# data[].attributes.headline
KPRDSB READING TARGETS:                         PLEASE SEE THE "GB+ TABLE" FOR WHERE YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE READING IN FRENCH.  THE "PM BENCHMARK" TABLES SHOW WHICH LEVEL YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE READING IN ENGLISH.                            FI STUDENTS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE AT THE SAME ENGLISH READING LEVEL AS ENGLISH STREAM STUDENTS. 

# data[].attributes.subject
KPRDSB READING TARGETS:                         PLEASE SEE THE "GB+ TABLE" FOR WHERE YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE READING IN FRENCH.  THE "PM BENCHMARK" TABLES SHOW WHICH LEVEL YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE READING IN ENGLISH.                            FI STUDENTS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE AT THE SAME ENGLISH READING LEVEL AS ENGLISH STREAM STUDENTS. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In addition to talking with their child about their learning, parents and families can support their child's success by finding ways to make a connection between what is being learned at school and outside the classroom, so that their child can apply their learning at home, at school and beyond.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
French as a Second Language Homework Toolbox home page

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​Resource-Link

​​​Description

​​​​​​​​Strand-Skill

​​​​​​

​​​​Listening

​​​​​​​​Speaking

​​​​Reading

​​​​Writing

​​​FSL Homework Toolbox
​

Parents who have children in a French Immersion program and wish to assist them ​with homework in French. It is also a resource for FI students who require an accessible user friendly reference tool to help with homework. Click on “Toolbox” to practise listening to everyday French expressions. ​

​​​​Yes

​​​​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​Canadian Parents for French
​

​This site is designed to help further bilingualism by promoting and creating opportunities for students to learn and use French.Click on “Resources” for Parents and Students.​​

​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​Edululu​
​ ​
​

A public service site that evaluates educational applications for tablets.​

​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​Mini-TFO

​​

​Students can explore games and videos in French. Try Carmen Campagne, What Rhymes? Madame Fruitée, Comment se sentent les amis de Mini-TFO

Yes

​Yes

​No

​No

IDELO​​

​

​The Canadian reference in French educational content.

Yes

​Yes

​No

​No

​Literacy Center​​

.

​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​​​​​Yes

​Boukili​
​

​This website assists French Immersion students in learning how to read in French using free illustrated books.  The site aims to help students read to develop their imagination and to progress in their reading skills.​

​No

​No

​​​​​Yes

​No

​Reading A to Z (French)​

​This website features texts to support the growth of native and non-native French speakers' reading and language skills.

​No

​No

​​​​​Yes

​No

​Lecture Enfant​
​

This website offers parents and educators 18 levels of French books and videos. Sign up for the newsletter and receive 20 free downloadable books. Click on “Free Resources”.

​​​​​Yes

​No

​​​​​Yes​

​No​

​

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resources to Support Your Child at Home with FSL Acquisition

# data[].attributes.headline
Understanding stress and the brain... for kids! I love this story she tells about the Owl and the Guard Dog who live inside our brains. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Understanding stress and the brain... for kids! I love this story she tells about the Owl and the Guard Dog who live inside our brains. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Kids Can Deal with Anxiety | Cosmic Kids Zen Den - Mindfulness for kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Being Angry & Safe #Autism Social Skills Video

# data[].attributes.headline
LA LI LO - ON-LINE PHONICS & READING PRACTICE GAME!! LOOK FOR CLASS: MARTIN 2021/2022 & THE CODE IS: EKJTXK

# data[].attributes.subject
LA LI LO - ON-LINE PHONICS & READING PRACTICE GAME!! LOOK FOR CLASS: MARTIN 2021/2022 & THE CODE IS: EKJTXK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The teacher's dashboard gathers all of your students data and allows you to assign lessons

# data[].attributes.headline
BOUKILI APP & WEBSITE!! READING PRACTICE!! CLASS CODE:   u3g1tk

# data[].attributes.subject
BOUKILI APP & WEBSITE!! READING PRACTICE!! CLASS CODE:   u3g1tk

# data[].attributes.headline
"LES CASTORS" LIBARY.                                       HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.subject
"LES CASTORS" LIBARY.                                       HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.headline
"LES RENARDS" LIBRARY.                   HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.subject
"LES RENARDS" LIBRARY.                   HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.headline
"LES HIBOUX" LIBRARY. HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.subject
"LES HIBOUX" LIBRARY. HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.headline
"LES CERFS" LIBRARY. HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.subject
"LES CERFS" LIBRARY. HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.headline
"LES OURS" LIBRARY. HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.subject
"LES OURS" LIBRARY. HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.headline
FINE MOTOR SKILLS! INFORMATION & PRACTICE FOR EMERGING WRITING! 

