Blog

My Mom Is NOT a Superhero – Interview with Author Darcie Naslund

May 4th 2024 is the release date for the highly anticipated debut picture book by Canadian author Darcie Naslund, My Mom Is Not a Superhero. The story follows a little girl whose mother has Multiple Sclerosis as she discovers that some superheroes are fighting invisible battles. With the help of her cat and some X-ray glasses, […]
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Money Matters! Are Your Children Ready for Their Financial Future?

INFLATION! Rising costs. Stagnant wages. Are you feeling the pressure? Now, more than ever, budgeting and other financial skills are key. Do your young children have them? Are they ready for their financial future? Research shows that kids who learn about financial literary at a young age are more likely to grow up with the […]
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Review: Adam and His Tuba by Žiga X Gombač

Have you ever been to the circus? Seen people breathe fire, swallow swords, and get shot out of canons? These amazing acts are part of little Adam’s daily life as the youngest member of a famous circus family. And while his family tries to get him interested in their craft, it takes a while before […]
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Review: Avocado Magic by Taltal Levi

Regardless of whether you’re a fan of avocado toast, you’ll surely be entranced by Avocado Magic, a touching story about growth by Israeli author-illustrator Taltal Levi. The story follows a young girl who, a bit impatient to grow up, learns to slow down and enjoy life as she waits for her avocado pit to turn […]
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Getting Kids Ready for Back to School

As the start of the school years looms ever closer, some kids may start feeling a little bit nervous. Change can be scary! And trying to find a balance between fitting in and being yourself is always tough. If you’ve already bought all the school supplies your kids need for this year, and maybe even […]
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Review: The Forest Keeper by Rina Singh

In an era of globalization, climate change, and natural disasters, it’s easy to feel small and insignificant in the face of much larger world events. But the truth is that one person can make an enormous difference! The Forest Keeper by Rina Singh is the true story of Jadav Molai Payeng from Majuli, India, who […]
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Counting Sheep: A (Not So) Very Effective Way to Fall Asleep

If you have trouble sleeping, this one is (not) for you! Our latest bilingual book follows an exhausted shepherd as he counts each member of his herd of silly sheep. Through fields and over mountains, he counts his colourful, mischievous, hilarious sheep one by one until he gets to 176… and finds a whole bunch […]
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Children’s Singing Contest 2023: Getting Back to the Music

We’ve already discussed at length the importance of using music in children’s education—not only is it an outlet of creativity and self-expression, but also a lesson in perseverance, dexterity, and rhythm. Now, we have the pleasure of announcing our first children’s singing contest for Canadians aged 4 to 12! Before October 1, 2023, children must […]
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Review: That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown

I am not American. I am not Black. I am not the target age for a children’s picture book. But none of this lessened the impact That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown—an outstanding writer, by the way—had on me as a reader. The story follows two best friends, one Caucasian (Bianca) and one African American […]
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Improving Reading Skills through One Story A Day Intervention Program at Hinigdaan Elementary School

By Charmie Love M. de Felix At Hinigdaan Elementary School, many pupils struggle with reading, leading to a lower level of literacy skills. To address this issue, the school administration, together with the reading teachers, implemented the One Story A Day (OSAD) program. The program aims to improve the reading skills of struggling readers through […]
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Review: The Jack Squad by Marcus Eaddy

Are your kids hooked on their tablets? Do they whine that they’re bored when you shoo them outside? Do they like superheroes? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, we have the graphic novel for you! The Jack Squad by indie author Marcus Eaddy and illustrator Stacy Hummel follows a young […]
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Children’s Books for CHEO Fundraiser 2023

The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) has been a cornerstone of our community since its foundation in 1974. In 2023, we decided it was time for us to support the hospital’s hard work with our own fundraiser, Children’s Books for CHEO! In support of the incredible work CHEO does for kids, from June to […]
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Get the Buzz on Bees: May 20th Is World Bee Day

-BY BRADEN HARRISON May 20th is World Bee Day. A day to celebrate and appreciate bees and other pollinators for all the work they do in nature. Without them, most of our food wouldn’t grow… apples, blueberries, watermelons, tomatoes, and hundreds of other flowering fruits or vegetables would be in decline. Plus, we get the […]
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Review: Tumble by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom

If you were a tumbleweed rolling across a Texan desert, where would you go? The expression “a picture is worth a thousand words” takes on a new meaning in Tumble by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom. With only two to four words per page, the focus is on the author/illustrator’s beautiful images done in soft strokes and […]
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Review: The Night Before Eid by Aya Khalil

Warning: don’t read this book if you’re hungry! Zain, his mother, and his grandmother are busy making some beautiful ka’ak cookies to share with Zain’s class. By the time you get to the end of the story, author Aya Khalil’s description of the tasty treats will have your mouth watering. Thankfully, she includes her family’s […]
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Review: Kevin the Unicorn: It’s Not All Rainbows by Jessika von Innerebner

