Category Archives: Video

Activity, Books, Digital Resources, Storyteller, Video

Earth Day 2025

Earth Day 2025:  Our Power, Our Planet

“Tuesday, April 22, 2025 is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. We invite everyone to support Earth Day’s 2025 theme: OUR POWER, OUR PLANET™.

There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference for our planet on Earth Day and every day. Join millions worldwide in Earth Day 2025 activities. Attend a local event or plan and register your own. Below you’ll find resources such as Quizzes, Fact Sheets, Articles and More to help you celebrate Earth Day this year in your community, at home, at work and at school.”

Events, toolkit and resources can be found here:

Earth Day Stories:

TumbleBook Library: (access via Learn75, no password required)

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn’t know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.

Wild Ideas looks deep into the forests, skies and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish, or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem solving tools and strategies. Wild Ideas encourages an inquiry-based approach to learning, inviting readers to indulge their sense of wonder and curiosity by observing the natural world, engaging with big ideas and asking questions.

Articles  and Activity Ideas from CBC Kids:

Digital Resources, Event, Media, Video

National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024

Local Kwantlen Elders: (Part 1 & 2)

Virtual Ways to Participate:

Government of Canada Learning Resources 

NationalIndigenousMonth_2024

NationalIndigenousMonth_2024_1

Educator Guides:

  • NIMMIWG –Their Voices Will Guide Us:  Student & Youth Engagement Guide (Early Learning – Gr.12) (p.1 to p. 19 for K to 5)
  • Walking Together: First Nations, Metis and Inuit Perspectives in Curriculum  The digital resource Walking Together: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Perspectives in Curriculum was designed to help teachers understand the holistic nature of First Nations, Métis and Inuit ways of knowing; to provide opportunity for Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples to share their perspectives on topics important to them; and to demonstrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives in teaching and learning experiences.
  • The Secret Life of the North (CBC):How has the North been impacted by forces of colonization and why have many Canadians not known about the history, geography, and society of the Inuit? This episode explores the history and geography of the North; examines the distinct culture, language and politics of the Inuit; and recognizes the impacts of colonization on the Inuit. Possible teaching connections include Geography, History, Social Studies, Indigenous Studies, Civics, and Anthropology.
Activity, Books, Storyteller, Video

Earth Day 2024

Earth Day 2024:  Planet vs. Plastics

“For Earth Day 2024 on April 22nd, EARTHDAY.ORG is unwavering in our commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040.”

EarthDay2024_1

Earth Day Stories:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXnWUS_K0XQ?rel=0

Tumblebooks: (access via Learn75, no password required)

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn’t know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.

Wild Ideas looks deep into the forests, skies and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish, or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem solving tools and strategies. Wild Ideas encourages an inquiry-based approach to learning, inviting readers to indulge their sense of wonder and curiosity by observing the natural world, engaging with big ideas and asking questions.

Articles  and Activity Ideas from CBC Kids:

Digital Resources, Event, Video

Black History Month

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February is Black History Month! 

“Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.

No matter where you live, we invite all Canadians to learn more about these communities, and how they continue to help shape Canadian history.” (Source: Government of Canada)

Digital Resources: 

Books: (Recommended by ARC Vancouver)

“The Other Side” by Jacqueline Woodson

“Let’s Talk About Race” by Julius Lester

“The Colors of Us” by Karen Katz

“Martin’s Big Words” by Doreen Rappaport

“The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson

“I Am Enough” by Grace Byers

“Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña

“Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson

“Ruby Bridges Goes to School” by Ruby Bridges

Also by ARC Vancouver: Art and craft projects that promote unity and diversity:

  • Unity Handprints: Have students create handprints using different skin tone colors to symbolize diversity. Arrange them together to form a unity collage.
  • Unity Tree: Create a tree with a trunk and branches on a large piece of paper. Each student can add their handprints as leaves, representing their unique identity while being part of the same tree.
  • Unity Quilt: Let each student decorate a fabric square with drawings or messages of unity and diversity. Stitch these squares together to create a classroom quilt. To encourage students to express their thoughts and feelings about Black Shirt Day, inspire them to write poetry, create artwork, and write short essays or stories that reflect their understanding of unity, diversity, and anti-racism

Videos:

KN Explains: Black History Month (CBC Curio)

To celebrate Black History Month, we take a look at the long and storied history of Black British Columbians. Fran Morrison takes us from the earliest Black settlers to the enduring Black community of the present day. (Royal BC Museum)
Books, Event, Video

February 14th: Have a Heart Day 2024

This message is from the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada (FNCFCS) website:

“Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation campaign that brings together caring Canadians to help ensure First Nations children have the services they need to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.