# data[].attributes.subject
FINE MOTOR SKILLS! INFORMATION & PRACTICE FOR EMERGING WRITING! 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fine motor skills involve the use of the smaller muscle of the hands, commonly in activities like using pencils, scissors, construction with bricks, doing up buttons and opening lunch boxes.

Fine motor skill efficiency significantly influences the quality of the task outcome as well as the speed of task performance. Efficient fine motor skills require a number of independent skills to work together to appropriately manipulate the object or perform the task.
Why are fine motor skills important?
Fine motor skills are essential for performing everyday skills as outlined above as well academic skills. Without the ability to complete these everyday tasks, a child's self-esteem can suffer, their academic performance is compromised and their play options are very limited. They are also unable to develop appropriate independence in 'life' skills (such as getting dressed and feeding themselves) which in turn has social implications not only within the family but also within peer relationships.
How can you tell if a child has fine motor skill difficulties at a glance?

Avoidance and/or disinterest of fiddly finger skills

Preferring physical activity (again to avoid sit down tasks)

Interest in 'passive' activities such as IT (e.g. watching TV an IPAD that don't require Fine Motor skills)

No interest in pencil or scissors skills

Being 'bossy' in play and asking others to "draw a cat for me"

Not persisting in the face of a challenge (e.g. asking parents to fix a problem without physically trying to fix it themselves)

Waiting for parents to dress them or clean their teeth rather than trying themselves

Before looking at the below activities it may be a good idea to review the child's posture and seating.
See this link for further information on posture & seating
Crossing the midline

The midline is an imaginary line running down the middle of the body dividing the body into halves (left and right).

Crossing the midline is where the movement of a body part crosses over the midline from one side to the other side of the body to complete a task.

The automatic crossing of the midline is required for mature and complex movements. The child who has difficulties with midline crossing will lean over to the right or left when writing on that side rather than rotate their upper body.

Crossing the midline school pack Crossing the midline parent advice sheet Bilateral Integration
Children may tend to use the left hand on the left side of the body and the right hand on the right side of the body as they play. Initially this could be the hand closer to the object. However, over time they develop the skills to use both sides of their body simultaneously. This could mean when both sides are doing the same thing i.e. when using a rolling pin or when one side is doing one movement and the opposite side is doing another for example one hand could be using a pen or a pair of scissors whilst the hand holding/turning the paper.

Bilateral integration is also an important factor in helping a child develop the skill of crossing the midline.

Please see the below links for some helpful activities

Bilateral hand skills for preschool and older children

Bilateral integration school pack

Bilateral integration

Shoulder stability is the ability of the surrounding muscles to support the shoulder and allows for accurate hand functions. This develops from an early age as a baby lies on their tummy and takes weight through their arms and will continue to develop as they begin to crawl.

Good shoulder stability can make it easier to control the smaller movements of the hands and fingers.

Children with delayed or poor shoulder stability, you may also find it hard to use scissors, have poor dressing skills and struggle to use items such as cutlery.

Shoulder stability/ strengthening activities
Pincer grip
The pincer grasp is defined as a grasp that uses the pads then tips of the index finger and thumb to pick up and grasp objects. You will start to see this grasp the most as a baby masters feeding itself and can pick up smaller pieces of food such as circle cereal with their fingers instead of the palm of their hand.

While it may seem like second nature to an adult, to a baby this is an important milestone in fine motor development. The pincer grasp represents the coordination of brain and muscles that's necessary to help them gain increasing independence.

A baby will typically develop this skill between the ages of 9 and 10 months , although this can vary. Children develop at different rates.

Clever hands programme

Handwriting is a complex skill to learn and starts well before a child is ready to pick up a pencil and make marks on paper. When a baby starts reaching for their toys and begins to crawl, they are developing the postural stability and visual motor skills needed for when they start to begin to write.

