This is Us 2020-2021 Supporting Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy - Near North District School ...
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This is Us
Supporting Culturally Responsive
and Relevant Pedagogy
2020-2021
At the Near North District School Board, we value and embrace students and
employees with diverse backgrounds, identities, and personal experiences.
“Our schools should be places where students not only learn about diversity but
also experience it. Students should see themselves and their classmates reflected
in their studies. Students and families should expect their interactions with their
school community to leave them feeling accepted for who they are. All students
should believe in their potential and know that they will be supported along the way
from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and beyond, no matter what pathway they choose.
(Equity Action Plan 2017)
Students experience teaching and learning that is reflective of their needs and of who they are. In
order to ensure that all students feel safe, accepted and inspired to succeed in a culture of high
expectations for learning, schools and classrooms must be responsive to culture. “Culturally
Responsive Pedagogy” or Culturally Responsive Teaching recognizes that all students learn differently
and that these differences may be connected to background, language, family structure and social or
cultural identity.
While this calendar is not meant to be comprehensive or exhaustive, every attempt has been made to
ensure its accuracy. Information contained in this calendar have been sourced from many different
websites. Islam dates are tentative as some vary based on the sighting of the moon. The dates for
Christianity are based on the Gregorian calendar unless specified as Julian (J).
This calendar contains a number of resources that can be found in your school libraries and/or
Classroom Support Centres.
SEPTEMBER 2020
Resources: When Phiyllis Webstad (nee Jack) turned six, she
went to the residential school for the first time. On
Makwa has to go to a new school…and he
doesn’t want to go. How will he face his
Guided by acclaimed Indigenous
author Monique Gray Smith, readers
her first day at school, she wore a shiny orange first day? Courage is just one of the Seven will learn about the lives of Survivors
shirt that her Granny had bought for her, but when Teachings of the Anishinaabe. Set in an and listen to allies who are putting the
she got to the school it was taken away from her urban landscape with Indigenous children as findings of the Truth and
and never returned. This is the true story of Phyllis the central characters, these stories about Reconciliation Commission into
and her orange shirt. It is also the story of Orange home and family will look familiar to all action.
Shirt Day (an important day of remembrance for young readers.
all).
Parry Sound High School students Taylor
Judge, Gracie Crafts, Sara Burns,
Mackenzie Elwes, and Dawson
Bloor researched recent school Jess and Ben are twins. Jess is a
Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text history and collaborated to create the girl and Ben is a boy but in all the
and Rafael López's dazzling art illustrated book Building Our Bridge: Our BIG ways, there is NO difference
reminds us that we all feel like Journey of Reconciliation. "We wanted between them! A book to
outsiders sometimes and how to pass this information on to the empower children and teach them
brave it is that we go forth anyway. generations coming after us so that we from the earliest of years about
Sometimes, when we reach out can continue building this bridge that gender equality, respectful
and begin to share our stories, we've created so far.” relationships, feelings, choice,
others will be happy to meet us self-esteem, empathy, tolerance,
halfway. and acceptance.
September Notes:
September 8: International Literacy Day
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Aims to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals,
communities and societies.
September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
1 2 3 4 5
Bike to school Week This is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, to
September 28-October 2
raise awareness that suicide can be prevented.
September 19: Powley Day
Celebrates the Supreme Court Decision which granted Métis
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Harvesting Rights.
September 21: International Day of Peace
International International This day is dedicated to World Peace, and specifically the absence
Literacy Day Literacy Day Anniversary of the Tatsunokuchi of war and violence.
Back to School Back to School Coptic New Year/Nayrouz (J) Persecution (Buddhism)
(Christianity) September 20-26: Gender Equality Week
13 14 15 16 17 18 Powley Day 19 To increase awareness of the significant and substantive
contributions that Canadian women have made and continue to
Grandparent’s make to the growth, development, character and identity of Canada;
Independence Day
Day (Mexico) September 22: Fall Equinox
Rosh Hashana Begins at
Festival of Higan-e
Sundown (Judaism)
(Buddhism) This is considered the first day of Fall.
20 21 22 23 2400% 25 26 September 30: Terry Fox School Run (40th Anniversary)
Gender Equality Gender Equality
Millions of students across Canada take part in this run every year
Week Begins Week Ends
raising funds for Cancer Research. This is one of the largest
Fall Equinox fundraising events in Canadian history. This year, schools can
Rosh Hashana Ends at Eihei Dogen Kigen Memorial
Sundown (Judaism) (Buddhism) celebrate their event on September 30 safely, by classroom, or they
27 28 29 30 Mdaamini Giizis can take part in classroom/individual “What's Your 40?” Terry Fox
Corn Moon activities at any other time.
Orange Shirt Day September 30: Orange Shirt Day
Terry Fox School Day This day is held annually and is designed to educate people and
Yom Kippur
Begins at Sundown Yom KippurEnds at Sundown
(Judaism) (Judaism)
promote awareness about the Indian Residential school system and
the impact this system has had on Indigenous communities.
Students and staff are encouraged to wear an orange shirt to school
on this day.
