During Covid, programs may wish to include more sensory toys that can be cleaned as opposed to sensory bins and messy play. Toys with sensory elements can support children with self-regulation. Think of appealing to all the senses not just touch… sound, sight and smell may also be considered.
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To limit the waste from single use sensory experiences, incorporate sensory play with objects found in nature without cost, such as leaves and pinecones. You can also consider recycled materials such as shredded paper as sensory bin filler.
Continue readingCISS interviews an educator at Mothercraft Elmdale regarding school age programming using books.
Beyond the Book Story Kits are a great way to make stories come to life. The story kits are geared towards the toddler and preschool age groups. Each story kit comes in a soft bag which is labeled with the name of the book and the specific contents. Each kit contains a book, a tip sheet and concrete objects that relate to the specific story. Each tip sheet describes implementation strategies, considerations when using the story bags, benefits of including props or concrete objects during story time and tips on how to expand the story experience beyond story time to create more opportunities for learning.
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Last December, when the children were making felt ornaments, I observed that some children were interested in sewing with the felt. In order to get an idea for an activity they could do, I brainstormed using a web of possibilities.
After brainstorming I decided to introduce a loom to the children and taught them how to weave. Unfortunately, only a few children were able to weave because there was only one loom in my centre which was not enough for everyone to participate.
If a person can be in love with a book, then I’m in love with The Canadian Kids’ Guide to Outdoor Fun. It reminds me of my childhood, of summers spent building forts, creating a kids’ only clubhouse, lots of nature hikes, inviting neighbours over to watch a play, doing science experiments, playing games and outdoor cooking. The book also has many modern twists on “how to”. For example, how to preserve a spiderweb, how to stay safe in the woods, how to whistle on a blade of grass and how to make a watermelon pizza.
Continue readingNatasha Durant from Chapman Mills ELC shares school age programming ideas.
By Roxane Bélanger, M.O.A., SLP-C, Reg. CALSPO
Speech Language Pathologist, First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program of Ottawa and Renfrew County
We know this: language is the greatest predictor of a child’s success later at school and in life. Children with strong language skills do better with reading. At First Words, one of our key message for parents and educators this summer is to: “Talk to your child. All day. Every day” in order to help children’s language soar. With little set-up, these language activities can help you grow children’s speech and language skills – and get them ready for daycare, school or any post-pandemic routine!
Outdoor activities:
Feel with your feet! Use differently textured items to create your own sensory walking path. Use fallen logs, wet grass, smooth stones, piles of sand, crushed ice, etc. This activity can also be done inside using various household items. Continue reading 
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