Tag Archives: Event

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

Family Literacy Week 2025

2025 Family Literacy Theme:

Learn to be Green, Together
FamilLit_2025

“Being green means taking care of the Earth by using and buying less, recycling and saving energy. Children learn by watching adults use reusable items, turn off lights and recycle. Starting young helps children grow up knowing how to protect our planet. This backgrounder includes information about the benefits of being green, as well as ideas for how families can create fun environmentally-friendly activities together.

This backgrounder is intended to be used with the age-specific activity sheets:

(From Decoda Literacy Solutions, 2024)

Early Learning Families: Check out the Early Learning Page on Curriculum Connections for creative family activities developed by MPSD’s StrongStart Team

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

Leave a comment

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)
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:

Digital Resources, Event

Family Literacy Week 2023

2023 Family Literacy Theme:

Make it count!FamilyLit_2023

Play . Sort . Measure.

“Numeracy is everywhere. Children start using math the moment they start exploring the world. Sorting, counting and measuring are ways of playing with math. Talking about math with children helps build a positive attitude towards math. Math talk helps your child connect math with daily activities.”

Recommended Resource: Math in Mission Website

Additional Resources: Make it Count Activities

Additional Resources

Joyful Literacy Family Literacy Activities:

(developed by Dr. Janet Mort)

Early Learning Families: Check out the Early Learning Page on Curriculum Connections for creative family activities developed by MPSD’s StrongStart Team

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:

Digital Resources, Event

Family Literacy Day 2022

Family Literacy Day 2022 Theme:

Learning in the Great Outdoors

“Spending time in nature provides many benefits, not just for bodies, but for minds too. This year, get outside and exercise both your mind and body together as a family. You can make outdoor time fun family learning time all while enjoying the wonders of Canada’s Great Outdoors!”

Celebrate Family Literacy Day 2021 Virtually with Honorary Chair Barbara Reid!

Barbara Reid

Join us online on Wednesday January 27, 2021 at 1:30 Pacific Time for a special event with author and illustrator Barbara Reid.

Barbara will be doing a demonstration on how to use clay to create a picture. She will share unique techniques you can use to make different things. The event will end with a Q&A.

This event is ideal for children in grades 1 to 6. To register, please click here. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Looking for additional ways to  participate in Family Literacy Day? Here are some ideas for inspiration:

FamilyLit_2022_2

FamilyLit_2022_3

Download and share these resources  from ABC Life Literacy Learn at Play, Everyday Activities (English and French):

Additional Resources:

GumbootWinter_2022

Joyful Literacy Family Literacy Activities:

(developed by Dr. Janet Mort)

Early Learning Families: Check out the Early Learning Page on Curriculum Connections for creative family activities developed by MPSD’s StrongStart Team

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:

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, Video

Cardboard Challenge

This September, get creative with cardboard and other recycled materials.  Participate in the Global Cardboard Challenge, which culminates in a day of play on October 7th.

Be inspired:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faIFNkdq96U?rel=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul9c-4dX4Hk?rel=0

Additional Resources:

Organizer Playbook (Guide)

Design for Change Playbook

Info sheet and FAQ

Digital Resources, Lesson, Video

EarthPLAY for Earth Day

Click on the links below to find resources from the EarthPLAY Toolkit or visit the Earth Day Canada website.

Earth Day Reading:

Visit your school library to borrow books about the Earth and protecting it. Some books to look for are:

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

636809

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

 

For Teachers/Principals/Parents:

Action Ideas from Earth Day Canada:

This Earth Day, take all of that learning and hold an extra or extended recess. Or go all out – host an Adventure Play Day!

Hold an extra or extended recess: Demonstrate your school’s commitment to outdoor free play. Support accessible and inclusive play by bringing out loose parts. Consider setting up a temporary mud kitchen!

Host an Adventure Play Day: Provide an opportunity for students to connect to nature through outdoor play by hosting an Adventure Play Day! Provide a variety of natural and upcycled materials (loose parts), and transform your schoolyard into an adventure playground where all sorts of neat and unexpected things can be created, constructed, and organized.

How to host an Adventure Play Day

Set up a play day team

Gather a core group of five to six staff to facilitate this fun day! Put together a team of play champions: two teachers, an administrator, a couple of parents, and maybe a caretaker to lead the collection and organization of loose parts and event delivery.

Announce the day

Let the whole school know! Spread the word via student-made posters, social media, newsletters, and morning announcements.

Start a loose parts collection

Four loose parts per child will likely ensure you will have enough loose parts for everyone. They should be easy-to-source, free, or reusable materials that can ideally be recycled after the day.

Plan to cycle between 60-100 children through 60-90-minute play sessions

Play should not be rushed. The reality of recess and lunch hours will hopefully not have to apply to your play day. Depending on the size of your school, we also recommend mixing age groups!

