Indigenous Knowledge Exchange-Indigenous Song and Dance in the Early Years

The Indigenous Professional Learning Team is extending an invitation to early years professionals to attend our upcoming Knowledge Exchange Gathering.

July 21, 2020 from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EDT

This month Elders, Knowledge Keepers and early years professionals will share about the importance of Indigenous song and dance in relation to belonging, wellbeing, expression and engagement for children in the early years.

Be sure to register by Monday July 19, 2020 at 4:00 pm EDT.

Click HERE to register.

All the Daze Youth Virtual Art Gallery

ALL THE DAZE Productions is offering a new stage to showcase youth’s creativity.

Beginning February 14, 2021, All the DAZE Productions began a virtual art gallery to showcase youth art. This includes drawing, painting, modelling, photography, hand work and sculpture. This is being organized by Marcia Arpin, Executive Director of Nanabijou Child Care Centre.

Beginning March 1, 2021, more submissions will be accepted. Please email alllthedaze@gmail.com samples (or photos) of artwork for consideration. Marcia will respond with additional details if needed. There will be a Preschool Gallery, Junior Gallery (ages 5-7), A Senior Gallery (ages 8-12) and Highschool Gallery (ages 13-18).

To view the gallery, visit: www.allthedaze.ca or search for All the DAZE Productions on social media platforms

Marcia says that she is looking forward to building a collection of COVID creativity!

HDLH Bus Tour

We had an incredible time with everyone who came out to the HDLH Bus Tour on Saturday. Child care and EarlyON educators mingled together, shared ideas, observed, inquired, and (best of all) enjoyed some WHEELY awesome bus jokes!

Thank you to everyone who participated, and to all of those who helped to make this event possible. A special thank you to the four operators who took part in our planning committee and offered to host the tour at their centres. An additional thank you to our incredible bus driver, Kirk, who was a team player and kept us laughing all throughout the day!

The first stop was at the Sherbrooke EarlyON where we were inspired by the many ways to incorporate loose parts into the environment. Educators looked closely around the environment, and many were inspired by the bulletin board that read “WHAT DOES PLAY MEAN TO YOU?

Next, we headed to Rural Roots where the educators had presented a multitude of displays and invitations to play. Several educators took a liking to the way natural elements and real materials were used to extend classic learning opportunities. For example, using a real log for the Five Green and Speckled Frogs.

We FUELED the educators up with lunch, and headed to our next stop – Abiinojiishiik-amino-yawook. Here, educators were offered a traditional experience through a smudging and drumming ceremony that was followed by an opportunity to taste bannock and cedar tea. Miigwetch! 

Last, but not least, we arrived at Nanabijou. Here, the educators from Nanabijou were excited to share their talents with us. As we made our way through the centre, we discovered the concept of ateliers and observed new ideas for incorporating nature into the program.

Below is a snapshot of some of the learning that took place throughout the day:

“I was able to gain a new understanding of how educators foster the 4 foundations through materials and how to extend children’s learning through the use of loose parts”

“I enjoyed how the EarlyON Centres celebrate their families and I feel I can build upon these ideas and traditions.”

“I really enjoyed the indigenous teachings. I will be able to bring these new ideas back to our program and learn with our families.”

“Documentation doesn’t have to be difficult, it can be very simple.”

“Great to see different views. Can we network more often?”