We followed AFCS Stittsville as they piloted a clubs curriculum. We interviewed them before and after the launch to see their journey, planning and lessons learned.
Category Archives: Programming Ideas
Benefits of Special Interest Clubs
We know that each child is unique. They each develop at their own pace. They each have their own strengths and challenges; their own group of friends and interests. It is often boredom that triggers certain behaviors in children. Day after day, children are likely to follow daily routines that require a high level of concentration and self-regulation. In our afterschool program, we want to provide the children with a designated space where they can unwind and be children. The clubs were implemented so that children could choose their own activities based on their interests rather than program leaders (educators) suggesting activities that don’t really interest them. Continue reading
School Age Carts: Building a Cart
School-Age Tip Sheet: Carts
Movies Promoting Acceptance and Diversity
During the summer, many programs will offer a special movie day. To help you, we have compiled a list of children’s movies that are inspiring and promote good values and inclusion. Continue reading
Nap Time Bins
At La Coccinelle au coeur d’Ottawa, we noticed that as the number of non-sleeping children increased in our preschool group, we didn’t have enough quiet activities to go around. Additionally, the children were losing interest in the activities available in the playroom. We then came up with the idea of creating an activity storage bin system specifically for nap time.
These activities are chosen based on the following criteria: they are quiet, easy to understand and don’t include many pieces. Here are some examples: stacking, association, serialization games, special books, writing boards and puzzles. Activities can be as simple as a clipboard with white paper and pencils to bring out the children’s creativity. Possibilities are endless! The activities can help the children develop their cognitive and fine motor skills as well as their ability to play in an autonomous manner. Continue reading
Fun with colanders
Objective: Using familiar household objects in creative ways to engage children’s interests in learning.
Find an assortment of colanders at your local dollar store, made of plastic and/or metal, in different sizes and colors. Continue reading
Time Saver, Cost Saver, Super-Sized Fun Activities
Are you looking for activities that will save you time and money but that are big on fun and learning? All materials for the activities can be found at home or purchased in dollar stores.
Nesting Boxes
Find nesting sets of rectangular, square or circular gift boxes in various patterns and colours. Encourage children to explore; opening and closing, nesting and stacking possibilities and discuss colours and patterns.
Creative Activities to Support Visually Impaired Children in Child Care Programs
Practicing Using a Braille Square
- The child counts 1-3 down the left side of the muffin pan and 4-6 down the right side. I glued in rubber circles inside the pan to indicate the number in order for the child to learn the feeling represented as braille dots.
- The child places the balls in order 1-6. Once he’s mastered that skill, challenge him by asking him to hand back the balls in a random order (eg. ask for number 4, then 6, then 2, until done).
Gluten-Free Play Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rice flour.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch.
- 1/2 cup salt.
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar.
- 1 cup water 1 teaspoon cooking oil.
- Food coloring, if desired.
ACCESS Inclusion Newsletter 