Handwriting is such an important skill to have even with the ever increasing use of computers in schools.So making sure your child has the necessary building blocks in place is essential.

Having a solid fine and gross motor skills base is important.A significant fine motor skill for your child to havefor handwriting is good in-hand manipulation, the skill of picking up an item and being able to move it around in your hand, or manipulate it, this involves the coordination of small muscles and movements of the hands, fingers, and eyes. Whilst for gross motor skills having good core and shoulder strength to maintain a good posture and balance is equally as significant.

As well has having a solid fine and gross motor base there are many other skills involved in handwriting.Listed below are some of the more complex skills needed to develop good handwriting:
Letter formation (Large)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fine motor skills involve the use of the smaller muscle of the hands, commonly in activities like using pencils, scissors, construction with bricks, doing up buttons and opening lunch boxes. Fine motor skill efficiency significantly influences the quality of the task outcome as well as the speed of task performance.

# data[].attributes.headline
TIC TAC TOC - A TIC TAC TOE GAME FOR SIGHT WORD & SPELLING PRACTICE!

# data[].attributes.subject
TIC TAC TOC - A TIC TAC TOE GAME FOR SIGHT WORD & SPELLING PRACTICE!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Duolingo is the world's most popular way to learn a language. It's 100% free, fun and science-based. Practice online on duolingo.com or on the apps!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Math-Drills.com includes over sixty-four thousand free math worksheets that may be used to help students learn math. Our math worksheets are available on a broad range of topics including number sense, arithmetic, pre-algebra, geometry, measurement, money concepts and much more. There are two interactive math features: the math flash cards and dots math game.

Math-Drills.com was launched in 2005 with around 400 math worksheets. Since then, tens of thousands more math worksheets have been added. The website and content continues to be improved based on feedback and suggestions from our users and our own knowledge of effective math practices.

Most Math-Drills users are classroom teachers or parents. Classroom teachers use our math worksheets to assess student mastery of basic math facts, to give students extra math practice, to teach new math strategies, and to save precious planning time. Parents use our math worksheets to give their children extra math practice over school breaks and to enhance their math education. Home schools use our math worksheets in their programs to develop and strengthen math skills in their children.

Most Popular Free Math Worksheets this Week

Supporting Student Learning with Free Math Worksheets by Math-Drills

Math-Drills believes that education should be accessible to all children despite their socioeconomic situation or any other factors. Since it began in 2005, all the math worksheets on Math-Drills have been free-to-use with students learning math. The Math-Drills website works well on any device and worksheets can be printed or used on a screen.

Math-Drills worksheets are also used in special education, adult education, tutoring, colleges, high schools, prisons and a variety of other situations. Special education teachers especially like that we break down math skills and provide large-print options. Adult learners appreciate the simple uncluttered format that our worksheets offer. Tutors use our math worksheets to reduce their costs and focus on student learning. High school, college and university educators sometimes need remedial resources for students to allow them to continue with more advanced topics.

Students who practice their math skills with our math worksheets over school breaks keep their math skills sharp for upcoming school terms. Because we provide answer keys, students are able to self-assess and use the immediate feedback provided by an answer key to analyze and correct errors in their work. Our interactive (fillable) math worksheets allow them to fill in their answers on the screen and save or print the results.
Math-Drills.com Tour on YouTube.
Join the Math-Drills Newsletter

Join our newsletter to find out about new math worksheets and other information related to the website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Math-Drills includes over 58 thousand free math worksheets for students in elementary and middle school. Our easy to print math worksheets are free to use in your school or home.

# data[].attributes.headline
PRACTICE YOUR ADDITION & SUBTRACTION STRATEGIES!!

# data[].attributes.subject
PRACTICE YOUR ADDITION & SUBTRACTION STRATEGIES!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Addition Subtraction Strategies and Practice

# data[].attributes.headline
1OO TABLE - PRACTICE SKIP COUNTING BY 2, 5, 10, 15, 20... USE DIFFERENT COLOURS TO MAKE COOL SKIP COUNTING PATTERNS!

