Throughout the month of November, we have been celebrating National Child Day which is on November 20th; by exploring children’s rights through meaningful, hands-on experiences. One highlight was our apple-picking activity in the garden. Some of the apples were just out of reach, so the children worked together to carefully use a ladder, taking turns and helping one another. With the support of educators, the children learned the value of teamwork and trust, gaining confidence as they picked the fruit. Once back inside, the children were eager to continue their hands-on experience. They each took turns peeling the apples with apple peelers, enjoying the tactile sensation of the fruit in their hands and the sweet smell filling the room. After peeling we sprinkled the cinnamon on the apples and enjoyed a healthy snack together in the afternoon. To further celebrate we explored the right to express one's culture, language, and religion, we held a special "Wear Your Traditional Clothes or Favourite Clothes" day. The children came dressed in clothing that reflected their unique cultural backgrounds or personal preferences, and the classroom was filled with bright colours, patterns, and proud smiles. Diya, Enoch and Rutvij came in their beautiful traditional attires. Theo and Lucas wore their favourite Blue Jays jerseys. Some friends wore their favourite dresses and T-shirts. We also had dance party, where the children danced to traditional songs from various cultures and their own favourite songs. It was a fun and meaningful way to celebrate diversity, self-expression, and the importance of embracing one another's differences. Through these activities, the children not only learned about the importance of healthy food choices and teamwork but also deepened their understanding of cultural diversity and the significance of self-expression. National Child Day provided a wonderful opportunity to reinforce the rights of children to access healthy food, express their identity, and celebrate their unique cultures, all while coming together as a supportive and caring community. We will continue to celebrate these important rights and experiences throughout the month in our preschool one room.