OCTOBER 2020
Resources: Using a spectrum of vibrant
colors and a menagerie of
ISSUES 21: Mental Health -8
student books and a Teacher
Everyone feels fear, worry and animals, this unique book Guide. Each book in Issues
apprehension from time to time, but does for the range of human 21 is built upon an inquiry
when these feelings prevent a moods and emotions what framework that provides
person from doing what he/she Oh, the Places You'll Go! modelling, mentoring, and
wants and/or needs to do, anxiety does for the human life cycle. monitoring; and a culminating
becomes a disability. This fun and Here is a wonderful way for writing activity. Students are
humorous book addresses the parents to talk with children introduced to the topic via an
problem of anxiety in a way that about their feelings. open-ended inquiry question.
relates to children of all ages. It
offers creative strategies for parents
and teachers to use that can lessen
the severity of anxiety.
As a child in Pakistan, Malala
made a wish for a magic pencil.
She would use it to make
This is the story of a persistent everyone happy, to erase the When Willow speaks, her words slip out
Amik tells Moshoom about his problem and the child who isn't
wonderful school. Then his smell of garbage from her city, as soft and shy as a secret. At school,
so sure what to make of it. The and to sleep an extra hour in the her barely audible whisper causes her
grandfather tells him about longer the problem is avoided,
the residential school he went morning. But as she grew older, no end of troubles. But Willow is as
the bigger it seems to get. But Malala saw that there were more resourceful as she is quiet, and she
to, so different from Amik's when the child finally musters
school, so Amik has an idea... important things to wish for. She fashions a magic microphone from items
up the courage to face it, the saw a world that needed fixing. she finds in the recycling bin. But
The Seven Teaching of the problem turns out to be
Anishinaabe -- love, wisdom, And even if she never found a Willow's clever invention is only a
something quite different than it magic pencil, Malala realized temporary solution. How will this quiet
humility, courage, respect, appeared.
honesty, and truth -- are that she could still work hard little girl make herself heard?
revealed in these seven every day to make her wishes
stories for children. come true.
October Notes:
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY October 5: World Habitat Day
The purpose of this day is to reflect on the basic right of all to have
adequate shelter.
October 10: World Mental Health Day
Bike to school Week
1 2 3
The overall objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues
September 28-October 2
around the world.
Pavaran (Buddhism) October 11: International Day of the Girl Child
Kathina (Buddhism) First Day of Sukkot (Judaism)
A day to promote girl’s empowerment and highlight the challenges
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 that girls face around the world.
Mental Illness
Awareness Week World Teacher’s Day October 12: Thanksgiving
Mental Health
Begins Last Day of Sukkot (Judaism) Thanksgiving is celebrated the second Monday of October. The
Shemini Atzeret Begins
Awareness Week
World Communion Day (Christianity)
Bodhidharma Memorial
(Buddhism) Hoshana Rabbah Begins (Judaism) Ends original idea was a celebration of the harvest while it has become a
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
(Christian)
(Judaism)
Arbaeen (Islam)
Hoshana Rabbah Ends
(Judaism) Simchat Torah Begins (Judaism)
day for gathering to give thanks in general. Indigenous peoples
have a history of celebrating the fall harvest that predates the
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 arrival of European settlers.
International Day for the October 16: World Food Day
Eradication of Poverty
Canadian Library Worker’s This day is dedicated to tackling global hunger.
Shemini Atzeret Ends (Judaism) Nichiren Shonin Memorial day
Sharad Navratri begins
Simchat Torah Ends(Judaism) (Buddhism) (Hinduism) October 17: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
This is an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of
18 19 20 21 22 23
people living in poverty.
October 18: Person’s Day
This commemorates the day when England’s Privy Council
Installation of the Guru Granth
as Guru (Sikhism) Durga Ashtami (Hinduism) decided that women were indeed persons and therefore entitled to
all the rights of person’s under the law.
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
October 24: United Nations Day
Highlights, celebrates and reflects on the work of the United
Nations.
Vijaya Dashmi/Dassehra Sharad Navratri Ends "
(Hinduism) (Hinduism) Milad-un-Nabi (Islam) October 27: Ontario Dress Purple Day
October is… Children’s Aid Societies across the province partner with boards of
Binaakwii Giizis
education, schools and child care to speak up for every child and
Women’s History Month Falling Leaves
Canadian Library Month youth’s rights to safety and well-being.
Islamic History Month Moon
NOVEMBER 2020
Resources: A Story of Honesty explores the
meaning of one of the Seven
Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . .
Grandfather Teachings through the
and everyone! This beautiful picture
imagination and storytelling of a
book rethinks and reframes the This impactful book asks children
young boy named Misaabe. This
stereotypical blue/pink gender how they will show kindness and
Ojibwe boy is always telling creative
binary and empowers kids and consideration for others. A World of
stories about trolls, and x-ray
their grown-ups to express Kindness goes beyond mere
glasses, and secret agents, and his
themselves in every color of the rhetoric to examine, in a child-
super-exciting life. He tries to
rainbow. Featuring a diverse group friendly way, everyday social
convince his classmates that these
of relatable characters, Pink Is for interactions where a kind word or
tales are totally true. One day the
Boys invites and encourages girls act could have a transformative
outrageous tales catch up to
and boys to enjoy what they love to affect on others.
Misaabe and his teacher helps this
do, whether it is racing cars and
imaginative boy continue his
playing baseball, or loving unicorns A young boy has lost his father, a
This charming story, richly steeped in storytelling and to always use his gift
and dressing up. soldier killed in action overseas. He
Métis culture, focuses on the boyhood We Are All Treaty People is the illustrated with honesty.
reminisces of Moushoom as he and his mother travel the stretch of
history to promote understanding of treaties
describes finding the “great giving Highway 401 between Trenton and
for all people in Ontario. Written by Maurice
tree” with his mother and father. This Toronto, called the Highway of
Switzer, with coloured drawings by Charley
vibrantly illustrated children’s book is a Heroes, marking the route of fallen
Chester Brown Herbert, the book offers students and
beautiful retelling of a traditional Métis soldiers who return to Canada. This
reinvents the comic- educators a brief look at the history of
story. This resource also includes a photographic picture book pays
book medium to create treaties from the Anishinabek perspective.