# data[].attributes.subject
1OO TABLE - PRACTICE SKIP COUNTING BY 2, 5, 10, 15, 20... USE DIFFERENT COLOURS TO MAKE COOL SKIP COUNTING PATTERNS!

# data[].attributes.headline
TRAITEMENT DES DONNEES! DATA MANAGEMENT!

# data[].attributes.subject
TRAITEMENT DES DONNEES! DATA MANAGEMENT!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Data! | Mini Math Movies | Scratch Garden

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Color Bar Graph Game | Game | Education.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids must help Cuz-Cuz and Birdee read bar graphs in this colorful data game.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mes premiers calculs : les fractions simples - CM1

# data[].attributes.headline
PROBABILITY: We began our work on Probability today! What is Impossible, Moins Probable, Possible, Probable, and Certain!!

# data[].attributes.subject
PROBABILITY: We began our work on Probability today! What is Impossible, Moins Probable, Possible, Probable, and Certain!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This fun game allows students to earn tokens to the fair by demonstrating their understanding of probability. Once inside the fair, students can play a range of different probability games. See the demonstration video for more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This fun game allows students to earn tokens to the fair by demonstrating their understanding of probability. Once inside the fair, students can play a ra

# data[].attributes.body
ON-LINE MATH & LITERACY GAMES:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ABCya! * Fourth Grade Learning Games, Ages 9 - 10

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids LOVE our free online games! Hunt for jewels, fly to space, and explore while practicing times tables, verb tenses, and more 4th grade skills. Play now!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Math and Games for Kids, Teachers and Parents. Math lessons and fun games for kindergarten to sixth grade, plus quizzes, brain teasers and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
All Free Math Games - Multiplication.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for free single-player and multiplayer games for learning and practicing multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division? Check out Multiplication.com's library of 100+ games, where there's something for every learner. Browse all available games here!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Learn computer science. Change the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every student in every school deserves the opportunity to study computer science.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
'Tis the season to be...stressed? Resist, friends! I may be in the minority here, but winter is quite possibly my favorite season of them all, and too wonderful to rush through feeling frazzled and fatigued! As an added holiday stress bummer: your kids can suck that nervous energy up like a sponge.

Of all of our posts, our magic zen jar tutorial has been the most shared (over 50K!) affirming that simple ideas for finding calm are more sought after than ever. If you're looking for a moment (or two...or three) of zen, to help you and your kiddos chill out, calm your breath, regain focus and find your family bliss, here's another tool to keep in your arsenal. In no time at all, with things you can easily find at home, you and your kids can build a mini winter sensory garden that doubles as a lesson in meditation and mindfulness.

The feel of the "snow" and needles on fingertips, the smell of fresh pine, the sight of something reflected in a "frozen pond" and the sound of winter...quiet. This peaceful wintry tray provides an opportunity to quietly explore, slowly becoming still with one's thoughts and surroundings.

This week, we are exploring and celebrating winter-themed Montessori learning. In addition to being a useful meditation prop, this sensory tray is a great introduction to the methods and objectives of Montessori learning.

Much like our winter Montessori practical skill activity collection, this sensory tray encourages so many of the practices and goals of Montessori learning. Developing a calm focus while working independently. Establishing a mind-body connection and learning how to use that to build insight and personal awareness. Stimulating creativity, and bringing a sense of order and harmony to a child's work. All that and it's adorable too!

Put a holiday spin on this with our DIY tabletop Christmas tree farm - another simple, snowy, and sensory-filled playscape!

To make your own DIY winter sensory garden tray you'll need:

Note: We prefer to shop locally or use what we have at home, but this list contains Woodpeckers Crafts, Etsy, Blick Art Materials, and/or Amazon affiliate links for reference. As Amazon Associates, we make a small commission on qualifying purchases.*
BASIC SUPPLIES: OPTIONAL SUPPLIES:
DIY Mini Winter Sensory Garden Tray Instructions

1. Gather the winter sensory garden supplies
The first step is deciding what materials you want to use. Will you gather them together outside (our DIY shoebox nature explorer's kit is a great way to collect your supplies)? Will you set up the tray together or just provide the items?

2. Design and arrange!
Will you use 1 or 2 elements, or combine quite a few as I did? The wonderful thing about this activity is that it's extremely flexible - there are literally endless options. You'll find it comes fairly naturally to want to explore a variety of activities, approaches, and layouts.

