Beginning in January and continuing into February, the School-Age 2 children participated in a variety of National Holiday–inspired learning experiences that supported creativity, inquiry, collaboration, and social-emotional development. These experiences provided opportunities for children to explore new materials, express their ideas, and engage in meaningful interactions with peers and educators over an extended period of time.
The learning began with National Creativity Day, where children explored open-ended art by sculpting mystical creatures using clay and designing backgrounds for their creations. Children proudly shared stories about their creatures, describing unique features and imaginative details. This experience encouraged self-expression, storytelling, fine-motor development, and confidence as children made independent creative choices and celebrated each other's work.
On National Popcorn Day, the children engaged in a variety of hands-on activities that combined movement, science, and teamwork. Working in small groups, they participated in a popcorn relay race that required cooperation, turn-taking, and problem-solving. This was followed by a popcorn seed science experiment, where children observed how the seeds reacted when placed in vinegar and baking soda. As the seeds began to “jump,” children made predictions, shared observations, and discussed cause and effect. Additional activities, including creating rain sticks and blowing popcorn across a finish line using straws, supported breath control, focus, perseverance, and sensory exploration.
As the days progressed, the children explored kindness and connection through a Hugging Day–inspired experience. Discussions focused on what kindness means, how it can be shown in different ways, and the importance of respecting personal boundaries. Children reflected on acts of kindness they had experienced or offered and participated in activities such as creating “Sending a Hug” cards, contributing ideas to a kindness poster, and designing a kindness cube. These experiences supported empathy, social awareness, and inclusive thinking.
Later in the month and into early February, the children continued to engage in creative and sensory-based experiences, including National Polka Dot Day. They explored pattern, colour, and design through watercolour drip art, pom-pom polka dot crafts, and stamping activities. Children experimented with colour mixing, gravity, repetition, and spatial awareness, demonstrating focus, creativity, and pride in their work.
Valentine’s Day–themed experiences began this week, with children participating in a Paper Towel Valentine’s Flower Craft that took place over two days (February 2 and February 3). On the first day, children followed a multi-step process to cut, shape, and decorate their paper towel flowers, exploring colour blending as they used droppers to add coloured water to their designs. On the second day, children revisited their work to complete the flower stems and assemble their finished flowers. This two-day process encouraged patience, persistence, fine-motor development, and confidence as children returned to their creations and reflected on their progress.
Additional Valentine’s activities included the shaving cream and paint “Kissy Fish” art experience, where children explored texture, colour mixing, and sensory materials. As they worked, children shared personal stories and engaged in peer conversations, strengthening social connections. Educators also introduced the idea of fish as a Valentine’s symbol representing friendship and caring, helping children make meaningful connections between the art experience and the theme of kindness.
To conclude this learning period, the children participated in National Escape Day by creating a calming environment through decorating sleep masks and building a blanket fort. Soft music supported a relaxed atmosphere, offering children an opportunity to reset, unwind, and reflect on the many experiences they shared.
