Check out this amazing video of English school children engaged in creative free play with recycled stuff, on their school lunch break!  http://youtu.be/nqi1KyJJeKg

If you’re interested in the role of free play in child development you will also enjoy this website: http://rethinkingchildhood.com/2012/05/23/school-build-dens/#more-1843

 

Enough is now known to be able to say clearly that, for children to reach their full potential, supporting the healthy development of their brains is paramount and the powerful effects of early environments, both physical and social, can no longer be ignored. The current issue of Early Childhood in Focus from the Bernard van Leer Foundation starts with a basic explanation of the brain and how it functions for people with little or no previous knowledge of the field; continues with an overview of the developmental processes involved as the child’s brain grows and matures in constant interaction with the environment, from conception through to adulthood; and concludes with a section on the powerful effect of early environments, both [physical and social, on the developing brain. Download here.

 Source: www.eycdi.ca

 

DASH BC has created the Healthy Schools BC web portal, which serves as a consolidated resource for the education and health sectors, as well as the wider community, that assists in accessing the array of school health resources available in BC.
 
The portal also demonstrates how these programs and resources can work together in a planned, coordinated way under the comprehensive school health framework. Using this framework, identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an evidence-based approach to improve student health, the portal is a dependable and up-to-date resource that brings together existing programs and resources searchable by topic, individual needs and geographic location.
 
The portal has information for a variety of audiences and can be of interest to many different user groups including, but not limited to, educators, administrators, parents, students, health authority staff, community service groups, program leads and government. Individuals who lead programs for school-aged children can sign up and post their programs/resources.
 
Visit the website at www.healthyschoolsbc.ca.

(source: www.firstcallbc.org)

With life as fast-paced as it is these days, trying to incorporate some physical activity into our day sure is challenging… yet we all know that we need to be doing this. It’s particularly important when we consider the effects of our inactivity on kids — how can we encourage our little ones to be more physical when we’re not? It’s up to us — we need to make this happen.
 
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and Participaction recently released the first Canadian set of physical-activity guidelines for the early years, outlining how much infants and toddlers need to move for optimum health and development.  Their guidelines could be the kickstart for a whole family approach to becoming more active – perfect timing as the spring weather makes being outdoors more inviting!
 
The new guidelines recommend at least 180 minutes of activity throughout the day for children under the age of five. Although 180 minutes may sound like a lot, incorporating physical activity into a daily routine is  key to developing healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Now we have evidence that suggests activity at an early age not only improves health and leads to stronger bones and improved muscle mass, it can stimulate mental development that can mean brighter children and ultimately, smarter adults.  Read more…

(Source: www.bccf.ca)

The FRIENDS program is a school-based anxiety prevention and resiliency skill-building program, sponsored by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Teachers and school educators attend a 1-day certification training which makes them eligible to deliver FRIENDS in the classroom. FRIENDS trainings and workbooks for students are provided by MCFD. There are three program levels available; Fun FRIENDS (K/Gr 1), Child (Gr 4/5) and Youth (Gr 6/7). In addition, FRIENDS has a parent component whereby parents and caregivers are taught ways they can reinforce the FRIENDS program skills at home. Our goal for FRIENDS in BC is to reach as many students as possible, and provide them with life skills that will strengthen resiliency and reduce the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. More information for parents and teachers here: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/mental_health/friends.htm

Take Your Temperament! A workbook for parents and children: www.takeyourtemperament.ca

How to Help Kids Handle Stress:  www.kidshavestresstoo.org

Sharon’s Felt and Finger Fun: Early Childhood Teaching Aids-Finger puppets, Felt Stories, Songs and Theme Bags.
Catalog:  http://picasaweb.google.com/105937023008406369198/catalog?gsessionid=Ww_EvkGuzPIpTKC9ZbMKkg#  or email: sharonsfelt@gmail.com

Core Learning Resources proudly brings Indigenous books and resources into your lives.
It is with commitment and passion that we source the best Indigenous resources from all over Turtle Island (North America). Connect with us if you have any questions, or require some support or ideas with integrating Indigenous content into your school, daycare, business or organization.  www.corelearningresources.com

Barefoot Books, celebrating Art and Story   www.MyBarefootChild.com

Wintergreen offers a broad selection of classroom materials for preschool, childcare, and schools: www.wintergreen.ca

Quality Classrooms specializes in supplying furniture and educational products to schools and daycares throughout Canada at competitive prices:  www.qualityclassrooms.com

www.fdmt.ca offers educational materials and sensory tools!

 

The Young Naturalists’ Club is an exciting nature dicovery and environmental action program that invites people 5 – 14 years to discover nature in their own neighbourhoods, explore local ecosystems, learn about native wildlife, a magazine for young naturalists, and much more. Go to www.ync.ca for more information!

WildBC offers a variety of environmental education publications and programs-check in out here:  www.wildbc.org.

Learn about the annual backyard bird count, and plan to take part next year… www.birdcount.org

 

 

 

 

The middle years represent children ages 6 to 12. Experiences in these years can have critical and long lasting effects and are a powerful predictor of adolescent adjustment and success. 

The Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) is a self-report questionnaire completed by children in Grade 4.  The questionnaire includes 71 questions related to the five areas of development that are strongly linked to well-being, health and academic achievement.  Click here to view a video about the MDI:  http://earlylearning.ubc.ca/mdi/.

(Source: http://earlylearning.ubc.ca)

 

The Vanier Institue of the Family’s new publications

Transition Magazine on Work and Family, Fascinating Families on family and cultural traditions.

(Source: www.nacy.ca )