Winter Garden Sensory Play Activities

More than anything, this wintry tray was put together to inspire some self-soothing practice. Just like the season itself, quiet accompanies this activity so well. The tactile qualities of each item provide quite a bit of sensory stimulation on their own, but you can also try turning on some quiet relaxation music or recordings of winter sounds (snow falling, a fire crackling).

While arranging or playing in their garden, some kids may enjoy telling you a story or having a calming conversation. If you notice their focus shifting away from exploring the garden, you can begin trying some visualization.

Ask them to close their eyes and imagine walking - the sound of the wind, the crunching of the snow - just letting their mind wander quietly through the garden. You can ask them where they're going, what they're seeing, or what they're feeling, then give them a few minutes to think in silence.

Beyond meditation and mindful, quiet play our magical little winter sensory garden can be used for finger-drawing or as a fun, themed means of practicing sorting with pom-pom "snowballs" of different sizes. Tongs or chopsticks can be used to move or transfer items into the garden (wonderful fine motor skill practice!).

Making a snowman out of playdough or clay is a fun way to learn about sizes (make large, medium, and small-sized balls!) and practice stacking and balance. Even gathering the natural materials you'd like to use can become its own activity and exercise in observation.

And of course...no winter garden would be complete without a woodland creature or two wandering through! 😉 This garden can provide the perfect opportunity for kids to learn about animals who live in chillier climates - their winter habits and habitats.

I have to tell you...I STILL have this little set up sitting in the living room by the Christmas tree and have actually had many quiet moments of fun making trails in the snow and rearranging my winter tableau...winter zen gardens aren't strictly for kids! I could swear I can feel my blood pressure dropping even just revisiting the pictures...:-)

If you have some awesome ideas for your winter sensory tray, or have made them before and have a secret or two to share, be sure to leave them in the comments below!

* A note about affiliate links: We strive to use simple, earth-friendly supplies that can be purchased locally whenever we can, but sometimes we find the best universally available options, a rare eco-friendly find, or a niche product only available on Blick Art Materials, Amazon, Etsy, or Woodpeckers Crafts. When included in our supply list, these products are affiliate links, and if you click through to make a purchase we receive a small commission that helps us re-order these supplies!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Make: A Mini Winter Sensory Garden for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
'Tis the season to be...stressed? Resist, friends! I may be in the minority here, but winter is quite possibly my favorite season of them all, and too wonderful to rush through feeling frazzled and fatigued! As an added holiday stress bummer: your kids can suck that nervous energy up like a sponge.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Are you looking to get outside and make some art? Here are some ideas for nature art for kids, inspired by nature or using natural items. Updated February 2023
Nature art is the ultimate combination of two of our favorite things.

Nature is the original paintbox.

All the colors we use can be found in the natural world and all paint pigments and inks were initially made from natural materials, such as plants and stones.

Nature also provides the light that informs how we see the world. And it is the primary source of artistic inspiration from time immemorial.

We've shared outdoor art ideas for kids and our favorite garden craft ideas. But this list is all about nature art, either getting our inspiration from nature or using natural materials in the art itself.
Nature art for kids often combines being outside with physical movement and creative activity.
It's the perfect trio!

Nature Art for Kids

Flower printing is a fun and beautiful nature art project for kids. And it can be done with just about any kind of paint!

Learn how to print with leaves to make beautiful cloth napkins. They are the perfect addition to your table or can be given as a gift!

Land art for kids combines playing and creating art in a natural environment using leaves, rocks, sticks, and other nature items as well as light and water.

Gathered natural materials, along with air dry clay beads are what you need to create a beautiful nature mobile for kids.

Wondering what to do with all of the Autumn leaves you've collected? Here are some of our favorite creative Fall leaf ideas for kids!

Take items you find in nature and use them as inspiration for drawing prompts!

Learn how to make clay leaf prints and pendants with air dry clay. This easy nature craft project is fun for kids and creates a beautiful keepsake.

Take your playdough OUTSIDE and see how you can use natural materials to enhance your play!

Make a beautiful flower suncatcher for the window! All you need is a paper plate, contact paper, and flowers for this fun flower mandala.