By Danica Best Everyone has their bad days: kids, adults, and even unicorns! In a colourful world where every day is a perfectly happy one for the unicorns, Kevin has the strangest morning: he wakes on the floor with the messiest mane imaginable! Kevin is determined to stay positive (when is a unicorn ever NOT […]
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Review: Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska

If you’ve never been to Egypt, this is the book you need to read—it’ll make you hear, see, smell, and taste Cairo like you’re really there. When Aunty Fatma comes to visit, the little girl is transported back to her homeland through all her senses, especially during the bedtime song her aunt sings. And even […]
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Review: Mr. Thatcher’s House by Kristin Wauson

When someone knocks at your door, odds are it’s a delivery. But at Mr. Thatcher’s house, every knock is a new bunch of storybook characters looking for a place to stay! The three little pigs’ homes collapsed, and the old woman who lived in a shoe simply can’t keep so many children in such a […]
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Review: Lilian and Noah’s Great Moving Adventure by Monika Ferenczy

An American study by the MacArthur Foundation discovered that children moved an average of 2.5 times by age 13—needless to say, the experience of packing up your family home and moving your life to a new location is widespread. While some kids may embrace this change, others will find it more difficult… and therein lies […]
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Review: Violet and the Crumbs by Abigail Rayner

Lactose-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free… a decade ago, you never heard about all these different eating restrictions. But that’s when my mother was diagnosed with celiac disease—in 2010—and suddenly she couldn’t eat anything! Go to a restaurant? No chance! Nobody knew what gluten was, let alone what meals had none of it. Now, menus often have […]
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Review: Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze by Sheryl Bass

You’ve probably had a really bad cold a few times in your life. But have you sneezed and accidentally burned a village to the ground? Such is the case for a poor baby dragon. Without any dragon parents around, he falls sick—his symptoms affect not only him, but also the townspeople who are furious at […]
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Review: Brand-New Bubbe by Sarah Aronson

“There is no one right way to blend a family,” writes author Sarah Aronson in the afterword of her beautiful (and delicious) book, Brand-New Bubbe. But main character Jillian has a hard time letting her stepfather’s mother find a place in her heart. What about her Noni and Gram? She already has grandmas—awesome ones with […]
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How Canadian Writers in Grades 1 to 6 Blew Us Away in 2022

We often hear parents remark “I could write a book” about all the hilarious things their kids say. But what if the kids were the ones writing? This is what we had in mind for our first ever One Story a Day Writing Contest (2018-2019) for Canadian kids from grades one to eight – and […]
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5 PARENTING BUZZWORDS YOU NEED TO KNOW

With so much of our lives spent on a screen, we are faced with a constant influx of information – Twitter wars, celebrities’ lunches, natural disasters, real wars, and most of all, people’s opinions on… everything. (Yes, we’re aware that this blog post is also an opinion!) Everyone has something to say, especially when it […]
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Seasonal Stories for the Beginning of Winter

The Christmas season is upon us! The One Story a Day collection for ages 5 to 12 has the perfect stories for every season. Check out these awesome tales from our first set of 12 books, One Story a Day [Intermediate].   With 365 stories – times three, because we have three levels – your […]
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Review: Jitterbug by Kai Luftner

Ever heard the expression “marching to the beat of your own drum”? For Ladie B. Marie, ladybug rockstar in the making, nothing could be closer to the truth. But the insects in the forest aren’t quite on board with all her singing, dancing, and guitar-playing—in fact, even her dad wishes she would just be quiet […]
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The Origins of Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, your kids might be wondering: Where did this spooky holiday come from? Why do we celebrate it? When did it start? Tracing the origins of Halloween takes us back thousands of years ago in Europe, all the way to the ancient Celts who lived in the British Isles and […]
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Celebrating Reading Milestones and Other Tips to Get Kids Reading Independently

While some children are interested in books from a young age, others need more convincing to sit down and read. What can you do to help your kids find their love of literature? The Right Mindset First, it’s important to frame reading as a hobby rather than a chore. Telling your child to read for […]
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Review: Sid’s Big Fib by Roo Parkin

Have you ever told a lie that got out of hand? Has it cost you a friendship with someone important? Is it difficult for you to tell the difference between lying and exaggerating? In Roo Parkin’s July 2022 picture book Sid’s Big Fib, two friends compete to outdo each other with news of their weekend […]
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DC Canada and the Ottawa Book Expo

In summer 2022, we did an interview with the brilliant team behind the Ottawa Book Expo! Get to know us better and find out what we do in our field by watching the video below…
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The Mind Behind Best Reading! Phonics: An Interview with Author and Teacher Cathy Jackson

What got you into teaching as a career? I enjoyed the energy and creativity of children. What’s the best part about teaching kids to read? It is wonderful to see children’s pride in their achievement and confidence in themselves grow before your eyes. Their head is a bit higher and their shoulders are a bit […]
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Review: Sweet Little You by Joni Halabi

More and more children’s books these days show different types of families: gay parents, multicultural, biracial, single parent, adoptive, divorced… but, like author Joni Halabi realized, far fewer are about single mothers by choice who conceive using a donor. What did she do to fill this void? She wrote and published Sweet Little You (2022), […]
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How a Small Canadian Business Impacts Children’s Literature

