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Weekly Spotlight Avi the Witch Saves Christmas

9/28/2025

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Meet Avi, a green and funny witch who already had a blast on Halloween—but she doesn’t want the fun to last for just one night! Curious about what makes children so excited during other times of the year, Avi decides to discover the magic of Christmas.
With a clever plan, she disguises herself as a Christmas tree to experience the holiday magic up close and maybe even meet Santa at once. But as the hours pass and Santa doesn’t arrive, Avi grabs her broom and sets off to find out what happened.
Will Avi find Santa? Can she save Christmas this year?
This rhyming, funny story is full of adventure and has a warm message too: the true magic of Christmas is about giving and love.

Throwback to Fall fun

9/26/2025

by emma ugarelli

We’re revisiting one of our favorite seasonal themes — Fall!
This theme includes worksheets, a video, and more autumn activities for kids to learn and enjoy.
New this year: We’ve added even more worksheets and materials to explore!
And stay tuned — next month we’ll be celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with exciting new activities.

Versión en Español
Volvemos a compartir uno de nuestros temas favoritos — ¡el Otoño!
Este tema incluye hojas de trabajo, un video y más actividades otoñales para que los niños aprendan y se diviertan.
Novedad este año: ¡hemos añadido más hojas de trabajo y materiales para explorar!
Y muy pronto celebraremos el Festival de Medio Otoño con nuevas actividades especiales.

“Animal of the Week: Meet the Amazing Penguin!”

9/22/2025

by emma ugarelli

This week, it’s the turn of another amazing animal: the Penguin!
Penguins can’t fly, but they are incredible swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 15 mph in the water! These flightless birds waddle on land, slide on their bellies, and wear their classic black-and-white “tuxedo” feathers that make them so unique.
Riddle:
“I waddle on ice and slide on my belly. I wear a black and white suit, looking so smelly. Who am I?”
Answer: A penguin!
Enjoy a free activity you can download here:
[Download your penguin coloring page!]
Discover more fun facts about these amazing ocean animals and enjoy a playful activity with your kids!

Classic Corner: Popcorn by Frank Asch

9/19/2025

Copy of Untitled Design by emma ugarelli

Halloween is the perfect time to revisit a timeless children’s classic--Popcorn by Frank Asch!
This playful story follows Bear and his friends as they throw a Halloween party filled with laughter, surprises, and… lots of popcorn! With charming illustrations and fun, rhythmic storytelling, Popcorn has been delighting young readers for decades.
Why it’s timeless:

The story’s humour and suspense keep kids engaged.
Friendship, sharing, and playful chaos are universal themes.
Its simple, short format makes it perfect for bedtime or classroom reading.

Quote from the story:
“Popcorn went pop! And the night got even spookier…”

Activity Prompt Ideas for Kids (Ages 4–8)1. Popcorn in a Jar (Sensory Craft)

Materials: Small cotton balls or yellow pom-poms, a clear plastic or glass jar, glue (optional), stickers or markers for decoration.
Instructions:
1. Make small “popcorn” balls using cotton balls or pom-poms.
2. Place them inside the jar to “fill the house with popcorn.”
3. Optional: Glue them in place for a more permanent craft.
Learning/Play: Kids can practice fine motor skills, counting, and creativity.

2. Popcorn Popping Game

Materials: Popcorn (real or craft), small bowls or containers.
Instructions:
1. Give each child a small pile of popcorn balls (real or pom-poms).
2. On a signal, they toss the “popcorn” into a container as fast as they can, like it’s popping everywhere!
Learning/Play: Encourages hand-eye coordination and active play.

3. Halloween Popcorn Collage

Materials: Yellow and white paper, glue, markers, small paper pumpkins or bats (optional).
Instructions:
1. Tear paper into little pieces to make “popcorn.”
2. Glue them onto a paper or in a jar template to create a Halloween popcorn collage.
Learning/Play: Creativity, art skills, and following instructions.

Visit emmasplace.ca for more fun educational activities

Encouraging Independence & Responsibility (Ages 2–8)

9/17/2025

by emma ugarelli

Helping children become independent and responsible is one of the greatest gifts parents can give. Small, daily habits build confidence, resilience, and life skills over time. Here are seven practical tips:

1. Give Age-Appropriate ChoicesYoung children feel empowered when they can make simple decisions:

“Do you want the red shirt or the blue one?”
“Apple or banana for snack?”

Choices give kids a sense of control while keeping boundaries manageable.