Watch “End the Gap – Fair Funding For First Nations Schools”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LchiS8eQ7UM?rel=0

Activity Ideas:

  • Spread the word through social media like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Use the hashtag #HaveaHeartDay and/or #JourneeAyezUnCoeur.

Explore the Have a Heart Day website to download Have a Heart Day resources.

Through activities like Have a Heart Day, we are creating a movement where the landscape of Canada is only one of honour and possibility for First Nations children.”

FNCFCS also shared this music video by N’we Jinan Artists “Important to Us”, written and performed by students at Pierre Elliot Trudeau School.

Their message is inspiring:

“No matter where you’re from,

let’s fill our home with colour and love.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9mJYjUWGS8?rel=0

Teachers: More resources are available here

  • Borrow Spirit Bear books by Cindy Blackstock from your school or Siwal Si’wes Library.
  • Follow Cindy Blackstock on Twitter (Cindy Blackstock @cblackst) and/or F.N. Caring Society on Twitter(F.N. Caring Society @Caringsociety)
  • Explore the Have a Heart Day website to download Have a Heart Day resources.
Activity, Books, Storyteller, Video

Earth Day 2023

Earth Day 2023:

Earth Day Stories:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXnWUS_K0XQ?rel=0

Tumblebooks: (access via Learn75, no password required)

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn’t know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.

Wild Ideas looks deep into the forests, skies and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish, or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem solving tools and strategies. Wild Ideas encourages an inquiry-based approach to learning, inviting readers to indulge their sense of wonder and curiosity by observing the natural world, engaging with big ideas and asking questions.

Articles  and Activity Ideas from CBC Kids:

Books, Event, Video

February 14th: Have a Heart Day 2023

This message is from the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada (FNCFCS) website:

“Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation campaign that brings together caring Canadians to help ensure First Nations children have the services they need to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.

Watch “End the Gap – Fair Funding For First Nations Schools”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LchiS8eQ7UM?rel=0

Activity Ideas:

  • Spread the word through social media like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Use the hashtag #HaveaHeartDay and/or #JourneeAyezUnCoeur.

Explore the Have a Heart Day website to download Have a Heart Day resources.

Through activities like Have a Heart Day, we are creating a movement where the landscape of Canada is only one of honour and possibility for First Nations children.”

FNCFCS also shared this music video by N’we Jinan Artists “Important to Us”, written and performed by students at Pierre Elliot Trudeau School.

Their message is inspiring:

“No matter where you’re from,

let’s fill our home with colour and love.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9mJYjUWGS8?rel=0

Teachers: More resources are available here

  • Borrow Spirit Bear books by Cindy Blackstock from your school or Siwal Si’wes Library.
  • Follow Cindy Blackstock on Twitter (Cindy Blackstock @cblackst) and/or F.N. Caring Society on Twitter(F.N. Caring Society @Caringsociety)
  • Explore the Have a Heart Day website to download Have a Heart Day resources.
Activity, Books, Storyteller, Video

Earth Day 2022

Earth Day Stories:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXnWUS_K0XQ?rel=0

Tumblebooks: (access via Learn75, no password required)

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn’t know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.

Wild Ideas looks deep into the forests, skies and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish, or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem solving tools and strategies. Wild Ideas encourages an inquiry-based approach to learning, inviting readers to indulge their sense of wonder and curiosity by observing the natural world, engaging with big ideas and asking questions.

Articles  and Activity Ideas from CBC Kids:

Books, Event, Video

Have a Heart Day 2022

This message is from the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada (FNCFCS) website:

“Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation campaign that brings together caring Canadians to help ensure First Nations children have the services they need to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.

Watch “End the Gap – Fair Funding For First Nations Schools”

Activity Ideas:

  • Spread the word through social media like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Use the hashtag #HaveaHeartDay and/or #JourneeAyezUnCoeur.

Explore the Have a Heart Day website to download Have a Heart Day resources.

Through activities like Have a Heart Day, we are creating a movement where the landscape of Canada is only one of honour and possibility for First Nations children.”