Running a small business – especially during a global pandemic – is a unique sort of challenge. Nevertheless, for over 25 years, DC Canada Education Publishing has been developing educational children’s books, games, and music to cater to Canadian and international markets. The quality of our resources and their success in classrooms and homes worldwide […]
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Review: Dear Rainbow Baby by Samantha Gassman

Whether you have experienced the loss of a child, know someone who has, or simply want to reflect on grief and healing, this book is the one you should read. Dear Rainbow Baby by Samantha Gassman is a heartfelt letter to a future baby after the loss of a child. The book uses free verse […]
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Discover Grandma and Grandpa’s Adventures – On the Road and In the Wild

BOOKS ABOUT ADVENTUROUS GRANDPARENTS When you think of grandparents, you might think of knitting, grey hair, and walkers. Let me tell you, the grandmother and grandfather in our 2022 bilingual series bring so much more to the table! Dive into Grandma and Grandpa’s Adventures – On the Road and In the Wild to discover what […]
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Educational All Around: Different Didactic Books for Kids

Educational. Also scholastic, instructional, didactic, informative, and illuminating. Educational books are a broad category simply because education itself is so vast. Learning Spanish is educational. Studying viruses is educational. Calculating the force needed to score a basket while playing basketball in the school yard is educational as well. So when it comes to educational children’s […]
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Four Helpful Tips to Encourage Kids to Read

While some children are interested in books from a young age, others need more convincing to sit down and read. What can you do to help your kids find their love of literature? The Right Mindset First, it’s important to frame reading as a hobby rather than a chore. Telling your child to read for […]
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Review: Hat Cat by Troy Wilson

If you pay attention when you go outside, you’ll notice squirrels scampering across the grass and finding shelter in the trees. But have you ever stopped to feed them? To gain their trust and become friends? In Hat Cat by Troy Wilson, Grandpa goes out to feed the squirrels all the time, setting peanuts on […]
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Come Visit Our New Location in Ottawa!

As more and more businesses move exclusively online, you may be wondering why we decided to open a physical location for our children’s publishing company. The answer is simple! While shopping for books on the web is easy, buying them in store is an experience. And that’s precisely what we want to give our customers! […]
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Misinformation in the Modern Era: Teaching Kids to Think Critically

-By Braden Harrison Ever wonder if the facts and figures you are reading are true? If the popular figures you follow on Twitter or Facebook are sharing articles filled with misinformation? Or if your children are getting the right information when browsing social media or the internet? Don’t worry, you are not alone. To understand […]
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Alternative Education in a Pandemic: Interview with a New Teacher

Back to school is always a big deal: new binders, new classmates, new rooms… But what happens when the newest part of the year is the brand-new teacher? Lindsay has a Bachelor’s of Education specializing in the preschool and elementary levels, and in 2021-2022, for the first time ever, is completely in charge of her […]
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March 8, 2022: International Women’s Day

~An ode to all women~   To the women who write, who teach, who create, Who discover, who design, who innovate; To the women who cook, who clean, who read, Who manage, who grow, who lead;   To the women who rise up and make their voices heard And the ones who work silently in […]
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Seven Reasons to Give Kids Books as Gifts

Whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday, or an accomplishment, giving children presents is a fun way to celebrate their milestones. Next time the occasion arises, why not select a book or two? Here are seven reasons to give children books as gifts: Giving gifts that last a lifetime. While certain toys quickly become outdated, […]
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Review: The Big Adventures of a Little Tree – Tree Finds Friendship by Nadja Springer

If you look out your window, you’ll probably see a tree somewhere—on your lawn, in the park across the street, in the nearby forest. But did you ever stop to think that this tree might be yearning for adventure? Nadja Springer’s The Big Adventures of a Little Tree – Tree Finds Friendship is the heartwarming […]
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How to Host a Book-Themed Birthday Party

If your child loves to read, loves libraries, and/or loves a specific book or series, and if their birthday is approaching, why not throw them an epic book-themed party? Check out these 5 neat ideas for hosting an epic birthday-book-bash! Invitations First step is to invite all those party guests! Follow these simple steps to […]
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2021

Depending on where you are in the world right now, you may be celebrating Christmas, or Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah, or a plethora of other celebrations that promote joy, love, faith, and unity. Depending on where you are in the world, you may be able to gather in large groups… or have to respect 5 person […]
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How to Get Kids Off Technology (Without a Fight)

I remember getting my very first cellphone—a Nokia flip phone—at age 12. My mother remembers when her family got colour TV! But kids nowadays were practically born knowing how an iPad works. How do we get them off the screen without a fight? First things first: let’s work on our mindset. If we start screeching […]
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Seven Unexpected Reasons Why I Read to My Child

~A heartfelt piece by author Kalli Dakos~ As a reading specialist, I know that there are many reasons to read to my child. But the act of reading is profound when you look at the unexpected gifts of this kind of love. I read to my child because books will help her discover all that […]
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Review: The Adventures of Grandmasaurus – At the Aquarium Rescue Centre by Caroline Fernandez

If you’ve been to an aquarium, you’ve probably seen coral, sharks, and even manta rays. Maybe you’ve studied hermit crabs or helped rescue a dolphin or two. But have you ever seen a grandma turn into the extinct ocean giant Megalodon? In The Adventures of Grandmasaurus – At the Aquarium Rescue Centre by Caroline Fernandez, […]
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Exploring Health and Safety Through Better Behaviour

If your kids are bouncing around in the library, munching on dirt and candy 24/7, or even bossing friends and siblings around, you may be looking for an accessible way to discuss appropriate behaviours. We have the solution for you: the Better Behaviour series by PJ Wright. Each of the 12 little books (complete with […]
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Happy Halloween 2021!

DRESSING UP When those seasonal stores start popping up and the Walmarts and Dollaramas set out their Halloween collections, an important decision is necessary: What shall I (and/or my children) be for Halloween? Here are 5 cool costume ideas: A character from a video game—Fortnite, or whatever the kids play these days! A character out […]
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Review: Paper Son by Julie Leung

Imagine boarding a ship headed for a new land. Imagine leaving behind part of your family, the country you love, the person you were before. For the immigrants among us, it isn’t a matter of imagining but rather of remembering our own families’ journeys. Paper Son tells the inspiring story of a Chinese immigrant with […]
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Learning about Learning Disabilities

Everyone knows we don’t all learn the same way. But some children, especially those with learning disabilities, need more support. How do you know if your child has a learning disability? PJ: Screening young children for developmental delays though a pediatrician or another child early years professional is the most recommended way to know if […]
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5 Cybersecurity Tips to Keep Kids Safe Online

This online world keeps growing, and our kids are exposed to more content than ever before. But this is a double-edged sword… while children can learn about global affairs and connect with friends in any number of countries, the Internet era is not without its unique dangers. 1. Use parental controls. Enable privacy settings, and […]
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Review: Areli Is a Dreamer by Areli Morales

Alright, I’m not going to lie: this one had me in tears. If you’re searching for a children’s book that addresses the hybridity of identity, the struggles of immigration, and the familial love that knows no boundaries, look no further than Areli Is a Dreamer, a true story by Areli Morales. From the protagonist’s childhood […]
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6 Tricks to Help Your Child Learn

After a discussion with clinical psychologist Carolyn Cavanaugh, we would like to offer you these six tricks for helping your kids learn. MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS ARE MET We know… this may sound silly and you’re thinking duh! But this is so much more important than you think. Making sure their needs are met […]
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Get Your Kids Excited about Reading

For many of us, getting a child excited about learning isn’t always easy. This customizable reading chart is a great way to make reading time more fun and engaging for you and your little reader. Below we have outlined some simple ideas to creating a fun and easy reading chart to help your child look […]
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Review: Lucas at the Paralympics by Igor Plohl

Run faster. Jump higher. Swim farther. Cycle, surf, punch, shoot, ride, row. For millennia, humans have been training to go above and beyond their bodies’ limits. Overcoming obstacles is basically a requirement in the age-old Olympic tradition. Paralympic athletes are no stranger to overcoming obstacles—since the first Paralympics in Italy, 1960, thousands of people with […]
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Review: Missing You by Erica London

As adults, we have loved and lost and learned to smile again. But for a child, a loved one’s passing is much more difficult to imagine, let alone to process. How do we approach heavy topics like mortality, sickness, and death with our little ones? What should we say to a kid who lost a […]
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Observing Canada Day 2021 Differently

215. 751. As more and more unmarked graves are being recovered, the true horror of Canada’s residential schools is entering the collective consciousness. Of course, Indigenous communities across Turtle Island are not surprised by these numbers—they have lived through the tragedy of these missing children for generations. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission states that between […]
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Making Education into a Game

Pop quiz: What is more fun, studying vocabulary or playing a game? How about learning addition or playing a game? Memorizing historical dates or playing a game? Odds are you answered playing a game each time. Playing is an integral part of childhood development. You play games in the car to pass the time on […]
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Review: Zonia’s Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal

Most of us, as least in North America, have never ventured into the rainforest. What animals might we find there? What plants bloom, what birds sing, and what bugs crawl through the trees? Dive into Zonia’s Rain Forest and explore the mysteries of the Peruvian Amazon through the eyes of a curious young Indigenous child. […]
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Introduce Kids to Politics Now and Prepare Them for Their Futures

Your kids probably aren’t worried about the economy. They likely don’t care who the provincial leader is. And they are definitely too young to vote. But none of this means you shouldn’t introduce them to political topics at a young age! For adults, politics are everywhere and play an important part in our daily lives; […]
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Review: A Mother’s Day Surprise by Lindsay B

When it comes to family, nothing is more important than love and mutual respect. In Lindsay B’s A Mother’s Day Surprise (available in French as Joyeuse fête des Mères!), little Rainbow reaches out to family and friends for help planning the sweetest Mother’s Day surprise for her two wonderful mothers. When the celebration doesn’t go […]
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Diving into Science, One Story at a Time

Why does a loaf of bread rise? How do the tides change? What makes a tornado move so quickly? How did the black widow spider get its name? Children ask a lot of questions, sometimes too quickly to even hear the answers. With a natural curiosity and a keen interest in how things work, kids […]
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Better Behaviour: A Learning Journey with PJ Wright

Tackling tough topics with kids, either as an educator or a parent, is never easy. But with the help of the Better Behaviour series by PJ Wright, those heavy conversations are a lot easier to approach. These 12 little books inspire reflection, discussion, and self-improvement. Find out why this talented author created the series! What […]
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woman typing

How to Publish a Book

Dreaming of seeing your name on the New York Times Bestsellers list? Hoping your words will hit the bookshelves with a bang? Don’t know where to even begin? Check out our tips for aspiring authors! Find an idea. Historical fiction? Sparkly vampire romance? There are so many books out there already that finding a unique […]
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Who Needs Children’s Poetry?

First, one line, a fleeting thought Then, a verse! I take my shot Soon, a stanza—four whole lines My words make a poem that shines! While there is no shortage of children’s prose, finding poetry that is both accessible and meaningful for young readers is a bit more challenging. Often, kids grow up with a […]
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The Importance of Music in Education – Interview with Two Talented Ottawa Artists

From car salesman jingles to holiday tunes, from live performances to campfire songs, music is all around us. Several studies have shown the benefits of introducing music in classrooms. But you don’t want to hear it from us! Find out what real musicians think about music in education. First, tell us a bit about who […]
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From Physics to Children’s Lit: An Interview with Publishing Director Meizhen Dang

Read an interview of Meizhen Dang, publishing director and owner of a children’s book publishing agency in downtown Ottawa, Canada. How has your career path changed since your post-secondary education? It was an interesting one.  I didn’t expect myself to be a book publisher till very late. After I graduated from the University of Ottawa […]
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Boundless Creativity: Q & A with Illustrator Erin Mercer

By now, you’ve fallen in love with Erin Mercer’s work on Recess in the Dark. Soon, you’ll be moved to laughter and even a few tears by the beauty of her pictures for the upcoming One Story a Day for Science series. But professional illustrators go way beyond sketches and colouring books. So what is […]
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Secret shame

Talking to Kids about Mental Health

When I was little, we didn’t mention words like depression or anxiety. We didn’t talk about learning disabilities or mental illness or substance abuse. Any questions kids had about those topics were met with “Shush!” and “Don’t ask about those things!” And honestly, I was little not THAT long ago. Nevertheless, we’ve come a long […]
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eReader and Books

Designing an eBook Reader for Mobile Platforms

By Ji Ho Oh Are there key elements to consider when creating an eReader for mobile devices? What even is an eBook, and how are they formatted? What are the pros and cons of HTML and EPUB, and what are the additional considerations for creating an eReader mobile application? If you’ve ever pondered these technical […]
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Typewriter

When Passion Meets Talent: Q&A with Canadian Author and Editor Leonard Judge

After decades of writing, teaching, editing, and mentoring, how could Leonard Judge not have interesting things to say about his illustrious career? Now more than ever, through advances in technology, we can share wisdom with people across the world in a matter of minutes. And who better to unveil the secrets of a successful writer’s […]
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Learning in the Age of the Coronavirus

The world is slowly awakening from the coronavirus pandemic. Social circles are expanding, and face-to-face contact with others beyond our immediate families is underway. It feels good to see our friends, even two metres away from us. During the first phase of the pandemic, schools across the globe were closed in an abundance of precaution. […]
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Udderly Unacceptable: Emooly Murphy on Gender Equality

Disclaimer: this blog post contains 12 cow puns. It’s inconceivabull to me that men and women are still, in the 21st century, part of a global hierarchy in which women are paid less, worth less, and told their concerns are an attempt at reverse sexism. Coming off Black History Month, a time to celebrate black […]
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Logico: The Perfect Learning Game for Kids 3 to 12

Playing is fun. Reading is often fun. Eating dessert is lots of fun! But studying? Not as much. Of course, there is more than one way to learn. You learn from random Google searches, Scrabble games, school, work, and a million other places that allow people to share knowledge. But for some people, and especially […]
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An interview with Canadian author Oksanna Crawley about children’s story book Super Hammy

An interview with Canadian author Oksanna Crawley Oksanna Crawley reads from her book: Super Hammy Can’t Find His Hat
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Black History Month: Celebrating Centuries of Achievements

Most of us are familiar with names such as Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Michael Jackson. But Black history extends far beyond 20th and 21st century North America. Since 1926, February has been a time to reflect on the incredible contributions people of African descent have made to the arts, the […]
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Is Online Learning Right for Your Kids?

Not everyone learns the same way. Some people are visual learners, while others need a more hands-on approach. As technology advances, so do learning methods. We are no longer limited to pens, papers, and printed books. Now, there is a whole new way to learn: online. We have a universe-worth of information accessible with just […]
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A Story-Time Adventure that Will Actually Get Your Kids Reading

Many children’s magazines claim sitting your children in front of the TV when you need a break makes you a bad parent. They say you should be reading to them, playing games, engaging them in meaningful conversations… But even superhero parents need some time off now and again. However, if you still feel guilty over […]
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Merry and Bright: Six Activities for Families with Young Kids

WRITE. Between cookies and candy canes, presents and snowfalls, kids are sure to be full of energy around the holiday season. But if they ever do get tired of running about, chasing the cat up the tree, and stuffing their little faces with chocolate, writing short stories or poems might be just the right activity […]
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The Colour of Your Fur

Look outside your window. Is it sunny? Raining? If it’s snowing, you can be certain Sam HusGee is out training for the dogsled competition out in Yukon, Canada. But this husky’s journey has been a difficult one. Never mind the weather, challenging training, and stiff competition—Sam can mush through all of that. The real issue […]
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Sing, Dance, Learn, and Grow: Educating Kids Through Music

We sing in the car. We sing in the shower. We sing our ABCs with our kids. Let’s face it: music is everywhere. And thank goodness it is! Where would we be without our concerts, our playlists, our late-night serenades? Kids are naturally inclined to wiggle, make silly sounds, and skip about when it should […]
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Fighting for Financial Literacy with the Three Little Piggy Banks

To quote American businessman and author Dave Ramsey, “You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will forever control you.” Many people live in poverty, not just in developing countries but in Canada and the U.S. as well—the problem is that we don’t talk about it and we don’t do much […]
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How to Write a Scary Story

My hot chocolate sits abandoned on my desk. My laptop warns me its battery is low. My head hangs defeated, staring at the blank screen. I need to write a scary story before class tomorrow, and I have no ideas! What would scare a bunch of 7th graders who walk around a dark forest for […]
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Local Control of Education in the North

I worked in Canada’s far North for six years in the 1980s, first as a teacher in a fly-in village in Cree territory, then as a teacher and curriculum developer in Algonquin territory in northern Quebec. During this time, the First Nations were slowly and surely taking back control of their education systems from the […]
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Language Learning Tips for Older Kids

So, you’re learning a new language. You’re highly motivated at first but soon realize it isn’t as easy as you thought it would be. Slowly, you stop opening your language app, and the words you’ve learned in your target language begin to fade. Why does it have to be so difficult?! Good news: although learning […]
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Hitting the Books Again

The summer is over. Long carefree days of sun, beaches, and vacations are coming to a close. It’s not just a changing of the season. This time of year, as children head back to school, there is often a changing of mindset as well. This shifting mindset can bring some anxious moments for many children. […]
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Recess in the Dark: Students in a Special Place

Recess. The word itself brings back memories of primary school and those dreaded middle school days. Canadian young adults are likely reminded of hours spent climbing over the snow piles left by the plows, pretending to be astronauts or huskies or famous explorers. Alas, the snow would melt, and kids would move on to games […]
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DC Canada’s Best Educational Gifts for Enthusiastic Kids

Birthdays, holidays, end of year parties… With so many occasions, it’s difficult to buy creative, useful gifts for the child that has everything! Trying to find something enjoyable yet educational, engrossing yet evergreen, well, it takes a lot of thought. But gift-shopping doesn’t have to be all that difficult! Our books, games, and music will […]
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Writing Tips for Young Authors

Everybody knows the great writers whose renown transcends generations: Shakespeare, Vernes, García Lorca, Tolstoy… How could a kid like me ever write something that compares to their literary masterpieces? Why can’t I be the next J.K. Rowling? If you’ve ever felt this way, you aren’t alone; it can be intimidating to reflect on the piles […]
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Teach Kids to Read with Best Reading! Phonics

If you’re like me, you probably learned your alphabet by singing along with Elmo. You may even have struggled with that Q to W section that always caused me problems. But if the ABCs are usually considered the first step towards deciphering books… how can you teach kids to read without memorizing an overwhelming 26 […]
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Three Cheers for Canada!

Ah, Canada. Land of Sorry, Eh, and Timmies. Did you know Canadian mothers drink maple syrup during pregnancy to ensure their child is super Canadian? Oh, and we’re born in igloos and ride our first moose by age 9, if you hadn’t heard. Well, some of those might be exaggerated. Or invented. But I won’t […]
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100% Human: Celebrating Pride with DC Canada Every Month

DC Canada Is Always Celebrating Pride! Gay, straight, tall, blind, red-haired, overweight, Jewish, able-bodied… No matter our differences, we’re still human. So why should some have to live in fear? Why do some have their rights debated? Why are some told that they shouldn’t exist, or worse? DC Canada wants to highlight the bravery and […]
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The First Flock: Celebrating Indigenous People’s Wisdom and Traditions

From Disney’s Pocahontas (1995) to Little House on the Prairie (1935) by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Indigenous people have appeared in cinema and literature shrouded in stereotypes and romanticized to no avail. On June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day, let’s celebrate our country’s native inhabitants and forget any biased perspectives the media may have highlighted in […]
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Reading, Writing, and Really Talented Kids

DC Canada’s Writing Contest for Kids Highlights the Literary Prowess of Canada’s Youngest Authors Each time you pick up a pencil or sit down at your computer, you’re about to create. Maybe it’s a perfectly penned email. Maybe it’s a letter to your future children. Maybe it’s the next Harry Potter. No matter what you’re […]
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Super Hammy French Release!

Super Hammy is available in French (Super Hami)! Now, children aged 4 to 6 who want to learn French and start reading books by themselves have a great resource with which to begin.
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The Road Map to Reading

Have you noticed your four or five-year-old recognizing letters or common words? Maybe they’re pretending to read to their siblings or friends? You’re now wondering if it’s a good time to start teaching your kid how to read… The answer is yes! If you’re not sure where to start, this post compares two resources from […]
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Happy New Year 2018!

We're getting ready to release three new resources for early childhood education.
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Spark the Natural Curiosity of Kids with ‘Into Math with Imagination’

Mathematics is defined as “a boring subject that has nothing to do with real life and is developed just to torture every student for eleven years of school.” * Just kidding! Math can be as fun and imaginative as any other subject in school. Galileo Galilei described mathematics as the language of the universe, which […]
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Playwise Wins 2017 Game of the Year

Playwise is so much more than a fun game.
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LES GAGNANTS DU CONCOURS LE PETIT GRAND PENSEUR 2017

Félicitations aux gagnants de notre concours annuel Le Petit grand penseur 2017 et merci à tous ceux qui ont participé! Chaque année, nous invitons des enfants âgés de 5 à 11 ans à répondre à une des 4 questions philosophiques posées dans n’importe quel format dans lequel ils se sentent à l’aise afin d’avoir la […]
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Canada Learning Code Week

From June 1 to 8, more than 10,000 kids across Canada will take part in Canada Learning Code Week, an educational program that combines history and literature with a simple programming tool called Scratch.  These are beginner lessons for kids who want to learn the basics of computer programming. No experience necessary! We’re very proud […]
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The Winners of the Little Big Thinkers Contest 2017

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Little Big Thinker Contest and thank you to everyone who participated! Every year we invite students from ages 5 to 11 to answer a philosophical question in any format they prefer for a chance to win books and games for the class. This year we were bombarded with […]
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The Olympiades Apprenti-Sage!

Here’s a fun and brainy weekend activity for families in Montreal, Quebec: the Olympiades Apprenti-Sage, which is taking place on April 8th, from 3pm until 5pm for ages 6 to 11. For ages 11 to 16, another tournament will take place from 6pm until 8pm. All ages are welcome to play from 9am until noon. […]
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Les Olympiades Apprenti-Sage!

Voici une activité plaisante et instructif pour un samedi: les Olympiades Apprenti-Sage arrive le 8 avril de 15h à 17h pour les enfants âge 6 à 11. Pour les enfants de 11 à 16 ans, un deuxième tournois aura lieu de 18h à 20h. Tous sont invités à participer! Pour les nouveaux joueurs, il ya […]
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Le concours Petit Grand Penseur!

Faites travailler votre matière grise, les enfants! Les écoliers de Jardin à la 6ième année, vous pouvez gagner des livres et des jeux pour votre classe lors du concours Petit Grand Penseur de cette année en répondant à une des quatre questions suivantes et en nous envoyant votre réponse avant le 15 Mai 2017 : Peux-tu imaginer ce […]
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The Little Big Thinker Contest!

Put your thinking caps on kiddos! Students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 can win books and games for the classroom in this year’s Little Big Thinker Contest by answering one of the following four questions and sending it to us before May 15th: Can you imagine what would happen if no one went to school? Imagine a […]
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Here Comes Super Hammy – A First Time Reading Series

Good news for kids who are learning to read! Super Hammy and his friends are here to make it easy and fun. The new series is written and illustrated by Oksanna Crawley, a retired Reading Recovery teacher and already the author of well-known storybook, So, You Be Keon and I’ll Be Mahovlich, about a young […]
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Here Comes Super Hammy – Une série pour lecteurs débutants

De bonnes nouvelles pour les enfants qui apprennent à lire! Super Hammy et ses amis sont ici pour rendre la tâche facile et amusante. Cette nouvelle série est rédigée et illustrée par Oksanna Crawley, une enseignante de rattrapage en lecture et déjà auteure d’un livre d’histoire populaire, So, You Be Keon and I’ll Be Mahovlich, […]
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The 2017 Little Big Thinker Contest

The “winding down” days at the end of a school semester are anything but. Classes may be about to end, but for kids the summer season is full of potential and the fun is really just beginning. Teachers are full of inventive ways to channel a classroom’s energy into creative projects for these final days. […]
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Notre Concours 2017 ‘‘The Little Big Thinker’’

Les derniers jours à la fin d’un semestre scolaire sont importants. Les cours peuvent être sur le point de se terminer, mais pour les enfants la saison estivale est plein de potentiel et le plaisir est vraiment juste à son début. Les enseignants utilisent pleins de moyens inventifs pour transformer l’énergie d’une salle de classe […]
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10 First Week of School Activities

S. Evelyn Cimesa | August 22, 2016 | Classroom Activities The first day of school – the alluring, exhilarating, and exhausting adventure that carries us through the school year. It’s the day that teachers are waiting for; the summer of preparation is over, and now it’s time to tackle your classroom with the enthusiasm you’ve reserved […]
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All in a Day: Visiting the Winners of The Little Big Thinker Contest

S. Evelyn Cimesa | July 4, 2016 | Events In June 2016, DC Canada Education Publishing announced the winners of The Little Big Thinker contest. Two students, Mattie Azizan and Autumn Weiss, placed 1st and 2nd, respectively, in The Little Big Thinker contest. They were part of the class that won the participation prize: Mr. Clarke’s grade 5 class, at Elizabeth Park […]
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Tout en une journée: la visite des gagnants du concours “The Little Big Thinker”

S. Evelyn Cimesa | 4 Juillet 2016 | Événements En Juin 2016, DC Canada Education Publishing annonçait les gagnants du concours « The Little Big Thinker ». Deux étudiantes, Mattie Azinan et Autumn Weiss, s’étaient méritées les positions 1 et 2, respectivement, du concours « The Little Big Thinker ». Elles étaient dans la classe qui a gagné le prix de participation : […]
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Announcing the Winners of DCCED’s The Little Big Thinker Contest

S. Evelyn Cimesa | July 4, 2016 | Contest The Little Big Thinkers of Ottawa Back in April 2016, we featured an Ottawa-based contest, titled The Little Big Thinker Contest, for students in kindergarten to grade five. Students were asked to answer one or more philosophical questions from the My Little Book series, published by DC Canada Education Publishing. Participants did […]
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A New Way to Teach Children the Canadian Charter

S. Evelyn Cimesa | April 21, 2016 | Products We’re excited to announce the release of La Charte pour les enfants, the French edition of Canadian bestseller series The Charter for Children. This collection of witty, illustrated stories introduces children to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
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Creating Digital Autonomy

Gamification experiences are growing in popularity within the educational system.
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L’Éditeur Local DC Canada Education Publishing Lance La Collection Francophone La Charte pour les enfants

(Ottawa, ON – 14 avril 2016) — Êtes-vous prêts à rencontrer l’activiste Alexandre le Grand et la féministe Émeuly Meuphy? Ou à être témoin d’une course de luge électrisante du Yuko, ou à ressentir votre cœur se briser pour une envolée d’outardes dépossédées alors qu’elle font leur  voyage traditionnel entre leur domicile au nord du […]
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Local Publisher DC Canada Education Publishing Debuts French Collection La Charte pour les enfants

(Ottawa, ON – April 14, 2016) — Are you ready to meet activist Alexander the Grape and feminist Emooly Murphy? How about witnessing the thrill of a Yukon sled race, or feeling your heart ache for a flock of dispossessed Canada geese as they make their traditional journey to and from their summer home in […]
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Play-based Strategies to Get Youth Learning

S. Evelyn Cimesa | March 18, 2016 | Play-based Learning Play is one of the most effective methods of engaging youth. It promotes social and emotional learning, provides opportunities for challenges and perseverance, and children are natural experts at it. Children connect with the world through play. They attribute meanings to words as they explore their surroundings, […]
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Building Community in the Classroom

S. Evelyn Cimesa | February 11, 2016 | Social and Emotional Learning   For young children, the classroom is a second home. They spend up to 30 hours a week in this space with peers and teachers, and have access to a plethora of learning resources, art supplies, games, and toys. Every child brings something new […]
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Easy Christmas Crafts for Children

S. Evelyn Cimesa | December 18, 2015 | Crafts   It’s that time of year. The trees are adorned in twinkling lights. Little snowflakes are dancing in your hair. Christmas music hums outside of every store. And there are parades and parties and presents galore. But it’s still early, and we haven’t finished our advent calendars yet. And […]
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Five Ways to Encourage Creative Thinking

Leonard Judge | December 11, 2015 | Creativity Defining creativity is not as straightforward as one might think. What is it really? Where do we begin and what are we aiming for when we attempt to encourage creative thinking in children? A common definition for creativity is simply to use one’s imagination to think about and develop original ideas. […]
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4 Ways to Encourage Creative Writing in the Classroom

Scott Paterson | December 4, 2015 | Creativity   “But I hate writing stories!” If you’ve heard this from your student, don’t despair. You may even identify with them. Perhaps you hated creative writing in school or felt you had nothing to add. Creative writing can be really difficult for students if they have a lack of inspiration. Here are […]
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4 façons d’encourager la création littéraire dans la classe

Scott Paterson | 4 Décembre 2015 | Créativité « Mais je déteste écrire des histoires! » Si vous avez déjà entendu ceci de la bouche de vos étudiants, ne désespérez pas. Il est même possible que vous vous identifiez à eux. Peut-être méprisiez-vous la création littéraire à l’école ou peut-être sentiez-vous que vous n’avez rien à ajouter. La création littéraire […]
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