Métis values chart, and an tribute to the sacrifices of those
the critically acclaimed The Anishinabek Nation includes Algonquin,
accompanying narration CD in English Canadian men and women in our
historical biography Delaware (Lenape), Mississauga, Ojibwe,
and Michif. armed forces and their families,
Louis Riel Odawa, and Potawatomi.
while highlighting the remarkable
patriotism of Canadian citizens who
honour them.
November Notes:
November 2-6 Treaty Education Week
This week honours the importance of treaties and helps people
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY learn more about treaty rights and treaty relationships.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 November 11: Remembrance Day
Treaty Education Treaty Education This day is to remember and honour the members of the armed
Daylights Saving Time
End Week Begins Week Ends forces who have died in the line of duty.
Inuit Day Indigenous November 13: World Kindness Day
All Souls’ Day (Christianity)
Karva Chauth (Hinduism) World View
This is a day to bring attention to kindness and acts of kindness.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
November 14: World Diabetes Day
A global awareness campaign focussing on diabetes is held on this
day each year.
November 16: Louis Riel Day
Diwali/Deepavali (Hinduism)
Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikhism)
This is a day to celebrate Métis culture, recognize the many
contributions of the Métis, and to highlight the struggles that Métis
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
continue to face.
Bully Prevention Pink Shirt Day Transgender Day
Week Begins of Remembrance November 15-20: Bully Prevention Week
P.D. Day This week has been set aside each year to help promote safe
Vikram New Year (Hinduism) schools and a positive learning environment.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 November 18: Pink Shirt Day
This is a day when people wear mainly a pink shirt to symbolize a
stand against bullying.
Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá First Day of Advent (J)
Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur
(Sikhism) Day of the Covenant (Bahá’í) (Bahá’í) Christianity November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
This day honours the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts
29 30 Mtikmeg Giizis
of anti-transgender violence.
Whitefish Moon
November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence
Birth of Guru Nanak (Sikhism)
First Day of Advent (Christianity)
Against Women
This day is to raise awareness to the fact that women around the
world continue to face violence. This marks the first day of the 16
Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which ends on
December 10, with International Human Rights Day.
DECEMBER 2020
Hanukkah is a wonderful time filled
Resources: Kwanzaa traces its origins to the American
Simon expects a visit from a king and a
royal reward for his hospitality, but when a
with games, food, family, and fun. It
is also the celebration of an ancient
Civil Rights era. Critical thinking questions beggar turns up at his door instead, he miracle, retelling and remembering
and fast facts prompt young readers to learns the satisfaction of giving. the story of that miracle is an
engage with this fun narrative and learn all essential part of the holiday, for
about Kwanzaa. young and old. A traditional recipe
for latkes is included, as are
directions for the dreidel game, for
readers who want to continue the
festivities at home.
I AM MALALA is the
Some people celebrate Christmas remarkable tale of a family
and some people celebrate uprooted by global
This moving account based on a true story, Hanukkah. But Sam celebrates terrorism, of the fight for
chronicles the friendship between a snail both! Written by a clinical girls' education, of a father
and a small child in a wheelchair and psychologist, MY TWO HOLIDAYS who, himself a school
explores issues concerning physical offers comforting explanations owner, championed and
disabilities. that shine a light on how special it encouraged his daughter
can be to celebrate two treasured to write and attend school,
holidays instead of one! and of brave parents who
have a fierce love for their
daughter in a society that
prizes sons.December Notes:
December 3: International Day of Persons with
Disabilities
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
This day promotes awareness and support for issues
related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in
1 2 3 4 5 our society.
December 6: National Day of Remembrance and
Action on Violence Against Women
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on
Violence against Women is about remembering
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
victims; it is also a time to take action by creating a
National Day of culture of respect.
Remembrance and
Action on Violence December 10: International Human Rights Day
Against Women Chanukah (Hanukkah) Begins This day is meant to build awareness of the
Awakening Day (Buddhism) Judaism Saghamitta Day (Buddhism)
Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 of achievement for all people and all nations.
December 19: School Holidays Begin
Birthday of Imam Aga Khan Chanukah (Hanukkah) Ends
(Islam) (Judaism) December 21: Winter Solstice
This is considered the first day of Winter.
20 21 22 23 24 26
December 25: Christmas Day
This is an annual festival commemorating the birth of
Jesus, observed primarily on December 25 as a
Boxing Day
Christmas Day (Christianity) religious and cultural celebration among billions of
Christmas Eve National Holiday
Winter Solstice (Christianity)
(National Holiday)
people around the world.
27 28 29 30 31 Mnidoo Giisoons
Little Spirit MoonJANUARY 2021
In many places around the globe, the new
Resources: Ma'iingan knows she is a very
Anishinaabe Almanac: Living Through the
Seasons is a 56-page illustrated
year starts on January 1. But not
everywhere! Chinese New Year is
good singer. Conflict erupts information guide to the yearly cycle by celebrated in January or February.
when her little sister wants to Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) teacher Edward Iranians observe Nowruz in March. For
sing just like her. The Seven Benton-Banai. Provides key cultural and Thai people, Songkran occurs in April.
Teachings of the Anishinaabe language details and traditional stories to Ethiopians greet the new year at
-- love, wisdom, humility, explain the worldview and seasonal cycle Enkutatash in September. All these
courage, respect, honesty, and of life for Ojibwe people in the past and diverse cultural, regional, and religious
truth -- are revealed in these today. Developed in a calendar format the observances, and many others, have
seven stories for children. colour illustrations explain the 13 moons, deep-rooted traditions and treasured
the important ceremonial cycle, and customs. Acclaimed poet Marilyn Singer
people's interdependence with the earth has created a lively poetry collection that
and all other life forms. highlights sixteen of these fascinating
The night that Rachel and Toby’s
festivities, some well-known and some
parents are taken away by the Nazis,
less familiar.
they give their young daughters three
In this picture book celebrating
gold coins with the instructions to From the author of
Chinese New Year, animals
“use these wisely to help save your Incredible Space Raiders
from the Chinese zodiac help a
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is lives.” They also ask the girls to from Space! comes a
little girl deliver a gift to her
one of the most celebrated promise that they will always stay brand-new coming-of-
grandmother. Ruby has a
figures of the twentieth together. This compelling true story age story about a boy
special card to give to her
century. Set against key follows the sisters as they confront whose life revolves
grandmother for Chinese New
moments of the civil rights the daily horrors of Auschwitz, around hiding his
Year. But who will help her get
movement, here is the story of protecting one another, sharing obsessive compulsive
to grandmother’s house to
the powerful, eloquent spiritual memories, fears, and even laughter— disorder—until he gets a
deliver it?This picture book
leader and his belief that always together. But when Rachel mysterious note that
includes back matter with a
nonviolence could be used to becomes ill and is taken away by changes everything.
focus on the animals of the
overcome racial discrimination. Nazi guards, likely forever, Toby risks
Chinese zodiac.
her own life and uses the well-hidden
gold coins to rescue her little sister.January Notes:
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY January 1: New Year’s Day (Christianity and Canadian
Holiday)
January 1 is the first day of a new year.
1 2
January 18: Martin Luther King Day
This celebrates the life and achievements of Martin
Luther King Jr., an influential American Rights Leader.
Temple Day (Solar New Year)
(Buddhism) January 27: International Day of Commemoration of
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 the Holocaust
This is an international memorial day on January 27th
commemorating the tragedy of the Holocaust that
occurred during the Second World War.
Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Christmas (J) Christianity)
(Sikhism)
Epiphany (Christianity) TBD: Bell Let’s Talk Day
This is an awareness campaign created by
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
telecommunications company Bell Canada to raise
awareness and combat stigma surrounding mental
illness in Canada.
Maghi (Sikhism) Makar Sankranti (Hinduism)
Linji Memorial (Buddhism) Lohri (Hinduism) New Year’s Day (J) Christianity)
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Epiphany (J)Christianity)
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
PD Day
Honen Shonin Memorial
(Buddhism)
Maha ya na New Year Maha ya na New Year
(Buddhism) (Buddhism)
31 TBD Chi-booni Giizis
Big Winter MoonFEBRUARY 2021
Resources: From the first Black person who
came to Canada about 400 years
Migizi loves his Gookom. Can he find
You've likely heard of the historic Apollo 13 moon landing. But
do you know about the mathematical genius who made sure
ago to the most recent wave of that Apollo 13 returned safely home? As a child, Katherine
the perfect gift to show her how
African immigrants, Black Johnson loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, the
much? The Seven Teachings of the
Canadians have played an number of dishes and spoons she washed in the kitchen sink,
Anishinaabe -- love, wisdom, humility,
important role in our country's everything! Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations,
courage, respect, honesty, and truth
history. In this informative overview, young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about
-- are revealed in these seven stories
kids will discover the inspiring math, about the universe. From Katherine's early beginnings as
for children. Set in an urban
stories and events of a people who a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent
landscape with Indigenous children as
fought oppression as they searched mathematician at NASA, Counting on Katherine is the story of a
the central characters, these stories
for a place to call their own. groundbreaking American woman who not only calculated the
about home and family will look
course of moon landings but, in turn, saved lives and made
familiar to all young readers.
enormous contributions to history.
The seated child. With a single powerful
image, Deborah Ellis draws our attention
to nine children and the situations they
And Tango Makes Three is the find themselves in, often through no
In this wordless picture book, a fault of their own. In each story, a child
bestselling, heartwarming true
little girl collects wildflowers while makes a decision and takes action, be
story of two penguins who create
her distracted father pays her little that a tiny gesture or a life-altering
a nontraditional family. At the
attention. Each flower becomes a choice.
penguin house at the Central
gift, and whether the gift is These children find the courage to face
Park Zoo, two penguins named
noticed or ignored, both giver and their situations in ways large and small,
Roy and Silo were a little bit
recipient are transformed by their in this eloquent collection from a master
different from the others. But their
encounter. storyteller.
desire for a family was the same.February Notes:
February 2: Ground Hog Day
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Legend has it that watching a groundhog emerge from its burrow
can determine the weather forecast for the coming weeks. If it is
February is…
1 2 3 4 5 6 a sunny day and the groundhog see its shadow, it will go back to
Black History Month sleep for six for weeks of winter. If the weather is cloudy and the
National Inclusive
Education Month groundhog does not see its shadow, it stays outside, meaning
Heart and Stroke that spring will soon arrive.
Awareness Month
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 February 12: Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year This is the Chinese festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year
Losar (Tibetan New Year)
(Buddhism) on the traditional Chinese calendar. Year of the Ox!
Lunar New Year/Maitreya
Bodhisattva’s Birthday
Losar (Tibetan New Year) February 15: National Flag of Canada Day
Nirvana Day (Buddhism) (Buddhism)
(Buddhism)
This day commonly shortened to Flag Day, is observed annually on
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 February 15 to commemorate the inauguration of the Flag of Canada
on that date in 1965.
February 15: Family Day
Valentine’s Day
Family Day is observed in Ontario on the third Monday in February.
National Flag Day of
Canada Vasant Panchami (Hinduism) Ash Wednesday (Christianity)
This holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life.
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 February 16: Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday)
This is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. This marks a day of
Pink Shirt Day celebration before the Lent fast begins.
) Magha (Sangha Day)
(Buddhism) February 20: World Social Justice Day
28 Mkwa Giizis The United Nations' (UN) World Day of Social Justice is annually
Bear Moon observed on February 20 to encourage people to look at how
social justice affects poverty eradication. It also focuses on the
goal of achieving full employment and support for social
integration
February 24: Pink Shirt Day
This day is celebrated on the last Wednesday in February each year.
Wearing pink symbolizes that we as a society will not tolerate bullying
anywhere.MARCH 2021
Resources: Susan and her sister, Rebecca, love
watching their mother write letters to people
William Kamkwamba was born in Malawi,
a country where magic ruled and modern
in other camps. Their mother has one science was mystery. It was also a land
precious pencil, and she keeps it safe in her Kode knows many things,
withered by drought and hunger. But
box for special things. One afternoon, their but she doesn’t know one
William had read about windmills, and he
mother leaves the iglu to help a neighbour, thing: What does respect
dreamed of building one that would bring
and Susan, Rebecca, and their brother Peter mean? Who will help her
to his small village a set of luxuries that
are left with their father. They play all their figure out the answer? The
only 2 percent of Malawians could enjoy:
regular games but are soon out of things to Seven Teachings of the
electricity and running water. With a small
do—until their father brings out the pencil! Anishinaabe -- love, wisdom,
pile of once-forgotten science textbooks;
As Susan draws and draws, the pencil grows humility, courage, respect,
some scrap metal, tractor parts, and
shorter and shorter. What will their mother honesty, and truth -- are
bicycle halves; and an armory of curiosity
think when she comes home? revealed in these seven
and determination, he embarked on a
stories for children.
daring plan to forge an unlikely contraption
and small miracle that would change the
On the Playground: Our First lives around him.
Talk About Prejudice focuses on Around the world, water appears Donovan is hungry for a special
introducing children to the in many forms: a snowflake, an kind of breakfast . . . Makwa! Water has the power to change everything
complex topic of prejudice. oasis, the stream from a faucet, It's breakfast time and Donovan -- a single splash can sprout a seed,
Crafted around a narrative monsoon rain. In Water's Children, knows exactly what he wants quench a thirst, provide a habitat, generate
between a grade-school-aged twelve young people describe this morning! Not eggs, not energy and sustain life. How we treat the
child and an adult, this inquiry- what water means to them. The pancakes, not cereal. No, what water in the well will affect every species on
focused book will help children descriptions are as varied as the he wants is BEAR, just like his the planet, now and for years to come. One
shape their understanding of landscapes the speakers inhabit, grandfather used to eat for Well shows how every one of us has the
diversity so they are better but each of them also expresses, breakfast! power to conserve and protect our global
prepared to understand, and in their own language, a universal well. One Well is part of CitizenKid: A
question, prejudice witnessed truth: Water is life. This dual language edition collection of books that inform children
Also available in Inuktitut includes both the original about the world and inspire them to be
around them in their day-to-day
lives and in the media. English text and an Algonquin better global citizens.
translation.March Notes:
March 8: International Women’s Day
This is a worldwide event with a human rights theme,
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
highlighting the social, economic, cultural and political
achievements and contributions made by women.
March is…
1 2 3 4 5 6
March 20: International Day of Happiness
Nutrition Month
The philosophy behind the day is that the “pursuit of
happiness” is a basic human right and goal. There is a
basic assumption that, in order to promote world
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 happiness initiatives should take place to eradicate poverty,
establish equality, and protect the environment.
March 21: International Day of Elimination of Racial
Maha Shivratri (Hinduism) Discrimination
Common Wealth Day Isra and Mi’raj (Islam)
Hola Mohalla (Sikhism) This day aims to encourage people to remember their
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 obligation and determination to combat racial
St. Patrick’s Day discrimination.
Spring Equinox
March 22: World Water Day
Sikh New Year (Sikhism) International Day of
Memorial of Shan-tao/Zendo
Daishi Happiness This day is about tackling the water crisis by addressing the
Clean Monday (Christianity)
(Buddhism)
Festival of Higan-e (Buddhism) reasons why so many people can’t access the water they
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 need.
Purple Day Purple Day March 26: Purple Day
International Day of
Elimination of Racial This is an international grassroots effort dedicated to
Discrimination increasing awareness about Epilepsy.
Eid-e-Navroz (Islam)
Mid-Sha’ban Islam
March 27: Earth Hour
28 29 30 31 March 27- AprilPesach
(Passover) Judaism
Ziisbaakdoke This event encourages individuals, communities and
Giizis businesses to turn off their lights for one hour as a symbol
National Indigenous Sugar Moon of commitment to the planet.
Holi Holi Languages Day
(Hinduism) (Hinduism)
March 31: National Indigenous Languages Day
This day is to honour and celebrate Indigenous languages
and cultures.APRIL 2021
The story of a determined Ojibwe Grandmother (Nokomis)
Resources: Take a closer look at global warming
and how it is affecting the world
Josephine-ba Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water).
Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect
around us. The changing Earth is Nibi for future generations, and for all life on the planet. She,
explored in detail through one along with other women, men, and youth, have walked
hundred facts, fantastic images, and around all the Great Lakes from the four salt waters, or
fun cartoons. oceans, to Lake Superior. The walks are full of challenges,
and by her example Josephine-ba invites us all to take up
our responsibility to protect our water, the giver of life, and
to protect our planet for all generations.
Author Cammie McGovern presents a
heartwarming and humorous middle grade novel Miskwaadesi is puzzled about the
about the remarkable bond that forms between teaching Truth. But she knows
an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in more than she thinks she does.
need of a friend. Chester has always wanted to The Seven Teachings of the
This moving book, filled with beautiful become a service dog. When he fails his Anishinaabe -- love, wisdom, Dear Children of the Earth begins a
artwork, and archival photos certification test, though, it seems like that humility, courage, respect, remarkable letter from Mother Earth
contextualizes a Canadian soldier's dream will never come true—until a family honesty, and truth -- are revealed asking for help from children
experience in the Great War while adopts him. They want him to be a companion in these seven stories for children. everywhere. She writes to express
highlighting this extraordinary gesture of for their ten-year-old son, Gus, who has autism. Set in an urban landscape with her love for each and every child
hope and renewal. Now, a century later, Chester is not sure how to help Gus since this Indigenous children as the central and asks for their love and
the results of this simple act have created isn’t exactly the job he trained for—but he’s characters, these stories about appreciation in return. In her own
a living memorial to those who served. determined to figure it out. Because after all, home and family will look familiar words, and with all of her heart,
Gus is now his person. to all young readers. Mother Earth enfolds children with
love and entrusts them with her
protection.April Notes:
April 2: Autism Awareness Day
A day when people come together to raise awareness of Autism
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
April 6: Tartan Day
April is…
1 2 3
National Autism Awareness
Tartans of all varieties are worn on Tartan Day, which recognizes
Month and celebrates the contributions of the Scots and their
Earth Month
Sikh Heritage Month descendants in Canada.
Genocide Awareness Month
Holy Saturday (Christianity) April 7: World Health Day
Good Friday (Christianity)
A (WHO) World Health Organization observance meant to raise
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 awareness of the need to improve global health.
World Health Day Vimy Ridge Day
April 9: Vimy Ridge Day
This is a day to commemorate the deaths and casualties of
Easter Sunday (Christianity) Easter Monday (Christianity) Yom HaShoah (Judaism) members of the Canadian Corps in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which
took place during the First World War.
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Vaisakhi/Baisakhi International Day April 14: International Day of Pink
(Hinduism) of Pink Equality Day Take a stand and wear pink -working together to prevent
Chaitra/Chithirai (New Year) Ramadan (fasting month
begins (Islam homophobic and transphobic bullying.
(Hinduism) Vaisakhi (Sikhism) Vaisakhi (Sikhism)
April 18-April 24: National Volunteer Week
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 This is an opportunity to recognize and thank all the thousands of
PD Day volunteers across the country who keep many organizations
running, communities safe and provide services that otherwise
Vasant Navratri begins
(Hinduism) would not exist without volunteers.
Rama Navami (Hinduism)
April 22: Earth Day
25 26 27 28 29 30 Nmebin Giizis
National Day of Mourning Sucker Moon This is an annual event celebrated around the world to demonstrate
for Persons Killed or support for environmental protection.
Injured at Work
Therava da New Year Administrative Professionals’ April 28: National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured at
(Buddhism) Day
Nichiren Foundation Day
Work
Good Friday (J) Christianity
(Buddhism) Every year on April 28 we pay our respects to, and remember, the
thousands of workers who have been killed, injured or suffered
illness as a result of work-related incidents.MAY 2021
Resources:
Examines the issue of Breathe Like a Bear is a beautifully illustrated collection of
homophobia, detailing its mindfulness exercises designed to teach kids techniques
history, how gay pride is for managing their bodies, breath, and emotions. Best of
exhibited, and how all, these 30 simple, short breathing practices and
homophobia can be movements can be performed anytime, anywhere: in the
combated. car to the grocery store, during heavy homework nights at
home, or even at a child’s desk at school.
August Pullman was born with a facial difference that,
up until now, has prevented him from going to a
mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Put on your socks and shoes—and don't forget your ears!
Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an We're going on a listening walk. Shhhhh. Do not talk. Do not
This popular children's book, praised by parents, who ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past hurry. Get ready to fill your ears with a world of wonderful
say it's especially valuable when getting children to talk Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New and surprising sounds.
about the day's triumphs and troubles, and by York Times bestseller and included on the Texas A little girl and her father take a quiet walk and identify the
professionals, who use it in pediatric clinics and with the Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s sounds around them. Soon the girl discovers an
developmentally disabled and emotionally troubled. point of view, but soon switches to include his extraordinary world of sounds in her everyday environment.
Janan Cain's kids ooze anger and bounce with classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These With art by home and classroom favorite Aliki, The Listening
excitement as they teach the words for emotions. perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s Walk will remind both adults and kids of the wonders all
struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. around them...if they slow down and listen.May Notes:
May 3-7: Education Week
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
This is an annual event celebrated by school boards and
schools across the province. It is a time for students,
May is…
1 teachers and parents to celebrate excellence and student
Asian Heritage Month achievement.
Dutch Heritage Month
Jewish Heritage Month
Mental Health Awareness Month May 15: International Day of Families
This is an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating
to families and to increase knowledge of the social economic
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
and demographic processes affecting them.
Education Week Education Week Begins Education Week
Begins Ends May 17: International Day Against Homophobia and
Transphobia
Easter Monday (J) Lailat-ul-Qadr (Islam) This day is to raise awareness of LGBTQ2S+ rights violations
Easter (J) (Christianity) (Christianity) Jumatul Widha
(Islam) and to stimulate rights work in this area worldwide.
"
May 24: Queen Victoria Day
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 This day is in honour of Queen Victoria’s Birthday.
May 31: World No Tobacco Day
This will increase the awareness of the negative impact that
Eid-ul-Fitr (Islam) tobacco has on people’s lung health.
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Shavuot (Judaism)
" Buddha’s Birth Date
Shavuot (Judaism)) (Buddhism)
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Wesak/Buddha Day
(Buddhism)
Pentecost (Christianity)
30 31 Waabogowan
Giizis
Flower MoonJUNE 2021
Canadian Celebrations: National
Resources: Indigenous Peoples Day is part of a new
primary-level information title that I Am Earth introduces kids to the basic concepts of earth
Celebrating the stories of Indigenous people
throughout time, Wab Kinew has created a powerful
explores some uniquely Canadian science while also encouraging the importance of taking rap song, the lyrics of which are the basis for the text in
holidays and the people who celebrate care of our special planet through environmental awareness this beautiful picture book, illustrated by the acclaimed
them. In this 24-page book children’s and sustainability. Keeping Earth a happy and healthy place Joe Morse. Including figures such as Crazy Horse, Net-
author Heather Hudak introduces to live is important for everyone big and small. This teaches no-kwa, former NASA astronaut John Herrington and
elementary level readers to the June 21st children at an early age to care for the environment by Canadian NHL goalie Carey Price, Go Show the World
national holiday now called Indigenous understanding why the environment is so important and showcases a diverse group of Indigenous people in the
Peoples Day. The brief chapters explain what they can do to help keep nature in balance, like US and Canada, both the more well known and the
Canada’s First People, History of the recycle, reuse and conserve. not- so-widely recognized. Individually, their stories,
Holiday, Cultural Events, and though briefly touched on, are inspiring; collectively,
Celebrations in Canada. Colourful they empower the reader with this message: “We are
photographs many showing various people who matter, yes, it’s true; now let’s show the
The Royal Canadian Geographical dances at powwows will engage young world what people who matter can do.”
Society, in partnership with Canada's readers.
national Indigenous organizations, has Unlike most books that chronicle the
Animals and plants all over created a groundbreaking four-volume history of Native peoples beginning with
the world are struggling to atlas that shares the experiences, the arrival of Europeans in 1492, this
survive. Their food supply is perspectives, and histories of First book goes back to the Ice Age to give
decreasing, and their habitats Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. It's young readers a glimpse of what life
are shrinking. Is climate an ambitious and unprecedented was like pre-contact. The title, Turtle
change to blame? Discover project inspired by the Truth and Island, refers to a Native myth on
how climate change affects all Reconciliation Commission's Calls to archaeological finds and scientific
Earth's living creatures. Find Action. Exploring themes of language, research. We now have a clearer picture
out what scientists are doing demographics, economy, environment of how the Indigenous people lived.
to save plant and animal and culture, with in-depth coverage of
species, and learn more about treaties and residential schools.
how you can help.June Notes:
June 1-7: Canadian Environment Week
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY This is a time for grassroots action to help preserve,
protect and restore the environment.
1 2 3 4 5 June 5: World Environment Day
This day aims to deepen public awareness of the need
PD Day to preserve and enhance the environment.
Canadian Environment
Week Begins June 8: World Ocean’s Day
" World Environment Day This day is to raise awareness of the crucial role the
sea plays as sources of food, oxygen and medicine.
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
June 12: World Day Against Child Labour
This day aims to raise awareness and activism to
World Environment Week
prevent child labour.
Ends
June 20: World Refugee Day
This day is to bring public awareness to the unique
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
We observe National
challenges faced by the millions of refugees scattered
Indigenous People’s Day across the globe.
Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi
(Week Begins)
Lodro Anniversary (Budhism)
World Refugee Day June 21: National Indigenous People’s Day
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev
(Sikhism) This day is to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit,
We Observe National and Métis.
Indigenous People’s Day
(Week Ends) June 27: Multiculturalism Day
Summer Solstice Multiculturalism Multiculturalism Day is a day set aside to celebrate the
World Refugee Day National Indigenous Day diverse communities across the country.
People’s Day
Pentecost (J) (Christianity) Poson (Buddhism)
27 28 29 30 June is…
Ode’mini Giizis
Last Day of Italian Heritage Month Strawberry
Seniors Month
Multiculturalism School Moon
Day
All Saints Day (J)
(Christianity)JULY 2021
Additional Resources: While picking berries with her mother, a
little girl wanders too far into the woods.
When she realizes she is lost, she begins This book is part of a series on Canadian
to panic. A grey wolf makes a sudden holidays. Canada Day, July 1, celebrates
appearance. Using his sense of smell, he the founding of Canada in 1867. A short
determines where she came from and book, its major feature is the colourful
decides to help her. Through a series of pictures which would attract any children
questions from the wolf, the little girl interested in learning more about
realizes she had the knowledge and skill Canada.
to navigate herself—she just needed to
remember that those abilities were there
all along.
This is a charming picture book about an
unnamed girl and her very best friend, who The inspiring true story of two great
happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful friends, a baby hippo named Owen and a
idea. "She is going to make the most 130-yr-old giant tortoise named Mzee
MAGNIFICENT thing! For the early grades' (Mm-ZAY). When Owen was stranded after
exploration of character education, this funny the Dec 2004 tsunami, villagers in Kenya
book offers a perfect example of the rewards of worked tirelessly to rescue him. Then, to
perseverance and creativity. The words are everyone's amazement, the orphan hippo
Neepin Auger's books for children contain original, brightly coloured and the elderly tortoise adopted each
likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters
images and concepts familiar to everyone. In addition to the English other. Here is a joyous reminder that in
eager to create their own inventions and is a
words presented, the French and Cree equivalents are also given. times of trouble, friendship is stronger than
great tie-in to learning about Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math. the differences that too often pull us apart.July Notes:
July 1: Canada Day
The National day of Canada which is a federal
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
statutory holiday. This day celebrates the anniversary
of July 1, 1867, the effective date of the constitution
1 2 3 Act, 1867, which united the three separate colonies of
the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New
Brunswick into a single Dominion within the British
Jalsa Salana (Islam) Jalsa Salana (Islam) Empire called Canada.
July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
This is a global call to action that celebrates the idea
Birth Date of H.H. Dalai that each individual has the power to transform the
Lama
world, the ability to make an impact.
Tenzin Gyatso
Jalsa Salana (Islam)
(Buddhism)
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Imamat Day (Islam) Tishah B’av (Judaism)
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Asalha Puja Day (Dharma
Day) (Buddhism)
Waqfatu’Arafat (Islam) Eid-ul-Adha (Islam) Vassa (Rains Retreat) begins
(Buddhism)
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Miini Giizis
Berry MonthAUGUST 2021
Additional Resources: The story of the beautiful relationship between a little girl
and her grandfather. When she asks her grandfather how to
During World War I, Captain Harry Colebourn, a Canadian say something in his language – Cree – he admits that his
veterinarian on his way to serve with cavalry units in Europe, language was stolen from him when he was a boy. The little
rescued a bear cub in White River, Ontario. He named the girl then sets out to help her grandfather find his language
bear Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg, and he took again. This sensitive and warmly illustrated picture book
the bear to war. Harry Colebourn's real-life great- explores the intergenerational impact of the residential
school system that separated young Indigenous children
granddaughter Lindsay Mattick recounts their incredible
from their families. The story recognizes the pain of those
journey, from a northern Canadian town to a convoy across whose culture and language were taken from them, how that
the ocean to an army base in England . . . and finally to the pain is passed down, and how healing can also be shared.
London Zoo, where Winnie made a new friend: a boy
named Christopher Robin.
For two years Deborah Ellis she traveled across
the United States and Canada interviewing
When Malala Yousafzai was born, some people shook their heads because Native children. The result is a compelling
girls were considered bad luck. But her father looked into her eyes and knew collection of interviews with children aged nine
she could do anything. In Pakistan, some believed girls should not be to eighteen. They come from all over the
educated. But Malala and her father were not afraid. She secretly went to continent, from Iqaluit to Texas, Haida Gwaai to
school and spoke up for education in her country. And even though an North Carolina, and their stories run the gamut
In Native American legend, the thirteen enemy tried to silence her powerful voice, she would not keep quiet. Malala — some heartbreaking; many others full of
scales on Old Turtle's back hold the traveled around the world to speak to girls and boys, to teachers, reporters, pride and hope. Many of these children are
key to the thirteen cycles of the moon presidents, and queens—to anyone who would listen—and advocated for living with the legacy of the residential schools;
and the changing seasons. These the right to education and equality of opportunity for every person. She many have lived through the cycle of foster
lyrical poems and striking paintings would shout so that those without a voice could be heard. So everyone care. Many others have found something in
celebrate the wonder of the seasons, could be as free as a bird. Free as a Bird is the inspiring true story of a their roots that sustains them, have found their
from the Northern Cheyenne’s Moon fearless girl and the father who taught her to soar. place in the arts, sciences, and athletics. Like
of the Popping Trees to the Big Moon all kids, they want to find something that
of the Abenaki. engages them; something they love.August Notes:
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY August 2: Civic Holiday
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Peoples
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of the
World's Indigenous People is observed on August 9
each year to promote and protect the rights of the
world’s indigenous population. This event also
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 recognizes the achievements and contributions that
indigenous people make to improve world issues such
as environmental protection.
August 12: International Youth Day
New Year (Hijra) (Islam)
The United Nations’ (UN) International Youth Day is
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 celebrated on August 12 each year to recognize efforts
of the world’s youth in enhancing global society. It also
aims to promote ways to engage them in becoming
more actively involved in making positive contributions
Ashura (Islam)
to their communities.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Raksha Bandhan (Hinduism)
29 30 31 Daatkaagmini
Giizis
Blackberry Moon
Sri Krishna Janmashtami
(Hinduism)You can also read