Assess the space you will use for this event

It’s helpful to designate an adventure play section in the playground – about a baseball diamond size space (excluding the outfield), preferably including sand/mud, and not too far from a water source. Supervision won’t be spread out too far and the rest of the playground will be available for other children during the day. Identify the perimeter of the play area and where loose parts will be placed (e.g. a cardboard tube placed near a sandpit will often become a tool for digging and exploration).

On the big day, consider how you will lay out the loose parts 

Avoid creating obvious play stations but spread out loose parts with hints as to how they might be used. Not all of the loose parts need be laid out on the site initially. Try introducing new parts as some things become too worn for play.

Supervising play on your big day

When given the freedom to play with loose parts, students will surprise you with new and creative ways to play! This can be a challenge to supervise, and requires that you balance the opportunity for students to direct their own play with the rules of the playground and risk of injury. Rather than over-policing play, focus on three simple rules: stay within the boundaries, everyone helps clean up, and have fun!

Tidy up

Be sure to include tidy up time in your schedule. Have students re-organize the play field for the next group. Make sure supervisors have transition time between groups to rest and regroup. At the end of the day, sort the waste from the stuff you need to return or store. Be extra nice to your caretakers as they will have the extra work of making sure that waste is properly recycled or disposed. Thank them!

 

 

 

 

Event, Video

Lunar New Year 2019

 

Year of the Pig (image shared by UBC)

Learn about the animals in Chinese Zodiac:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=may2s9j4RLk?rel=0

Watch this video produced for Lunar New Year 2015 and learn about some of the Lunar New Year traditions from the UBC community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BlaRMNop-o?rel=0

 

Teacher Resources:

Event, Video

Pink Shirt Day

pinkshirt_2017

Mark your calendar: Pink Shirt Day is February 22nd, 2017.

pinkshirt_poster_2017

 

Wear something pink to show that we are all working together to erase bullying in our community.

Portraits of Kindness:

Watch the clip below.  What is kindness to you, to your family and how can you show kindness in your community?

Think about this prompt:

“Kindness is……”

Here are some great recommendations for books about kindness.  Visit your school library to find even more!

pinkshirt_kindbooks_2017

Teacher Resources:

Event

BC School Library Day

dear2016_eng dear2016_fr

A message from the British Columbia Teacher Librarian Association:

“October 2016 is Library Month.
Monday, October 24th is BC School Library Day.

Share-Celebrate-Advocate. Everyone can participate:

  • Drop Everything and Read! Participate in the BC DEAR challenge.
  • Visit your school library soon!

The 2016 Drop Everything and Read Challenge will be held on Monday October 24, 2016!”

Looking for ideas for how your school can participate? Take a look at this DEAR photo album for inspiration!

Teacher Librarians:  Submit this form to send a record of how your school participated in DEAR.

Digital Resources, Event, Video

International Dot Day

Make your mark this school year!  September 15th-ish is International Dot Day!  Join the celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration! Based on the story “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds, this is a great way to start the year by celebrating the creative talents of children.

Watch the videos below to see examples of students collaborating creatively and get inspired to create:

http://animoto.com/play/CTF6JLGlvmRFNqnyN6sgmA?utm_source=thedotclub.org&utm_medium=player&utm_campaign=player

http://youtu.be/CseZabRV-Mw?rel=0

 Resources:

International Dot Day website: Get Inspired

Digital Resources, Storyteller, Video

Every Child Matters

OrangeShirtDay

September 30th has been declared annually as Orange Shirt Day to recognize the harm that was done to children in the residential school system and that ‘Every Child Matters’ as we move forward with the Truth and Reconciliation process.

This video clip shares Phyllis’ story about the origins and importance of Orange Shirt Day.

Mission’s Orange Shirt Day Event: The March to Heritage Park

On September 30th, 2016, students from MSS, HPMS, HMS and a few classes from participating elementary schools will march to Heritage park, (the site of St. Mary’s Indian Residential School).

  • All students and staff in the district will receive an Orange Pin from Siwal Si’wes to mark the day.
  • Before the march, each student will be given a card stock Turtle, outlining the year of Truth (and what it represents), discussing the purpose for “Orange Shirt Day” and the injustices of Canada’s Residential School system.
  • Each student will decorate their turtle and write a word or “commitment” of Reconciliation.
  • The students will march in orange shirts to the park.
  • Students and staff will be met by elders who attended St. Mary’s .
  • Each student will place their turtle into a cedar basket in front of the Elders.
  • There will be a few words from Elders at the covered area, some drumming and a small give away to each participant of a Reconciliation pin.

Turtle Design FL

Additional information for Educators: