After browsing the circle time binder, I realized how important this to early childhood educators. It will not only help keep children engaged but also makes group time exciting and meaningful. I feel proud that I can already sing three of the Inuktitut songs mentioned-I pi ti ki, Nauli Kullu, and Niaqu Tui Siiqu Putuqu which I first learned from my son after he picked them up from his Inuktitut teacher at daycare. These became my favorites.

The games are inspiring and bring back memories of my own childhood. In my daycare, we often play mumiquaq (freeze dance) and the children love it whether indoors or outdoors. I am excited to try some of the other suggested games this coming winter as they will not only let the kids have fun in the snow but also help them stay active and burn their energy. Watching the Inuit games video reminded me of a kids playgroup I once attended, where an elder taught some traditional games. They were a bit challenging to perform but the experience was both fun and meaningful.

The traditional stories sounds a little scary even the illustrations but all of them carry valuable lessons about listening to parents and respecting guidance.

Overall, these activities go beyond entertainment, they give children a sense of identity and pride in Inuit culture.

Suggestion: maybe add some sample videos of the songs so we can learn to pronounce the word correctly. It would benefits us to learn how to say the word essentially correct.

My favourite songs from the circle time binder are the Inuktitut Alphabet Song and Head Shoulders Knees and Toes. I like the Inuktitut alphabet song because I sing it with the children at daycare, and it helps them learn the language in a fun way, and it also supported me as educator in improving my pronunciation. Although I found it difficult at first, with daily practice I feel I am gradually mastering it.I also enjoy Head Shoulders Knees and Toes song because the actions capture children’s interest and encourage them to participate.I liked the games too, especially the Emotions game and Inuit game videos, because they support social, emotional ,and cultural learning. I also appreciated the stories Owl and the Raven and Taqriaqsuit, which share traditional knowledge in an engaging way.

Suggestions

I think the children would really enjoy learning the String Game. However, in the video the demonstration was very fast, so I suggest showing it more slowly and step by step.Another idea would be to provide an Inuktitut version of the Head Shoulders Knees Knees and Toes song on the video, so educators and children can learn the correct pronunciation together.

Games:I liked Ajigi copy Dance, Namiimmat? Where is it?, Ajiigiiliqtittiniq-Matching , Mumiquaq-Freeze Dance and the string games.

Stories:I liked the story on Qalupalik.

In these activities: there is language and communication development, cognitive growth, social and emotional development, cultural awareness, physical development, creativity and imagination, moral and value education, bonding and relationship and entertainment.

Suggestion:

I would suggest additional games for infants as most of the games can only be performed by pre-schoolers.

Most of the values are learnt through stories.I can suggest more stories teaching moral values .

Margaret.

I am a little tea pot( this is kid’s favourite) and the Inuktitut alphabet.

Stories: the owl and the raven and qalupalik

Games: Simon says, duck duck goose, nuna and Siku and the emotions( ikpijjaujut.

These activities sat with me because it’s a mixture of tradition and the today life. The kids could relate and connect to their day to day life. Nuna and siku game they enjoyed and they talked about the seasons, Winter is ice and summer is Land. The stories highlight the importance of respecting and listening to the elders. The games are expressive and the kids enjoy acting out and one my reserved kid got to participate especially on the emotions game.

The kids would enjoy more the Inuit games if they were more age appropriate like for the under 2 years.

Langa

Every daycare in Nunavut should learn how to sing this song. Niaqu tuik siiqqu putugu (head ,shoulders,

knees and toes) for sure is a good song for infants and toddlers.These songs create positive vibes for the kids and motivate them to go along with the music.

Active games: Freeze Dance , I think it’s all kids favourite. I’ts a game but they can dance or do something silly which they like very much and if educators join them (which I’m always doing),they are happier. “Where is it” is really fun too. Kids are really engage how to find and hide the object. In our daycare,we usually use a ball. Emotions and smiles games,these are the games that I wanna really with the kids. I think they gonna have fun but also help them focus and sharpen their memories.

String games a bit tough even for older kids. Maybe a step by step guide could be helpful.This greate because they can preserve their culture through games. I used to play this using rubber band when I was little. You can create stars and letters.It’s really fun.

In general, circle time binder is really interesting to learn for kids and it’s a great way also for us educators to learn and help to preserve Inuit culture.I agree with Freda ,more sample videos for songs and games so that we can learn and do it properly.