Remembrance Day

November 11, 2016 [Remembrance Day in Canada]

Sometimes it can be hard to teach or incorporate Remembrance Day into the classroom. Remembrance Day is a memorial day to remember members of armed forces who have passed away while serving and protecting their country. It marks the end of hostilities during the First World War and an opportunity to recall all those who have served in the nation's defence (Remembrance Day Info).

Here are a few activities and learning opportunities to incorporate Remembrance Day into the classroom:

Poems/Songs:

Poppy

Poppy we are but children small.

We are too little to do it all.

Children you may do your part.

Love each other is how you start.

Play without fighting.

Share your games and toys. 

Be kind and thoughtful,

To all girls and boys.

Little Poppy

Little poppy given to me.

Help me keep Canada 

Safe and free.

I'll wear a little poppy 

As red as red can be.

To show that I remember
Those who fought for me.

Remembrance Day

We wear a poppy

On Remembrance Day

And at eleven

We stand and pray

Wreaths are put

Upon a grave

As we remember

Our soldiers brave.

Crafts:

For more activity ideas:

-Remembrance Day Worksheets (CLICK HERE)

-Remembrance Day Printables (CLICK HERE)

-Poppy Crafts (CLICK HERE)

In Flanders fields, the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row in row,

That mark our place...

A Letter from Play to Parents.

Happy Sunday!

While looking through my resource book, I came across one of my favourite resource for explaining the importance of play to parents. A friend had emailed this to me a while back and I have kept it as a very simple yet powerful tool in my resource book. It is a letter that is written from "play" explaining the benefits of play and why children need it. Sometimes we come across parents who don't quite understand the benefits and importance of play for children's growth and development. This letter is great to put in the classroom as a reminder or it can be sent home with parents as a useful tool to explain why play is needed for their child. It can also be given to a parent who may not quite understand why play is crucial.

“Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities”

-Stuart Brown

November Already?!

November is here!

I can't believe it is November already. Where did the time go? Here is to many great laughs, new learning opportunities and new milestones. Let's make this month a great one! :)

I am posting a quote today that is a key component of my teaching practice. It was introduced to me by a professor when I was in college for my ECE diploma. Often we focus too much on making sure the child is able to do something perfectly that we forget each child learns at their own pace and in their own way. As teachers, if we consistently keep using one method to teach something to the child and he/she does not understand or learn, then it is us who are the slow learners, not the child. We should be able to find new ways and techniques in order to teach children. If one technique or experience does not work, then we should try another one that builds on the child's strengths yet fulfilling their needs and wants. For example, if you are teaching counting and he does not understand, why not incorporate his interests and needs along with the experience? Your observation indicates that the child likes playing with blocks then why not incorporate different colours and sizes of blocks to teach counting.