FNCFCS also shared this music video by N’we Jinan Artists “Important to Us”, written and performed by students at Pierre Elliot Trudeau School.

Their message is inspiring:

“No matter where you’re from,

let’s fill our home with colour and love.”

Teachers: More resources are available here

  • Borrow Spirit Bear books by Cindy Blackstock from your school or Siwal Si’wes Library.
  • Follow Cindy Blackstock on Twitter (Cindy Blackstock @cblackst) and/or F.N. Caring Society on Twitter(F.N. Caring Society @Caringsociety)
  • Explore the Have a Heart Day website to download Have a Heart Day resources.
Activity, Books, Storyteller, Video

Earth Day 2021

Earth Day Stories:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXnWUS_K0XQ?rel=0

636809

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pQftknij8k?rel=0

Tumblebooks: (access via Learn75, no password required)

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn’t know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.

Wild Ideas looks deep into the forests, skies and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish, or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem solving tools and strategies. Wild Ideas encourages an inquiry-based approach to learning, inviting readers to indulge their sense of wonder and curiosity by observing the natural world, engaging with big ideas and asking questions.

Articles  and Activity Ideas from CBC Kids:

Books, Event, Video

Have a Heart Day 2021

This message is from the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada (FNCFCS) website:

“Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation campaign that brings together caring Canadians to help ensure First Nations children have the services they need to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.

Watch “End the Gap – Fair Funding For First Nations Schools”

 

Activity Ideas:

  • Host a socially distanced Valentine’s Day party to raise awareness in your school or community. Choose a day leading up to Valentine’s Day that makes sense for your class or community. Click here for a link to a poster you can use.
  • Spread the word through social media like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Use the hashtag #HaveaHeartDay and/or #JourneeAyezUnCoeur.

Explore the Have a Heart Day website to download Have a Heart Day resources.

Through activities like Have a Heart Day, we are creating a movement where the landscape of Canada is only one of honour and possibility for First Nations children.”

FNCFCS also shared this music video by N’we Jinan Artists “Important to Us”, written and performed by students at Pierre Elliot Trudeau School.

Their message is inspiring:

“No matter where you’re from,

let’s fill our home with colour and love.”

Teachers: More resources are available here

  • Borrow Spirit Bear books by Cindy Blackstock from your school or Siwal Si’wes Library.
  • Follow Cindy Blackstock on Twitter (Cindy Blackstock @cblackst) and/or F.N. Caring Society on Twitter(F.N. Caring Society @Caringsociety)
  • Explore the Have a Heart Day website to download Have a Heart Day resources.
Activity, Storyteller, Video

Welcome to Kindergarten!

The MPSD StrongStart team has prepared a variety of fun and easy learning activities families can do at home.

Each of the activities is related to a Welcome to Kindergarten theme and several have links to short, engaging videos.

Have fun and see you in September!

Creative Exploration:

Healthy Choices:

Music and Movement:

Noticing Print:

Numeracy:

Playdough:

Science:

Social and Emotional Learning:

Talking and Reading Together:

Digital Resources, Event, Media, Video

National Indigenous History Month

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Local Kwantlen Elders: (Part 1 & 2)

Virtual Ways to Participate:

  • Fry Bread Friday Videos:

Educator Guides:

  • NIMMIWG –Their Voices Will Guide Us:  Student & Youth Engagement Guide (Early Learning – Gr.12) (p.1 to p. 19 for K to 5)
  • Walking Together: First Nations, Metis and Inuit Perspectives in Curriculum  The digital resource Walking Together: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Perspectives in Curriculum was designed to help teachers understand the holistic nature of First Nations, Métis and Inuit ways of knowing; to provide opportunity for Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples to share their perspectives on topics important to them; and to demonstrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives in teaching and learning experiences.
  • The Secret Life of the North (CBC):How has the North been impacted by forces of colonization and why have many Canadians not known about the history, geography, and society of the Inuit? This episode explores the history and geography of the North; examines the distinct culture, language and politics of the Inuit; and recognizes the impacts of colonization on the Inuit.Possible teaching connections include Geography, History, Social Studies, Indigenous Studies, Civics, and Anthropology.
Activity, Lesson, Video

Art Class

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Here are some lessons, activities, and books about art that you might enjoy:

  1. LunchDoodles with Mo Willems!  Watch the episodes and doodle! Here are a few samples:
  • Episode 1: In his first LUNCH DOODLE, Mo welcomes you into his studio at home and guides you through drawing activities using one of his favorite characters as inspiration!

