Welcome to 2021! I think we can all agree to cheerfully wave good-bye to 2020, the year that brought us many surprises – both good and bad. The year that taught us how to be strong and persevere even in the toughest times. The year that brought recognition to some of our under-recognized professions, including ECE’s and teachers. With all of the changes that came along with adjusting to life amid a pandemic, we … Continue reading

We asked our community for creative solutions to apply to at-home learning. Hundreds of you replied, but here are some of our favourite answers. We hope these offer inspiration for making your homeschooling a little easier! April from Newfoundland and Labrador: “We’re learning based on interest – some days it might be following art lessons … Continue reading

We interviewed our resident teacher, Chris Uhres-Todd, for her input on how she’s handling teaching long distance, as well as helping her own children with their schooling. You can watch the interview or read it below! QC: You’re our resident teacher and parent at Quality Classrooms, so you straddle both those worlds that everybody’s trying … Continue reading

Mindfulness is more than paying attention to a task, it is all about focusing on the present moment with curiosity and without judgment. We know that children who practise mindfulness techniques are better able to regulate their moods, help them accept and understand their thoughts and feelings. This is a great skill and starting early they are more likely to continue to practice mindfulness as adults.   Here are some tips for practicing at … Continue reading

As a graduate of the Master of Interior Design program at the University of Manitoba, I had the opportunity to conceptualize a Children’s Art Centre that supported a child’s well-being through positive development in mental, physical and social aspects. Throughout my research, I noted overlapping design concepts that I referred to as the ABC’s (Approach, … Continue reading

I’m a mother of a busy 4-year-old boy and have been working in the childcare field for 15+ years.  Throughout the years, I’ve learned that a few items are absolutely necessary (in my opinion) for running a daycare. Furniture is the first essential for any daycare, so items such as lockers are great as they … Continue reading

“You didn’t eat enough dirt as a kid.” These words were said to me after I caught my third cold in a month (the flu-pocalypse was strong this winter). The idea of exposing ourselves to all those icky germs is pretty taboo nowadays, but it’s necessary to build a strong immune system (within reason, of … Continue reading

When I hear the dreaded words “indoor recess” my heart falls. I know then that my students can’t go outside to play, get fresh air or burn off some energy. They love indoor recess occasionally, but if we have an ongoing bout of bad weather, they get frustrated with the lack of outdoor play. I … Continue reading

The new year is about making positive changes to our behaviours and mindsets, making it the perfect time to consider the growth mindset made popular by Carol Dweck in her 2006 book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. She explained the two mindsets she found in her subjects: fixed mindset and growth mindset. Since this … Continue reading

It is becoming more common for us to refer to vacation time in December as winter holidays or winter break. This is not because we are trying to get rid of the term “Christmas” but because not all our students celebrate Christmas. Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Chinese New Year and Holi are just some of the … Continue reading