2. Assign Simple Daily TasksChildren love to feel helpful. Start with small tasks:

Ages 2–3: Put toys in a basket.
Ages 4–5: Set napkins or utensils on the table.
Ages 6–8: Feed a pet or pack part of their school bag.

Daily chores teach responsibility and show kids they are important contributors at home.

3. Create Routines TogetherConsistent routines help children know what’s expected and take ownership of their day. Examples:

Morning: Brush teeth, get dressed, pack backpack.
Evening: Bath, pajamas, bedtime story.

When kids help plan routines, they feel invested and less resistant.

4. Encourage Problem-SolvingInstead of immediately fixing problems, guide children to think of solutions:

“The juice spilled. What should we do now?”
“Your toy is missing. Where could we look together?”

This builds resilience, responsibility for mistakes, and critical thinking skills.

5. Celebrate EffortPraise the process, not just the result:

“You worked hard to build that tower.”
“You kept trying even when it was tricky.”

Recognizing effort encourages persistence and helps children see challenges as opportunities.

6. Use Specific Praise (Not Just ‘Good Job!’)Generic praise like “Good job” doesn’t explain what was done well. Be specific:

“You zipped up your coat all by yourself.”
“You shared your toy with your friend, that was kind.”
“You waited patiently for your turn.”

Specific praise reinforces positive behavior and makes children feel proud of real effort.

7. Be a Role ModelChildren learn more from what they see than what they are told. Show responsibility in your daily actions:

Clean up your space and belongings.
Keep promises and follow through on commitments.
Show patience, kindness, and respect toward others.

Your actions teach responsibility, empathy, and positive habits far more effectively than words alone.

Independence and responsibility develop over time. By giving choices, encouraging effort, praising specifically, and modeling good behavior, parents can help children (ages 2–8) grow into confident, capable, and responsible individuals.

Introducing Kids to Poetry: 6 Tips for Fun & Learning

9/10/2025

by emma ugarelli

Poetry is magical for children when it’s simple, melodic, and imaginative. Start with what they know—animals, seasons, or a trip to the park—and add rhymes and rhythm.
Here are some tips:
1. Start with what they know
Use topics from their immediate environment: animals, family, seasons, a park, a favorite toy, or a recent trip. Kids connect faster when the poem mirrors their experiences.
Example:
"I saw a duck swim in a pond,
Wobble and quack of which I’m fond.
Splashing water, flapping wings,
Oh, the joy a duckling brings!"

2. Keep it short and melodic
Short lines and a sing-song rhythm keep children engaged. Rhymes or repeating patterns help them anticipate words.
Example:
"Octopus, octopus, deep in the sea,
Waving your arms at me and at me.
Inky and wiggly, hiding from view,
Hello, dear octopus, how do you do?"

3. Use imagination, not just facts
Encourage them to think beyond reality—what if a tree could talk, or a rock could dance?
Example:
"The tall tree whispered to the sky,
‘I’ll tickle the clouds as they float by.’
Leaves laughed softly in the breeze,
Swinging along like little green seas."

4. Make it interactive
Invite children to add words, sounds, or actions. This turns poetry into a game.
Example:
"Spring is here, clap your hands!
Flowers bloom in all the lands.
Birds go chirp, can you sing too?
Hop like bunnies, I hop with you!"

5. Use repetition and rhythm
Repeating phrases or words helps children remember and anticipate lines.
Example:
"Splash, splash, the waves go crash,
Splash, splash, the seagulls dash.
Sand in my toes, sun on my face,
Ocean adventures in this happy place!"

6. Connect to sensory experiences
Include what they see, hear, touch, smell, and feel—this makes poems come alive.
Example:
"Soft sand tickles under my toes,
Salt spray kisses my nose.
Shells and seaweed swirl and spin,
Ocean songs invite me in."
By following these tips, poetry can become a wonderful way for children to explore words, rhythm, and creativity, opening up a world of imagination and fun!

3 Fun Music Facts for Kids!

9/8/2025

musical instruments fun facts by emma ugarelli

Fun Facts About Music and Instruments for Kids
Music is all around us, and instruments make it even more magical! Here are three fun facts that will surprise you:

The violin is made of more than 70 pieces of wood! Even though it looks small, it’s carefully built with many tiny parts that work together to create its beautiful sound.
Drums are the oldest instruments in the world. People have been playing drums for thousands of years—long before there were books or even written history!
A piano has 88 keys, but inside it has more than 12,000 parts! Every time you press a key, little hammers hit strings inside, and that’s how the piano makes music.

Music is a big part of our lives, and learning these facts helps us see how amazing instruments really are!

Datos Curiosos Sobre la Música y los Instrumentos para Niños
La música está en todas partes, ¡y los instrumentos la hacen aún más mágica! Aquí tienes tres datos curiosos que te sorprenderán:

¡El violín está hecho con más de 70 piezas de madera! Aunque parece pequeño, está cuidadosamente construido con muchas partes diminutas que trabajan juntas para crear su hermoso sonido.
Los tambores son los instrumentos más antiguos del mundo. La gente ha tocado tambores durante miles de años, ¡mucho antes de que existiera la escritura!
Un piano tiene 88 teclas, pero por dentro tiene más de 12,000 piezas. Cada vez que presionas una tecla, unos pequeños martillos golpean cuerdas en su interior, ¡y así nace la música del piano!

La música es parte de nuestras vidas, y conocer estos datos nos ayuda a ver lo asombrosos que son los instrumentos.

My Book Corner: Recommendations & Reviews

9/7/2025

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A Heartwarming Story to Share: The Innkeeper’s Son
The Innkeeper’s Son by Christine L. Henderson is a beautiful and touching story about Marcus, a young boy who dreams of growing up to become a Roman centurion. As a child, he plays with his little soldiers and imagines a future of courage and honor. One day, his mother asks him to bring covers to people staying in the stable, and there he encounters a newborn baby named Jesus. Marcus witnesses the light in the sky and the visitors who come to honor the Messiah. Amazed, he carries this memory with him.
As the years pass, Marcus fulfills his dream and becomes a Roman centurion. During his duties, he encounters a Jewish Rabbi who performs wonders and inspires the crowds. Later, Marcus is ordered to oversee a crucifixion—and to his astonishment, he recognizes the man being crucified as both the Rabbi and the baby he once saw in the stable. Overcome with awe, Marcus falls to his knees, forever changed.
This is a sweet and magical story filled with love, wonder, and an uplifting message that will resonate with children. In addition, the book offers delightful surprises such as mazes, coloring pages, and more, making it interactive and engaging for young readers. The language is simple and easy to follow, while the story delivers a powerful lesson about love, faith, and the magic of life’s connections.

Throwback to Grandparents' Day Activities

9/5/2025

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This week, I’d like to share a little throwback to Grandparents Day.
At Emma’s Place, we love celebrating the special role that grandparents play in our lives. That’s why we’re bringing back some of our favorite activities—and we’ve added even more printables and games to enjoy together as a family.
Take a look at the new resources and celebrate the love, wisdom, and joy that grandparents bring into our homes.
Explore the free materials here: GRADPARENTS DAY - EMMA'S PLACE

Esta semana quiero compartir un pequeño recuerdo del Día de los Abuelos.
En Emma’s Place nos encanta celebrar el papel tan especial que los abuelos tienen en nuestras vidas. Por eso estamos reviviendo algunas de nuestras actividades favoritas—y además hemos agregado más imprimibles y juegos para disfrutar en familia.
Descubre los nuevos recursos y celebra el amor, la sabiduría y la alegría que los abuelos aportan a nuestros hogares.
Explora el material gratuito aquí: DIA DE LOS ABUELOS - EMMA'S PLACE

12 Practical Literacy Tips Every Teacher Can Use/12 Consejos Prácticos de Alfabetización para Docentes

9/3/2025

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Literacy is the foundation for all learning, and as teachers, we have the power to shape a child’s relationship with reading and writing. Whether you’re working with early learners or older students, small, consistent strategies can make a big difference. Here are 12 practical literacy tips you can start using in your classroom today:
1. Create a Print-Rich EnvironmentFill your classroom with books, posters, word walls, and student writing. When children see words everywhere, they learn that reading and writing matter.
2. Encourage Daily ReadingSet aside time each day for independent reading. Provide a variety of texts—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and magazines—so every student can find something that excites them.
3. Read Aloud DailyModel fluent reading and expression. Pause to ask questions, predict what might happen next, and highlight new vocabulary.
4. Build Vocabulary NaturallyIntroduce words in meaningful contexts, not just as lists. Encourage students to use new vocabulary in writing and discussions.
5. Teach Comprehension StrategiesShow students how to summarize, make connections, visualize, infer, and ask questions. Encourage them to “think aloud” while reading.
6. Integrate Writing Across SubjectsDon’t limit writing to language arts. Use journals, reflections, and quick writes in science, math, or history to help students process what they learn.
7. Strengthen Phonemic Awareness & Phonics (Early Grades)Play with rhymes, songs, and sounds. Teach phonics explicitly through patterns and word families to build a strong foundation.
8. Encourage Critical ThinkingAsk open-ended questions about texts and compare different perspectives. This helps students go beyond “right answers” and develop deeper understanding.
9. Use Technology ThoughtfullyE-books, audiobooks, and interactive platforms can engage reluctant readers. Try digital storytelling or writing tools for variety.
10. Foster a Love for StorytellingGive students opportunities to tell their own stories—through journals, class author chairs, or book-making activities. Storytelling makes literacy personal and fun.
11. Differentiate InstructionOffer reading at different levels and use scaffolds such as sentence starters or graphic organizers. Pair students with buddies for peer reading and support.
12. Make Literacy SocialOrganize literature circles, book clubs, or reading challenges. Celebrate literacy with poetry slams or author studies.
Final Thought:
Literacy isn’t just a subject—it’s a lifelong skill. By weaving reading and writing into everyday classroom experiences, teachers can help students not only improve academically but also discover the joy of stories, words, and ideas.

La alfabetización es la base de todo aprendizaje, y como docentes, tenemos el poder de formar la relación de un niño con la lectura y la escritura. Ya sea que trabajes con estudiantes pequeños o mayores, pequeñas estrategias consistentes pueden hacer una gran diferencia. Aquí tienes 12 consejos prácticos que puedes empezar a usar hoy en tu aula:
1. Crea un entorno rico en impresosLlena tu aula de libros, carteles, paredes de palabras y escritos de los estudiantes. Cuando los niños ven palabras por todas partes, aprenden que leer y escribir es importante.
2. Fomenta la lectura diariaReserva tiempo cada día para la lectura independiente. Ofrece variedad de textos—ficción, no ficción, poesía y revistas—para que cada estudiante encuentre algo que le motive.
3. Lee en voz alta a diarioModela la lectura fluida y expresiva. Haz pausas para hacer preguntas, predecir qué podría pasar y resaltar vocabulario nuevo.
4. Construye vocabulario de forma naturalIntroduce nuevas palabras en contextos significativos, no solo como listas. Anima a los estudiantes a usar nuevas palabras en su escritura y en discusiones.
5. Enseña estrategias de comprensiónMuestra a los estudiantes cómo resumir, hacer conexiones, visualizar, inferir y hacer preguntas. Anímales a “pensar en voz alta” mientras leen.
6. Integra la escritura en todas las materiasNo limites la escritura a lengua y literatura. Usa diarios, reflexiones y escritos rápidos en ciencias, matemáticas o historia para ayudar a los estudiantes a procesar lo que aprenden.
7. Fortalece la conciencia fonémica y la fonética (primeros grados)Juega con rimas, canciones y sonidos. Enseña fonética de forma explícita mediante patrones y familias de palabras para crear una base sólida.
8. Fomenta el pensamiento críticoHaz preguntas abiertas sobre los textos y compara diferentes perspectivas. Esto ayuda a los estudiantes a ir más allá de las “respuestas correctas” y desarrollar una comprensión más profunda.
9. Usa la tecnología de manera conscienteLos libros electrónicos, audiolibros y plataformas interactivas pueden motivar a los lectores renuentes. Prueba herramientas digitales de escritura y narración para dar variedad.
10. Fomenta el amor por contar historiasBrinda a los estudiantes oportunidades de contar sus propias historias—mediante diarios, sillas de autor en clase o actividades de creación de libros. Contar historias hace que la alfabetización sea personal y divertida.
11. Diferencia la instrucciónOfrece lecturas a distintos niveles y usa apoyos como iniciadores de oración o organizadores gráficos. Empareja a los estudiantes con compañeros para lecturas compartidas y apoyo mutuo.
12. Haz la alfabetización socialOrganiza círculos de lectura, clubes de libros o desafíos de lectura. Celebra la alfabetización con recitales de poesía o estudios de autores.
Reflexión final:
La alfabetización no es solo una materia: es una habilidad para toda la vida. Al incorporar la lectura y la escritura en las experiencias diarias del aula, los docentes no solo mejoran el rendimiento académico, sino que también ayudan a los estudiantes a descubrir la alegría de las historias, las palabras y las ideas.

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