Or try this simple and beautiful suncatcher leaf craft for kids using fall leaves, flowers and paper plates.

Gather pinecones, leaves and seed pods on a nature walk. Then paint and assemble these materials with this fun nature diorama project for kids.

Replace your paintbrushes with leaves, flowers, sticks, and feathers! You will have fun gathering the materials AND using them to paint!

Try one of these ways to make art with rocks, including painted rocks, chalk rocks, melted crayon rocks, and land art!

Use wet and dry chalk to paint on sticks and branches!

Learn how to make leaf rubbings for kids. Then turn these into a colorful fall leaf painting activity using the watercolor wax resist method.

Make fall leaf art with chalk pastels. A wonderful autumn drawing activity for kids and adults to create together!

Create beautiful sun prints in a few easy steps with a sun print kit for kids. Learn about Anna Atkins, an early female photographer too!

Create beautiful shadow art for kids. Simply trace any pattern of shadow and light on paper, then paint it. This works perfectly with branches, flowers, and houseplants!

Feathers provide a great nature-based opportunity for kids to notice patterns, shapes & lines. Help kids make their own feather art in a lovely DIY shadow box in this easy nature drawing activity.

Try water soluble crayons or paint sticks to draw and paint on leaves!

10 fun ocean crafts for kids to make your next beach trip more creative. Includes melted crayon shells, sandcasting, seashell mandalas, fish paintings.

If you haven't tried sandcasting, you must! And you don't need to go to the beach, you can do it right in the sandbox!

More Nature Art for Kids
Pin It for Later

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you looking to get outside and make some art? Here are some ideas for nature art for kids, inspired by nature or using natural items. Updated February 2023 Nature art is the ultimate combination of two of our favorite things. Nature is the original paintbox.

# data[].attributes.headline
CALENDRIER DE DECOUVERTES! CALENDAR OF DISCOVERIES! 

# data[].attributes.subject
CALENDRIER DE DECOUVERTES! CALENDAR OF DISCOVERIES! 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
"fun science experiments" "fun sciences" "science fun" "amazing science tricks" "amazing science trick" "awesome science tricks" "easy experiments" "science ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
1 Subscribe = 1 Million Motivations This is the official channel Fun Science experiments, we have tons of amazing science experiments, awesome ideas, crafts, and lifehack, they're easy to follow with simple step by step tutorials and you can do at home to amaze your family and your friends #funscience, #science #experiments #funscienceexperiments

# data[].attributes.headline
WINTER BUSHCRAFT! OUTDOOR SHELTER MADE OF NATURAL MATERIALS :)

# data[].attributes.subject
WINTER BUSHCRAFT! OUTDOOR SHELTER MADE OF NATURAL MATERIALS :)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Winter Bushcraft - WIKIUP Shelter - 3 Days ALONE in WINTER Forest - BUSHCRAFT Trip & Skills - ASMR

# data[].attributes.headline
FOR OUR "FOREST SCHOOL ACTIVITY CARDS" LEARNING, WE LEARNED TO TIE KNOTS TODAY!!!

# data[].attributes.subject
FOR OUR "FOREST SCHOOL ACTIVITY CARDS" LEARNING, WE LEARNED TO TIE KNOTS TODAY!!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to tie 5 differnt knots: Easy for kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
"art for kids" "art projects for kids" "art ideas for kids" "art tips" "how to draw" "art for kids hub" lessons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hey, art friends! Welcome to Art For Kids Hub! 🎨✏️ Here, you'll discover all sorts of awesome art lessons, from drawing to painting, and even some super cool origami. Whether you're a beginner or a budding artist, there's something fun for everyone!

# data[].attributes.headline
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: SULWE BY LUPITA NYONG'O.

# data[].attributes.subject
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: SULWE BY LUPITA NYONG'O.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Lupita Nyong'o Reads "Sulwe" | Bookmarks | Netflix Jr

# data[].attributes.headline
WATCH LIZIQI PREPARE FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR!!

# data[].attributes.subject
WATCH LIZIQI PREPARE FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mois De L'Histoire Des Noirs // Black History Month In French // Black Canadians // For Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Black Children's Books Read Aloud. This channel features books by black authors that represent black children and their families. Representation matters and I hope this channel will serve as a resource of black positive books for all age groups. New books are posted every Monday.

# data[].attributes.body
Discussing Black History is important, and can be very emotional.

We are working through it delicately and at an age-appropriate level. We don't go anywhere I don't feel they are ready for, but I am amazed at the compassion and maturity this group of kids is demonstrating!! Their insights are inspiring.

This is a series of Xavier Riddle cartoons that are age appropriate for learning about Black History. They are in English, but I feel that's ok in light of the learning they provide. We have watched a couple of them during lunch.

I am attaching them here, as the kids are really enjoying them and may want to watch them with you at home!.

We are also learning about the Canadian side of Black History, and after we discussed Viola Desmond, the kids were so excited to see she is on the Canadian 10$ bill!!!

# data[].attributes.headline
LECON DE LITTERATIE! READING STRATEGIES: PARENT HANDOUT.

# data[].attributes.subject
LECON DE LITTERATIE! READING STRATEGIES: PARENT HANDOUT.

# data[].attributes.headline
KPRDSB READING TARGETS:                         PLEASE SEE THE "GB+ TABLE" FOR WHERE YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE READING IN FRENCH.  THE "PM BENCHMARK" TABLES SHOW WHICH LEVEL YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE READING IN ENGLISH.                            FI STUDENTS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE AT THE SAME ENGLISH READING LEVEL AS ENGLISH STREAM STUDENTS. 

# data[].attributes.subject
KPRDSB READING TARGETS:                         PLEASE SEE THE "GB+ TABLE" FOR WHERE YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE READING IN FRENCH.  THE "PM BENCHMARK" TABLES SHOW WHICH LEVEL YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE READING IN ENGLISH.                            FI STUDENTS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE AT THE SAME ENGLISH READING LEVEL AS ENGLISH STREAM STUDENTS. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Being Angry & Safe #Autism Social Skills Video

# data[].attributes.headline
LA LI LO - ON-LINE PHONICS & READING PRACTICE GAME!! LOOK FOR CLASS: MARTIN 2021/2022 & THE CODE IS: EKJTXK

# data[].attributes.subject
LA LI LO - ON-LINE PHONICS & READING PRACTICE GAME!! LOOK FOR CLASS: MARTIN 2021/2022 & THE CODE IS: EKJTXK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The teacher's dashboard gathers all of your students data and allows you to assign lessons

# data[].attributes.headline
"LES CASTORS" LIBARY.                                       HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.subject
"LES CASTORS" LIBARY.                                       HERE YOU WILL FIND LEVELED READERS AND ACCOMPANYING ACTIVITIES.

# data[].attributes.headline
LA LI LO - ON-LINE PHONICS & READING PRACTICE GAME!! LOOK FOR CLASS: MARTIN 2021/2022 & THE CODE IS: EKJTXK

# data[].attributes.subject
LA LI LO - ON-LINE PHONICS & READING PRACTICE GAME!! LOOK FOR CLASS: MARTIN 2021/2022 & THE CODE IS: EKJTXK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The teacher's dashboard gathers all of your students data and allows you to assign lessons

# data[].attributes.headline
FINE MOTOR SKILLS! INFORMATION & PRACTICE FOR EMERGING WRITING! 

# data[].attributes.subject
FINE MOTOR SKILLS! INFORMATION & PRACTICE FOR EMERGING WRITING! 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fine motor skills involve the use of the smaller muscle of the hands, commonly in activities like using pencils, scissors, construction with bricks, doing up buttons and opening lunch boxes.

Fine motor skill efficiency significantly influences the quality of the task outcome as well as the speed of task performance. Efficient fine motor skills require a number of independent skills to work together to appropriately manipulate the object or perform the task.
Why are fine motor skills important?
Fine motor skills are essential for performing everyday skills as outlined above as well academic skills. Without the ability to complete these everyday tasks, a child's self-esteem can suffer, their academic performance is compromised and their play options are very limited. They are also unable to develop appropriate independence in 'life' skills (such as getting dressed and feeding themselves) which in turn has social implications not only within the family but also within peer relationships.
How can you tell if a child has fine motor skill difficulties at a glance?

Avoidance and/or disinterest of fiddly finger skills

Preferring physical activity (again to avoid sit down tasks)

Interest in 'passive' activities such as IT (e.g. watching TV an IPAD that don't require Fine Motor skills)

No interest in pencil or scissors skills

Being 'bossy' in play and asking others to "draw a cat for me"

Not persisting in the face of a challenge (e.g. asking parents to fix a problem without physically trying to fix it themselves)

Waiting for parents to dress them or clean their teeth rather than trying themselves

Before looking at the below activities it may be a good idea to review the child's posture and seating.
See this link for further information on posture & seating
Crossing the midline

The midline is an imaginary line running down the middle of the body dividing the body into halves (left and right).

Crossing the midline is where the movement of a body part crosses over the midline from one side to the other side of the body to complete a task.

The automatic crossing of the midline is required for mature and complex movements. The child who has difficulties with midline crossing will lean over to the right or left when writing on that side rather than rotate their upper body.

Crossing the midline school pack Crossing the midline parent advice sheet Bilateral Integration
Children may tend to use the left hand on the left side of the body and the right hand on the right side of the body as they play. Initially this could be the hand closer to the object. However, over time they develop the skills to use both sides of their body simultaneously. This could mean when both sides are doing the same thing i.e. when using a rolling pin or when one side is doing one movement and the opposite side is doing another for example one hand could be using a pen or a pair of scissors whilst the hand holding/turning the paper.

Bilateral integration is also an important factor in helping a child develop the skill of crossing the midline.

Please see the below links for some helpful activities

Bilateral hand skills for preschool and older children

Bilateral integration school pack

Bilateral integration

Shoulder stability is the ability of the surrounding muscles to support the shoulder and allows for accurate hand functions. This develops from an early age as a baby lies on their tummy and takes weight through their arms and will continue to develop as they begin to crawl.

Good shoulder stability can make it easier to control the smaller movements of the hands and fingers.

Children with delayed or poor shoulder stability, you may also find it hard to use scissors, have poor dressing skills and struggle to use items such as cutlery.

Shoulder stability/ strengthening activities
Pincer grip
The pincer grasp is defined as a grasp that uses the pads then tips of the index finger and thumb to pick up and grasp objects. You will start to see this grasp the most as a baby masters feeding itself and can pick up smaller pieces of food such as circle cereal with their fingers instead of the palm of their hand.

While it may seem like second nature to an adult, to a baby this is an important milestone in fine motor development. The pincer grasp represents the coordination of brain and muscles that's necessary to help them gain increasing independence.

A baby will typically develop this skill between the ages of 9 and 10 months , although this can vary. Children develop at different rates.

Clever hands programme

Handwriting is a complex skill to learn and starts well before a child is ready to pick up a pencil and make marks on paper. When a baby starts reaching for their toys and begins to crawl, they are developing the postural stability and visual motor skills needed for when they start to begin to write.

Handwriting is such an important skill to have even with the ever increasing use of computers in schools.So making sure your child has the necessary building blocks in place is essential.

Having a solid fine and gross motor skills base is important.A significant fine motor skill for your child to havefor handwriting is good in-hand manipulation, the skill of picking up an item and being able to move it around in your hand, or manipulate it, this involves the coordination of small muscles and movements of the hands, fingers, and eyes. Whilst for gross motor skills having good core and shoulder strength to maintain a good posture and balance is equally as significant.

As well has having a solid fine and gross motor base there are many other skills involved in handwriting.Listed below are some of the more complex skills needed to develop good handwriting:
Letter formation (Large)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fine motor skills involve the use of the smaller muscle of the hands, commonly in activities like using pencils, scissors, construction with bricks, doing up buttons and opening lunch boxes. Fine motor skill efficiency significantly influences the quality of the task outcome as well as the speed of task performance.

# data[].attributes.headline
PRACTICE YOUR ADDITION & SUBTRACTION STRATEGIES!!

# data[].attributes.subject
PRACTICE YOUR ADDITION & SUBTRACTION STRATEGIES!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Color Bar Graph Game | Game | Education.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids must help Cuz-Cuz and Birdee read bar graphs in this colorful data game.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mes premiers calculs : les fractions simples - CM1