Published on Monday, October 28 2024
by Aline Fablet in Blog
Halloween is fast approaching, and it is the perfect time to plan a fun, creative and, above all, memorable activity with your child. We know how precious these family moments are, so this month we are bringing you the perfect activity to combine fun, exploration and indulgence! Let your child enter the magical world of witches and wizards, while discovering nearby nature through an unforgettable pumpkin hunt!
Are you ready? Here’s the scenario: your child becomes a witch or a wizard and has an important mission! His or her magical pumpkins have been stolen and hidden in the forest. It is up to you to find them together! To do this, you will first have to make your own magic broom and, why not, dress up.
Once you have found the pumpkins, you can prolong the magic by cooking a delicious pumpkin soup together? Just the thing to warm you up after your magical adventure!
We have got you covered:
In the PDF, you will find details of the activity and a tasty recipe for pumpkin soup, easy to make with your new witch or wizard! All you have to do is follow the instructions, and you are ready to go!
You can also add magic herbs or frogs if you like, but beware: this is at your own risk!
This past month has seen a number of new developments at our centers, including the more regular resumption of outdoor outings.
We are delighted to announce that forest pick-ups, which took place in the afternoons before the summer at Boréal des tout-petits, have now been resumed and are also taking place at Scène des tout-petits!
This is a new addition to the center, and the adaptation is going wonderfully well.
But what is a forest collection?
Quite simply, it is picking up children in the forest at the end of the day, rather than in the childcare centre building. These pick-ups enable the children to spend more time in nature, and not just in the mornings.
Little by little, we are also getting back into the swing of things, with outings becoming a regular occurrence once again. These outdoor afternoons are a real opportunity for the children to develop and blossom at their own pace, in harmony with nature.
Parents can now use a small bell installed at the entrance to the forest. This simple device allows parents to signal their presence when picking up their child at the end of the day. This small improvement is designed to improve organization. So do not be afraid to use it.
On Truth and Reconciliation Day, the children of Boréal des tout-petits had the chance to visit the brand-new First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Centre and the Shkode Pavilion (Heart of Fire) at Collège Boréal.
The day’s discoveries gave the children a better understanding of the history of Canada’s aboriginal peoples, while allowing them to express their creativity. They learned to say “Miigwetch” (thank you) in the Ojibwe language, a simple but important way of recognizing and honoring First Nations.
During the morning, each child was able to personalize an orange sweater design, the symbol of Truth and Reconciliation Day, by drawing on it. To conclude this special morning, the children left with a sticker representing the 7 sacred teachings, a beautiful souvenir of this moment of learning and sharing.
This month, we also have great news to share: the arrival of Erick Dubois as our new Project Manager!
Erick joins us with a clear mission: to support early childhood centres in their outdoor programming. His expertise and enthusiasm will enable us to extend the forest project even further, so that more children can benefit from these moments in nature. His role will be key in helping us expand programming to new centres and strengthen the commitment of those already involved.
We are delighted to welcome Erick to the team, and look forward to working with him to drive forward this great project which, since its inception, has demonstrated the many benefits of nature outings for the very young.
Speaking of outdoor education, did you know that a new newsletter dedicated to early childhood professionals is about to be launched?
This newsletter will be specially designed to share with you the results of the forest project, as well as the support provided to educational staff. You will also find practical advice and ideas for outdoor activities you can implement in your own centres. In short, everything you need to set up a similar project!
Are you an early childhood professional interested in finding out more?
Send us an email at info@carrefour.ca to receive this new professional newsletter as soon as it is published!
Our project partners: PLAYLearnThink, Collège Boréal, Centre Louis Riel; our research partners: Child and Family Social Innovation Centre and our funder: Employment and Social Development Canada.
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