To download this episode’s activity page, click here

  • Episode 2: Mo invites you into his studio, doodles, and teaches you how to draw Elephant.

To download this episode’s activity page, click here.

  • Episode 3: Mo invites you into his studio, doodles, and teaches you how to draw Piggie.

To download this episode’s activity page, click here.

2. Draw Everyday with JJK: art lessons with author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka

3. Dav Pilkey at Home (via Scholastic): Drawing lessons, activities, videos and more!

4. Tumblebooks Art Stories:

(username: tumble735, password = books)

 

 

Activity, Books, Storyteller, Video

Earth Day 2020

Earth Day Stories:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXnWUS_K0XQ?rel=0

636809

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pQftknij8k?rel=0

Tumblebooks: (username= tumble735, password = books)

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn’t know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.

Wild Ideas looks deep into the forests, skies and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish, or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem solving tools and strategies. Wild Ideas encourages an inquiry-based approach to learning, inviting readers to indulge their sense of wonder and curiosity by observing the natural world, engaging with big ideas and asking questions.

Articles  and Activity Ideas from CBC Kids:

 

 

 

Activity, Storyteller, Video

Feelings

  1. Here is Todd Parr:
  • Reading the “Don’t Worry Book” to help us understand that feeling.  He’s got some great ideas for drawing and writing at the end too!

 

  • Sharing the “Things that Make You Feel Good” book idea:

Here is a link for you to make your own “Things That Make You Feel Good” book!

2. From Sesame Street:  Helping Children Manage Emotions

“You and your child can watch Abby Cadabby share the “calming down” strategies that work for her — from a great big self-hug to a deep, calming breath.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa_qNH8u3OM?rel=0

Another useful tool families can use at home is a sparkly glitter jar.

What Exactly is a Glitter Jar?

Just what it sounds like: a simple, sealed jar filled with water and brightly colored glitter. When you shake it, the glitter whirling around the inside of the jar represents how your child is feeling inside. Have her watch the glitter swirl and take deep belly breaths while the glitter slowly drifts to the bottom. When it finally settles, the two of you will be able to see through the clear water, symbolizing that your child has achieved a calmer state and giving you the opportunity to talk about the big feeling she was experiencing. When you do talk, embrace “feelings words” like angry, scared, frustrated, disappointed, and worried. Having a word to label the way they are feeling is an important first step for children in managing a big emotion.

Make Your Own

Glitter jars are easy to make and can be great fun for the whole family. Start with a plastic bottle or jar with a lid for each family member, and the possibilities to personalize them are endless!”

This activity is from Ready for School! A Parent’s Guide to Playful Learning for Children Ages 2 to 5.

3. For Educators: Essential Digital Citizenship Lessons (SEL focus)

  • Grade 3: The Power of Words  – What should you do when someone uses mean or hurtful language on the internet? Focus on social and emotional learning as you help students learn how to process their feelings when they see or read something online.

 

  • Grade 6: Digital Drama Unplugged – How can you de-escalate digital drama so it doesn’t go too far? Students can learn how digital drama develops and how to de-escalate contentious situations.

Source: Common Sense Media (free account required to access the complete lesson plans)

Video

Home Learning Resources: Curio

There are many digital resources being released free of charge. This week, we are featuring some spring nature videos published by Curio.  

We might not be able to go outside as much as we like, but these adventures might inspire you to look and listen to the nature in your own backyard.

Nature Mystery:

“The Case of the Quiet Diggers”

Nature Movement Song:

“Frogs”

Nature DIY ideas:

Daisy and the Gumboot Kids: Daisy the mouse loves nature! In each episode she guides children through the creation of a new and exciting nature craft. Daisy brings wonder and imagination to the craft table and encourages children to explore the world outside!

Daisy & The Gumboot Kids

 

 

Digital Resources, Video

Black History Month 2020

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“Black History Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the many contributions Black Canadians have made to Canada. This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Canadians of African Descent: Going forward, guided by the past”. This was inspired by the theme of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024).

Feet forward, head turned backward, the Sankofa bird reflects on the past to build a successful future.” (Government of Canada)

Viola Desmond: 

Additional Resources: