitement to your celebration.

LEAP YEAR:

CHINESE NEW YEAR:

Benefits of art for kids (convertkitcdnn.com): download poster.

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

inspirepositivesoulsensations.com

VALENTINE’S DAY ACTIVITIES: Canadians celebrate love and friendship by exchanging cards, flowers, and candy. Although the origins of Valentine’s Day are murky, ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, a spring festival, on the fifteenth of February.

businessinsider.in

VALENTINE’S DAY ACTIVITIES: Canadians celebrate love and friendship by exchanging cards, flowers, and candy. Although the origins of Valentine’s Day are murky, ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, a spring festival, on the fifteenth of February.

pinterest.ca

WINTER ACTIVITIES:

Download the following:

  • Drawing? Download these two games:
  • Download these Winter Colouring Pages – These activities are suitable for most ages. They allow the kids to color it in any way that they would like and are a great way to encourage creativity in a relaxing manner. If you do this activity in the classroom and you hand each child the same picture, in the end, each coloring page will be different. There is beauty in freedom of expression, and this helps younger children gain more self-confidence!

LEAP YEAR: Years exactly divisible by four are leap years, unless they are evenly divisible by 100. But if they are evenly divisible by 100 AND are evenly divisible by 400 (e.g. 2024) it is a Leap Year. Calendars are a purely human invention. Over thousands of years, many different types of calendars were invented to keep track of time and seasons, dating all the way back to the ancient Sumerians during the Bronze Age! Ancient iterations were created based upon observation of the solar system and the moon, but when the Julian calendar was introduced and later reformed by Julius Caesar himself, it was based upon a rule that included a leap day every four years. 

GROUNDHOG DAY ACTIVITIES: If a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.

  • Descriptive Writing Activity. Ask children to write about what the groundhogs home is like inside the burrow. To make a groundhog, ask children to follow these instructions. See Sample below The groundhog is made of one large brown heart {turned upside down}, one medium sized brown heart {cut right down the middle and used as ears}, and one medium sized white heart {turned upside down and used for teeth}.  Ask children to add cut the ears and make the faces. 
  • Download and ask young children to practice colouring the groundhogs.
  • Download this Groundhog Shadow matching activity. Print off 2 copies of the color cards and cut them out for your child. (laminate if you wish) The child then finds the matching pairs. More challenging – Print the shadows and the color cards, cut out the color cards for your child. (laminate if you wish) The child then places the color cards on top of the matching shadows. 

CHINESE NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES:

3. Explore, Engage & Interact Together 🌍

VALENTINE’S ACTIVITIES:

Lovethispic.com

WINTER ACTIVITIES:

FAMILY DAY ACTIVITIES: VANCOUVER: On 2024 the Family Day long weekend starts on the evening of Friday, February 16th, and continues until Monday, February 19th.

  • Use this sample to create drawing prompts for your children.
  • One of the biggest events on the holiday weekend is FAN EXPO Vancouver. It’s a Comic-Con-style event featuring everything to do with comics, superheroes, anime and Hollywood celebrities at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
  • FlyOver Canada – the multisensory theatre at Canada Place has its amazing film about this country almost every day of the year.
  • Maritime Museum – admission to the museum at Vanier Park is usually free on Family Day. That was the case again in 2023!
  • BC Sports Hall of Fame – admission to the museum was free on February 20th in 2023.
  • Bill Reid Gallery – an exceptional collection of Indigenous and West Coast art at 639 Hornby Street in downtown Vancouver. In 2023, on Saturday, February 18th, there was an event with Kwakwaka’wakw composer, singer, artist and cultural leader Rory Dawson from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Regular admission rates applied, but children ages 12 and under were admitted for free.
  • Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver Civic Theatres hosted a Family Day Open House in 2023 on Saturday, February 18th. The free event ran from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. It featured art, crafts, live music and other activities at the theatre.
  • Vancouver Art Gallery – admission to the museum in 2023 was free for children ages 18 and under on Monday, February 20th.
  • Download these family day activities about each member of your family.
  • Have snow days got you thinking about how your children are going to spend Spring Break? Here’s a heads up – VSO School of Music Spring Break Arts Camps open for registration this coming Tuesday, January 23 at 12pm! Monday – Friday March 18-22 OR Monday – Thursday March 25-28. With full-day Arts Explorers camps for kids in Kindergarten – Grade 3, half-day Meet an Instrument camps to introduce Violin; Ukulele or Guitar, and morning Little & Loud camps for pre-schoolers, our Spring Break activities consist of small class sizes guided by experienced instructors, and they provide a stimulating and sociable outlet to learn new skills in a fun, welcoming environment.

FAMILY DAY ACTIVITIES: PRINCE GEORGE

GROUNDHOG DAY ACTIVITIES: Aside from plenty of laughs, “Groundhog Day” delivers powerful messages about change, love and being a good person.

CHINESE NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES: Chinese New Year is a celebration starting on the first day of the Chinese Calendar. The celebration lasts 15 days. It is also known as the Lunar New Year.

  • Follow these directions to create a Dragon puppet (2024) which represents good fortune, prosperity, and good luck.

En.islcollective.com

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT:  Physical activity can activate the brain, improve cognitive function, and perhaps contrary to common beliefs, increase focus and concentration. Activities that encourage children to think and consider become more meaningful when incorporated with movement.

Yoga

Brain Breaks:

NUTRITION: Most children are low on energy and may catch a cold or flu during the winter. Along with wearing warm clothes, eating the right food can also do wonders. In order to fight back infections and allergies, they need to eat healthy winter food. Remember that as the temperature drops outside, our body needs more energy to stay warm. So ensure that you feed your child plenty of hearty meals consisting of some good winter foods that help keep their energy up and keep the sniffles away.  Healthy food and drink can make a big impact on kids’ health. That’s why giving veggies the chance to shine is important.

  • Kid-friendly Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Stuffed potatoes give us endless options for flavors and I have three really fun and kid approved stuffed potato ideas that the whole family can enjoy.  You are going to love these kid-friendly stuffed baked potatoes, 3 ways.
  • Vegetable Fried Rice – instructions. This delicious Vegetable Fried Rice can be whipped up in less than fifteen minutes and can easily be adapted to suit your little one’s taste buds. 
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich instructions. This classic grilled cheese sandwich recipe calls for just white bread, sliced cheese, and butter. It’s easy to switch up the bread and cheese to suit your taste preferences and, if you like, you can substitute mayonnaise for butter.
  • Minestrone Soup instructions – Minestrone is a hearty Italian vegetable soup made with tomato-y broth and pasta or rice. 

VALENTINE TREATS:

GROUNDHOG DAY SNACK: A healthy lunch to celebrate the day is great fun for children – especially if you have time!

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day About Learning 💭

ABOUT PLAY:

ABOUT WINTER:

CHINESE NEW YEAR: