# Oak Learners
> Creativity, Confidence, Community
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## Posts
### [Back to School Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
**Published:** September 11, 2026
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** The back to school season doesn't start on the first day of school. It starts with shopping and preparing for a successful school year. This round up post of our back to school articles can help make this school year a success from the start.
**Content:**
The back to school season doesn’t start on the first day of school. It starts with back to school shopping. For [Savvy School Supply Shopping](https://oaklearners.ca/savvy-school-supply-shopping/) check out this post.
Preparing the home and your child’s mindset will help smooth the transition back to school. Here are 4 tips for getting ready: [ 4 Tips to Get Ready for Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/4-tips-to-get-ready-for-back-to-school/).
The first week can seem scary for kids but there are some things they can try to make new friends and feel more comfortable on the very first day: [ 4 Things for the First Week Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/first-day-back-to-school/).
Apps can be a helpful learning support for older students. We have chosen 5 in this post: [ Apps Every Student Should Download on Their Phone](https://oaklearners.ca/apps-every-student-should-download-on-their-phone/).
Studying and homework are big parts of school as kids get into higher grades. Setting good habits early will help ease some of the stress and set them up for success:
- [ Strategies for Tacking Homework](https://oaklearners.ca/strategies-for-tackling-homework/)
- [The Best Study Tips for Young Students](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-study-tips-for-young-students/)
- [5 Must Know Test Tips for Young Students](https://oaklearners.ca/5-must-know-test-tips-for-young-students/)
We hope the return to school goes smoothly and your child is well supported for success!
Remember that there are also outside supports for those that need it such as [individual tutoring at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/).
---
Learn more about our Day School here: [Private Day School at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
To keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OakLearners) or [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/)
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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-
**Categories:** Back to School, Education, Parenting, Resource Recommendations, Round Up
**Tags:** back to school, getting ready, new school year, prepare for success, private tutoring, round up, study tips
---
### [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
**Published:** July 17, 2026
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
**Content:**
[# Water Lily Tulip](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260422_154817-scaled-e1783626204772.jpg?ssl=1 "Explore Nature: Water Lily Tulip")
# ON MOBILE ONLY!
## Click on an image to make it larger.
## Explore Nature Together
From late April on we start to explore nature for signs of Spring. Green starts popping up from the ground and gracing the tips of bushes and trees. The kids start asking questions about every new thing they see and I start taking pictures to look up the information about the plants and to monitor their growth.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260408_154918-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260408_154900-scaled-e1784310196775.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260414_142456-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260408_154236-scaled.jpg?ssl=1 "Bearded Iris shoots: Explore Nature")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260413_154757-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260408_154238-scaled.jpg?ssl=1 "Bearded Iris bulbs: Explore Nature")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260413_154739-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260408_154918-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260408_154900-scaled-e1784310196775.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260414_142456-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260408_154238-scaled.jpg?ssl=1 "Bearded Iris bulbs: Explore Nature")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260413_154739-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260408_154236-scaled.jpg?ssl=1 "Bearded Iris shoots: Explore Nature")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260413_154757-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260415_153550-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
## The excitement builds by the day as the kids watch the stalks getting taller and starting to bud.
## Finally they start to blossom and more and more questions arise.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260421_154848-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260415_153550-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260421_154848-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
## The excitement builds by the day as the kids watch the stalks getting taller and starting to bud.
## Finally they start to blossom and more and more questions arise.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260601_153918-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260423_154837-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260417_154732-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260504_153558-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260413_153817-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260601_153916-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260413_154652-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260601_153912-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
Together we asked questions like “What flower is it?”([Pl@ntnet.org](https://identify.plantnet.org/)), “Is it safe to touch and smell?”, “Is it invasive and what does invasive mean?” ([Ontario Invasive Plant Council](https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/)), “How are plants named?” ([PlantHeritage.org.uk](https://www.plantheritage.org.uk/national-plant-collections/resources-for-national-collection-holders/researching-your-collection/plant-naming/)), and more.
Keep in mind that these flower walks were 20 to 30 minutes a couple of days a week so of course all questions couldn’t be answered in that time. Taking pictures of the flowers, snails, butterflies, and other interesting finds gave us the chance to look them up later and learn more.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260527_152710-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260622_155604-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260612_154029-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260623_152938-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260612_154725-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260622_155020-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260612_155315-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260622_140937-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
As the season continued towards Summer we noticed flowers dying and new flowers budding. We talked about the cycles and how some flowers and plants had their seasons. Some new flowers will bloom later in the summer for the Fall season just as the summer flowers will also die.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260612_155409-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260612_155447-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260529_152656-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260608_153845-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
## The kids became fantastic flower finders!
They could spot flowers beneath other plants that I hadn’t even noticed.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260622_153923-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260622_153747-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260612_155636-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260527_155353-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
Exploring nature for new plants, flowers, critters, changes, and more, helps a child build awareness of their environment. Being more aware of their surroundings helps keep them safe and brings greater joy to simple walks. Turn short walks into memorable experiences that bring excitement, joy, and laughter any time of year!
ALL IMAGES IN THIS POST ARE COPYRIGHT OF ROWYN FAY.
---
For more activity stories and Oak Learners fun check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”%20target=)
Looking for more fun activity blog posts then check out our [Activities Archives](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/)
For more fun Activities find us on [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/) too.
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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**Categories:** Activities, BASE Camps, Education, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities
**Tags:** environmental awareness, explore nature, flower walks, forest school, nature learning, nature walk, nature walks, outside education, spring
---
### [The Best Fall Outdoor Clothing for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/best-fall-outdoor-clothing-for-kids/)
**Published:** August 29, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The best outdoor clothing can make a huge difference in kids enjoyment of outside education and family time. This post gives you some ideas to consider when shopping for the right gear.
**Content:**
Fall is an amazing time to get outside and explore the brilliant colours and changes as the seasons change. The weather trends towards cooler mornings and sunny afternoons, making it hard to feel prepared with the proper outdoor gear, but it is so important to remember that proper clothing lays the best foundation for building a love of learning outdoors in our children.
Outdoor learning and immersion in nature are proven to lead to a plethora of benefits that help your child develop crucial skills. At Oak Learners, our students are outside for extended periods of time in all weather: snow, rain, or shine. Regardless of the forecast, we will continue encouraging our students to explore the natural world around them while pushing boundaries and taking risks.
Most importantly: LABEL EVERYTHING! Labels (such as [Mabel’s Labels](https://mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/fundraising/support)) will ensure that your investments keep coming home to be used another day. Here are a few suggestions when shopping for fall outdoor gear to ensure your child stays warm, dry, and loving the new life all around this season!
\*\*Please note that this post contains affiliate links to[ Amazon.ca](https://amzn.to/3tyEYQR)
### 3-SEASON BOOTS
Invest in a good pair of boots! Warm and dry feet are the key to spending more time outside.
These are the key features you want to focus on when purchasing 3-Season boots:
- **Waterproof**: look for boots that are made entirely of rubber or rubber and neoprene. Some, like BOGS, are insulated and comfort-rated to -37°C.
- **Lightweight**: If they make a clunking sound when your child walks they are probably too heavy and will slow your child down on their adventures.
- **Good Grip**: All too often, rain boots are made for style over function. Look for rain boots that have a solid sole and good grip for navigating wet surfaces.
- **Easy to put on**: Extra bonus if they have little handles to help making putting them on and pulling them off a bit easier! Boots should go up to mid-calf level to help feet stay dry.
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Columbia-Youth-Redmond-Waterproof-Regular/dp/B0B1SKB3P2?crid=24HAXLU9VF616&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0eZ2rkC4Jpvf1lw0Yzn8_n7gyv4INyd4Ar7g67YcA2ldqq20Ob9zYhjeka1LVeLL9QRKZHwr3YoZZG40MlT7yWwP8N21-B4ubhpUt4kqou09dql5mOCCGv4lBX4br2y5xz3vM-bUZrwOepDcoHrQWKEWg325S05rGn0cnPDCnDU5L6LQ_RnL5m54th0dWnL2amNj7NdOhDEac53-yzl0dlGN_g65fXp-f6zpRdvpqMqk7WRwd0j0r5aLcsP0UIJ2f8gyjS7QaNg4RwIGU_fnJ7lvadcpnozZ7bU_IRmjwyc.qgwm7j7POBZBx3hyoV3UiaELTcydzm-8xBnA7cOmRV8&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids%2Boutdoor%2Bshoes%2Bhiking&qid=1713652545&sprefix=kids%2Boutdoor%2Bshoes%2Bhiking%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-6&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=6db34f8743ef01c282b90cba5c066e91&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Kamik-Stomp-Waterproof-Boots-Light/dp/B09MZ2J5NB?crid=2KM96GODAQXIF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TKoReb7zcGupHCCVt0xqdYMDgjhIEFW4Rlu9EpYIk5wDMoP7dXnjUntesR4IvzA6TPi77X6Im-Q-R6ZR9QyeCht124IBDBdG6nJvDVtKLAoMud3zLG0avtD3VPOsXK71ei8Z3y0meNwlQDM06Orv54BcmvOF0SzvVxbN-Hy1LumEsextGck6GHfUxIKBRdWdLUgG8IkvQqeCAy3j_3a2ZKe2hw01yIOsELeIhmCRewsgyPVJ6U8WIPI7HVPU8Bgn85jVzPDfaujK-X8hjJ2u3D12wMfb-8PuEEx1eGQLD9U.bWlj8voLYhVr2QrjpyYY5_36RelHzHUwO_RN0A2BkgI&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids+rain+boots&qid=1713652189&sprefix=kids+rainboots%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-7&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=64b42d5043051184b5904eb92e22dd1b&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
### HIKING SHOES
Invest in a good pair of shoes that will provide great support for growing feet and excellent traction on uneven or slippery surfaces. These are the key features you want to focus on when purchasing shoes for spring and summer outdoor play.
- **Waterproof**: look shoes that will be waterproof or water-resistant to allow for quick dry-outs in between play sessions or hikes.
- **Good Grip**: All too often, shoes for kids are made for style over function. Look for shoes that have a solid sole and good grip for navigating wet surfaces.
- **Easy to put on**: Select shoes that have elastic tension closures for easier on/off and to reduce the risk of laces coming untied and making play no longer safe.
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Columbia-Youth-Redmond-Waterproof-Regular/dp/B0B1SKB3P2?crid=24HAXLU9VF616&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0eZ2rkC4Jpvf1lw0Yzn8_n7gyv4INyd4Ar7g67YcA2ldqq20Ob9zYhjeka1LVeLL9QRKZHwr3YoZZG40MlT7yWwP8N21-B4ubhpUt4kqou09dql5mOCCGv4lBX4br2y5xz3vM-bUZrwOepDcoHrQWKEWg325S05rGn0cnPDCnDU5L6LQ_RnL5m54th0dWnL2amNj7NdOhDEac53-yzl0dlGN_g65fXp-f6zpRdvpqMqk7WRwd0j0r5aLcsP0UIJ2f8gyjS7QaNg4RwIGU_fnJ7lvadcpnozZ7bU_IRmjwyc.qgwm7j7POBZBx3hyoV3UiaELTcydzm-8xBnA7cOmRV8&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids%2Boutdoor%2Bshoes%2Bhiking&qid=1713652545&sprefix=kids%2Boutdoor%2Bshoes%2Bhiking%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-6&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=6db34f8743ef01c282b90cba5c066e91&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08GL4VSQ9/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B08GL4VSQ9&pd_rd_w=YBUXo&content-id=amzn1.sym.516c2169-755e-413a-a38a-68230f4ab66f&pf_rd_p=516c2169-755e-413a-a38a-68230f4ab66f&pf_rd_r=12NGMY1K2XB813BGAQQ4&pd_rd_wg=fD6lQ&pd_rd_r=fa60c6b8-6e77-4ba6-869f-f306a62ae7e0&s=shoes&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw)
### Rain Suit / Muddy Buddy
- Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof.
- Reinforced bum and knee areas.
- Easy to get on and off!
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Kids-Toddler-Rain-Suit-Waterproof/dp/B0BX527YB7?crid=3CNSB7EPK92Z9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7DDDjy-L-8MjrGXNdFv_jHqshG9GcqA1dinLNGA6oSFctWMSCwArvWqhnLImAA8eZGSptdmATmUyecY_ByFrPr3S5A1drbhU596zrM9UWBk2GDfqZijbxuHEh5q-FjF8D1UzPL_4VyGDD2SfKwKqj7lF8dl_pE_o594yHO51Q1kn7kB0mLKsqhMfXHvONN1Z9d19YvdH3yDL3DYrkX3tHhjDIZd4TDxGX_h-qzSDr_lCCvP-Uwd5iP8eoNJDbXMp7k9Z74RBu3nWxWDuEHgIBrpTQsHlfxDQaqZTnL4BjoE.-pCZc3rXsFNwEZ1kLUMwVxKTwK7xWDIO1aTaxUeuDeE&dib_tag=se&keywords=puddle%2Bjumper%2Brain%2Bsuit%2Bkids&qid=1713654161&sprefix=kids%2Bpuddle%2Bju%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-19&th=1&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=4bbe079296bc04f6b0b5854721261cc8&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08HH4J76W?pd_rd_i=B0B6GM9MKV&pd_rd_w=HFtPV&content-id=amzn1.sym.2981e27c-8e6f-49a6-af49-f9bd34c3c3d8&pf_rd_p=2981e27c-8e6f-49a6-af49-f9bd34c3c3d8&pf_rd_r=CZQHZBTF3J61WY43A1SF&pd_rd_wg=zsdl6&pd_rd_r=72e0a1ba-b8ec-432d-9d9e-4d4b564e17c3&s=apparel&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=e4b84caa04c8b13b17d5d3ee10644e89&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
### JACKETS
- **Layers**: A waterproof and windproof outer layer with additional breathability will be invaluable as the weather changes day by day in the springtime.
- **Ventilation**: Many jackets have zippers that can offer ventilation when they are moving around a lot or if the temperature warms up.
- **Length**: Make sure it is long enough to cover them and not let rain in when they are lifting their arms and playing. We suggest something that reaching to the top of the knees
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Mountain-Warehouse-Kids-Waterproof-Jacket/dp/B0845PQ5HH?crid=1M3BT7FFLV965&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HlTJ0Jvv7dEC2bd7tvXJy7QcdVie9geUXAOzuAT5rKIl9WEiefqi74azUvq-T9iJvDUPhlyKMYw55vactF64XO_8pY4UoZdVdZptVEcGqXy547pkk2JkhFmlAkziuqHKbObw73TWs9o1lSjhi8FpfR6O-aASfyBa8Q5Rp-1-l2QcfcRn3n9xM0Hdlbp_H3k_FjtonylYLGkAhou83cD1MJrzqC6KDNzVn_xEL7iqUz-sESR3XSZ7_Da2wpZCpeCsz3q_jMV7anIM4rMpcuSzL5gOI6OVDWVFFSdXH5rAWuc.sDdiB6sfBm5at1nnD4LA7w06Ea4axM3IEWl03Aje6zQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids%2Bwaterproof%2Bjacket&qid=1713653907&sprefix=kids%2Bwaterproof%2B%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-6&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=d945c69081c0f3cd4cb9ad1c074349bb&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08R83SCNJ/ref=twister_B06XPKSTWY)
### **FALL ACCESSORIES**
- **Binoculars or Magnifying Glasses**: For birdwatching and up-close inspection of the natural world.
- **Umbrella**: Every child loves twirling an umbrella and watching the raindrops puddle and drip in different patterns!
- **Daypack**: A lightweight pack is great for carrying extra snacks, or a rain poncho, or for those extra layers that might get removed once active play begins..
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[](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B212NY53?&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=b1e2d6ddc02d403a9282553c1f8ef496&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Waterproof-Backpack-Lightweight-Children-Traveling/dp/B07PZ1S2SN?crid=CM39WAD4GL6J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XogyOjr-F-QVLIGMX2iOutQ3WMCNuJlv3UxNUgwKSNIExfCYmPvrtw8PDbB521ptoUe6HJIkBa_RNsOZV15Yn13NkBEqoYU3c_IP6Yh67x7vpVIwsmaZ9Xv_aimsGJxzw4dfV1CL88Erfaeim5Z7-JrQMqjRf8rN0cg07Vy7im6tYEBHqVVEZCPGsRZzq1h9bkVgjxHiAymA47Yhc8pbBx9f6GYyl73keQXahwjcQ0J-WKeTtqn4GQOY-HjVF85l25fvBbkyPblzf1wcc-beCuG9SD16buvneuefC_Z3uHg.UYd4Oz77HjZm1Hf4c53_yGSqH0J54sC1IAt7FLbLgb8&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids%2Bdaypack%2Bspring&qid=1713654651&sprefix=kids%2Bdaypack%2Bspring%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=66351e34a39feaa4e01de4215f123ae4&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://oaklearners.entripyshops.com/)
---
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**Categories:** Education, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities
**Tags:** best fall clothing, clothing for kids, outside, outside activities, outside education, weather
---
### [Why Ripping Paper Is So Good for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
**Published:** May 11, 2026
**Author:** Daniela Urbina
**Content:**
# 
# **Benefits of Ripping Paper**
***Why Ripping Paper Is So Good for Kids***
As adults ripping paper is one of those things we call “making a mess” but for kids, it is one of those “the best activities.”
Give a child a stack of scrap paper and they’ll usually know exactly what to do: rip, crumple, crunch, and laugh.
From a developmental and mental health perspective, that simple act of ripping paper can:
- strengthen small hand muscles and coordination,
- give the brain lots of sensory feedback (sound + touch + resistance).
- offer a safe outlet for stress and big emotions, and
- turn into surprisingly beautiful art once the paper is in pieces.
Let’s break it down into three big benefits and some easy ways to use all those ripped pieces.
### **1. Sensory magic: sound, touch, and “brain feedback”**
Ripping paper is basically a tiny sensory concert:
- **Sound:** the crackle and rip as the fibres tear,
- **Touch:** rough, smooth, stiff, or soft paper under their fingers.
- **Movement and resistance:** pulling, holding, and deciding how far the rip goes.
Children don’t all experience these sensations in the same way:
- Some kids are **sensory seekers**. Their bodies crave *more* input, so they might love the loudest rips, the crunchiest cardboard, and big, dramatic movements with both hands.
- Some are more **sensory sensitive or “avoiders.”** They notice every little sound and scratchy edge and can feel overwhelmed if the ripping is too sudden or too loud.
- Others have **low registration**. They don’t really notice gentle sounds or light touch and might seem “tuned out” unless the activity is bigger, stronger, or more obvious. \[1\]\[2\]
Ripping paper lets all of these kids experiment safely. For seekers—or just very wiggly, curious children—this kind of hands-on, noisy-yet-contained activity can be incredibly satisfying. It gives their nervous system lots of immediate “brain feedback” about what their hands are doing.
For more sensitive kids, doing it slowly, with choice and clear expectations, can be a gentle way to explore sound and texture without feeling pushed past their limits.
Ripping paper becomes a simple, low-pressure way to:
- Explore **sound** (loud/quiet, fast/slow rips).
- Explore **touch** (thin tissue vs. thick cardboard), and
- Practice listening to their own body signals: “That was too loud for me.”
“I like the soft paper better.”
“I think I want to stop now.”
When we watch and listen, we also learn a lot about what helps each child feel calm, focused, or “just right” in their body.
### **Try this at home or in the classroom**
- **Sound explorers:** Give different kinds of paper (newspaper, tissue, construction paper, and cardboard) and ask, “Which one is the loudest? Which is the quietest?”
- **Texture detectives:** Let children feel each type of paper before they tear it. Use words like *smooth, scratchy, crunchy, soft*.
- **Rip races vs. calm rips:** Invite fast ripping (“Rip as quickly as you can—for 5 seconds!”) and then slow, mindful ripping (“Now rip as slowly and quietly as you can. Listen to the sound.”) That contrast helps kids notice how different kinds of sensory input feel in their bodies.
## **2. Stress relief in disguise: calming the nervous system**
There’s a reason adults instinctively crumple receipts when stressed: repetitive movements and simple, hands-on tasks can be soothing.
Art therapists describe ripping and tearing paper as a way to:
- Release emotional energy (frustration, anger, sadness).
- practise letting go of perfection (“It’s okay if it rips ‘wrong’”),
- Stay grounded in the present by focusing on sound, texture, and movement. \[3\]
When children focus on the feeling of the paper in their hands and the sound of each rip, they’re doing a kind of mini mindfulness exercise—using their senses to bring their attention back to “right now.”
Research on expressive and sensory-based arts with children suggests that:
- Sensory exploration and art-making can support emotional regulation and connection \[4\]\[6\].
- Creating arts and crafts is associated with higher happiness, life satisfaction, and a stronger sense that life is worthwhile. \[5\]
So when a child gets to rip paper on purpose, in a safe and supported way, it can become the following:
*a small, everyday tool for calming the nervous system and giving their feelings somewhere to go.*
### **Try this: “Rip and reset” moments**
- Offer a “ripping station” with scrap paper where kids are allowed—encouraged, even—to rip for a few minutes when they feel overwhelmed.
- Add a simple script: “Let’s give your feelings to the paper for a moment. You can rip as fast or slow as you need.”
- For a more mindful version, invite them to notice:
“What do you hear?”
“How does the paper feel?
“What happens in your body when you rip slowly vs. quickly?”
You don’t need to talk about “therapy” with children; simply frame it as a tool their body can use to feel a bit better.
## **3. What to do with all those ripped pieces**
Once the paper is in pieces, the fun (and the learning) is only halfway done. Now you’ve got free supplies for art, science, and problem-solving.
### **A. Make new paper from ripped paper pulp**
Turning scraps into new paper is like a tiny science lab and recycling plant in one.
Kids can:
1. **Rip** the paper into very small pieces (more fine motor work!).
2. **Soak** them in water.
3. **Squish** and blend (by hand or with adult help and a blender) to make pulp.
4. **Spread** the pulp out on a screen or cloth.
5. **Press and dry** it into new sheets.
What children practice here:
- more hand strength and squeezing when they wring out the pulp,
- patience and sequencing (“first we rip, then we soak, then we squish…”),
- environmental awareness—seeing that “trash” can become something new.
**Idea:** Once the new paper is dry, use it for special drawings, cards, or journals—it gives the whole process a sense of purpose and pride.
### **B. Create collages and mosaics with ripped paper**
This is where the magic happens visually. Children can use ripped paper pieces to make the following:
- animals, landscapes, or abstract patterns,
- “feeling pictures” (happy colours, calm colours, angry colours),
- group murals where everyone contributes a few pieces.
### **Easy collage and mosaic prompts**
- **Feelings collage:** “Pick colours that match how you feel today and make a picture with them.”
- **Nature mosaic:** Use green and brown scraps to make a tree, or blue and white ones for a sky/sea scene.
- **Story starter:** Invite kids to create a ripped-paper background, then draw characters on top and tell a story.
- **Math & patterns:** Make repeating colour patterns (red-blue-red-blue) or simple shapes and talk about counting and sorting.
**References**
1. Passarello, N., Tarantino, V., Chirico, A., Menghini, D., Costanzo, F., Sorrentino, P., Fucà, E., Gigliotta, O., Alivernini, F., Oliveri, M., Lucidi, F., Vicari, S., Mandolesi, L., & Turriziani, P. (2022). Sensory processing disorders in children and adolescents: Taking stock of assessment and novel therapeutic tools. *Brain Sciences, 12*(11), 1478.[ https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12111478](https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12111478)
2. Shafai, F., Peña, M., & Dodman, E. (2021). *Sensory processing differences toolkit*. AIDE Canada.[ https://aidecanada.ca/resources/learn/sensory-regulation/sensory-processing-differences-toolkit](https://aidecanada.ca/resources/learn/sensory-regulation/sensory-processing-differences-toolkit)
3. Fallat, L. (2022, August 7). *Ripping and tearing: A transformative process*. The Art of Mental Health.[ https://www.arttherapynj.com/post/ripping-and-tearing-a-transformative-process](https://www.arttherapynj.com/post/ripping-and-tearing-a-transformative-process)
4. Malhotra, B., Jones, L. C., Spooner, H., Levy, C., Kaimal, G., & Williamson, J. B. (2024). A conceptual framework for a neurophysiological basis of art therapy for PTSD. *Frontiers in human neuroscience*, *18*, 1351757. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2024.1351757>
5. Keyes, H., Gradidge, S., Forwood, S. E., Gibson, N., Harvey, A., Kis, E., Mutsatsa, K., Ownsworth, R., Roeloffs, S., & Zawisza, M. (2024). Creating arts and crafting positively predicts subjective wellbeing. *Frontiers in public health*, *12*, 1417997. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1417997>
6. Goguen, C. (2024). *How sensory exploration using expressive arts provides a cohesive experience for children with multiple diagnoses* (Capstone thesis, Lesley University). Digital Commons @ Lesley.[ https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1878&context=expressive\_theses](https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1878&context=expressive_theses&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
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**Categories:** Education
---
### [Creativity & Children's Mental Health | Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
**Published:** May 21, 2026
**Author:** Daniela Urbina
**Content:**
# 
# **Creativity Is Not ‘Extra’: How Art, Music, and Making Support Children’s Mental Health**
Parents sometimes walk into Oak and say something like
“I love that they’re painting and playing music… but is this really as important as reading and math?”
Here’s the honest answer: **for a child’s mental health, creativity is not a bonus—it’s part of the core support system.**
At Oak Learners, art, music, and hands-on making are woven into the day on purpose: small classes, lots of time outside, and plenty of chances to create. That’s not just our philosophy; it lines up with what recent research is finding about how creative activities help children cope with stress, express emotions, and feel more confident. \[1\]\[2\]\[4\]
## **1. Why creative time is “brain-care” time**
Think about what happens when a child is drawing, sculpting, or playing an instrument:
- Their hands are busy, which often calms their body.
- Their mind gets a break from “right/wrong” answers.
- They can follow their own ideas instead of a fixed script.
Recent reviews of arts programs for children and young people show a clear pattern: when kids regularly take part in creative activities, they tend to have a **better** **mood, less stress, and a stronger sense of connection and enjoyment.** \[1\]\[2\]\[4\]
One 2024 review of arts-inclusive programs in early childhood found that creative activities like drawing, music, and drama were linked with **improved emotional expression, confidence, and general well-being,** especially when they were part of everyday routines rather than rare “special events.” \[2\]
That’s very close to how Oak works: creativity is not an end-of-week treat—it’s part of the rhythm of the school day.
## **2. Music and rhythm: regulating from the inside out**
If you’ve ever watched a group of children drum together or sing in a circle, you can *feel* the shift in the room. Bodies start to sync up. Energy that was scattered becomes organized.
Music gives children:
- rhythm to move with,
- a way to express big energy or sadness safely, and
- a shared experience—“we’re doing this together.”
A 2023 study on music therapy for children and adolescents with ADHD found that regular sessions **reduced depression and physiological stress markers** (like cortisol and heart rate) and increased serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with well-being. \[5\] Young people in the music therapy group coped better with stress than those receiving standard care alone. \[5\]
That study focused on a clinical setting, but the mechanism—using rhythm and sound to regulate the nervous system—is very relevant in everyday school life too.
At Oak, music shows up in all kinds of small but powerful ways:
- Morning songs that help the group settle and feel connected.
- Call-and-response games and body percussion that support attention, timing, and impulse control.
- Open-ended time on drums, ukuleles, or other instruments where kids can “get the wiggles out” through sound instead of behaviour.
For many children, those musical moments are when their bodies finally relax enough to learn.
## **3. Making, crafting, and tinkering: quiet confidence in action**
There’s a specific glow that appears when a child looks at something and says, *“I made this.”*
Hands-on making—paper crafts, clay, cardboard constructions, sewing, Lego builds, weaving, and cooking—helps children:
- practice planning and problem-solving,
- tolerate mistakes (“That didn’t work… what now?”),
- and experience themselves as **capable creators**, not just consumers.
Reviews of arts-inclusive programs show that creative making is linked with **better mood, more engagement in learning, and greater confidence**, especially for kids who don’t always shine in purely academic tasks. \[2\]
In an Oak classroom, this looks like
- tables full of materials that invite experimentation (tape, cardboard, fabric, string, natural materials from outdoor walks);
- projects that have structure *and* room for personal ideas;
- teachers who celebrate the process (“You really stuck with that!”) as much as the final product.
Those repeated experiences quietly build a child’s inner story: *“I can figure things out. I can try again. I can bring an idea to life.”*
## **4. Creativity and neurodiversity: giving different brains more options**
Not all children experience the world in the same way. Some are easily overwhelmed by noise or change. Others need to move *a lot*. Some have rich inner worlds but struggle to express themselves with spoken or written language.
For many neurodivergent children creative activities can be a gentler way into connection.
A 2025 systematic review on art therapy for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum found that creative sessions were often associated with the following:
- reduced stress-related symptoms,
- improved communication and social engagement, and
- better fine-motor and sensory integration skills. \[6\]
Oak isn’t providing clinical therapy, but we operate on the same basic belief: **children deserve more than one way to communicate and more than one way to participate.**
In practice, that means:
- a child who struggles in large-group discussions might shine in small-group mural work.
- a learner who finds writing overwhelming can explore ideas first through drawing or building.
- Children with big feelings and fast bodies can regulate through movement-based arts and music instead of being asked to “just sit still.”
Creative spaces become “yes” spaces for children who have heard a lot of “no.”
## **5. The Oak blend: creativity, community, and small groups**
Research on arts and mental health keeps coming back to a few common ingredients:
- **Regular** access to creative activities (not just one-off workshops)
- Supportive, trusting relationships with adults
- A sense of **belonging** and being seen
- Opportunities to create, not just consume \[1\]\[2\]\[3\]\[4\]
Oak’s approach naturally pulls those threads together:
- **Small class sizes** mean children are known, not numbered. Teachers actually have time to sit down beside a child and draw, build, or play music *with* them.
- **A strong community focus**—multi-age groups, outdoor adventures, performances, and school events—gives children chances to share what they create and feel proud in front of a safe audience.
- **Creativity across the day**, indoors and outdoors, gives children multiple on-ramps to learning: they might enter a science topic through a sketch, a song, a model, or a nature-based art project.
When you put that all together, creativity stops being “extra” and becomes something much more important:
It’s a daily way for children to care for their minds, practice expressing who they are, and discover that school can be a place where their whole selves are welcome.
## **6. For families deciding if Oak is the right fit**
If you’re considering Oak Learners, you might be wondering the following:
- *Will my child feel emotionally safe here?*
- *Will they be able to express themselves?*
- *Will creativity support their learning or distract from it?*
The current research is encouraging: creative activities are not in competition with academic growth. In many cases, they **support** it—by improving mood, focus, self-esteem, and engagement. \[1\]\[2\]\[3\]\[4\]\[5\]\[6\]
For some children, the art studio or music circle will be where they feel brave enough to speak up. For others, a quiet drawing break between lessons will be the reset that lets them try a hard task one more time.
In every case, at Oak, creativity is one of the ways we say to children
“All of you are allowed here—your ideas, your feelings, your questions, and your way of seeing the world.”
That’s not extra. That’s the work.
## **References**
1. Moula, Z., Palmer, K., & Walshe, N. (2022). A systematic review of arts-based interventions delivered to children and young people in nature or outdoor spaces: The impact on connection to nature, health, and wellbeing. *Frontiers in Psychology, 13*, 858781. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.858781>
2. Birrell, L., Cavanagh, A., Kornfeld, R., & Brown, S. (2024). The impact of arts-inclusive programs on young children’s mental health and well-being: A rapid review. *Early Child Development and Care*. Advance online publication. <https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2024.2319032>
3. Versitano, S., Tesson, S., Lee, C.-W., Linnell, S., & Perkes, I. (2025). Art therapy with children and adolescents experiencing acute or severe mental health conditions: A systematic review. *Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry*. Advance online publication. <https://doi.org/10.1177/00048674251361731>
4. Hugh-Jones, S., & Munford, L. (2025). The effects of engagement in arts and cultural activities on adolescent mental health: Results from a large UK panel study. *Social Science & Medicine, 382*, 118343. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118343>
5. Park, J.-I., Lee, I.-H., Lee, S.-J., et al. (2023). Effects of music therapy as an alternative treatment on depression in children and adolescents with ADHD by activating serotonin and improving stress coping ability. *BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 23*, 73. <https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-022-03832-6>
6. Wei, S., Zhang, Q., Li, Y., & Chen, H. (2025). The effectiveness of art therapy on children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. *BMC Psychology, 13*, 126. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-01345-1
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**Categories:** Education
---
### [The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
**Published:** June 1, 2026
**Author:** Daniela Urbina
**Content:**
## Why Small Classes Change Big Feelings: The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments
Did you know that school is emotional long before it’s academic? New routines, noisy rooms, and social rules all stress developing nervous systems. Understanding the **science of small class sizes** reveals how the right environment can change everything.
### What the research shows
- A recent study following children in the early school years found that **distress and difficulties adjusting to school** were meaningfully linked to classroom experiences—not just individual temperament. \[3\]
- Reviews of class size in special and intensive education settings highlight that students with extra learning or emotional needs tend to **thrive more in smaller groups**, where teaching can be adapted and relationships are closer. \[1\]
- Children who feel they belong at school and have strong relationships there tend to have **better mental health**, fewer behaviour problems, and better long-term outcomes, even years later. \[10\]\[11\]
Small classes aren’t the only way to create that sense of connection—but they make it **much easier**. When there are six children in a space (instead of twenty or more), it’s easier to notice the child who is quietly worrying, the one who shuts down when they don’t understand, or the one who looks “fine” but is slowly disconnecting.
### How We Create Connection at Oak
At Oak, small classes give us room to:
- Pause when big feelings show up rather than “power through” the lesson.
- Co-regulate—that lovely nervous system magic where a calm, attuned adult helps a child feel safe again.
- Offer flexible spaces: maybe a child works at a desk, on a wobble stool, or at a quiet corner table, depending on what their body needs that day.
### What a 6:1 classroom feels like to a child
In a small group, children are more than “the quiet one,” “the wiggly one,” or “the advanced one.”
They are:
- Greeted by name, with eye contact.
- Notice when their mood is “off,” even if they don’t say anything.
- Invited into conversations, not just called on to give the “right answer.”
Recent work asking children directly what “well-being at school” means to them found that they care most about **feeling connected to others** and **feeling capable**, much more than having fancy equipment or big buildings. \[7\] When they feel like they belong and can succeed, school becomes somewhere they want to be.
Small classes make that kind of connection easier to build: more shared jokes, more chances to be listened to, and more time for a teacher to sit beside a child and say, “Let’s figure this out together.”
### Attention you can feel: Focus, engagement, and class size
Teachers and parents often notice the same things in smaller groups: children **participate more**, ask more questions, and are less likely to “vanish in the back row.”
That intuition is backed by data. When we look at the **science of small class sizes**, the evidence is clear.
A 2025 national classroom observation study found that children in smaller classes showed **higher moment-to-moment behavioural engagement**—they were more on-task, more involved, and less distracted. \[2\] Another 2024 study on year 4 reading showed that students in smaller classes not only improved more in reading comprehension but also **felt more supported and more able to join discussions**. \[5\]
Other large-scale research on school performance has found that **student–teacher ratio matters** as one of the structural factors linked with academic outcomes—especially when paired with good teaching. \[4\]
In a 6:1 class at Oak, that looks like:
- Every child gets **multiple turns to speak** every lesson.
- Teachers having time to **rephrase and reteach** in different ways for different learners.
- More chances to notice *how* a child is trying, not just whether they got the answer right.
For children with ADHD traits, anxiety, or quieter temperaments, this kind of environment can be the difference between surviving school and actually feeling engaged.
### The science of feeling capable: Competence in a 6:1 classroom
Children’s own words about school well-being often circle around two ideas:
#### *“I feel like I can do it.”*
*“I feel like I’m good at something here.” \[7\]*
That sense of competence is not about constant praise—it’s about having **just-right challenges** and **enough support** to get through them. The **science of small class sizes** proves that when teachers have smaller groups, they can more closely track each child’s progress because teachers in small classes can closely track each child’s progress:
- Adjust tasks up or down *before* frustration explodes.
- Offer **specific feedback** (“You worked really hard on breaking that word into chunks”) instead of generic “good job.”
- Spot strengths in places that don’t always shine in large group settings: nature skills, creativity, leadership in play, and kindness to younger students.
Research on class size and literacy suggests that smaller groups create conditions for more **individualized feedback and participation,** which, in turn, boost confidence and engagement. \[5\] When children feel competent, they’re more willing to attempt hard things—academically and socially.
### How Oak’s 6:1 environment puts this into practice
Here’s how the **science of small class sizes** comes alive in a typical Oak day:
- **Morning check-ins in a small circle**
- **Flexible, multi-sensory learning in tiny groups**
- **Built-in regulation breaks**
- **Outdoor adventures as shared stories**
- **Tight family–school communication**
All of this is much harder to sustain in a class of 25–30 students, even with excellent teachers.
### References
1. Bondebjerg, A., Dalgaard, N. T., Filges, T., & Viinholt, B. C. A. (2023). *The effects of small class sizes on students’ academic achievement, socioemotional development, and well-being in special education: A systematic review.* Campbell Systematic Reviews, 19(3), e1345. https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1345
2. Symonds, J. E., Boheim, R., Creaby, H., Handscomb, G., & Torsney, B. (2025). Children’s momentary behavioural engagement and class size: A national systematic observation study. *Frontline Learning Research, 13*(2).
3. Beuchert, L., & Nandrup, A. B. (2025). Beyond academic achievement: Class size and distress in the early school years. *Applied Economics Letters.* Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504851.2025.2559404
4. Aung, T. N., & Ogawa, K. (2025). What drives academic achievement? A deep dive into the determinants using standardized test scores and hierarchical linear modelling. *Cogent Education, 12*(1), 2387783. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2387783
5. Mathavan, P., Subramaniam, R. D., & Markendan, K. (2024). The relationship between class size and students’ achievement in English reading comprehension among Year 4 students. *Journal of Translation, Linguistics, and Translation (TRANS-LITE), 1*(2), 97–108. https://doi.org/10.26714/translite.v1i2.413
6. Cohman, H., van Hole, R., & Vahle, J. (2024). School belonging and mental well-being in adolescents in care: The mediating role of teacher connectedness and peer acceptance. *Adoption & Fostering, 48*(3), 278–294. https://doi.org/10.1177/03085759241295589
#### Additional Sources
1. Klemp, G., Urton, K., Krull, J., Bosch, J., & Wilbert, J. (2025). What does well-being at school mean to primary school students? Children’s understanding of basic psychological needs. *Wellbeing, Space, and Society.* (Advance online publication).
Castro, M., et al. (2025). Does school climate affect students’ social and emotional skills? The importance of relationships. *European Journal of Psychology of Education.* Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-025-01007-8
2. Cipriano, C., Strambler, M. J., Naples, L. H., Ha, C., Kirk, M., Wood, M., … Durlak, J. (2023). The state of evidence for social and emotional learning: A contemporary meta-analysis of universal school-based SEL interventions. *Child Development, 94*(5), 1181–1204. <https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13968>
3. Islam, M. I., Cheruvu, V. S., Laska, C., Esgin, T., & Martiniuk, A. (2025). School Connectedness Boosts Mental Health in Indigenous Adolescents With Adverse Childhood Experiences: Mediation Analysis of a Longitudinal Study in Australia. *The Journal of School Health,* *95*(9), 731–740. <https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.70047>
4. Allen, K. A., Greenwood, C. J., Berger, E., Patlamazoglou, L., Reupert, A., Wurf, G., May, F., O’Connor, M., Sanson, A., Olsson, C. A., & Letcher, P. (2024). *Adolescent school belonging and mental health outcomes in young adulthood: Findings from a multi-wave prospective cohort study*. **School Mental Health, 16**(1), 149–160.[ https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-023-09626-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-023-09626-6)
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**Categories:** Education
---
### [Marker Painting: How to use up old markers](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
**Published:** June 29, 2026
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Don't throw away old markers! Use up old markers are watercolour paint and enjoy hours of fun exploring textures, materials, and drying methods.
**Content:**
At Oak Learners we love doing art! So much so that we can run through a lot of markers. But, did you know that the markers aren’t really out of colour?! It’s true! You can take them apart, add the cores inside to water and make water colour paint. So, let’s use up old markers before tossing them!
The ink cores are naturally white before being infused with the selected colour. That means that all that colour is stuck in that core after it stops coming out of the tip of the marker. You can use pliers (or your teeth. Using your teeth is not recommended for children though.) to take them apart and put the cores in water.
I grouped pink and orange together, yellow with brown, as well as blue and green together but the other colours got their own cups. They made so much watercolour that we never came close to running out and I have saved the cups for more painting adventures.
The colours look dark in the cups but they made beautiful pastel colours and the kids also enjoyed experimenting. They took rocks, their hands, tried splattering the paint, and more to make unique designs. We got a lot of really cool tie-dye looks too.
While the picnic table became very colourful, it washes off and the kids absolutely loved the activity so much that they requested it multiple days in a row.
So, next time you have some old markers that won’t write anymore don’t throw them out, make paint!
For more activity stories and Oak Learners fun check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”%20target=)
Looking for more fun activity blog posts then check out our [Activities Archives](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/)
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**Categories:** Activities, Arts & Crafts, STEAM
---
### [Learning Opportunities for Preschoolers](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-opportunities-for-preschoolers/)
**Published:** April 17, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners is dedicated to bringing creativity to education and confidence to learning for all children. This begins with our youngest learners.
**Content:**
One of the most popular programs at Oak Learners for the past three years has been our Kindergarten Readiness program. This unique programs hosts 2.5-4yr olds for one, two or three mornings per week in a small class environment that explores a variety of arts and academic activities.
With a maximum of only 6 children in the class, the ECE teacher has a unique opportunity to work individually with students to focus on learning key skills that are important to success throughout their school journey. A large emphasis is placed on building independence, a skill that is ever-important in the large kindergarten classes we are seeing in the public school system. In a small class environment, children are better set up to learn how to navigate friendships and learning challenges without the need for constant adult intervention.
Educators at Oak Learners understand that children are natural learners and are born problem solvers. The Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education shows us that presenting children with learning opportunities, they will construct their own learning through asking questions and exploring their environment.
### Exploring the World Around Us
The best way for children to learn something is to help them create meaning from the lesson by connecting it to their life and the world around them. This can be achieved by using everyday items for teaching counting, like Cheerios on the table or cars parked on the street. This helps connect abstract concepts like numbers and quantity to tangible objects that a young child can see, touch and explore. At Oak Learners, we love presenting objects to children and letting them explore and create all klinds of new things with them. Teachers provide guiding questions or prompts, but we also follow the child’s lead and let them direct where the learning will continue.
Join ECE Doran in talking to children about the Five Senses.
### Benefits of Yoga for Children
Yoga has become a daily activity for many children around the world. It teaches children to become aware of their body and their breath while also learning key gross motor skills like balance, flexibility and strength. At Oak Learners, we draw from several different style of yoga practice, including Mini-Me Yoga, and our daily practices focus on making exercise fun and engaging.
Here’s a sample of what yoga looks like for our preschoolers.
Learn more about our Preschool Enrichment Program click here: [Preschool Enrichment Program](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Pre-K, Programming, School Life
**Tags:** 21st century education, 21st century learning, academic skills, activities, adventure, alternative school, constructivism, conversations with chidlren, creativity, elementary school, experiential education, experiential learning, homeschool, homeschooling, inquiry based learning, inquiry learning, kindergarten, lessons, literacy, miundulness, montessori, natural learning, oak learners, oak online, outdoor education, private school, private schools, programs, reggio emilia, reggio inspired, school, small classes, students, talk to children, teachable moment, teaching, waldorf, yoga, yoga for kids
---
### [Mindfulness Tips to Start Your Day](https://oaklearners.ca/mindfulness-tips-to-start-your-day/)
**Published:** November 21, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Whether you are the type of person who wakes up ready to take on the world, or the type of person who needs time and space to prepare for the day, adding a few moments of mindfulness practice to your morning routine can make all the difference to your mindset for the day. Popular apps are readily available to provide the perfect guided meditation or mindful moment. Both the [Headspace](https://www.headspace.com/meditation/kids) and the [Calm](https://www.calm.com/) apps are perfect for families, with a wonderful selection of short and long guided practices as well as calming music, sleep stories and more.
The following mindfulness tips can be practiced by children, adults and families together:
**1. Wake up to Gratitude**
Be great-full for breath, take 5 mindful breaths before getting out of bed.
Stretch, rotate your ankles .
Sound -listen to the sounds around you, (different everyday) you’ll learn to notice the differences, birds singing, tap dripping …
Here is a short video with a guided meditation on Gratitude to help get you started: [Guided Meditation for Gratitude \| Meditation for Kids](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEhgwHIGmsM&ab_channel=123EasyPaperCraftsDIY)
**2. Become aware of your Breath and Make it fun!!**
There’s not just one way to breath, have fun with it and see how well you do or what’s your favourite!
Breath in on the count of 4, hold for 4, release to the count of 4.
Take a double breath in, hold and double breath out..
Here is a short video with guided breathing exercises in the Kriya Yoga Technique: [Kriya Yoga Pranayama Techniques](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmRk7v9ODg0)
**3. Fall asleep with mindfulness.**
Falling asleep to a meditation will set you up for a more mindful morning.
Here is a guided meditation I like for evenings: [10-Minute Meditation For Sleep](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEqlQvczMJQ&ab_channel=Goodful)
**4. Wake up with mindfulness.**
Wake up to a meditation.
Here is a guided meditation that can help you set positive intentions for the day ahead. [Guided Meditation for Setting Intentions \| Mindful Movement](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we3ZYbl2414&ab_channel=TheMindfulMovement)
**5. Take 5**
Not ready for a full meditation? Start your day with 5 minutes of quiet time to gather your thoughts and set positive intentions. Throughout the rest of the day, continue to find pockets of 5 minutes to yourself to focus on your breath and your intentions.
---
For more healthy living posts visit our [Healthy Living Blog Posts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** healthy living, holistic, meditation, mindful, mindfulness, morning
---
### [Demystifying Headlines: How to talk to kids about the news](https://oaklearners.ca/demystifying-headlines-how-to-talk-to-kids-about-the-news/)
**Published:** February 5, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
*It’s important to pay close attention to what children see in the news because studies have shown that kids are more afraid of violence in news coverage than in any other media content. By creating a proper perspective and context for news and current events programs, we can help kids develop the critical thinking skills they need to understand news stories and the news industry. (<http://mediasmarts.ca/>)*
It can be hard to get away from headlines. Everywhere we go, CP24 seems to be always running on televisions in stores and waiting rooms while convenience stores and sidewalk boxes display the front page headlines in big bold letters!
Headlines are great to sell papers, but terrible if you actually want to know what’s going on in the world. Not many of us take the time any more to read complete articles or listen to a complete newscast. Children in particular have the worst opportunity to receive the whole story; rather they pick up bits and pieces of new clips and adult conversations. Graphic photographs flash across screens and appear frequently across social media and children are often left with more questions than answers.
As parents and teachers, we must always be aware of the effect of new stories on our children and take the opportunity on a regular basis to keep conversations open while providing age-appropriate factual information, keeping the focus on the Facts, not Fear.
Here are some tips for parents and teachers to keep in mind when talking to children about the news:
- - **Don’t assume they haven’t heard about it!** Kids hear everything and when they don’t hear the whole story, they are masters at using bits and pieces of information to fill in the blanks. Kids will pick up clips of headlines and hear other kids talking on the playground or asking questions in class. We need to encourage these questions so that when they need information, they are getting the right answers to their questions from adults they trust.
- **Be conscious of developmental stages when talking about the news.** School age children can have a lot of trouble differentiating reality from fantasy and it usually isn’t until middle school that children can independently decipher what is real and what is fiction.
- **Define new words.** Sometimes the scariest part of listening to the news is the words they use. Lots of children have trouble processing adult discussions effectively because they don’t know what some of the big or uncommon words mean. Don’t assume they know what everything means and make a habit of defining new words for them and asking them what words might mean so you can clarify their understanding of concepts as they arise.
- **Make teachable moments part of your daily routines.** When something comes up or you are with your child when they see something alarming, talk about it. Help them make connections between what they are hearing and what they already know.
- **Reassure them that they are safe. Children learn what they see. As parents, we need to provide a safe and reassuring environment for our children. If we are calm, they will be more calm. They take their cues from us, in the way we act and the way we talk. When talking about the news, remind them of how closely this affects them or not and how the “adults in charge” are handling the adult problems so that kids can just focus on being kids.**
- **Talk about “good news” stories as often as you talk about headline news.** Find opportunities daily to focus on the good things that are happening every day in our community. This reduces the focus on “big events” that are happening in the world and hijacking headlines.
- **Talk about Media Literacy** and teach children about the business of the news. The more they understand how headlines are used to grab people’s attention and keep them clicking through to the sites where publishers can sell ads, the more children start to realize a lot of the news is really about the value of entertainment.
- **Teach children about bias** and how to use their own critical thinking skills to question what they hear and to seek out accurate information. This is such an important skill and becoming one of the best survival skills of the 21st century to help filter out “fake news” and “click bait” as well as completely one-sided publications or opinions.
Having to talk to kids about the news may not be the most comfortable task but it’s truly important. We hope these tips can help make the conversation easier for adults and children alike.
To learn more about how Oak Learners is helping students stay ahead of the curve for the 21st Century, visit our [Alternative School in Etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) for students Kindergarten through Grade Six.
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** anxiety, children, current events, education, elementary, news, parenting, private school, students, teachable moment, teaching
---
### [Geography Virtual Field Trips: Travel Around the World from Home!](https://oaklearners.ca/geography-virtual-field-trips-travel-around-the-world-from-home/)
**Published:** June 14, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Content:**
All teachers and parents have done an amazing job adapting to virtual learning over the past few months. It is definitely a challenge to quickly adjust to remote forms of teaching and everything teachers and parents have done to support their students is amazing.
As online learning continues, it can be difficult to continue to keep students engaged during virtual lessons and at home as a parent. With the weather getting warmer, it can also be difficult to continue physical distancing as we are reminded of fun times exploring the outdoors. Virtual field trips are a great way to add excitement to the classroom and engage students’ curiousity. The geography-related field trips below will allow you and your students to start exploring the world from home! These are great activities for families as well, as they can be tailored to students of all ages.
**AirPano**
With [AirPano](https://www.airpano.com/), you can explore countries around the world through 360 videos and photos. From the Acropolis in Ancient Greece to the Great Wall of China, there are endless possibilities. Many of the photos and videos are accompanied by cultural music and written information which can lead to even further engagement and learning.
There are also many great online activities to extend student learning during your trips. For example, you could read a book about mythical creatures in Greece before your visit or pair a trip to a cave in Indonesia with a lesson about underwater ecosystems. The 360 videos and photos from AirPano can therefore be adapted to all ages.
**WildEarth**
With [WildEarth](https://wildearth.tv/#shows-section), you can go on a real safari from the comfort of your home! This organization has live safaris twice a day which are filmed by expert guides from a variety of safari lodges in Greater Kruger National Park (South Africa) and Maasai Mara (Kenya). Students can learn about landscapes and vegetation as well as see amazing animals everyday. All live safaris are posted on Youtube so there are endless options to view. The first 45 minutes of each safari are dedicated to questions from kids, so if you are watching live students can send in their questions and have them directly answered by safari guides.
**National Marine Sanctuaries: Virtual Dives**
These [360 videos](https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/vr/) offer a beautiful snapshot of deep sea diving destinations across the world. From seeing sea lions to saying hi to turtles in Hawaii, students will love swimming virtually beside aquatic animals and learning more about underwater habitats. This is also an amazing opportunity to connect to learning about climate change in relation to coral reefs specifically as there is a 360 video about coral restoration.
Each 360 video is around 4 minutes so you can easily visit many settings at once, or turn this field trip into a longer journey by using additional online resources to enrich learning. The great thing about the virtual dives is that they can be geared towards any age level. Younger students will love looking at and counting the colourful fish, while older students can connect their observations to additional science and geography topics. The National Marine Sanctuaries website also has pre-made lesson plans with educational activities related to each virtual dive that you can adapt for your students.
This list captures just a few of the amazing around the world virtual experiences available. The great thing about virtual field trips is that they can spark curiosity and questions from students which can lead to further ideas for at-home learning. Have fun exploring these places from home!
---
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For more fun Field Trip ideas find us on [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/) too.
Looking for more fun Virtual Field Trips check out our [Virtual Field Trips Archive](https://oaklearners.ca/category/virtual-field-trips/)
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**Categories:** Education, Programming, Resource Recommendations, Teaching, Virtual Field Trips
---
### [Virtual Field Trips: Unleash your Inner Artist!](https://oaklearners.ca/virtual-field-trips-unleash-your-inner-artist/)
**Published:** June 15, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Content:**
Field trips give children the chance to learn and explore new things outside of the traditional classroom. However, the pandemic has significantly limited access to field trip experiences. Not only does this impact teachers, it impacts many parents, who look forward to taking their children on educational summer excursions. Luckily, there are many virtual field trip experiences available online! Many museums and arts organizations have exciting games, virtual galleries and videos on their websites. This list will outline some of the art trips and resources that are available for free, right from your tablet or computer!
#### **MetKids Website**
[The Metropolitan Museum of Art ](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/online-features/metkids/)has an incredible website created specifically for young learners. Kids can engage with an illustrated map, where they can click on icons to view and learn about works of art. The website also features a “time machine” tool, which kids can use to find artworks and artifacts based on time period, geographical location and/or theme. To top it all off, MetKids has hundreds of engaging videos for kids to browse through.
**Extension:** Take a look at the exterior of the museum using Google Earth or Google Maps (Street View).
#### **Drawing with Disney Artists**
The Disney Parks Blog features many posts related to drawing and animation. By clicking on [this link ](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLflf8xbnbx65Z2oa2F9uqKZxJJn-4Nynr)your child will be able to learn how to draw Mickey Mouse from a Disney cast member. There are several video tutorials, as the cast member explains how Mickey has evolved over time. By scrolling to the bottom of the page you will find a wide range of tutorials for other Disney Characters.
**Extension:** Make this virtual field trip even more engaging by spotting the different versions of Mickey in old and new Disney films and books.
#### **Mural Painting Time-Lapse Videos**
This virtual field trip idea is slightly less structured than the others, but I guarantee your child will enjoy it! This [YouTube Video ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaOWZZGG9pg)(and many others) gives viewers the chance to see the creation of a mural unfold before their eyes. This is an art form that is rarely discussed at school, and many children are excited about its scale and impact! Plus, the link I have provided showcases a mural located right here in Ontario (in Sudbury)!
**Extension:** Take a time-lapse video of your child creating a chalk drawing or another form of artwork. Depending upon age and ability level, your child could even edit the video by adding captions or effects.
#### **Google Arts and Culture**
Google Arts and Culture is the ultimate tool for arts information, research and exploration. This website can be used to look at art pieces close-up and to view famous sites (galleries, museums, theatres, etc.) via 360 degree videos and Google’s Street View. The [Family Fun](https://artsandculture.google.com/project/family-fun) section provides activities and images specifically geared towards children. You can also explore a page dedicated to [The International Museum of Children’s Art ](https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/the-international-museum-of-children)which features artwork created by kids from over 180 countries! I would recommend focusing on these sections of Google Arts and Culture, as the works of art they highlight are age-appropriate.
**Extension:** Many extensions are already built into this platform. There are videos to watch, websites to explore and even articles to read.
I hope you enjoy exploring these resources with your children! Keep in mind that some art pieces are more appropriate for older learners. For the virtual field trips with a search function (MetKids and Google Arts and Culture), supervision is suggested.
---
For more virtual field trips and Oak Learners fun check us out on [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
For more fun Field Trip ideas find us on [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/) too.
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**Categories:** Education, Programming, Resource Recommendations, Teaching, Virtual Field Trips
---
### [Virtual Field Trips: Amusement Parks and Fun!](https://oaklearners.ca/virtual-field-trips-amusement-parks-and-fun/)
**Published:** June 19, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Excerpt:** One thing that students often look forward to in the summer is visiting amusement parks and carnivals. It’s hard to come close to the real thing, but these virtual field trips offer a taste of excitement that can be enjoyed safely from home.
**Content:**
****
One thing that students often look forward to in the summer is visiting amusement parks and carnivals. It’s hard to come close to the real thing, but these virtual field trips offer a taste of excitement that can be enjoyed safely from home.
**Canada’s Wonderland**
One of Toronto’s biggest attractions has many virtual experiences available online. Looking at the [map of the park](https://www.sixflags.com/canadaswonderland/directions) is a great way to teach students about maps, planning, and making a schedule. For example, teachers or parents could circle the rides that are available virtually on the map and students could help make a schedule of which virtual attractions they are going to experience.
Students will have lots of fun with [virtual point of view rides](https://www.youtube.com/user/CanadasWonderlandPR/playlists). There are playlists of family rides, thrill rides, and roller coaster rides so there is definitely something for everyone. Putting your hands up in the air and even adding some music will make the virtual experience even more engaging. This trip provides a great opportunity to learn about systems and machines after experiencing rides, and this can be tailored to the level and interests of each child.
**Virtual Disney**
Disney world is a dream destination for many kids, and since we don’t have a Disney park in Canada it may be hard to visit even when everything is open. Disney’s virtual experiences are the next best thing and provide opportunities to virtually walk around the park, experience virtual rides, and see your favourite characters online. [Google street view](https://www.google.com/maps/@28.4184809,-81.5812154,3a,75y,0.07h,100.14t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1YW6mDn_w_A7mDopjMqGlQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) allows you to virtually tour many resorts around the world — I have linked Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida but there are many Disney parks and resorts available such as [Disneyland Paris](https://www.google.com/maps/@48.8730171,2.7773619,2a,75y,309.01h,93.99t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sSa1VRzzjgd8AAAQrBkge_Q!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DSa1VRzzjgd8AAAQrBkge_Q%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D119.75654%26pitch%3D6.995656%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656) and [Disneyland California](https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8123527,-117.9190053,3a,75y,359.84h,91.04t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sF8KIKriQkdiky-7sZ8acnA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). The Youtube channel [Virtual Disney World](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYyJUEtYv-ZW7BgjhP3UbTg) also has countless 360 videos of rides for all ages. The virtual rides do have some background noise, but in some ways it makes it a more realistic experience!
**M&M Factory**
Students will receive a firsthand look into how this popular colourful treat is made. Food Network has created a [360 video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtfkemNzG_I&feature=youtu.be) (which means you can click to move around the room while watching) at an M&M factory in New Jersey. This could be a great virtual experience to connect to baking or cooking at home, or even learning about colours for younger students.
There are also many fun games to play with M&Ms that can create community and encourage learning while having fun at home. For example, students could use M&Ms to practice counting or sorting colours before they eat them. There are also many ice breaker games to play such as having each person pick a handful of M&Ms and then answer questions based on the colour (e.g. talk about your favourite hobby if you picked a red one, talk about your favourite book if you picked a blue one). These games can also be adapted to students’ academic goals in the classroom. For example, students could complete a math question or spell a word based on their colour of M&M, and then get to eat their M&Ms as a reward!
**Trip to an Ice Cream Shop or Pizza Parlour**
Some students may miss going out to restaurants or out for ice cream. [These videos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD6jKeqIqIs) from South Florida PBS offer virtual experiences of places such as an ice cream shop and a pizza parlour. They are geared towards younger students (Pre-K and Kindergarten), but older students and parents may enjoy the videos as inspiration for creating their own restaurant at home! After watching the video, students could write out a menu of options, cook up a simple meal, and even serve their creation to a family member!
---
For more virtual field trips and Oak Learners fun check us out on [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
For more fun Field Trip ideas find us on [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/) too.
Looking for more fun Virtual Field Trips check out our [Virtual Field Trips Archive](https://oaklearners.ca/category/virtual-field-trips/)
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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**Categories:** Education, Programming, Resource Recommendations, Teaching, Virtual Field Trips
---
### [Virtual Field Trips: Animal Adventures!](https://oaklearners.ca/virtual-field-trips-animal-adventures/)
**Published:** June 22, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Excerpt:** Students of all ages are fascinated by animals! Aquariums, farms and zoos give children and families the chance to learn about animals and discover new things! Due to the pandemic, many of these facilities are not open for in-person visits. However, they have established some incredible (and free!) virtual experiences and programs! Here are just a few of the many animal adventure virtual field trips that exist!
**Content:**
Students of all ages are fascinated by animals! Aquariums, farms and zoos give children and families the chance to learn about animals and discover new things! Due to the pandemic, many of these facilities are not open for in-person visits. However, they have established some incredible (and free!) virtual experiences and programs! Here are just a few of the many animal adventure virtual field trips that exist!
#### Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium has a wide range of live [webcams](https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/african-penguin-cam/) available on their website. Children (and adults) will be captivated by animals like penguins, beluga whales and sea lions! If you would like to take a closer look at the underwater plants and creatures, there are also several virtual photo galleries to explore! Additionally, the aquarium has released more than 20 “Deep Sea Learning” videos, which focus on topics such as ocean conservation and animal behaviour.
**Extension:** Use the aquarium’s online [Animal Guide](https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/animal-guide/) to learn a variety of animal facts. Spend some time researching an animal your child finds particularly interesting!
#### Farm Food 360
This phenomenal [website](https://www.farmfood360.ca/) gives children the chance to take a trip to the farm… from home! There are many different virtual tours to discover, including tours of sheep, dairy cow and egg farms. Each 360 degree video is accompanied by fun facts about Canadian farming processes and practices. In addition to animal videos, there are also tours of grain and oat farms and an apple orchard!
**Extension:** The [Farm & Food Care](https://www.farmfoodcareon.org/resources/) website provides many free extension activities. There are printable fact sheets, educational videos and other resources.
#### San Diego Zoo Kids
The San Diego Zoo has an entire [website](https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/) dedicated to its youngest visitors: kids! There are more than 10 [live cams ](https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/videos)of animals, including giraffes, elephants, koalas and baboons! Additionally, there are pre-recorded videos about other animals and their habitats. This website also has an extensive [story section ](https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/stories)and a [virtual game ](https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/index.php/games)component. By playing the games the zoo offers, children can go on a safari adventure or a plunge with the polar bears. There is even an [activity section](https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/index.php/activities) with creative crafts, fun colouring pages and epic science experiments for kids to try out!
**Extension:** Use the San Diego Zoo’s [Animals and Plants](https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/) website to learn more about specific creatures, plants and habitats. You will find information about everything from diet to conservation, and the images are absolutely incredible!
#### The Cornell Lab: All About Birds!
This website is like a one-stop shop for all things birds! There are [live cams ](https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/)of birds from all over the world, including hawks, condors and owls. There is also a collection of video highlights to go along with each live cam, which means that you and your child can witness the birds’ most exciting moments!
**Extension:** Play the [Bird Song Hero](https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/features/bird-song-hero/bird-song-hero-tutorial#_ga=2.240637445.729055047.1592834624-749623899.1591625836) game to learn more about the sounds and songs of many types of birds. You could also try to identify birds and their songs while walking in your neighbourhood or a nearby trail.
#### Discovery Education: Tundra Connections
[Tundra Connections](https://www.discoveryeducation.com/learn/tundra-connections/) gives children the chance to learn about polar bears and their migration. The Discovery Education team has put together an interesting and informative [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pI22Seiqag) about polar bears and the Arctic ecosystem. The video was streamed live from Churchill, Manitoba in November 2019 and is still available to view for free. There are also some [Q&A videos,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2jV69gOBDg) in which experts answer the questions that kids most commonly have about polar bears.
**Extension:** Visit the [Polar Bears International](https://polarbearsinternational.org/polar-bears) website to learn more about these amazing creatures. There are live cam highlights, articles and there is even a [polar bear tracker](https://polarbearsinternational.org/polar-bears/tracking/) feature!
---
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For more fun Field Trip ideas find us on [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/) too.
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**Categories:** Education, Programming, Resource Recommendations, Teaching, Virtual Field Trips
---
### [Children's Books for your Little Artist](https://oaklearners.ca/childrens-books-for-your-little-artist/)
**Published:** July 2, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Content:**
Whether your child already loves art or you are trying to encourage their budding creativity, there are many books out there that help to educate and inspire. We have compiled a list of 6 incredible children’s books to read with your little ones. Some are about world-famous artists and others are about everyday kids, but they all celebrate imagination, creativity and individuality in their own way! Read on to learn more about these fantastic books.
### Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown
This colourful book paints a picture of Frida Kahlo’s family life and early passion for art. She is depicted as a child in the book’s illustrations, and is shown sketching, painting and daydreaming. This children’s book emphasizes Kahlo’s love of animals and her longing for adventure. Symbols are used to represent the artist’s health struggles in an approachable way, and the book emphasizes Kahlo’s hard work and determination, even through those struggles. This special story introduces children to an incredibly talented artist while also highlighting the animals that inspired her dreams and her career.
### Yayoi Kusama: From Here to Infinity by Sarah Suzuki
We highly recommend this children’s book, which is all about Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. It tells the story of her childhood and of the time she spent drawing at a young age. The book goes on to outline the challenges and triumphs of her life as an adult, working towards becoming a professional artist. Kids will be inspired by Kusama’s difficult but exciting path to achieving her dreams. Without a doubt, this story teaches readers to persevere and to stay true to themselves.
### The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
*The Dot* is a classic children’s book about art and uniqueness. Its main character is Vashti, a little girl who is convinced that she cannot draw. However, with a bit of encouragement from one of her teachers, Vashti begins to change her perspective. She develops her own painting style and inspires others along the way. *The Dot* is the perfect story for little ones who are feeling discouraged about their art; it reminds readers that there is no “one way” to be creative!
### Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
*Radiant Child* is about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, who loved creating incredible masterpieces, even as a child. The book highlights the important role the artist’s mother Matilde played in his life. Matilde taught her son that art could be many things. She sat with him for hours as he drew and she supported his dreams. Once Basquiat grew up, his mother could not always support him in the same way, but the artist had the foundation to persevere and work towards his goals. While this is certainly a story about creativity and talent, it is also an account of a strong relationship between a parent and child.
### Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds
Another beautifully illustrated story by Peter H. Reynolds, *Sky Colour* tells the tale of a young girl who believes everyone has the ability to make art. She is faced with a challenge when she is tasked with painting the sky of a mural… without any blue paint! The book encourages children to problem-solve and reminds them to think outside of the box. It is a short and sweet story that will surely become a favourite!
### The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art by Barb Rosenstock
This is the story of world-renowned artist Vassily Kandinsky and the wooden paint box that changed his life as a child. In this book, we learn that Kandinsky pushed his art to the side for many years because others did not understand it. Nevertheless, he was pulled back into painting after hearing an orchestra play as an adult and imagining colours dance in front of him. The book’s illustrations beautifully capture the connections that exist between music and the visual arts (which Kandinsky’s work is famous for). Overall, it is a delightful and educational story that children will want to read again and again.
---
### To purchase more children’s books check out [Scholastic Books](https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/search?cgid=root&navFilterId=supplies-cec-ca&navFilterValue=Club%20Shop&eml=CRC/e/20200525////VALUEPACKS_TEACHERS_28863///crc/////&ET_CID=DM240996&ET_RID=1339458908)
Use the code RC127307
Your books will be shipped directly to your home. Every purchase helps build our school library and provide new learning materials for our classroom. Thank you!
For more book recommendation posts check out our [blog archives](https://oaklearners.ca/book-recommendations/).
To keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OakLearners) or [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
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**Categories:** Book Recommendations, Education, Parenting, Teaching
---
### [More Than Just an Orange Shirt](https://oaklearners.ca/orange-shirt-day/)
**Published:** October 1, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** n 1973, 6-year-old, Phyllis Webstad lived on the Dog Creek reserve and was sent to “The Mission”, a residential school. As she prepared to leave home, her grandmother managed to buy her a new outfit for her first day and Phyllis chose a bright and beautiful orange shirt. However, when she got to the residential school, they stripped her of all her clothes, and she never saw the orange shirt again.
**Content:**
In 1973, 6-year-old Phyllis Webstad lived on the Dog Creek reserve and was sent to “The Mission,” a residential school. As she prepared to leave home, her grandmother managed to buy her a new outfit for her first day, and Phyllis chose a bright and beautiful orange shirt. However, when she arrived at the residential school, her clothes were taken from her, and she never saw the orange shirt again.
Since then, the colour orange has always reminded her of the things that were taken away from her and of how she felt she was worth nothing and that her feelings did not matter. It was not until she was 27 years old that she went to a treatment centre for healing, and she has been healing ever since. Orange Shirt Day began in 2013, inspired by Phyllis’s story.
On September 30, 2021, Canada observed its first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This was an important step toward reconciliation and awareness, honouring the Survivors of the residential school system in Canada and remembering the children who did not make it home. For generations, Canada avoided confronting this history, but because of Orange Shirt Day, Canadians stood in solidarity as they learned about the horrors of this school system.
On this day, Oak Learners takes part in this movement by wearing orange to raise awareness and stress the importance of truth and reconciliation to all students. We strive for inclusivity and equity for all learners. “Every Child Matters”.
Our principal at Oak Learners, Kelly Farrell, shared these thoughts on the importance of the day at our school: “We recognized the importance of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by initiating conversations and answering the questions our students had about the day. Our students experienced a Land Acknowledgement and spent time down by the lake, acknowledging the traditional lands of the First Nations Peoples. At the school, we listened to Anishinaabe music and learned about the importance of drumming while creating our own drum circles. Our students also made tributes to the children who suffered, survived, and died in residential schools by making orange t-shirts and painting rocks to add to a memorial garden in front of the school. We teach them that the phrase ‘Every Child Matters’ goes beyond the children we can see and hear every day; it also includes the children who don’t have voices to speak for themselves. By learning about the past, we are making this new generation stronger and well prepared to do better in the future.”
As we continue to educate ourselves on this subject, we encourage everyone else to do the same. Please visit [www.nctr.ca](http://www.nctr.ca) to learn more and help spread awareness wherever you can.
If this post brings up difficult feelings, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.
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**Categories:** Announcements., Education, Events, Parenting
**Tags:** awareness, Inclusivity, Orange Shirt Day, Reconciliation, Truth and Reconciliation
---
### [Making Music Online: Chrome Music Lab and More!](https://oaklearners.ca/making-music-online-chrome-music-lab-and-more/)
**Published:** July 2, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Excerpt:** Making music at home can be lots of fun, and many students may be interested in learning more about different instruments we can use to make music, how to read sheet music of their favourite songs, or even how to write their own songs. Chrome Music Lab is an excellent, free program that can be tailored to elementary students of all ages, and can also be lots of fun for older students and adults as well.
**Content:**
Making music at home can be lots of fun, and many students may be interested in learning more about different instruments we can use to make music, how to read sheet music of their favourite songs, or even how to write their own songs. Chrome Music Lab is an excellent, free program that can be tailored to elementary students of all ages, and can also be lots of fun for older students and adults as well. There are also many other websites and applications that can help students further extend their musical learning at whatever level they would like. Younger students can use these programs to explore elements of music such as timbre, dynamics, and tempo, whereas older students may want to extend their learning about music theory and notation. Have fun learning!
#### **Chrome Music Lab**
[Chrome Music Lab](https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Experiments) has many different programs that allow students to explore so many different musical concepts. The website is free, doesn’t require any downloads, and can be opened on a variety of devices. Students can play and explore independently, as most of the programs are straightforward and can be used simply by clicking buttons and pressing play. The programs can also be used for exploration in relation to different elements of music by purposefully asking students questions about what they hear and what they create, as I will explain in a breakdown of some of the programs below.
#### Kandinsky
[Kandinsky](https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Kandinsky/) is a favourite program from Chrome Music Lab for all elementary students and we have loved exploring this program during our online music classes at Oak Learners.
**How to Use It**: You can draw a picture using different colours and shapes, and then press play to see your shapes come to life through music.
**Elements of Music to Explore**: This program is great for learning about the element of timbre, which is the quality of a sound. Every sound has its own timbre – for example, a drum has a different timbre than a trombone and the sound of water running has a different timbre than the sound of wind blowing in the trees.
**Exploration**: Experimenting with different colours and shapes will allow students to compare the different sounds they hear, as the program turns drawings into both instruments and vocals. Does the music change when you change the colour of your drawing? Does it sound different when you draw a big shape compared to a small shape?
**Extension**: Students can attempt to identify the instruments they hear while listening to the sounds created.
#### Spectrogram
[Spectrogram](https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Spectrogram/) is another great part of Chrome Music Lab for exploring not only instruments but sounds in the world around us.
**How to Use It**: Students can choose a different sound and listen to it while viewing a spectrogram of that sound.
**Elements of Music to Explore**: This program is another excellent one to learn about timbre as students will begin to understand how every sound we hear has a unique quality.
**Exploration**: Listen to each sound and try to describe what it sounds like.
**Extension**: A spectrogram shows the frequencies within each sound, so this could be a great opportunity for older students to learn about the connection between music and physics. For example, students could learn about how vibrations create sounds and how the frequency of a vibration (as shown in the spectrogram) impacts how it sounds. [This video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDsk6tZX55g) from Crash Course is an excellent resource for older students about the connection between science and music.
#### Song Maker
Chrome Music Lab also has a program called [Song Maker](https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Song-Maker/) where students can create their own colourful melodies.
**How to Use It**: Students can create their own songs by clicking boxes of different colours. Songs can also be saved and shared using a link.
**Elements of Music to Explore**: timbre (changing the instruments using the buttons at the bottom), tempo (speed of the music can be changed using scale at the bottom), pitch
**Exploration**: Students can enjoy choosing different colours and configurations of boxes and pressing play to see what their song sounds like. Users can also change the instrument and the tempo (speed) of the song to explore how this impacts their creation.
**Extension**: The Song Maker can be used to create simple songs students already know by using listening skills and trial and error to create familiar melodies. For example, students could be challenged to try and create a song such as Hot Cross Buns or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star using the program.
#### Rhythm
For students who are interested in percussion, the [Rhythm](https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Rhythm/) program allows students to explore percussion instruments with different timbres. Users can create their own rhythms with the click of a button.
**How to Use It**: Students can click on different circles to add a beat to the percussion pattern. Younger students will also enjoy the silly visual of different animals playing the different instruments (make sure to click the arrow to move between different instruments and animals).
**Elements of Music to Explore**: Rhythm (keeping a steady beat, different rhythmic patterns), timbre
**Exploration**: Students can use this program to learn about how to keep a steady beat, how rhythm influences a song, and different instruments that are often used to keep the beat in a song.
**Extension**: Play a game at home where students listen to the pattern being played by the animals and then try to recreate the pattern by clapping or tapping on their knees. This will allow students to develop a further understanding of keeping a beat and following a rhythmic pattern.
#### Chords
The [Chords](https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Chords/) program can be used to explore different chords in either major or minor form using a virtual piano.
**How to Use It**: Choose either major or minor at the bottom, and then click a note on the piano to hear either a major or minor chord.
**Elements of Music to Explore**: pitch (high or low), harmony (combination of multiple notes)
**Exploration**: Even if students have not started to learn formally about music notation and theory, exploring these concepts will provide an introduction to the basics of music. Asking students questions such as “how does the major chord make you feel?” and “how does the minor chord make you feel?” will encourage reflection and further curiosity about concepts in music.
**Extension**: Another family member can click a button to play a chord, and have the student guess whether it is major or minor. For students who are learning piano, this program can also be a great tool for learning notes on the piano and how to play different major and minor chords.
#### Piano Roll
The [Piano Roll](https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Piano-Roll/) program of Chrome Music Lab allows students to listen to melodies while viewing a visual representation of the song.
**How to Use**: Click play and listen to the different songs while following along with the visual representation. You can click the arrow to the right of the play button to explore more songs. You can also switch the quality of the sound from piano, to a synthetic sound, to a recording of your own voice! To record your voice, just click the microphone symbol and say or sing something.
**Elements of Music to Explore**: This particular program will allow students to develop an understanding of pitch (high notes vs. low notes) which will be helpful if they are interested in learning to read sheet music in the future. Changing the quality of the sound will allow students to think about timbre and how it impacts what they’re hearing. The length of the rectangles also corresponds to the duration of each note, which connects to learning about rhythm.
**Exploration**: Ask students what they notice about the visual representation and the melody. Why are some rectangles short while others are long? Why are some rectangles higher up on the screen? How do the different instrument choices make them feel?
**Extension**: This program offers an excellent opportunity for a listening activity in order to reflect on the power of music to make us feel different emotions. Have students draw (they can draw anything they’d like — abstract swirls, scribbles, or something more concrete) as they listen to each different song. Try changing the instrument (piano, voice, etc.) and have students reflect on how this may change what they draw.
#### Arpeggios
For more advanced students, there are many ways to make use of Chrome Music Lab as well. For example, the [Arpeggios](https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Arpeggios/) program can be used to learn to identify chord quality (major or minor) as well as intervals within different chords.
**How to Use**: click on the different colours that each have corresponding note names on the colour wheel in order to hear an arpeggio in that key. The first page plays a basic arpeggio (do, re, mi, high do pattern), and if you click the arrow pointing to the right you can listen to more complex patterns.
**Elements of Music to Explore**: pitch, harmony, duration (change metronome in bottom right corner), timbre (switch the instruments). This program can be useful for ear training, especially if students are working towards formal exams such as those as the Royal Conservatory of Music.
**Exploration**: Click on the different colours on the wheel and listen to the arpeggio. When you click some notes, the lines representing the arpeggio move up. What does that mean? You can also try changing the tempo (when the number on the metronome is higher, what changes about the pattern?) or change the instrument.
**Extension**: Play different arpeggios and have students guess the quality (major or minor). On the wheel, the capital letters play major chords whereas the lowercase letters play minor chords. Students can also practice identifying intervals within the arpeggios and other patterns.
#### **Other Fun Musical Games**
The possibilities for at home music learning are endless with the musical programs available online. Here are a few more resources to get started:
**Tenuto**: This app is a version of the website [musictheory.net](https://www.musictheory.net/exercises) that offers many theory exercises for students that would like to learn and practice concepts such as identifying intervals (the jump between two notes), reading notes on a staff, reading key signatures, writing chords, and more. The app costs $3.99 but offers a multitude of exercises that can be done on the go, or you can use the website for free. Both versions offer many of the same exercises and are extremely useful when preparing for formal music exams — I used Tenuto a lot when preparing for voice and piano exams with the Royal Conservatory. Many of the exercises are the same as tests that are done within music exams, so the program definitely helps students feel more prepared and confident going into an exam.
**Musical Spinner**: This is more of a create-your-own activity that can encourage students to make music and sing songs at home. [This website](https://wheeldecide.com/) can be used to create a virtual spinner that can be tailored to anything you can think of. At Oak Learners, we have been using a virtual music spinner in our music classes ([here is the one I’ve made](https://wheeldecide.com/index.php?c1=Swimming+Song+&c2=Elephants+Have+Wrinkles&c3=Old+MacDonald+Had+a+Farm+&c4=Baby+Car+&c5=Tony+Chestnut+&c6=If+You%27re+Happy+and+You+Know+It+&c7=HELLO+song+&c8=Wheels+on+the+Bus+&c9=Down+By+the+Bay+&c10=Itsy+Bitsy+Spider+&c11=Shake+your+Sillies+Out&c12=Alphabet+Song&t=What+Song+Should+We+Sing%3F+&time=5)) which allows us to choose a song to sing in a fun and engaging way. Songs on the spinner can be tailored to the interests of each student, and you could even try making a similar spinner using coloured paper, a paper clip, and a push pin for a more hands-on experience.
---
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**Categories:** Education, Music, Parenting, Resource Recommendations, Teaching
---
### [How to Make a Coffee Filter Butterfly!](https://oaklearners.ca/how-to-make-a-coffee-filter-butterfly/)
**Published:** July 2, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Content:**
Summer has finally arrived! Bees are buzzing, the sun is shining, and beautiful butterflies are soaring through the sky. Many children are fascinated by butterflies, which is why this craft is the perfect summertime activity! Continue reading to find out how to create your own coffee filter butterfly at home!
#### Art Materials:
One Coffee Filter
One Clothes Peg
Watercolour Paints and/or Markers
Paintbrushes
Small Container for Water
Paper Towel
Googly Eyes
One Pipe Cleaner
Glue Gun or Liquid Glue
**\*Substitutions:** Even if you do not have all of the materials listed above, it is still possible to make this craft! You could use a popsicle stick instead of a clothes peg by gluing the coffee filter onto the popsicle stick. Also, you could simply draw the eyes on with a marker if you do not have googly eyes.
### Coffee Filter Butterfly Instructions:
1\) Gather all of your art materials. Fill your cup with water and prepare a small painting station. I suggest putting some scrap paper down, as the paint and/or markers will go through the coffee filter.
2\) Flatten the coffee filter. It may not flatten completely, but pressing down on it and smoothing it out will make it easier to paint.
3\) Use your watercolour paints to add colour to the coffee filter, aiming to cover the entire surface. Take a look at the ideas provided below for additional painting tips and suggestions. If you do not have watercolour paints, simply use markers to colour the coffee filter. Do not press too hard; coffee filters are delicate and can rip easily.
4\) While the coffee filter is drying, heat up your glue gun. Parents should handle the glue gun, but children can help out by passing their parents the materials and/or by deciding where materials should be placed.
5\) Glue the googly eyes and the pipe cleaner antennae onto the clothes peg. Once they are dry, use a marker to draw a smile, and add any other details you might like.
6\) Once the paint on the coffee filter has dried, crumple the coffee filter in the center. You should be able to pinch it in the middle, with an equal amount of the coffee filter left open on either side of your fingers.
7\) Open the clothes peg and use it to clip onto the coffee filter in the center, creating beautiful wings for your butterfly.
#### Painting Ideas:
- Select a colour scheme to use when painting your butterfly’s wings. You could just use the primary colours, or you could paint with cold colours (blues, greens and purples). The possibilities are endless!
- Focus on one element of design when painting (value, colour, form, etc.). For example, you could encourage your child to paint as many different lines as possible.
- Look at pictures of real butterflies and choose one to use as inspiration when painting. Just remember, the coffee filter is flimsy, and it may not be possible to paint small details. The picture is a starting point, not something to attempt to copy.
- Paint to music! Listening to music can impact the colours we choose to use and the shapes we decide to paint… and it also makes the experience way more fun!
- Paint multiple coffee filters in different ways. This way, you could change the wings on your butterfly from time to time, or you could even layer them!
#### Extension Activities:
There are many other butterfly activities your child can do once they have completed this craft! Some of these activities incorporate the craft, while others allow them to learn more about butterflies.
- If your child is interested in photography, have them take pictures of their butterfly in different locations. They could even use paper, pencil crayons and markers to create their own backdrops. Once they have taken their photographs, ask your child to write descriptions of the photographs or stories inspired by them.
- Children can read fiction and non-fiction books to learn more about butterflies. Some great options are *Butterflies and Moths* by Scarlett Wing and *National Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to Butterfly* by Laura Marsh.
- Children can learn fun facts about butterflies on the [San Diego Zoo website.](https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/animals/butterfly) The site features some amazing images of these fascinating creatures. It also has free butterfly colouring pages and art activities!
- Encourage your child to put on a puppet show using their coffee filter butterfly. They could create other characters or they could use stuffed animals and dolls. Motivate them to be imaginative and to use their butterfly during dramatic play time.
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
---
### [Stay Active at Home: Create Your Own Obstacle Course!](https://oaklearners.ca/stay-active-at-home-create-your-own-obstacle-course/)
**Published:** July 3, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Excerpt:** Even with the warm weather and the beginning of summer, it can be difficult to stay active as most recreational facilities and programs are still unable to run safely. An obstacle course, whether indoor or outdoor, is a great way to express creativity, stay active and have fun at home. Best of all, an obstacle course can be created using any materials and any amount of space you have available.
**Content:**
Even with the warm weather and the beginning of summer, it can be difficult to stay active as most recreational facilities and programs are still unable to run safely. An obstacle course, whether indoor or outdoor, is a great way to express creativity, stay active and have fun at home. Best of all, an obstacle course can be created using any materials and any amount of space you have available.
Children can be involved right from the start by helping create and design the obstacle course, and the activities within the course can also be geared towards their interests and goals. For example, obstacle courses can include not only gross motor skills but also fine motor skills or even academic skills. If there is a certain skill that your child is working on but does not love to practice, you can mix it up with other types of skills and tailor it towards their interests. For example, if your student loves superheroes and being active but does not love practicing their printing, you could have them trace a superhero picture and write out the name of the superhero before pinning it to the wall and racing with another family member to reach the picture.
### Ideas for Including a Variety of Skills in your Obstacle Course
- **Gross motor**: jumping (one or two feet), walking or jumping backwards, doing jumping jacks or other simple exercises, spinning in a circle, throwing a ball, crab walk, incorporating favourite dance moves
- **Fine motor**: tracing or writing a word or a sentence, stringing a bead (or a few beads) onto a string, putting stickers onto a piece of paper, putting small objects back into a container (such as cleaning up a puzzle)
- **Academic skills**: have students answer a math question (verbally or on paper) as a step of the course, have students name a word for a certain letter of the alphabet between each step (i.e. start with A and make your way through the alphabet), have students read a congratulatory message at the end of the obstacle course
### Obstacle Course Tips
Although the process of creating an obstacle course will look different for everyone, here are some tips for creating and completing the course:
1. **Begin by brainstorming ideas for your obstacle course**. Give examples of a possible obstacle to encourage creativity (e.g. we could use this chair to climb over or to crawl under!). Set boundaries if needed (e.g. staying out of a certain room or not using certain objects) so that everyone knows what to expect.
2. **Encourage collaborative contribution**. If multiple people are creating an obstacle course together (e.g. siblings or family members), each person could be tasked with contributing one or two steps to the obstacle course. To extend the activity, each person could even create their own obstacle course and take turns teaching their entire course to the group.
3. **Give opportunities for multiple levels of independence**. Kids can contribute in different capacities such as by choosing a few objects which you then incorporate into the course, or by coming up with obstacle ideas for a group of objects that a parent or guardian chooses. For children who are more independent, you could also ask them to “surprise” you and set it up themselves — they may be more excited to create an elaborate obstacle course if they have a goal of making it difficult or engaging for a parent or another family member.
4. **Use painter’s tape or chalk**. For minimal set up and clean up, you could create an obstacle course using chalk or painter’s tape. If you have chalk and an outdoor chalk-friendly surface to use, you can draw symbols to represent different actions like [this example](https://playtivities.com/sidewalk-obstacle-course/). For example, you could create hopscotch, draw a spiral to indicate spinning in a circle, or draw four circles in a vertical row to indicate four jumps. You could also do the same thing using tape on a floor inside. [Here is a great example](https://www.raisingdragons.com/indoor-obstacle-course-for-kids/) that also has many obstacle ideas and does a great job of including a variety of gross motor, fine motor, and academic skills. Another possibility is to use tape or string as “lasers” and create a “spy” obstacle course that students can attempt to maneuver their way through. This would be great for working on balance, perseverance, and problem solving — [here is an example](http://frogsandsnailsandpuppydogtail.com/flag-tape-obstacle-course/) of a family that did this in their home.
5. **Use a timer to encourage goal setting**. If kids want to have a “race” but there is only one obstacle course, you can time them using a stopwatch or phone timer. They can also work to race against themselves and beat their own time, which allows them to develop skills of perseverance and goal-setting. Some kids might not like the pressure of being timed and would rather complete the obstacle course for fun — it definitely depends on your child and what is best for them!
6. **Allow independence while doing the course**. Once students create their obstacle course, if they would like to do it independently but need prompting to remember each activity, you could put a sticky note with a short written or visual prompt of what the challenge is at each part of the course.
7. **Include clean-up as the final step to leave a mess-free area!** If the obstacle course is something that you can see your child using again over time, you could use activities that are easy to set up and include clean up as part of the course. Including your child in set up and prompting them during clean-up will ensure they know where the objects go so that they can eventually clean up with minimal prompting or independently. Then, when they do the obstacle course, you could start the timer at the start line and then tell your child that the timer will stop (or that they can cross the finish line if they do not want to be timed) when they go through all the steps of the course and all the parts are put away to the best of their ability.
---
For more healthy living posts visit our [Healthy Living Blog Posts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
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**Categories:** Education, Healthy Living
---
### [Fun with Friends: Activities for Virtual Playdates](https://oaklearners.ca/fun-with-friends-activities-for-virtual-playdates/)
**Published:** July 4, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Excerpt:** The question is, how do you make these playdates fun and exciting, especially after months of Facetime and Zoom calls? We have created a list of activity ideas that will keep your children engaged, even if they can’t be with their friends in person. These activities will allow you to build in some much-needed social time for your kids, while also encouraging their creativity and communication skills! They are great ideas to keep in mind for virtual family game nights and other social events taking place online!
**Content:**
It is finally summer, and parents want to make sure that their kids have the chance to spend time with friends. Although some restrictions are being lifted, many parents still feel more comfortable with the idea of virtual playdates. The question is, how do you make these playdates fun and exciting, especially after months of Facetime and Zoom calls? We have created a list of activity ideas that will keep your children engaged, even if they can’t be with their friends in person. These activities will allow you to build in some much-needed social time for your kids, while also encouraging their creativity and communication skills! They are great ideas to keep in mind for virtual family game nights and other social events taking place online!
### Freeze Dance
Freeze dance is the perfect choice for a virtual playdate. One child can share their computer sound, and can be in charge of playing and pausing the music while the others dance! Alternatively, a parent could stop and start the music, allowing all of the children to dance. You could even add some extra rules to make the game more interesting! For example, maybe the children have to dance like a specific animal during each round. This game is rewarding because it gives kids the chance to move around, rather than just sitting and looking at their screen.
### Drawing Games
There are countless drawing games to try out during virtual playdates! Kids can play a simple game of pictionary, where one of them draws something and the others guess what it is! They could also play “Categories,” which is a bit more competitive. For this game, the kids select a letter and category (B and food, for example). Then, they each have to draw something that begins with that letter and fits into that category. If their ideas are different, everyone gets a point… but if they draw the same thing, nobody earns a point for that round! Zoom is one of the best platforms to use if you want to play these games, as it has a built-in whiteboard feature. When using this feature, multiple kids can draw on the screen at a time.
### Charades
Charades is a game night classic, and it can be played by participants of almost any age! One child will act something out while the others guess. The children can take turns, giving everyone the chance to act and guess! Encourage your kids to narrow in on categories during each round, like animals, characters or sports. This will make the game more engaging, and might also be useful when they are trying to think of something to act out. You could also brainstorm with your child and type up a list of ideas beforehand. This could be especially helpful if your children struggle to come up with ideas on the spot.
### Two Truths and One Lie
This game is geared towards older children, though it could be played by younger kids with the support of their parents. To play, the child must think of three things about themselves. Two of these things must be true and one must be a lie. For example, a child might say that they have a dog (true), they like the colour blue (true) and they play hockey (untrue). They will list these three things off to their friend(s), who will have to guess which statement is a lie. Older kids will enjoy this game because it involves an element of strategy, and it gives them the chance to get to know their friends better! If your kids are planning to play this game, you could always encourage them to make a list of facts and lies before their virtual playdate. This might allow the game to be played more smoothly and easily later on.
### Guess the Tune
There are so many variations of this game, but they are all fun for kids and adults alike! The premise of the game is to play or hum a song while other people try to guess the title and/or artist. Young kids might play by thinking of a song they know and humming or singing part of it. The other kid(s) will then try to figure out which song they are singing. Older kids could play the game in the same way, or they could switch it up a bit. They might want to challenge their friends by playing the beginning of a song or a short instrumental segement. This game is perfect for virtual playdates because the rules are simple, and it doesn’t require many materials. Like with some of the other games, you could help to prepare your child by creating a list of songs or making an age-appropriate playist in advance.
### Show and Tell
Kids love sharing their interests and ideas… but sometimes they draw a blank when a friend is staring back at them on their screen! Show and tell can add a bit more structure to the playdate, and it makes the sharing process less intimidating! Kids could show their friends a special object from home, like a favoutire toy or book. They could even show and tell about a special talent of theirs! For example, maybe they want to bring their device to the backyard to show their friend their awesome skipping skills! This is another fantastic way to encourage physical activity and communication during the virtual playdate! Just be sure to supervise your child if they decide to go outside, both for their own safety *and* to make sure their device does not get damaged!
### Crafts and Science Experiments
Crafts and science experiments require more planning on the part of the parents, but these activities will keep children occupied for longer periods of time. To plan a craft or science experiment, contact the other family (or families) and settle on an idea that works for everyone. You will need to collect and/or purchase the necessary supplies prior to the virtual playdate. For example, if the kids are going to be making bracelets, you will need to find some string and beads ahead of time. On the day of the playdate, make sure your child has access to the art or science supplies. The kids can then do the craft/science experiment simultaneosly while they are on Zoom or Facetime. Older kids may be able to do this independently, but younger kids will probably require some prompts and assistance. While there is definitely some work involved for the adults, these types of activities are so beneficial; they give children the opportunity to do hands-on activities with their friends… virtually!
### Virtual Field Trips
A virtual field trip is another amazing playdate idea! By using a platform like Zoom, one child could share the virtual field trip website or video on their screen. This way, multiple kids could watch, explore and learn together! We have already curated several lists of incredible virtual field trip resources! You can click on [this link](https://oaklearners.ca/2020/06/25/science-virtual-field-trips-understanding-the-world-around-us/) if you would like to browse through some spectacular science trips! We have also created blog posts about [art](https://oaklearners.ca/2020/06/15/virtual-field-trips-unleash-your-inner-artist/), [geography](https://oaklearners.ca/2020/06/14/geography-virtual-field-trips-travel-around-the-world-from-home/), [amusement park](https://oaklearners.ca/2020/06/19/virtual-field-trips-amusement-parks-and-fun/) and [animal](https://oaklearners.ca/2020/06/22/virtual-field-trips-animal-adventures/) field trips! We encourage you to take a look at these before your child’s next playdate; with all of these incredible options, you are bound to find a virtual field trip that interests your child and their friends!
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Music, Programming, Teaching
---
### [Fun Fitness Dance Activity](https://oaklearners.ca/fun-fitness-dance-activity/)
**Published:** August 5, 2020
**Author:** Fabiana Scolieri
**Excerpt:** Ever wonder what to do with your kids during those rainy days? We know getting active and moving our bodies are good for us, but how many of us actually spend time intentionally get our bodies moving? This activity will get your kiddos moving while having fun! Even better is the bonding that happens between families when they work out together. I hope you have a blast with this fun dance activity.
**Content:**
Ever wonder what to do with your kids during those rainy days? We know getting active and moving our bodies are good for us, but how many of us actually spend time intentionally get our bodies moving? This activity will get your kiddos moving while having fun! Even better is the bonding that happens between families when they work out together. I hope you have a blast with this fun dance activity.
I’m sure we all know the “Going on a Bear Hunt” childhood song. If you don’t, here is the link for the song on [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP2GwOLr2nI).
---
You can make this song active by doing various actions for each part of the song:
1- March in place
2- Tiptoe
3- Lift your arms up
4- Swim across the lake
5- Climb up the tree
6- Scurry from the bear
### I hope this dance activity encourages you and your family to stay active!
---
For more healthy living posts visit our [Healthy Living Blog Posts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
To keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OakLearners) or [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Music
**Tags:** actions, activity, dance, fitness, home, kids, kindergarten, preschool, sing
---
### [Captivating Children's Books for Young Dancers](https://oaklearners.ca/captivating-childrens-books-for-young-dancers/)
**Published:** July 2, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Content:**
Many children are drawn to dance. Whether they take part in lessons, compete on stage or just dance to music in their bedroom, they love moving and expressing their emotions to music. One of the best ways to encourage literacy learning is to find books that relate to your child’s interests and passions. That is exactly why we have decided to put this list of books together. All six of the children’s books highlighted below focus on dance, and your little ones will want to read them over and over again. They might even want to have a dance party when storytime is over!
### Firebird by Misty Copeland
This amazing book was written by world-renowned ballerina Misty Copeland. In the story, Copeland’s character acts as a mentor for a young girl who doesn’t believe she can dance. The ballerina inspires the girl to believe in herself over the course of the story. She explains that becoming a professional dancer takes hard work, and that perseverance brings one closer to their dreams. Young dancers will love this poetic tale of dedication and determination.
### Ballerino Nate by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
*Ballerino Nate* tells the story of a young boy who develops a passion for dance. After seeing a ballet as part of a school field trip, Nate realizes that he wants to be a ballet dancer. Even though he loves trying new moves and learning about dance, his brother discourages him. Nate begins to think that his brother is right… maybe boys can’t do ballet! Luckily, Nate is encouraged by his parents (and others) throughout the book and he decides to pursue his dreams. The message of *Ballerino Nate* is so important; it reminds readers that everyone can dance, and that a child’s love of dance should be celebrated!
### Rap A Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles – Think of That by Leo & Diane Dillon
Tap dancer and legend Bill “Bojangles” Robinson is the main character in this charming children’s book. In the story, Bojangles dances around town, spreading joy to all of those around him. *Rap A Tap Tap* is truly a celebration of dance, showing how it connects community members and makes people happy. The story also has a wonderful pattern and rythym to it, which is tied to the style of dance that is being showcased: tap! It is a fantastic book that will make everyone want to tap their toes!
### Powwow Dancing With Family by Perry Smith
*Powwow Dancing with Family* was written and illustrated by a Canadian author named Perry Smith. The author is Indigenous and has written the book from the perspective of two of his children: his young sons, who love to dance! This book gives the reader the chance to learn more about powwow dancing. It celebrates the strong bonds that are created between families who dance together and learn dance from one another. It is engaging and educational, and as a parent or caregiver, its a special book to read with your child.
### I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood
I Will Dance is about a young girl who is living with cerebral palsy. At first, she thinks she will never have the opportunity to dance because of her wheelchair. Then, she finds out about a dance school for dancers of all abilities. After hoping, dreaming and imagining, she finally has the chance to dance freely and beautifully! The illustrations in the book are breathtaking, and it will leave children (and parents) feeling joyful and uplifted.
### Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen
This story was written by dancer and actress Debbie Allen. It is about a girl who loves ballet and dreams of being center stage. However, she is taller and has larger feet than the other girls in her ballet class, and sometimes she feels limited. While she does face many obstacles, she has the support of people around her, like her uncle. She practises and practises, and by the end of the story, she is able to achieve one of her ballet dreams! This book reminds children that you do not have to look a certain way in order to be a dancer.
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**Categories:** Book Recommendations, Education, Parenting, Teaching
---
### [Outdoor Learning: Sound Walk Adventures!](https://oaklearners.ca/outdoor-learning-sound-walk-adventures/)
**Published:** August 8, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Excerpt:** Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather while we can! Children are constantly learning and there are many outdoor activities that allow them to have fun while engaging with the world around them. Although kids are naturally curious and can direct their own learning by exploring the outdoors and asking questions, there are many activities that family members can introduce and facilitate to encourage students to think outside the box. One way to do this is with a sound walk!
**Content:**
Children are constantly learning and there are many outdoor activities that allow them to have fun while engaging with the world around them. Although kids are naturally curious and can direct their own learning by exploring the outdoors and asking questions, there are many activities that family members can introduce and facilitate to encourage students to think outside the box. One way to do this is with a sound walk!
A sound walk can turn any regular walk into a fun, engaging learning activity. At the beginning of your walk, or before your walk, you can talk about different sounds we hear in the world around us. For example, there are different instruments, sounds we can make with our bodies such as singing or clapping, sounds animals make, sounds vehicles make, and more! Then, have young learners observe the sounds around them while you start out on your walk.
There are a variety of ways you can facilitate a sound walk – here are some ideas:
- **Play sound bingo!** Have a bingo sheet with a variety of sounds and try to listen for these different sounds while walking around the neighbourhood or sitting in a park. [Here is an example](https://bingobaker.com/pdf/3332016?pages=1&grid=1&submit=Print) I made – you can also make your own with [Bingo Baker](https://bingobaker.com/). Depending on the level of your children, you can even use pictures instead of words and customize the amount of squares. Older students may also enjoy drawing their own bingo cards!
- **Make a list** – this is a great opportunity for students to practice their writing and organizational skills by making their own list on a piece of paper or small whiteboard. If appropriate, you can also turn it into a game to see who can write down the most sounds!
- **Have a conversation!** This activity can also be very informal and relaxed. Ask students questions such as “What sounds do you hear right now?” or “How do the sounds change when we go from the busy city street into the park?”
- **Create a sound map of your walk.** Have students think about, talk about, or write down sounds they hear while outside. Then, have them create a map of their walk. This map may look different depending on student level and interest. Older students may enjoy drawing a map of the neighbourhood or park and then drawing different symbols or shapes for different sounds that they heard in different areas (e.g. a squiggly line for a bird chirping or a zig-zag line for a construction machine). Younger students could simply be given a prompt to “draw the different sounds you heard” so that they can create a more abstract representation of their experience.
- **Simply enjoy the sounds.** A sound walk can also be a great way to encourage mindfulness. Students can be encouraged to take the time to listen to the sounds around them and be in the moment while taking a break from talking to others. After the walk, you could talk about how they felt while listening to the sounds and if they noticed anything interesting along the way.
The great thing about this activity is that it can be used again and again in any setting and at any time of year. You will hear new and exciting sounds each time, and it can also be a great chance for kids to think about the different sounds they hear depending on factors such as time of day, time of year, or setting. For example, you may hear snow shovelling in winter, birds chirping in summer, and leaves crunching in fall. No matter the time of year, nature sound walks will allow students to have fun, stay active, and develop important skills such as using their senses to identify things around them and communicating about what they hear.
Have fun outside!
---
For more fun Outside Activities and Oak Learners fun check us out on [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”) and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/)
Looking for more? Check out our [Outside Activities Archives](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
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**Categories:** Education, Music, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities, Parenting
**Tags:** oak outside, outdoor education, outdoors, outside learning
---
### [Learning About What’s Happening in the World Together](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-about-whats-happening-in-the-world-together/)
**Published:** August 18, 2020
**Author:** Gina Britnell
**Content:**
It’s clear that 2020 has been a monumental year of unprecedented change and unfathomable shifts in the shapes of our expectations of daily life. For many of us, dealing with the events and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly intense, overwhelming, and scary, with the strange breaks of routines and unfamiliar fixes we’ve undertaken to manage. There has also been much political unrest. The recent, unjust deaths and mistreatment of the black community, the resulting outcry of multiple protests spurred by persistent, systemic racism and police brutality, are complex issues and can seem an off-limits conversation to have with young students.
It is difficult enough to come to terms with this new reality even when armed with adult experience, but how do we explain this to the small ones we guide? Discussing upsetting current events with your child can be daunting. It can be uncomfortable. What details do we share and when do we shield the particulars?
### Staying Current
Oak Learners school has kept on the pulse of current events, keeping students informed when it comes to learning about world news and issues. Back in February, the school welcomed Andrew Chang with the CBC National team into our doors and classrooms to see how we were navigating these tough conversations and allowing curiosity and learning to unfold. Click the link to watch the segment here: <https://youtu.be/F1NeUfNe7cA>. We may have not predicted how the virus was going to change our lives, but what did not surprise us was the ability, the curiosity, and the thoughtfulness of our students. This was able to happen through the discussion we welcomed about what was going on in our world. By allowing a space for students to share their thoughts, looking to separate fiction and fact, building the ability to discern media, practicing research skills, and continuing the conversation over time, empowered our students with knowledge.
Our Junior Class this year explored current events through discussion, short video clips through CBC or BBC, polls, as well as independent and whole group reading. We explored the Canadian election, the Climate March, Australia’s bushfires, new technology advancements, the progression of COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, the SpaceX launch, refugee camps in Greece, young entrepreneurs, Toronto Pride, and different environmental concerns. Students were hooked on what was happening and eager to talk about it. As an educator, I found myself struggling at first how to have conversations about the pandemic, not wanting to promote fear in my students. I discovered that educating myself to have scaffolded, supported discussions being sensitive to monitor age-appropriate details without censoring understanding was key. Our students became pros in PPE, social distancing, the nature of how viruses spread, the inspiring heroes (frontline workers, known names and everyday people) and what we could do to help.
### Discussing Black Lives Matter
When the news about George Floyd broke, I knew we had to talk about it. It had to be careful but also done with honest clarity to engage with such heavy, complex issues. The students’ well-being needed to be considered, avoid the adultification of students, and I had to educate myself further to address my own bias and privilege to learn about becoming a better ally. I haven’t arrived yet. This will be life-long learning and unlearning for me as a white person. It is okay to model for children that adults don’t always have the answers and we make mistakes. That all of us need to build resilience to get comfortable being uncomfortable. We began this conversation by sharing the news that Crayola was creating a new crayon series, “Colours of the World” to better represent more skin tones with 40 possibilities of different shades of skin colour. <https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/recap-some-good-news-and-why-is-crayola-adding-more-skin-tones>
The rest of the week we spoke more about civil rights history, Black Lives Matter, and what happened to George Floyd. We addressed the issues of racism, representation, implicit bias and the need for equity and diversity within these conversations and our Grade 2/3 students demonstrated a strong capacity and a spirited response to want to stand up against these injustices. The power of these young minds and hearts proved to me that at our school we can empower our students in dialogue about difficult subject matter in a safe, supported environment.
### Some Steps to Tackling & Talking About Current Events:
1. You are the expert of your own kids. You put in the time and you know what your child can manage to process and the manner in which you present current events can guide the outcome of the discussion.First do your own research to be able to field basic questions and to feel more prepared for what can be tricky conversations. What is the take-away from a particular news article or event that has an idea you want your child to have? Share how people are trying to resolve the problem or help with the issue. It’s important to have balance. Consider if you are dealing with tough subject matter, have a lighter story or funny newsclip to enjoy afterward.
2. Find kid-friendly sources that will appeal to young readers. Many sources will also include videos, online polls and other interactive media to extend the article’s topic or learning which could prove more engaging to reluctant or low literacy readers. Using more kid-centric articles are a great way to inspire young students to see themselves represented and the agency of possibility that they hold.
3. Be open. Welcome questions in a non-judgmental manner. Use simple,straightforward language. Recognize and own if you have uncertainty and the inevitability of errors.
Teachers, parents, and grown-ups are all going to make mistakes. It is comforting for children to see adults acknowledge this, while learning the skill to take ownership of errors and turning to problem-solving to turn things around. Avoid euphemisms and walk through any misconceptions your child may have in order to help rectify them.
4. Consider multiple perspectives. Work to recognize your positionality and own bias to reflect when this may be implicit and the work that needs to be done to work against this. Look to outside resources and experts, while seeking to understand the experience of others.
5. Consider making exploring a news source a regular practice. This morning practice (or early evening – mornings can be hectic enough!) can become a fun, thoughtful time to not only squeeze in some extra literacy, but also a chance to engage with your child, activate their curiosity and understanding while making connections to the wider world.
Knowledge-building is crucial for child development, acknowledging global events with students can help them understand the world and be better able to participate within it. At Oak Learners, we try our best and ask the same of our students, we are committed to life-long learning inside and outside of academics. We see what’s happening and we don’t look away. We keep our communities close. We don’t close others out. We model that sometimes grown ups don’t have all the answers and we have to work with what we got. Most importantly, we want to let students know that we are open to talk, that no matter what, there are caring adults in their lives.
## Some Great Kid News Sources to Get You Started:
<https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/>
<https://teachingkidsnews.com/>
<https://www.currents4kids.com/>
## Some Anti-Racism Education Resources:
<https://www.todaysparent.com/family/books/kids-books-that-talk-about-racism/#gallery/books-that-talk-about-racism/slide-1>
<https://www.tolerance.org>
<https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/02/us/cnn-sesame-street-standing-up-to-racism/index.html>
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** black lives matter, current events, elementary education, learning about events, news, students, teachers, teaching about news, teaching issues, world issues, world news, youth
---
### [Online Activities: Reading and Writing Resources](https://oaklearners.ca/online-activities-reading-and-writing-resources/)
**Published:** August 20, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Excerpt:** Your child can use these reading and writing resources to prepare for the start of the school year, or to support their learning once September rolls around! They are super interactive and will be sure to keep your child engaged when it comes to reading and writing!
**Content:**
With school beginning in a few weeks, many parents are looking for fun (and free) learning resources for their children. Luckily, there are many fantastic websites with excellent literacy activities. Your child can use these reading and writing resources to prepare for the start of the school year, or to support their learning once September rolls around! They are super interactive and will be sure to keep your child engaged when it comes to reading and writing!
### PBS Kids
This is one of our favourite [online resources](https://pbskids.org/) for elementary school students! The PBS Kids website is full of exciting and captivating games, many of which focus on reading skills. In fact, there is an entire section dedicated to [reading games](https://pbskids.org/games/reading/), with over 30 different options to choose from! Children will enjoy learning with all of their favourite characters, like Clifford, Elmo and Curious George! There is also a specific section designed for adults, which contains more information for parents and helpful resources for educators.
### Starfall
[Starfall](https://www.starfall.com/h/) is a wonderful tool for students in grade three and below. The simple layout makes it straightforward to use, and it divides reading into different categories for ease of access. Children can review the alphabet, read short stories, and practice their letter sounds using this awesome website! Not all of the games and activities are free, but there are a wide range to choose from, even if you don’t want to sign up as a member!
### Storyline Online
This unique [resource](https://www.storylineonline.net/) is made up of a collection of read-aloud videos. The website features videos of many different celebrities reading beautifully illustrated children’s books. Finding specific books is easy and quick, since you can search by title, reader, author or length! Your kids will be captivated by the exciting videos and they will benefit from the extra time listening to the stories! To increase engagement, watch with them and pause to ask questions throughout the book. You could even have them write a reflection once the story is over!
### Ziggity Zoom
This [website](https://darkcyan-crane-687614.hostingersite.com/) is the perfect resource if you are looking for printables and worksheets. It features a wide range of activity sheets that focus on tracing, printing, reading and writing skills. The site is very organized and easy to navigate, and even features a [“Kids”](https://darkcyan-crane-687614.hostingersite.com/kids/) section with stories and online games. It is catered towards students in the primary grades (kindergarten to grade three). Be sure to use this site if you are looking to give your child a break from their tablet or computer… they will love the word searches and other paper-and-pencil activities!
---
To purchase more kid’s books check out [Scholastic Books](https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/search?cgid=root&navFilterId=supplies-cec-ca&navFilterValue=Club%20Shop&eml=CRC/e/20200525////VALUEPACKS_TEACHERS_28863///crc/////&ET_CID=DM240996&ET_RID=1339458908)
Use the code RC127307
Your books will be shipped directly to your home. Every purchase helps build our school library and provide new learning materials for our classroom. Thank you!
For more book recommendation posts check out our [blog archives](https://oaklearners.ca/book-recommendations/).
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Private Tutoring, Resource Recommendations, Teaching
---
### [Learning About our Five Senses for preschoolers](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-about-our-five-senses-hands-on-learning-for-preschoolers/)
**Published:** April 25, 2020
**Author:** Doran Reed
**Content:**
Children love to explore! They love to touch everything, see everything, smell everything, hear everything and even taste everything! What better way to encourage safe exploration of their world than by teaching them about their five senses!
Supplies needed:
- Scissors
- Senses worksheet [https://drive.google.com/file/d/13N\_72iXv6gnIWAucjKhqO2Ybw7VUrdn7/view](https://drive.google.com/file/d/13N_72iXv6gnIWAucjKhqO2Ybw7VUrdn7/view)
- OPTIONAL: Glue or tape
---
Step by Step: \*you can either do 2 at a time or all. But I do recommend 2 at a time to give your child a little bit of a challenge
1. Using scissors, cut out the picture cards
2. Set them up in a pile in front of the Senses papers
3. Ask your child questions describing the cards so they can start to determine where they go. Some examples are:
- What do I use to smell?
- Where do you think the skunk goes?
- Do we use our eyes to eat? (and then have child correct you)
4. When you have found a match, you can either just place the card on the space (and have it has a reusable game) OR glue/tape the answers in place
## Looking for more fun for Pre-K? Check out our Preschool Enrichment Program program:
[Preschool Enrichment Program](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)
---
For more activity stories and Oak Learners fun check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”%20target=)
Looking for more fun activity blog posts then check out our [Activities Archives](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/)
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**Categories:** Activities
**Tags:** activity, explore, hands-on learning, preschool, reggio, see, senses, smell, taste
---
### [Savvy School Supply Shopping](https://oaklearners.ca/savvy-school-supply-shopping/)
**Published:** August 17, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Excerpt:** ♫“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”♫ Back-to-School shopping has always been the most wonderful time of the year for me, while others believe shopping for school supplies marks the end of summer vacation.
**Content:**
# **Savvy School Supply Shopping**
Back-to-School shopping marks a fresh start. There’s something special about new clothes, new shoes, new markers, and new notebooks that signals growth and change. More than January 1st, a new school year can feel like anything’s possible.
### **Back-to-School Shopping Mantras**
To make the most of your shopping trip and keep supplies lasting through the year, here are five key principles:
- **A list is a lifeline.** Most schools provide a supply list for the upcoming year. Don’t go shopping without one. Better yet, involve your child in creating the list. They know what their classmates use, which colours they prefer, and what their teacher will actually allow. This ensures they’re happy with what you buy and more likely to take care of it.
- **Take stock of existing essentials.** Before you shop, look around your house. You’ll likely find lined paper, coloured pencils, coloured pens, and sharpeners already on hand. Pull these out and check them off your list. New consumables like pens, markers, and notebooks will need replacing, but items like pencil cases, sharpeners, binders, and folders can usually be reused. If you spot great sales this year, consider stocking up for next year too.
- **You get what you pay for.** Cheaper pencils break when you sharpen them because the wood has dried out. Dollar store supplies often need replacing within weeks. Watch for sales at office supply stores where better-quality products cost more upfront but last longer and save money overall.
- **Set a spending cap.** Once you know what you already have, create a budget for what’s left to buy. Involve your child in this process and make it reasonable. Let them earn extra spending money for school supplies through chores if they want something fancy. When kids understand that money is earned and limited, they take better care of their supplies.
- **Label everything.** A label can mean the difference between buying pencils weekly and making your September shopping haul last all year. Whether you use a label maker, purchase labels, or use a permanent marker, labelled supplies find their way home.
**Most of all, make it fun.** The first day of school marks a new beginning. Starting the year off right with positive memories of shopping together and labelling together can make back-to-school one of the best times of the year.
---
### **Supply List Recommendations**
- **Pencils:** Purchase at least 20. Don’t buy from dollar stores. Label every single one.
- **Pencil Sharpener:** Buy one good one. Look for durable options like Staedtler with a compartment for shavings and a quality blade.
- **Erasers:** Choose white vinyl erasers that you can label easily. They last longer than pink or coloured erasers.
- **Pens:** A few blue or black pens with accent colours are enough. Cheaper pens run out of ink faster. Find a brand that feels right.
- **Crayons, pencil crayons, and markers:** Keep these well supplied. Buy good brands like Crayola or Laurentian for brighter colours and longer-lasting quality.
- **Glue:** Elmer’s is the best brand. Cheap brands dry out fast and don’t stick well. Glue sticks work best, with liquid glue for occasional use.
- **Pencil Cases:** Choose a sturdy one, or buy two (one for pencils and pens, another for pencil crayons and markers).
- **Paper:** A student shouldn’t need more than one 200-sheet package per school year. Watch for sales but don’t overbuy.
- **Binders:** Buy sturdy binders with D-rings (they don’t curl pages) and hole reinforcements. Zippered binders with accordion folders work for kids who lose loose sheets, but they take up backpack space.
- **Report folders (duotangs):** Stock up when they’re on sale. Buy multiple colours so you have the right one for each project.
- **Extras:** Mini-staplers, binder-sized hole punches, and fancy pens are fun but not always necessary. They can quickly use up your budget.
- **Labels:** Whether you use a label maker, Mabel’s Labels\* (which support school fundraisers), or a permanent marker, labelling is key.
*\*You can support Oak Learners by going to [Mabel’s Labels](https://mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/fundraising/support) and searching for Oak Learners.*
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**Categories:** Education
---
### [Apps Every Student Should Download on their Phone](https://oaklearners.ca/apps-every-student-should-download-on-their-phone/)
**Published:** September 20, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** There are certain apps that every student should download on their phone. There are thousands of apps accessible and thousands created every single day. It may be hard to find ones that benefit students, but no worries! We're here to help! Here are 5 top apps we recommend all students should download right now!
**Content:**
There are certain apps that every student should download on their phone. There are thousands of apps accessible and thousands created every single day. It may be hard to find ones that benefit students, but no worries! We’re here to help! Here are 5 top apps we recommend all students should download right now!
#### [1. Explain Everything](https://explaineverything.com/)
Explain Everything is an online whiteboard platform that allows students and teachers to share ideas while making them visual and clear! Explain Everything is unique because it is a mixed media playground with an infinite canvas that allows for real-time and asynchronous collaboration. You can record videos and voice, animate, edit, and publish all from the app. Projects can be shared as images, PDFs, videos, or editable projects. It can be a great tool to let students follow along with visualized elements, from drawings and handwriting to annotating diagrams. With the shift to online classrooms, Explain Everything lets teachers lecture online with live broadcasting to Zoom and other video conference solutions. Students can use Explain Everything to draw, sketch, record, and share their understanding of a subject from short assignments to long presentations. In turn, teachers can see a student’s thought process as they work through a problem and offer feedback directly onto any document, media, or presentation with this amazing recordable whiteboard. “Explain Everything empowers students to work creatively and independently, whilst enabling teachers to assess each student as an individual.”
#### [2. Forest](https://forestapp.cc/)
Remaining on task has never been harder in this digital world with devices and screens everywhere we look. With TVs, cell phones, tablets, your attention is constantly being diverted. In the Forest app, plant a tree when you need to remain on track. If you finish your task without getting distracted, your tree will grow. If you decide to go off-topic and not resist temptation, your tree dies. The more you use the app, the more trees will get planted. Eventually, the goal is to have a whole forest inside the app showing your commitment to tasks. This can motivate students to stay on task and not get distracted while seeing their progression unfold in front of their eyes. This will not only show commitment to tasks but also get students in a good habit of not going on devices when they assign a time slot for working.
#### [3. Quizlet](https://quizlet.com/ca)
Quizlet is a study app that has various amount of study modes and games. They are very well known for their flashcards, where students can study any subject they need improvement in. They also have study modes such as write, speller, match, live, and gravity. The website itself claims that 90% of students who use Quizlet report having higher grades. Although there is no way to confirm this, there are many benefits to using apps such as these to better a student’s learning.
#### [4. Google Drive](https://cloud.google.com/edu/students)
Google Drive is an extremely useful tool to use for learning on your own, or in group projects. Google Drive has applications such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms. It is a direct competitor to Microsoft Office and a free version of it. Not only can you store your work on the cloud, but you can also share it with fellow classmates in group projects to work together simultaneously. On top of this, you can also download all documents as various different files such as PDF and docs to name a few. It is a great tool to get accustomed to for storing and completing work.
#### [5. myHomework Student Planner](https://myhomeworkapp.com/)
myHomework Student Planner is a student planner that organizes all things school work-related. Students can put their school schedule on the planner, put due dates for assignments and tests, and also get notifications on when due dates are coming up. This can be a digital alternative to an agenda if you find digital versions to be more convenient. The digital planner helps get students in the habit of organizing and planning study dates in advance for tests and assignments.
Oak Learners has a great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Resource Recommendations
**Tags:** Apps, Apps for Class, Apps for Students, Best Apps for Phone, Best Apps for Students
---
### [The Best Study Tips for Young Students](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-study-tips-for-young-students/)
**Published:** September 17, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** During this time of year it can be hard to get your children back in school mode. Having study tips on hand for back to school time can be greatly beneficial getting your kids back in the homework groove. Here are 4 of the best study tips to start the school year off.
**Content:**
During this time of year it can be hard to get your children back in school mode. Having study tips on hand for back to school time can be greatly beneficial getting your kids back in the homework groove. Here are 4 of the best study tips to start the school year off.
#### 1. Getting in the Habit of Effective Note Taking
Taking notes sounds like a daunting and unfun task for most children. Incentivising children to take notes can be a huge step to make the task look more fun. This could mean getting them to use colourful sticky notes, getting them a pen with their favourite superhero on it, and more. Studies have shown that writing notes out by hand have a greater retention rate rather than taking no notes at all. Teaching active listening and reading skills like highlighting important points can also help with retention.
#### 2. Study Buddy/Parent Help
Having someone by your side when doing your homework can help motivate the child to get work done. This could mean having a study buddy over to finish the homework, with the incentive to play after. This could also be a parent sitting down with the child to guide them through any troubles they may have, and put them on the right path.
#### 3. Avoid Leaving Things Till Last Minute
Doing homework or projects in advance can reduce the stress levels of not only the children, but the parents themselves. Having a schedule to do the homework much before it is actually due can get the children in a good habit to finish things early and schedule their work. This can also be done with studying before tests, or big upcoming dates.
#### 4. Have a Quiet Study Space
Having a clean, quiet study space can reduce distractions your child may be having. This means having all devices off the table, the TV off, and focusing on the work at hand. Giving them breaks in between is a good idea, especially as a reward of focusing on work for a slotted amount of time.
Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on it with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Private Tutoring
**Tags:** back to school, school, study, study tips
---
### [Interactive Yoga for Preschoolers](https://oaklearners.ca/interactive-yoga-for-preschoolers/)
**Published:** April 26, 2020
**Author:** Doran Reed
**Content:**
Interactive yoga for preschoolers is a fantastic way to start your day. Jumping and stretching are energizing and you can never go wrong!
In this video…
1. Set up your yoga mat if you have one, along with any yoga cards you might have
2. (If you have them) Ask your child to pick a card
3. Follow instructions on card to do pose
4. Detailed step by step for video:
5. Frog pose: Crouching down and positioning your legs like a frog, ensuring to touch the floor each time. Repeat 5-10 times
6. Tickle Toes: with **straight legs**, reach for your toes and feel the stretch. \*IMPORTANT\* Please only bend as far as you can, if you cannot reach your toes that is perfectly okay! Just reach as far as you can go and tickle yourself wherever your hands touch
7. Snake pose: Lay on the floor stomach down. Place your hands underneath your shoulders and point your toes. Keeping your lower body on the floor, push your upper body up and hold. Your back should be slightly arched
## Looking for more fun for Pre-K? Check out our Preschool Enrichment Program:
[Preschool Enrichment Program](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)
---
For more healthy living posts visit our [Healthy Living Blog Posts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
To keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OakLearners) or [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness
**Tags:** doran, easy yoga, interactive, kindergarten, little kids, oak learners, online yoga, prekk, preschool, yoga, yoga for children
---
### [Learning French from Home: Fun Online Resources](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-french-from-home-fun-online-resources/)
**Published:** June 25, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Content:**
As the school year comes to a close, many parents are looking for resources to continue their child’s French curriculum. Parents who do not speak the language want to provide their children with exposure to it, especially if their kids are in French immersion or extended French programs. Luckily, there are some fantastic (and free!) websites out there! Here are three engaging and educational online resources to explore with your child.
#### Mini TFO
This [website](https://www.tfo.org/minitfo) has a simple layout and is very easy to navigate. It gives children access to a wide range of free games, including puzzles and online music activities. The games are narrated in French, and children will have the chance to practise and strengthen their listening skills and strategies while playing. Mini TFO also offers several French video clips. Some of the videos are episodes of animated shows, while others teach kids about topics like cooking and animals. Overall, this website is an excellent resource and a great choice for kids in the primary grades.
#### Radio Canada
#### 
Radio Canada has a children’s [platform](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/jeunesse) with two different websites to choose from. The first is [Zone jeunesse](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/jeunesse/scolaire), which is geared towards slightly older children and pre-teens. Kids can find French games, video clips and television episodes here. There is also a blog component where children can read about topics that interest them, like the arts and sports. The other website, [Zone des petits](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/jeunesse/prescolaire), was created with younger children in mind. It has many of the same features but the characters and subject matter are more appropriate for primary students. Zone des petits also has an [activities](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/jeunesse/prescolaire/activites) section with eye-catching colouring pages and French activity sheets!
#### Idéllo
If you are searching for videos in French, this [website](https://www.idello.org/fr) is the perfect choice! Idéllo has videos for students of all grade levels! You can find videos using the age and topic options, and a variety of other filters help to facilitate your search. There are many fantastic series to try out, including “Amélie et compagnie,” a show about a 9-year-old girl, her clever pet cat and their adventures. Many of the videos on this site showcase French culture, which is a major focus in programs like French immersion. Your child will enjoy finding new and exciting shows to watch and you can rest assured that they are continuing to listen and learn in French.
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Private Tutoring, Resource Recommendations, Teaching
---
### [Science Virtual Field Trips: Understanding the World Around Us](https://oaklearners.ca/science-virtual-field-trips-understanding-the-world-around-us/)
**Published:** June 25, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Excerpt:** Science offers such a wide range of topics to learn about that there is definitely something for everyone! In our virtual science classes at Oak Learners we have been exploring many areas of science such as learning about animals, outer space, the weather, and even doing some science experiments with materials from home! The science field trips below will help students continue to discover new things about the world and think about questions and curiosities that they want to explore even further.
**Content:**
Science offers such a wide range of topics to learn about that there is definitely something for everyone! In our virtual science classes at Oak Learners we have been exploring many areas of science such as learning about animals, outer space, the weather, and even doing some science experiments with materials from home! The science field trips below will help students continue to discover new things about the world and think about questions and curiosities that they want to explore even further.
### Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is a popular field trip destination for students of all ages, and even though the centre is closed right now they have many educational resources and live stream events available online [here](https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/LearningResources/). There are videos with fun hands-on activities to do at home, live streams of science educators from the centre, curriculum resources for teachers, and even virtual screenings of the popular IMAX films that are usually shown at the centre. The curriculum resources feature a lot of interactive videos for high-school students, as well as a link to [Science North](https://www.sciencenorth.ca/teachers) which has interactive lessons for K-8.
**Trip to Outer Space: NASA and Mars**
Outer space is an extremely interesting topic that can spark curiosity for students of all ages! The [NASA Langley Research Centre](https://oh.larc.nasa.gov/oh/) in Virginia has a comprehensive virtual tour where students can view a flight simulator, learn about research labs, and more. Older students will love learning about the details of space science and research, and students of all ages will find the space flight simulator fascinating. This trip can also be paired with [Google’s 360 Virtual Trip to Mars](https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/), where students can learn about rovers on Mars and explore different areas of the planet. These trips would be an amazing add-on to learning about space, and this [Netflix Jr. song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHAqT4hXnMw) about space provides a great introduction to the planets for elementary students.
**Cherry Blossoms in High Park**
This [virtual field trip to High Park](https://www.sakurainhighpark.com/) will allow students to be immersed in nature in a local area that may be familiar to them. The narrated video of beautiful wildlife provides opportunities for students to extend their learning about plants, animals, conservation, and sustainability. Additionally, the experience may spark creativity for numerous art projects such as sketching wildlife or doing a cherry blossom craft like the one featured on our blog [here](https://oaklearners.ca/2020/04/26/welcome-spring-with-this-cherry-blossom-diy-art-activity/). This field trip could also provide an excellent opportunity for students of all ages to learn about Indigenous history and culture in relation to our national environment — [here](http://eseinfacultiesofed.ca/practice-pages/indigenous-education.html) is a list of Indigenous Environmental Education resources as a starting point.
**All About Vehicles**
There are many virtual reality videos available of different exciting methods of transportation. For example, students could go on a virtual [hot air balloon](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=virtual+hot+air+balloon+ride) ride, go [skydiving](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTM8vXtdIUA) on their computer, or ride a [helicopter](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0lm4crJ8cc) over Mount Everest. Learning can be extended by diving into how these vehicles work, or by again connecting to the natural environment as students observe the nature around them from up in the sky. This virtual experience could also prompt further discussions about sustainable methods of transportation around the world.
---
For more virtual field trips and Oak Learners fun check us out on [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
For more fun Field Trip ideas find us on [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/) too.
Looking for more fun Virtual Field Trips check out our [Virtual Field Trips Archive](https://oaklearners.ca/category/virtual-field-trips/)
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**Categories:** Education, Outdoor Education, Resource Recommendations, Virtual Field Trips
---
### ["I Spy" Is More Than Just A Game](https://oaklearners.ca/i-spy-is-more-than-just-a-game/)
**Published:** October 20, 2020
**Author:** Brittany Ashmeade
**Excerpt:** “I Spy” aims to help children improve language development, stimulate their minds and get familiar with their surroundings. It is also a great opportunity to work on their social skills when they play alongside other students in the classroom. They learn to take turns and practice amongst one another.
**Content:**
Within our Kindergarten Readiness and STEAM classes, early learning games and activities are a priority. A childhood favourite is “I Spy”. This game is a great way to keep our students connected to their learning and have fun. “I Spy” aims to help children improve language development, stimulate their minds and get familiar with their surroundings. It is also a great opportunity to work on their social skills when they play alongside other students in the classroom. They learn to take turns and practice amongst one another.
Beyond the classroom, we encourage parents to use “I Spy” as a visual learning tool in any environment. From inside your home, the grocery store, I SPY books or even magazines, “I Spy” can help strengthen their memory skills as they search for different shapes or images and learn how to discriminate between them.
Here’s an Oak Learner’s favourite used in our [Preschool Enrichment Program](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)! I Spy: **Shapes Edition.** This is a great activity for students to distinguish between shapes and colours!
Find some free printable worksheets to use at home at [https://www.papertraildesign.com/i-spy-game-printables/ ](https://www.papertraildesign.com/i-spy-game-printables/)
---
For more activity stories and Oak Learners fun check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”%20target=)
Looking for more fun activity blog posts then check out our [Activities Archives](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/)
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**Categories:** Activities, Parenting, Resource Recommendations, Teaching
**Tags:** activities, activity, classroom, classroom fun, classroom games, game, kindergarten, preschool, social games, teaching, teaching online, virtual learning
---
### [Some of our Past Teachers](https://oaklearners.ca/meet-our-music-teachers-for-2024-2025/)
**Published:** September 23, 2024
**Author:** Natalie Julien
**Excerpt:** A few of the past teachers we have had the opportunity to work with.
**Content:**
# Adam Houle
**PIANO/DRUMS/INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHM**
Adam was a music teacher at Oak Learners in 2024. He is a professional drummer/percussionist with a strong passion for music and teaching, He has over 15 years of playing experience in multiple styles (Rock, Funk, Jazz, Latin etc.) and has been teaching music for 11 years. Adam believes a great teacher is one who can assess not only a student’s current musical ability but also determine what style of learning the student thrives in. He is passionate about helping his students develop their individuality as artists. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Humber College as well as a degree in Broadcasting & TV production! He is available to teach drums & piano.
In his free time, Adam continues to practice his own musical skills.
# Kristina Poleva
**UKULELE/PIANO/GUITAR/SONGWRITING**
Kristina was a music teacher in 2023 . She graduated from Kyiv National University in Ukraine and received a bachelor’s degree in translation studies. She studied piano for 8 years and then guitar and ukulele for 2 years. Since 2018, she’s been playing in different bands, writing music in different genres, and teaching music both in Ukraine and in Canada. Kristina’s goal is to teach children to be fearless in expressing themselves through music and be capable of improvising, creating, and playing their own music.
# Aditya Basavaraj
**Guitar//Ukulele/Piano/Intro to Percussion**
With over 14 years of experience playing and performing in multiple genres (rock, blues, pop, metal, r&b, etc) and more than 5 years of experience in tutoring, Aditya brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his craft. He holds a Grade 8 Certification in Guitar from Trinity College London, and loves playing and teaching other instruments like the Piano, Ukulele and Cajon. Aditya is also well versed in drawing, painting, audio recording and music production. He believes in fostering and nurturing the creative genius within every child to bring out the best in them.
# Celine Tchang
**Early Childhood Music/Piano/Voice/Ukulele/Intro to Percussion/Trombone**
Celine Tchang (she/her) is a Toronto-based musician and educator known for enhancing student engagement and learning through innovative lesson plans. Having previously worked as a Music Coach at Humber College’s Community Music School, Celine has crafted age-specific routines and interactive lessons that captivated all ages. By integrating physical activities to boost focus and aligning lessons with Ontario Curriculum guidelines, she has empowered students to transcribe rhythms and pitches, create, perform, and reflect on their musical experiences.She actively performs as a trombonist in various ensembles such as jazz orchestras, concert bands, symphonic orchestras, and jazz combos. She has also acted as a recording engineer and mixing engineer on multiple projects.
## **Answers to Commonly Asked Questions:**
**What age can my child start music lessons?**
There is no “perfect” age to start music lessons, every child is unique. We suggest piano to start at age 5 or 6. You can also enroll your child in “Early Childhood Music” for ages 6 and under where they can explore different instruments & gain the confidence, skills & music knowledge in a fun environment!
**Do you offer trials?**
We offer a 20-minute free trial for your child to get to know a teacher and explore an instrument to see if it is a good fit.
**What if we miss a lesson?**
We require 24 hours notice if your child will be absent from their lesson to be eligible for a “make-up” lesson. If not, you forfeit the lesson. Without 24 hours notice, makeup lessons can be added for a fee. Makeup lessons can be booked only during the designated “make-up” week at the end of each term, with one make-up allowed per term.
**Do I need to have the instrument I am playing at home?**
Yes. Practicing at home and helping your child practice is the only way they can progress as musicians. You must have whatever instrument they are working on available for them to practice outside the lesson.
---
**For more information, contact us at: <music@oaklearners.ca>**
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**Categories:** Music, School Life
---
### [Spotlight on Adam, our former music teacher](https://oaklearners.ca/spotlight-on-our-amazing-music-teacher-adam/)
**Published:** July 22, 2023
**Author:** Natalie Julien
**Excerpt:** Spotlight on Adam, Oak Learners' former music teacher. Professional drummer with 11+ years experience. Read his story and find current music lessons at Royal York
**Content:**
## **Spotlight on Adam, our former music teacher**
At Oak Learners, we were fortunate enough to have worked with a professional musician on our team, and we’re spotlighting our former drum/percussion/piano teacher, Adam! When he wasn’t touring around the city, Adam was teaching at our school!
#### **More about Adam:**
Adam was a member of the Oak Learners staff for a couple of years. He is a professional drummer/percussionist with a strong passion for music and teaching, and his passion showed in the students he taught.
He has over 15 years of playing experience in multiple styles (Rock, Funk, Jazz, Latin etc.), in multiple venues & arenas across North America. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Humber College & also a degree in Broadcasting & TV production!
Adam has been teaching music for over 11 years to people of all ages & skill levels.
Adam believes a great teacher is one who can not only assess a student’s current musical ability but also determine what style of learning the student thrives in. He is passionate about helping his students develop their individuality as artists.
Our lesson packages are flexible & work around parent/kid schedules.
We know September comes way too quickly, so book your spot or trial with our current teachers before it gets here!
For more info: **<music@oaklearners.ca>**
---
Learn more about our Music Program click here: [Music Lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/)
For more music posts visit our [Music Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/)
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**Categories:** Music, Our Team, Programming
---
### [HayStock 2016 at Amos Waits Park](https://oaklearners.ca/haystock-2016-at-amos-waits-park/)
**Published:** May 16, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Every June, the talented students of Royal House of Music take the stage to perform for friends and family at the Hay Stock Music Festival. This year, we have changed venues and our newly renamed Oak Learners will be taking over Amos Waites Park in Mimico-by-the-Lake.
Join us on June 12th from 2pm-4pm to celebrate the musical achievements of our students and their teachers, while we enjoy the surroundings of our lakeside community. Each student will have an opportunity to perform a piece they have been working on with their teachers during their weekly lessons. Additionally, we will treated to special guest performances by local musical talents!
Local business are getting in on the fun too and will be providing some food and refreshments for our young musicians and their families. Families are encouraged to bring their own seating including folding chairs or blankets. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
At the Oak Centre for Creative Learners, our mission is to inspire creativity, foster technique and encourage confidence. We aim to nurture growth by developing individuality and promoting community. It takes a village; we encourage community involvement and we work with families to develop programming that is innovative and inclusive.
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**Categories:** Events
**Tags:** amos waites park, concert, etobicoke, live music, local music, mimico, mimico by the lake, music, music festival, oak learners, recital, royal house of music
---
### [7 Rooms Every Private School Needs - Campus Tour](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-school-campus-tour/)
**Published:** August 25, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Kelly Farrell, principal at Oak Learners, showcases our wonderful facilities that help encourage personalized learning for every student that walks in the doors. Throughout the tour, many of our rooms that have students filled inside everyday are shown. Here are the 7 rooms that every private school needs!
**Content:**
## 7 Rooms Every Private School Needs! Oak Learners Private School Campus Tour
Here are the 7 rooms that every private school needs!
#### 1. The Yellow Room
Playroom for preschool and kindergarten students filled with books, toys, and other useful activities for students to hone their motor skills. This playroom allows children to engage in creative and independent play. This type of play has positive effects on the brain and on a child’s ability to learn. Moreover, research has shown that this type of play is crucial to learning, so get to playing!
#### 2. STEM Room
Room that has computers for research purposes, and also a place to hone geography skills with the world map, globe, and other useful tools. Not only this, but it also has a planetary map to get the kids learning about our solar system at an early age. STEM teaches critical thinking and instills a passion for further learning and innovation. Furthermore, STEM encourages problem solving and exploratory learning that goes beyond the classroom.
#### 3. Art Room
All about creativity, with all kinds of arts and crafts materials for students to express themselves and be able to draw or write whatever comes to mind. Art can stimulate both sides of the brain increasing the capacity of memory, attention, and concentration. It can help children develop reading skills, and even do better at Math, Science, and vocabulary.
#### 4. Orange Room
Typical classroom environment where Math, English, and other main courses are taught. This is where the students will learn more in depth about core courses and expand their thinking with kid-level chalkboards to write their ideas and thoughts down.
#### 5. The Library
Floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with books categorized by subject, and also comfy cushion seats for the students to read on. Getting children to read at an early age can help develop cognitive skills and the process of cognitive development. Reading aloud to your child can also provide them with background knowledge of the world which helps them make sense of what they hear, see, and read.
#### 6. Dance Studio
Recently renovated dance floor with a large space for gym activities, physical education, and other things like meditation or yoga. On average, public health officials recommend that children should be getting a minimum of 1 hour of daily activity to promote healthy active living for growth and development.
#### 7. Music Studio
Filled with all types of musical instruments for students to practice and hone their musical skills. Music encourages child development and skills for school readiness, this can include motor, social-emotional, intellectual, language, and overall literacy. It can help children learn sounds and the meaning of words.
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**Categories:** Education, Music, Teaching
**Tags:** campus tour, oak learners, private school, school tour, video tour
---
### [Bullying or Teasing – Are they not the same?](https://oaklearners.ca/bullying-or-teasing-are-they-not-the-same/)
**Published:** February 28, 2018
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
### Written by: Kelly Letros – Behaviour Therapist
It started in a small Canadian community with two teenagers standing up for a boy getting mocked for wearing a pink shirt. [Pink Shirt Day](https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/) this year is on Feb 28th. It is now celebrated in countries around the world, seeking to raise awareness to end bullying everywhere. It started in Nova Scotia, Canada 10 years ago with a very small movement and has mushroomed over the past decade. This movement however, does not just seek to raise funds to promote awareness about the prevalence of bullying, but it seeks to educate about what bullying really is.
Let’s start with what is teasing, as teasing and bullying can often overlap in some instances and be distinctly different in other contexts. What is the difference between the two behaviours and what should we as parents, guardians and educators be on the lookout for in our children’s lives that indicate there could be a threat of bullying in their young lives?
Teasing, is considered to be a playful engagement of behaviour that is meant to provoke someone. It is a behaviour shared between youth, likely friends and it can be reciprocal in nature. It is meant to be fun and evoke feelings of playfulness and when one child engaging in a teasing behaviour sees a peer getting visibly upset by their teasing, they know how to stop and draw the line. Teasing is normal, in fact, 96% of elementary school children report engaging in teasing. ([Prevnet.ca](http://www.prevnet.ca/bullying/educators/the-difference-between-teasing-and-bullying))
Bullying on the other hand occurs between peers that are not considered friends. It is mean, hurtful and has malicious intent and the person engaging in bullying will not cease aggressive solicitations when their peers asks them too.
Parents, caregivers and educators must remain cognizant that teasing can appear as bullying when really it is a normative phase of child development. The key difference is, when a peer has become hypersensitive to certain playful interactions and starts objecting to the teasing of their peer, that child must recognize it is time to stop the teasing. And for the most part, children will stop their teasing if their peer becomes visibly upset. These children have developed the ability to read social and emotional cues from their peers and can self-regulate themselves to stop their playful banter when it becomes obvious they are hurting their friends.nnThe bully, by comparison is looking to create an adverse reaction in other children and will ignore social and emotional cues his or her peers are giving off to continue his malicious assault on his or her target. Educators and caregivers must educate their children on the difference between teasing and bullying and teach them when in doubt of their peer’s intent, to approach an adult to express concerns over how they are being treated.
Some children lack the ability to engage in playful teasing appropriately. They need some guidance on how to read the emotional cues of others and recognize when to practice some self-regulation. We see this often with kids on the Autistic Spectrum. They want to engage in social play with peers, and will engage in teasing behaviours meant to be playfully and then they mistakenly come off brutal in their attempts and can sometimes upset peers with their well-intentioned attempts to tease friends. Often other children with developmental delays also have not developed socially functional skills to engage in playful teasing and while they may try desperately to interact with fellow peers, often times it mistakenly turns into bullying without them realizing it. This is where educators, parents, ABA or IBI Therapists can teach children necessary cues and emotions to prevent them from setting themselves up to engage in maladaptive styles.
Overall anti-bullying day is a very important day to bring light to a very prevalent and serious problem in our schools and even in our workplace for children and adults alike. One of the best things we can do is educate our youth on what bullying looks like. What is normal teasing and how does it look in our school environments. We do not want to strip our kids of normative psycho-socio development such as playful teasing amongst friends. We want them to understand social and emotional cues and to learn and be accountable for the emotions they are evoking in others and understand at what point they must stop their playful behaviours if they are indeed upsetting their friends. This is healthy development and a skill they will utilize in their peer interactions throughout life.
Sources: <http://www.prevnet.ca/bullying/educators/the-difference-between-teasing-and-bullying> [http//www.pinkshirtday.ca](http//www.pinkshirtday.ca)
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, School Life
---
### [Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness Made Simple](https://oaklearners.ca/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-and-mindfulness-made-simple-for-home-and-school/)
**Published:** March 29, 2021
**Author:** Tabitha Lynn
**Excerpt:** You may be asking what cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is? Well put simply, cognitive behavioural therapy is a short-term therapy that focuses on one particular problem with set goals in place. You will learn techniques and strategies in order to reach your goals. With mental health on a decline due to Covid19 you may not be able to seek treatment from a professional so here are some tools that you can do with the children at school or in the home. These tools are beneficial for everyone to work on strengthening their mental health and mindfulness.
**Content:**
##### Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness Made Simple for Home and School
You may be asking what cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is? Well put simply, cognitive behavioural therapy is a short-term therapy that focuses on one particular problem with set goals in place. You will learn techniques and strategies in order to reach your goals. With mental health on a decline due to Covid19 you may not be able to seek treatment from a professional so here are some tools that you can do with the children at school or in the home. These tools are beneficial for everyone to work on strengthening their mental health and mindfulness. You can use this process at home by making your own goals based on the needs of the child. The tips and strategies that will be used as examples come from “The Anxiety and Stress Solution Deck” by Judy Belmont.
This deck has 55 cards, which may seem overwhelming so I suggest going through them and picking out a few that relate to the children you will be working with. Work on one card at a time until the child is able to use the tool independently, this may take a week or more. For example, sharing your feelings. Some children how a difficult time knowing who they can trust to share their feelings with so for this first week you can develop a level of trust with the child by talking about feeling, sharing your own feelings, and asking them if they want to share theirs. The first few times they may not want to share so reassure them that they are in a safe space. Once they feel safe and comfortable with you, they should start to feel comfortable sharing with you.
Younger children or children who are developmentally delayed may find verbally sharing their feelings difficult so you can have them practice drawing how they feel instead. This may look different for each child as some may draw faces with smiles or frowns while others may use colours and lines. For example, I child who is confused with math may use red to draw a bunch of swirling lines all mixed together to express his confusion. Ask them once or twice a day to draw their feelings, during different types of moods. Continue to prompt them until it becomes habit for them to share what they feel.
When they have begun to understand their feelings, you can move one to another goal such as bellying breathing. Have the child place their hands on their belly and ask them to breath in through their nose with their mouths closed. Tell them to feel how they belly expands, pushing their hands out. Next, have them release the breath out of their mouth while feeling their belly deflate. This can technique can be used to help them return to a calm state once they have practiced it.
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WhatsApp-Video-2021-03-30-at-9.14.29-AM.mp4>
As you dive deeper into cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness you can great goals that will help children challenge their feeling a little more. This can be done but getting them to think about what they have in life, the goal here is to focus on the positive. What are they grateful for? What do they look forward to each day? Ask questions that stimulate the mind and that have them reflect on everything good they have.
By creating these goals and practicing them daily we are helping children build a tool box full of positive ways to express themselves, find their calm, and reflect. This allows children to stay in control or know when to ask for help during stressful time. Children will may feel more confident and therefore more willing to open up with the people around them.
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WhatsApp-Video-2021-03-30-at-9.14.28-AM-1.mp4>
---
For more healthy living posts visit our [Healthy Living Blog Posts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** mindfulness
---
### [4 Tips to Get Ready for Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/4-tips-to-get-ready-for-back-to-school/)
**Published:** August 23, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** With summer ending and back to school coming around the corner, the talks about classrooms begin to arise once again. Kelly Ferrell, Oak Learners Principal, was a special guest on the Etobicoke Lakeshore Podcast to talk more about back-to-school and getting your kids ready for classrooms again. Click the link above or here to listen to the podcast! With that being said, here are 4 tips you can do to get your kids ready for back-to-school.
**Content:**
### Heading Back to School – 4 Tips To Jumpstart Your School Pathway
With summer wrapping up and [back to school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about classrooms again. Whether your child is returning to a new school year or starting something fresh, preparation is key. Here are 4 practical tips to help your kids get ready for back-to-school success.
**1. Create a distraction-free study zone**
A clean, organized workspace can significantly improve your child’s learning and homework quality. Turning off devices, TVs, and other electronics helps them concentrate and retain information better. Setting up a dedicated study space is one of the best investments you can make in their long-term school success.
**2. Track more than just homework in your planner**
An agenda or calendar is essential for organizing school tasks. Beyond homework, use it to track tests, study sessions, extracurriculars, holidays, and important dates. This routine reduces parental stress and gives kids a sense of control. Even better: encourage your child to maintain their own planner. It builds independence, time-management skills, and helps them feel prepared when busy periods hit.
**3. Encourage independence**
Back-to-school excitement can be both thrilling and overwhelming. Build confidence through small, meaningful tasks: household chores, helping prepare lunches, or managing their own planner (as mentioned above). These activities develop independence and give kids agency as they head into the school year.
**4. Limit screen time intentionally**
The debate around screen time can feel overwhelming. It’s not about strict limits; it’s about the bigger picture. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, what matters is understanding the role of electronics in your family’s daily routine. Creating intentional habits around screen time, especially around homework, meals, and bedtime, keeps kids focused and healthy.
To learn more about Oak Learners’ approach to school readiness, [check out our private school program here](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/).
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Private Tutoring, Teaching
**Tags:** back to school, homework planner, private school, school, study
---
### [Partner Showcase: A New Take on Outdoor Education with Larchwood Nature OT Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/a-new-take-on-outdoor-education-with-larchwood-nature-ot-programming/)
**Published:** November 4, 2021
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** At Larchwood Nature OT we are developing courage, confidence, coordination and deep care for our precious environment in all of our clients. Nature offers many opportunities for supporting development of the mind, muscles, senses, and emotions.
**Content:**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Larchwood-Nature-logofinal-file-02.jpg?ssl=1)
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us, including our kids. Routines have been turned upside down and children have lost many of the activities that provided structure and meaning in their daily lives, including extracurriculars, social interaction, and physical activity. It remains critical for us to continue supporting the development of children, especially social integration skills and emotional regulation, and we have found that nature is the best clinical setting!
At [Larchwood Nature OT](https://www.davisoccupationaltherapy.com/natureotgroup) we are developing courage, confidence, coordination and deep care for our precious environment in all of our clients. Nature offers many opportunities for supporting development of the mind, muscles, senses, and emotions.
We have seized a unique opportunity to transform kids from 3 to 12 years of age and of all abilities. Research shows that for children, exposure to nature:
- reduces stress;
- builds resilience;
- supports cognitive functioning; and
- promotes emotional well-being.
Group settings promote peer modelling, cooperation, social skill building, diversity, and the development of empathy and self-esteem. We also offer private Nature OT, therapeutic summer day camps and other specialty groups including Handwriting in Nature.
All sessions take place outdoors, in unstructured natural spaces, in all types of weather. This gives us the opportunity to develop resilience, strengthen problem solving skills and experience a new environment. It has also proven to be a helpful, safe approach in a pandemic!
### Larchwood OT also provides private nature OT sessions. For more information visit: <https://www.davisoccupationaltherapy.com/natureotgroup>
### For their great parent resources check out their guidebooks here: <https://www.davisoccupationaltherapy.com/parentresources>
### To register for their programs you can fill out this form: <https://www.davisoccupationaltherapy.com/registration>
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**Categories:** Announcements., Education, Healthy Living, Music, Outdoor Education, Partner Showcase, Programming, Resource Recommendations
---
### [Oak Learners Before & After-Care Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/before-and-after-care/)
**Published:** March 8, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners offers a before and after-care program that has all kinds of exciting activities for your children to be a part of! Before-care starts inside the Oak Learners school between 7:30 AM-9 AM. After-care starts inside the Oak Learners school between 3 PM-6 PM.
**Content:**
## **Before and After-School Programming Features**
**Before-care starts inside the Oak Learners school between 7:30 AM-9 AM.**
**After-care starts inside the Oak Learners school between 3 PM-6 PM.**
The Oak Learners school is located at 394 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8Y 2R3.
Before and after-care programs both consist of the following:
- Supervised by staff with CYC or ECE qualifications.
- Organized creative activities, including crafts, art, music, dance, games, etc.
- Daily mindfulness practice, incl yoga, meditation, reflection, journaling, art, etc.
- Homework support, designated homework time.
- Healthy Snacks are provided for AM and PM.
- Add-on Private Tutoring for a reduced rate
- Add-on Music lessons or another after-school programming for a reduced rate
- Pick up/Drop off to or from GRG, John English, St Louis, St Leo, and Second Street.
- PA days – full-day supervision and activities included at no additional cost.
## **Fees**
For updated fees visit [ our B.A.S.E. program page.](https://oaklearners.ca/before-and-after-school-program/)
NOTE: The centre closes at 6:00 pm. There is an after-hour charge of $1.00 for each additional minute past 6:00 pm. After-hour fees are to be paid to the staff on duty when the child is picked up.
Withdrawal: We know circumstances change. Withdrawal from before and after school programming must be made in writing with at least 4 weeks’ notice. Refunds will be pro-rated for fees after the 4-week notice period.
[If you are interested in either before or after-care, click here to register! ](https://oaklearners.ca/before-and-after-school-program/)
---
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** after care, afternoon daycare, afternoon school, before and after-care, before care, daycare, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, morning daycare, morning school, private school, private schools, school
---
### [Nature-Based Learning for Kids In Toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/nature-based-learning-kids-toronto/)
**Published:** April 2, 2026
**Author:** Daniela Urbina
**Content:**
# 
# **Why Kids Need Green Space More Than Ever (and How Oak Brings Nature to Toronto Families)**
Kids don’t just *enjoy* nature. Their brains are wired to need nature-based learning. How to bring Nature-Based Learning for Kids In Toronto.
If you’re raising a child in Toronto, you probably know the dance: condo or townhouse life, busy streets, short recess, a lot of time indoors. You want your child to climb trees and follow bugs… But most days, you’re just trying to get everyone out the door with both shoes on.
Oak Learners exist right in that tension. Our approach to **nature-based learning for kids in Toronto**—through programs like Oak Outside: Forest School in the City and our nature-based day school — is built around a simple idea
If we can’t move families to the forest, we can bring forest learning into the city.
And the nice part is science is *very* on board with this.
## **1. Why green space matters so much right now**
Across recent large reviews of research, one message keeps showing up:
Children and teens who have more access to green spaces—parks, trees, and natural playgrounds—tend to have **better mental health, more physical activity, and healthier development overall.** \[6\] \[7\]
A 2024 meta-review in *The British Journal of Psychiatry* pulled together many of these studies and found that spending time in nature is consistently linked with the following:
- lower stress,
- better mood
- improved overall well-being in children and adolescents. \[3\]
Another 2025 study followed thousands of children in the UK and found that **growing up in greener neighbourhoods was tied to better cognitive development and fewer emotional and behavioural difficulties** from early to middle childhood. \[2\]
So when we talk about getting kids outside at Oak, we’re not just thinking “fresh air is nice.” We’re talking about a daily ingredient that supports **mental health, attention, and learning**.
## **2. What actually happens when kids step into green space?**
Let’s make this very down-to-earth. Picture your child walking with their group from Oak Learners toward Mimico’s parks or the lakeshore: backpacks bouncing, someone stopping every 10 seconds to look at a cool stick.
Here’s what’s going on under the surface.
**a) Their nervous system finally gets to exhale**
Natural spaces sound and feel different: leaves, water, wind, and distant traffic instead of a constant indoor buzz.
Recent work in urban schools found that outdoor learning can **lower background noise and reduce physiological stress** in young children—even when the school is in a busy city. \[5\]
When Oak learners are outside—walking local trails, exploring near the lake, using neighbourhood parks as classrooms—they’re getting repeated “reset moments” for their bodies and brains, not just a fast break squeezed between lessons.
**b) Their attention gets a break (and comes back stronger)**
Inside, children use a lot of *effortful* attention: “Listen to the instructions, finish the worksheet, and ignore the noise.”
Outside, attention works differently. Nature gently **pulls** their focus—“What’s that bird?” “Why is the ice melting here first?”—instead of constantly demanding it.
The big study from 2025 on neighbourhood greenspace found that children growing up in greener areas showed **better cognitive trajectories** over time, especially in the early years. \[2\]
So when Oak classes do math with sticks, write stories beside the lake, or measure their walking route on a map, they’re not “losing academic time.” They’re giving the brain a more natural rhythm: focus, soften, focus again.
**c) Their bodies do what they’re meant to do**
Uneven ground. Logs to balance on. Hills to climb. Puddles to navigate.
Reviews of nature-based early childhood and outdoor learning programs show that children in these environments tend to:
- Move more.
- develop stronger motor skills.
- Gain confidence in what their bodies can do. \[6\]\[7\]\[8\]\[9\]
For many kids (especially the wiggly ones), this movement isn’t “extra”—it’s how they actually *regulate*. They think better after they’ve moved their bodies in meaningful ways.
## **3. Nature isn’t just the backdrop—it’s the classroom**
You might be thinking, ‘Sure, recess outside is great. But do they actually learn out there?’ This is at the heart of what nature-based learning for kids in Toronto is really about — and the research says yes
Short answer: yes. And when schools use nature *intentionally*, the benefits get even stronger.
A 2022 systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning found that when lessons are moved into natural spaces—rather than just adding outdoor play—students can show gains in the following:
- academic skills,
- social skills,
- confidence, and
- overall well-being. \[8\]
Another 2024 review looked at **school-led greenspace interventions**—things like outdoor classes, greened schoolyards, and nature walks. The pattern was encouraging: these programs often improved **children’s mood, physical activity, and social relationships.** \[4\]
That’s exactly Oak’s lane. We’re not simply letting kids loose in the park; we’re actively using the following:
- **Math in motion** – measuring sticks, pacing distances, counting steps
- **Science in real ecosystems** – life cycles at the pond, soil in the school garden
- **Literacy outdoors** – nature journals, storytelling circles under trees
- **Art in context** – land art, bark rubbings, colour studies in different seasons
All of this happens in small groups, with trusted adults, in the same local spaces your child passes on a regular day.
## **4. Nature connection: why it matters that kids feel they belong outside**
It’s not just about time outside; it’s also about **how connected kids feel to nature.**
A 2023 systematic review on children’s “nature connectedness” found that kids who feel emotionally connected to the natural world tend to report the following:
- higher life satisfaction,
- better mood and well-being, and
- more caring attitudes toward the environment. \[1\]
You don’t build that connection in a single field trip. Genuine nature-based learning for kids in Toronto means returning to the same spaces, seasons after season, until the natural world starts to feel like home.
You build it when:
- your class visits the **same tree** throughout the year and notices it changing.
- you start to recognize the ducks that hang out at the same spot on the lake.
- you learn that “bad weather” mostly means “different gear.”
- and your school treats nature as a partner in learning, not just a backdrop.
Oak’s motto—**Creativity \| Confidence \| Community**—fits perfectly with this research. \[1\]\[3\] When children feel part of a community *and* part of their local landscape, they carry that grounding into the rest of their lives.
## **5. How Oak brings **nature-based learning for kids in Toronto** to your family (without needing a cottage).**
Here’s what all this looks like in real life for your child:
- **“Forest School in the City” as a real option
Oak Outside turns local parks and green spaces into vibrant outdoor classrooms. Kids learn through hands-on exploration, inquiry, and play—right in the heart of Toronto.
- **Outdoor education built into the school day
At Oak, outdoor learning isn’t a bonus day; it’s part of the routine. Our programs blend math, literacy, science, and social studies with forest-school philosophy—often with *at least* a couple of hours outside each day.
- **Camps that extend the benefits
Summer, March Break, PA Day, and Holiday Camps all include big chunks of outdoor time: themed adventures, nature walks, art in the park, and waterfront exploration. That means your child can keep their “nature battery” topped up year-round.
- **Small groups, big presence
Because Oak runs with **small class sizes**, teachers can actually notice how each child responds to different environments—who calms down near water, who thrives on climbing, and who needs a quiet sit-spot—and adjust the day accordingly.
For a busy Toronto parent, this means you don’t have to carve out three evenings a week to drive to faraway forests. You’re choosing a school that **bakes nature into your child’s everyday life.**
#### **References**
1. Arola, T., Aulake, M., Ott, A., Lindholm, J., Kouvonen, A., Virtanen, P., & Paloniemi, R. (2023). The impacts of nature connectedness on children’s well-being: Systematic literature review. *Journal of Environmental Psychology, 85*, 101913. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101913>
2. Cronshaw, G., Midouhas, E., Murage, P., & Flouri, E. (2025). The role of neighbourhood greenspace quantity on mental health and cognitive development in early to middle childhood: A multilevel growth curve analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study. *Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 30*(2), 159–167. <https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12767>
3. Lomax, T., Butler, J., Cipriani, A., & Singh, I. (2024). Effect of nature on the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents: Meta-review. *The British Journal of Psychiatry*. <https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2024.109>
4. Ly, V., & Vella-Brodrick, D. A. (2024). Effects of school-led greenspace interventions on mental, physical, and social well-being in children and adolescents: A systematic review. *Educational Psychology Review, 36*, 133. <https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-024-09963-1>
5. Goldenberg, G., Atkinson, M., Dubiel, J., & Wass, S. (2024). Outdoor learning in urban schools: Effects on 4–5-year-old children’s noise and physiological stress. *Journal of Environmental Psychology, 97*, 102362. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102362>
6. Zare Sakhvidi, M. J., Mehrparvar, A. H., Zare Sakhvidi, F., & Dadvand, P. (2023). Greenspace and health, well-being, physical activity, and development in children and adolescents: An overview of the systematic reviews. *Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, 32*, 100445. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coesh.2023.100445>
7. Banwell, N., Mwakasangula, E., Ghosh, A., et al. (2024). Greenspaces and health outcomes in children and adolescents: A scoping review. *Environmental Pollution, 329*, 121802. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121802>
8. Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Sahlberg, P., Bentsen, P., & Passy, R. (2022). Getting out of the classroom and into nature: A systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning on school children’s learning and development. *Frontiers in Public Health, 10*, 877058. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.877058>
Johnstone, A., Martin, A., Cordovil, R., et al. (2022). Nature-based early childhood education and children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development: A mixed-methods systematic review. *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19*(10), 5967. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19105967
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**Categories:** Education
---
### [3 Plasticine Activities for Kids' Development](https://oaklearners.ca/plasticine-activities-kids-development/)
**Published:** April 20, 2026
**Author:** Daniela Urbina
**Content:**
# **3** **activited that include plastiline**
Kids usually love to play with plasticine. The bright colours, the squish, the endless shapes… It’s all very inviting. But from a child-development point of view, plasticine is doing something much deeper:
Plasticine, which is usually **firmer and more resistant than playdough**, makes little hands work just a bit harder; quietly training **hand strength, fine motor control, focus, planning, and even early literacy and numeracy skills**.
Recent research shows that activities using playdough, clay, or plasticine can significantly improve fine motor skills in early childhood, including cutting, colouring, tracing letters, and shaping objects. \[1\]\[2\] In turn, fine motor skills are moderately and reliably linked to children’s reading, writing, mathematics, and broader cognitive development. \[3\]\[4\]
Below are three ways we love using plasticine.
## **Why plasticine is such a powerful “brain tool”**
Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the hands and fingers plus hand–eye coordination. These skills support tasks like:
- holding a pencil,
- buttoning clothes,
- manipulating math manipulatives, and
- tracing or writing letters and numbers. \[1\]\[5\]
Multiple recent reviews show that **fine motor development is not just “nice to have”**—it’s tied to:
- early reading and writing,
- numeracy, and
- cognitive skills such as working memory and executive functions (planning, inhibition, flexibility). \[3\]\[4\]\[7\]
So when kids squeeze, roll, and shape plasticine, they’re not just “keeping busy”. They’re building foundational skills that connect directly to learning.
## **Why plasticine instead of softer playdough?**
Both are great. Research using playdough shows clear improvements in fine motor skills in early childhood. \[2\] Plasticine, however, is typically:
- **denser and more resistant**, requiring more finger strength and sustained effort, and
- **less likely to collapse** when building small, detailed forms, which supports more complex, goal-directed projects (think letters, miniature models, detailed 3D pictures).
An experimental study comparing plasticine and clay play in young children found that both materials improved fine motor performance (cutting, colouring, tracing letters, and object-making), and highlighted how these materials help children regulate finger muscle strength—pressing with the right amount of force. \[1\] That graded force is exactly what kids need later when writing with pencils or using tools.
So in practice:
- **Playdough** is fantastic for exploration, big shapes, and quick, soft manipulation.
- **Plasticine** shines when you want more resistance (hand strengthening), finer detail, and projects that hold their shape longer—like dioramas, 3D “paintings”, or crisp letters and numbers.
## **3 ways to use plastiline**
### **1. Sculptures and dioramas: small hands, big stories**
**What it looks like**
Set out some plasticine, a piece of cardboard or a little box, and invite your child to “build a tiny world.”
They might make:
- a jungle with snakes and tigers,
- a space scene with planets and rockets, or
- a mini version of the playground or their favourite show.
Suddenly the cardboard turns into a stage, and the plasticine becomes the cast.
**What’s happening for your child**
- **Stronger, steadier hands
- **Planning without a worksheet
As they build their tiny world, kids make all kinds of choices—what to add, where to put it, and how to fix it when it doesn’t work. Those small decisions are gentle practice for the planning and problem-solving they’ll use at school and in daily life
- **Feelings and stories in 3D
A diorama gives children a way to show what matters to them—friends, worries, favourite places—without needing the perfect words. Art and craft activities like these are linked with better mood and a stronger sense that life is meaningful, even in large research studies with adults. \[6\] For kids, it’s an easy, safe way to say, “This is my world.”
**Easy ideas for home or classroom**
- “Can you make a tiny park/playground/farm?”
- “Let’s make the ocean and choose what lives there.”
- “Build your favourite scene from this story we just read.”
In class, use dioramas to show a moment from a book, a community scene, or even a science topic (habitats, planets, life cycles).
###
**2. “3D painting”: plasticine as squishy paint**
**What it looks like**
Spread out cardboard, canvas, or thick paper. Show your child how to:
- press plasticine flat to make a colourful background,
- roll little pieces and stick them on top,
- blend and smudge colours together with their fingers, and
- add raised lines, spirals, or dots for extra “pop”.
It’s like painting, but the picture gently pops off the page.
**What’s happening for your child**
- **Two hands working together
One hand usually holds the cardboard still while the other places and smooths the plasticine. That kind of two-hand teamwork, plus eye–hand coordination, is a big part of fine motor development. \[1\]\[2\]
**Movements that feel like early writing practice
When children make thin lines, little curves, and controlled dots with plasticine, they’re rehearsing movements that are very similar to those used in handwriting—just in a much more playful way.
- **Calm through repetition
Rolling, pressing, and smoothing can be wonderfully calming for many kids.
- **Joy and pride in making something
For children, that sense of, *“I made this!”* is powerful for confidence and emotional wellbeing.
**Easy ideas for home or classroom**
- Invite kids who dislike drawing: “Instead of drawing a tree, can you *build* one on the page?”
- Ask them to show different textures: rough bark, smooth water, fluffy clouds, scratchy grass.
- Turn 3D paintings into “touch and tell” pictures: children can describe what each part feels like as well as what it looks like.
- In class, use 3D plasticine pictures as covers for stories, science posters, or “all about me” projects.
### **3. Forming letters and numbers: plasticine as a literacy buddy**
**What it looks like**
Instead of only tracing letters and numbers with a pencil, children:
- roll plasticine into long “snakes”,
- bend them into letter or number shapes on a mat or card, and
- sometimes trace over the finished shape with a finger.
You end up with bumpy, colourful letters and numbers that kids *want* to touch.
**Why this matters for learning**
- **Hands getting ready for pencil work
When kids build letters and numbers with plasticine, they are strengthening the same muscles and control they’ll need for writing later on.
- **Learning with eyes, ears, and hands together
When a child makes a letter, they can:
- *see* its shape,
- *feel* its bumps and curves,
- *move* their hand along the path, and
- *say* the sound or number name out loud.
- **Maths you can hold
Building numbers, making “sets” (like five plasticine apples), or modelling simple equations (three apples + two more) gives children a very concrete way to explore quantity.
**Easy ideas for home or classroom**
- Print or draw big bubble letters and numbers. Invite children to “dress” them with plasticine snakes.
- Start with letters that are meaningful: their name, a sibling’s name, or a favourite word (“DOG”, “CAT”, “SUN”).
- Ask, “Can you build the number of people in our family?” or “How many kids are here today? Let’s build that number.”
- For older children, use plasticine to build math symbols (+, −, ×, =) and small arrays (like a 3 × 4 grid of dots) to show multiplication in a tactile way.
## **References**
1. Sutapa, P., Suharjana, S., Ndayisenga, J., & Salleh, M. (2021). Improving of fine motor skills through plasticine playing and clay in early childhood. *Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry, 12*(7), 2427–2436. [https://www.tojqi.net/index.php/journal/article/view/4115 ](https://www.tojqi.net/index.php/journal/article/view/4115)
2. Darizal, D., Sutapa, P., Suhartini, B., Sabillah, M. I., & Annasai, F. (2023). The effect of playdough play on early childhood fine motor improvement in Yogyakarta National Kindergarten. *International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 6*(3), 879–883. [https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v6-i3-04 ](https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v6-i3-04)
3. Li, Y., Wu, X., Ye, D., Zuo, J., & Liu, L. (2025). Research progress on the relationship between fine motor skills and academic ability in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6*, 1386967. [https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1386967 ](https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1386967)
4. Suggate, S. P., Karle, V. L., Kipfelsberger, T., & Stoeger, H. (2025). Keep the hands in mind: A meta-analysis of correlations between fine motor skills and reading, writing, mathematics, and cognitive development in children and adolescents. *Educational Research Review, 49*, 100748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2025.100748
5. Bosgraaf, L., Spreen, M., Pattiselanno, K., & van Hooren, S. (2024). Affect regulating art therapy for children and adolescents experiencing psychosocial problems. *International Journal of Art Therapy, 29*(2), 88–96. <https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2023.2208198>
6. Keyes, H., Gradidge, S., Forwood, S. E., Gibson, N., Harvey, A., Kis, E., Mutsatsa, K., Ownsworth, R., Roeloffs, S., & Zawisza, M. (2024). Creating arts and crafting positively predicts subjective wellbeing. *Frontiers in Public Health, 12*, 1417997. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1417997>
7. Kazandjian, N., Harandian, K., Dufour, M.-M., Chichinina, E. A., Desmurget, M., & Pagani, L. S. (2025). Tracing the cognitive–motor connection: Prospective-longitudinal associations between early parent–toddler literacy activities and subsequent gross motor skills at school entry. *Children, 12*(11), 1431. <https://doi.org/10.3390/children12111431> [](http://7)
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**Categories:** Activities, Education
---
### [How Summer Camp Boosts Kids' Mood & Wellbeing](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
**Published:** January 10, 2026
**Author:** Daniela Urbina
**Excerpt:** The right kind of camp can act like a reset button for kids’ mood, confidence, and sense of connection—not just “something to do.” And the kind of camps Oak runs (small groups, nature, arts, movement, cozy community vibes) line up surprisingly well with what recent research says children need to feel well.
**Content:**
By the time summer rolls around, a lot of parents are asking the same quiet question: “Will camp actually help my child feel better… or is it just a week of keeping them busy?”
Short answer: the right kind of camp can act like a reset button for kids’ mood, confidence, and sense of connection—not just “something to do.” And the kind of camps Oak runs (small groups, nature, arts, movement, cozy community vibes) line up surprisingly well with what recent research says children need to feel well.
## 1. Why summer can be emotionally messy for kids
During the school year, kids have a built-in structure: predictable routines, classmates, teachers, and a rhythm to the day. Summer breaks that pattern. For some children, that feels like freedom; for others, it feels like drifting.
Recent research looking at summer holiday programs found that structured, child-centered programs—with caring adults and a mix of fun, physical activity, and social time—tend to support better mental health, self-esteem, and social skills, especially for kids who might otherwise feel isolated or inactive over the break.\[1\]
At the same time, Canadian data show that many young people are struggling with their mental health, with higher rates of low mood and worry, particularly among girls and gender-diverse youth.\[7\] That means spaces that feel safe, kind, and genuinely fun are not a luxury—they’re part of how we protect children’s wellbeing.
## 2. Why camp is a mood booster (not just a time-filler)
Think of a good summer camp as a quiet mental health recipe:
- Nature + movement
- Friendships + belonging
- Challenge + support
Research over the last few years suggests that this mix can have small but meaningful effects on children’s mood, resilience, and sense of self.
### **a) Nature + movement: a calmer, more flexible nervous system**
When kids spend time outdoors—running, climbing, exploring, or simply hanging out under trees—there’s more happening than tired legs and dirty socks.
A large meta-analysis of outdoor recreation programs for youth (ages 6–18) found that being active in nature is linked with better psychological wellbeing and social connection, and even more awareness and care for the environment.\[3\] Another recent review focusing on children and teens suggests that nature exposure can influence parts of the nervous system that regulate stress, attention, and emotional balance.\[4\]
In plain language:
- Being active outside, not just indoors, seems to help kids feel more settled and less stressed.
- Green spaces give their brains a break from screens, noise, and constant stimulation.
At Oak, summer camps weave in outdoor play, neighbourhood and riverside explorations, and “forest-school-style” time whenever possible. That isn’t just for fun—it matches what we know about nature as a gentle support for children’s mental health.\[3\]\[4\]
### **b) Friends, belonging, and “camp magic”**
Mood doesn’t just live inside a child’s brain; it lives in their relationships.
A 2024 study of a large youth camp found that, in less than two weeks, campers showed increases in empathy, emotional self-control, optimism, and self-esteem—as well as feeling more ready to contribute to their community.\[2\] Caring support from group leaders was a big part of that change.
Canadian national data also highlight how crucial supportive relationships are: young people who feel they belong at school and have positive connections report better mental health, even when life around them is stressful.\[7\]
When a camp is intentionally small and relational—like Oak’s 6:1 environments—it becomes easier for kids to:
- Be known by name, personality, and quirks
- Find “their people” in a small group rather than a huge crowd
- Try out new versions of themselves (the brave one, the leader, the helper) in a safe space
That sense of “these are my people” is deeply protective for mood and resilience.\[2\]\[7\]
### c) Little risks, big confidence
Trying the low ropes, leading a game, sharing an art project, or standing up for a friend—these are all tiny “adventures,” especially for children who are shy, anxious, or used to hanging back.
A meta-analysis of outdoor education programs found that they tend to boost adolescents’ self-efficacy—that inner belief of “I can handle this.”\[5\] A more recent systematic review of adventure-style programs reported benefits like better leadership, peer relationships, resilience, and life satisfaction, with reductions in mental health difficulties and stress.\[6\]
In other words, when children get the chance to:
- Problem-solve in real situations,
- Take safe, supported risks, and
- Discover that they *can* climb the rock, paddle the boat, or speak up in a group,
Their brains are collecting evidence that they’re capable. That’s a powerful buffer against low mood and anxiety.\[5\]\[6\]
Oak’s approach—small groups, consistent leaders, and a “you can try, and we’ll be right here” attitude—creates room for exactly those small, meaningful risks.
## References
1. Eglītis, H., Cente, N., Wolke, D., & Mooney, A. (2024). *Effect of summer holiday programs on children’s mental health and well-being: A systematic review.* Children, 11(8), 887. <https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080887>
2. Kirchhoff, E., Keller, R., & Blanc, B. (2024). *Empowering young people—The impact of camp experiences on personal resources, well-being, and community building.* Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1348050. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1348050>
3. Vasilaki, M.-M., Zafeiroudi, A., Tsartsapakis, I., Grivas, G. V., Chatzipanteli, A., Aphamis, G., Giannaki, C., & Kouthouris, C. (2025). *Learning in nature: A systematic review and meta-analysis of outdoor recreation’s role in youth development.* Education Sciences, 15(3), 332. <https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030332>
4. do Carmo, G. Q., Ayotte-Beaudet, J.-P., & Jordan, C. (2025). *A systematic review of the impacts of nature exposure on the nervous system in children and youth: Implications for nature-based learning.* Journal of Environmental Psychology, 102788. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102788>
5. Fang, B.-B., Lu, F. J. H., Gill, D. L., Liu, S. H., Chyi, T., & Chen, B. (2021). *A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of outdoor education programs on adolescents’ self-efficacy.* Perceptual and Motor Skills, 128(5), 1932–1958. <https://doi.org/10.1177/00315125211022709>
6. A. Ghani, R. B., Lau, P. W. C., Lu, N., Zhou, P., & Wang, J. J. (2025). *Investigating the impact of adventure education on children’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development: A mixed method systematic review.* PLOS ONE, 20(6), e0327181. <https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327181>
7. Craig, W., Pagnotta, V. F., Wadge, S., King, M., & Pickett, W. (2025). *The health of young people in Canada: Focus on mental health.* Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada, 45(9), 391. https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.45.9.05
- [## Summer Camps 2026
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**Categories:** Camps, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities, Parenting, Programming
**Tags:** camps, emotional regulation, kids, school routines, summer, summer break, summer camps
---
### [Language Learning: Expanding Vocabulary With Games](https://oaklearners.ca/language-learning-expanding-vocabulary-with-games/)
**Published:** March 30, 2021
**Author:** Marziyeh Modjtehedi
**Excerpt:** Continuing on the Language Learning series, here are four games that can help your older children expand their vocabulary in their target language!
**Content:**
Continuing on the Language Learning series, here are four games that can help your older children expand their vocabulary in their target language!
### Bingo
**Preparation:** You will need to create a vocabulary list, which consists of 25 words. Arrange each word to be written in a 5 x 5 card, so one word per section. There should be 5 words written under each letter in the word “Bingo”. You will also need to rewrite the words on individual pieces of paper to place in a box or hat. For intermediate learners, the words written on the scorecard can be written in the target language, and the words in the box can be written in English. For example, the caller will call out “corn”, and children will have to look for “le maïs” on their scorecard.
**How to play:** Bingo is a game played on a scorecard with 25 squares in total (5 x5) with the letters “BINGO” written on the top. The caller lists or “calls” out the words that they pick out from a box, all players with that word on their individual Bingo boards will cover that word or cross it off on the card. The goal of the game is to cover 5 of those squares in the vertical, horizontal or diagonal row and the first player to do so wins the game!
### The Matching Game
**How to play:**To play this game, create a list of vocabulary words in the language that you are learning and write those words on sticky notes or flashcards. One sticky note should only have one word written on it. Vocabulary lists can follow themes such as fruits, clothes, places etc. Once you’ve written the words down, write the translation of those words on another set of cards/sticky notes. The objective of the game is to be able to match the words in a foreign language with its English translation. The person with the most correct matched words wins the game.
### Guess That Language
This game can be played individually, in pairs or in groups
**How to play:**
#### If playing alone
You can write a vocabulary list down, and try to guess the translation. Or you can write words down on one side of a flashcard and the meaning on the other, and try to guess the translation written on the other side.
#### If playing in pairs
Set a time limit and get one person to read out a word. The other player has to guess the translation. The player who gets through the most flashcards within the time limit wins.
#### If playing in a group
Split the group into equal teams. Have one person read out the words. The team that raises their hand first, gets a chance to answer. If they answer correctly, they get one point. If they answer incorrectly, they lose a point and the other team can answer. The team that has the most points, wins.
### Taboo
**How to play:** To play this game, start off by writing words on flashcards. Players will each have a turn to pick a card and describe what is written on the card without actually saying the word. Meanwhile, their teammates have to guess the word that is being described. To make this trickier, a list of words that they cannot use in their explanations can be written down, forcing them to think outside of the box.
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Language Learning, Parenting
**Tags:** children, elementary games, elementary students, hands-on learning, learning language, literacy games, volcabulary games
---
### [Arts & Crafts: Superhero Clothespin!](https://oaklearners.ca/arts-crafts-superhero-clothespin/)
**Published:** April 15, 2021
**Author:** Kim Anh Vo
**Excerpt:** Superheroes are often seen as someone who has superpowers and saves our world from bad! However, our mothers, fathers, grandparents, teachers, friends and even our neighbours are superheroes too! Who is your favourite superhero?!
**Content:**
Superheroes are often seen as someone who has superpowers and saves our world from bad! However, our mothers, fathers, grandparents, teachers, friends and even our neighbours are superheroes too! Who is your favourite superhero?
**Materials**
- Wooden Clothespin
- Coloured Cardstock Paper (or Construction Paper
- Black Permanent Marker
- Scissors
- Glue
**Instructions**
1. Cut out a triangle with a flat top. Make sure the length of the triangle is the size of the wooden clothespin. This will be the superhero’s cape.
2. Cut out a small rectangle. Make sure they are slightly wider than the width of the clothespin. This will be the superhero’s mask.
3. Apply glue on one side of the clothespin and center it on the cape.
4. Apply a little bit of glue on the part that “pinches” on the clothespin and put the superhero’s mask on.
5. Using the black permanent marker, draw its eyes and mouth. You can also add a letter on its chest!
**Extend the Activity!**
To extend the activity, use the superhero clothespin in various activities such as math activities. Children can place their superhero clothespin on the answer to the math question given to them. Instead of superheroes, other characters or animals can also be made! With all the characters made, you can also do a puppet show.
### Have fun with your Superhero!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
---
### [Sensory Tools for Kids: The Brain Science](https://oaklearners.ca/sensory-tools-kids-brain-science/)
**Published:** November 1, 2025
**Author:** Daniela Urbina
**Excerpt:** At Oak Learners, we see these behaviours every day. To us, they’re not “bad habits” or “misbehaviour”. They’re often a form of sensory seeking: a child’s nervous system trying to get the input it needs to feel organized, calm, and ready to learn.
**Content:**
# sensory tools for kids at school
If you’ve ever watched a child spin in circles, chew on their hoodie strings, or bounce in their chair non-stop, you’ve probably wondered: What is going on in their brain?
At Oak Learners, we see these behaviours every day. To us, they’re not “bad habits” or “misbehaviour”. They’re often a form of sensory seeking: a child’s nervous system trying to get the input it needs to feel organized, calm, and ready to learn.
In this post, we’ll look at:
- What sensory processing and sensory seeking are
- How they show up in the brain and body
- Simple sensory tools we love at Oak—across ages and price ranges—that can support kids’ sensory needs in everyday life.
**What is sensory processing?**
Sensory processing is the way the brain **receives, organizes, and responds** to information from all of our senses.
Beyond the classic five senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch), we also have:
- **Vestibular**: our sense of balance and movement (inner ear).
- **Proprioception**: our sense of body position, pressure, and force in muscles and joints.
- **Interoception**: our “inside” sense—hunger, heartbeat, breathing, temperature, and internal comfort or discomfort \[1\].
The brain is constantly integrating signals from multiple senses at once to produce a smooth, coordinated response, that is called multisensory integration \[2\]. A successful integration of all the senses supports attention, learning and engaging socially \[2\].
## **What is sensory seeking?**
Not all nervous systems register sensory input in the same way.
Some children have **high neurological thresholds**—their brains need *more* sensory input to notice it. These children are often called **sensory seekers**: they’re the ones who crave big movement, loud sounds, strong pressure, or lots of touching, crashing, chewing, or spinning \[3\].
From a neuroscience and occupational therapy perspective, sensory seeking can be understood as the brain trying to:
- reach an ideal level of **arousal** (not too sleepy, not too wired),
- get clearer **body maps** through movement and pressure (vestibular and proprioceptive systems), and
- stabilize **mood and attention** using the body’s own chemistry.
For example, proprioceptive input—the heavy work of pushing, pulling, squeezing, and joint compression—is associated with the release of neurotransmitters like **serotonin**, which is linked to calming and mood regulation \[4\].
So that child who *always* wants to swing higher, jump farther, or squeeze into tight spaces is often not “seeking trouble”—they’re **seeking regulation**.
## **Why sensory input helps kids regulate**
Different types of sensory input affect the nervous system in different ways:
- **Vestibular input** (swinging, spinning, rocking) helps the brain understand where the body is in space and how it is moving. It’s powerful—supportive for some children, overwhelming for others \[1\].
- **Proprioceptive input** (pushing, pulling, lifting, deep pressure) tends to be organizing and calming for most nervous systems and can help “smooth out” both over- and under-responsiveness in other senses \[2\].
- **Deep pressure touch** (firm, even pressure) activates pathways that can reduce hyperarousal and stress, which is one proposed mechanism behind the calming effects of weighted blankets and other deep-pressure tools \[5\] \[6\].
The key message for families and educators is:
*Sensory input isn’t a “reward” or a “treat”—it’s often a core regulation need.*
## **Sensory tools we love at Oak**
Below are some of the simple sensory tools we use and recommend at Oak Learners, grouped by the kinds of sensory input they support. None of these replace individualized assessment by an occupational therapist, but they can be powerful everyday supports for many children.
### **1. Big movement & balance:**
- - Sensory swing
- Spinning chairs
- Wobble seats
- Balance / wobble boards
### **2. Heavy work & deep pressure:**
- - Elastic bands
- “River rocks” (stepping stones or balance stones)
- Weighted blankets
### **3. Oral & tactile input:**
- - Chewelery
- Ice cubes / juice cubes
- Art supplies **(**from crayons and markers to clay, slime, and textured paper—engage touch, vision, and sometimes smell all at once)
### **4. Micro-movement and rhythm:**
- - Fidget tools
- Elastic bands
- Wobble seats
- Musical instruments
## **How we choose sensory tools at Oak Learners**
Across all of these tools, a few guiding principles help us:
1. **Child-led, not adult-forced:** We offer options and watch how each child responds. A tool that calms one student might overwhelm another.
2. **Function first:** The goal is not to “get rid of” sensory behaviours but to channel them into safer, more functional outlets so children can participate, learn, and connect.
3. **Less is often more:** We introduce one or two tools at a time and observe carefully rather than filling the room with sensory items all at once.
4. **Safety and collaboration:** For students with complex needs, we collaborate with families, occupational therapists, and other professionals to select and use tools safely—especially for things like weighted items or high-intensity vestibular input.
5. **Every price range matters:** Many of the most powerful sensory supports—like heavy work, simple movement breaks, and basic art or music materials—are low cost or free.
## **References**
1. Kranowitz, C. S. (2025, February 14). *3 types of sensory disorders that look like ADHD*. ADDitude Magazine.[ https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/signs-of-sensory-processing-disorder/](https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/signs-of-sensory-processing-disorder/)
2. Dionne-Dostie, E., Paquette, N., Lassonde, M., & Gallagher, A. (2015). *Multisensory integration and child neurodevelopment*. **Brain Sciences, 5**(1), 32–57.[ https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci5010032](https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci5010032)
3. Developmental Pathways. (2020, December 22). **Sensory Seekers.** Educational article describing high neurological thresholds and sensory seeking behaviour in children.
4. Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust. (n.d.). **What type of sensory input do I need?** Patient information resource on sensory strategies and proprioception. [https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/resources/patient-resources/sensory-strategies-and-resource/what-type-of-sensory-input-do-i-need?utm\_source=chatgpt.com](https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/resources/patient-resources/sensory-strategies-and-resource/what-type-of-sensory-input-do-i-need?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
5. Yu, J., Yang, Z., Sun, S., Sun, K., Chen, W., Zhang, L., Xu, J., Xu, Q., Liu, Z., Ke, J., Zhang, L., & Zhu, Y. (2024). The effect of weighted blankets on sleep and related disorders: a brief review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 15, 1333015. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1333015>
6. Lönn, M., Aili, K., Svedberg, P., Nygren, J., Jarbin, H., & Larsson, I. (2023). *Experiences of using weighted blankets among children with ADHD and sleeping difficulties*. *Occupational Therapy International, 2023*(1), Article 1945290.[ https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/1945290](https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/1945290)
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**Categories:** Education, Mindfulness, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** classroom fidgets, classroom sensroy accomodations, sensory seeking, sensory therapy, sensory tools
---
### [2025-26 Update: Oak Learners Campus Changes](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-2025-26-campus-update/)
**Published:** August 31, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# 
# Changes at Oak Learners: A Note for Our Families
As we prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, we want to share an important update to our middle school programming. First and foremost, we thank you for your continued trust and support. We remain committed to delivering the high-quality, personalized education you expect from Oak Learners.
## One Community, One Campus
We have made the strategic decision to reunite all Oak Learners Micro School classes and enrichment programming together under one roof at the Royal York Campus. This is to better support our students and programs for the 2025-26 school year. All students currently registered for the Lake Shore Campus will be welcomed into classes at our Royal York Campus in September. This change allows us to strengthen our community and centralize resources while continuing to prioritize student well-being and academic success.
## Our Teaching Team Remains Strong
We understand that a stable, familiar teaching environment is important for your child’s success. Our dedicated teaching team at the Royal York Campus remains consistent and committed. Returning elementary teachers Karen Stern (OCT), Meriam Rekkas (OCT), and Audrey Schatz (OCT) will continue to provide the exceptional learning experience. Their continuity ensures a seamless transition for all students.
## **A Farewell and a Thank You**
Mishka Khilnani, a valued member of our community, is moving on to pursue new career opportunities. We are deeply grateful for her contributions to Oak Learners and wish her every success in the chapter ahead.
## Looking Forward
We are incredibly excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to build an even stronger, more vibrant learning environment for your children. We look forward to a year of growth, shared success, and new possibilities ahead.
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**Categories:** Announcements.
---
### [A Magical Evening of Music and Theatre at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/a-magical-evening-of-music-and-theatre-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** June 25, 2025
**Author:** Mishka Khilnani
**Excerpt:** On June 5th, Oak Learners wrapped up the 2024–2025 school year with a spectacular outdoor concert at Amos Waites Park. Students from our Day School, B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) program, and private music lessons took to the stage to share the music and theatre pieces they’ve been working so hard on all year.
**Content:**
# A Night to Remember: Oak Learners’ End-of-Year Concert
On June 5th, Oak Learners wrapped up the 2024–2025 school year with a spectacular outdoor concert at Amos Waites Park. Students from our Day School, B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) program, and private music lessons took to the stage to share the music and theatre pieces they’ve been working so hard on all year.
It was an evening full of talent, heart, and celebration. Our dedicated music teachers stood beaming from the wings or joined their students on stage, while day school staff, before and after care educators, parents, and admin were behind the scenes—fixing costumes, offering last-minute hugs, and cheering everyone on. With the event expertly hosted by Mishka and Aaron, the audience was warmly welcomed into an unforgettable showcase.
## Setting the Stage: Our Youngest Performers Shine
The show opened with our youngest performers singing *“All in the Golden Afternoon”* from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. Wearing bright, cheerful flower hats, the children lit up the stage with their smiles and set the tone for the joyful evening ahead.
## Down the Rabbit Hole: The Micro School’s Alice in Wonderland
Next, our Micro School students transported us to a whimsical dream world with their creative rendition of Alice in Wonderland. They didn’t just act—they designed props, styled their own costumes, and truly brought the story to life. This performance was both playful and imaginative, captivating audience members of all ages.
## B.A.S.E. Camp Brings the Energy
Then came the high-energy performance from our B.A.S.E. Camp students, who sang “Today’s Gonna Be a Great Day” from Phineas and Ferb, with some Oak Learners-style flair. In full costume and with boundless enthusiasm, 20 students danced and sang their hearts out, creating a seamless bridge to the solo music performances that followed.
### Private Music Students Take Centre Stage
From there, our talented private music students took centre stage:
- Adam and Aariz wowed the crowd with a Beatles medley featuring Aariz on drums.
- Leia and Sofia delivered sweet, on-pitch renditions of Do-Re-Mi and Old MacDonald Had a Song on piano.
- Aariz returned to accompany his sister Tharya on Winnie the Pooh—a beautiful sibling duet on drums and piano.
### Solo Spotlight: A Showcase of Individual Talent
The stage was then graced with a variety of solo performances:
- Evelyn played “Willow” by Taylor Swift on the ukulele, followed by Willow performing “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran.
- Kai and Eleanor filled the park with melody through “Little Bird” and “Jazzy Joe” on piano.
- Nicholas brought nostalgic charm with “On Top of Old Smokey,” while Everleigh, Hayleigh, and Matteo offered lovely renditions of “Balloons,” “Mister Bluebird,” “I Forgot That You Existed,” and “Chess/Rat Dance.”
Our Micro School students weren’t done yet:
- Anika took the spotlight as a solo vocalist with “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish—her third performance of the night!
- Hamdi showcased his piano talent with “Green Hill Zone” from Sonic the Hedgehog.
- Cassandra transformed from the Caterpillar in the play to a butterfly on stage, singing “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”
- And Erin, our Alice, closed her Wonderland chapter to sing “Young and Sad” by Noah Cyrus as herself, leaving the crowd enchanted.
### Micro School Moments: From Wonderland to the Spotlight
The night also highlighted the many sibling duos and family vibes that Oak is known for:
- Case and Harlow performed “Lean on Me” together on piano.
- Eleanor and Amelia formed their own trio with their teacher Celine, as Amelia sang “Rainbow Connection” and “Let It Be” with Eleanor on ukulele and Celine on piano.
It was truly a magical evening. The growth in confidence, skill, and creativity we witnessed from our young performers was incredible. As the sun set over the park, we knew one thing for certain: these students are already dreaming up what they’ll bring to the stage next year.
[  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PXL_20250605_225057899-scaled.jpg?ssl=1 "PXL_20250605_225057899")
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### PXL\_20250606\_000518050.MP
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**Categories:** BASE Camps, Education, Music, School Life, Student Showcase
---
### [Universal Design and Differentiated Instruction: A New Perspective](https://oaklearners.ca/universal-design-vs-differentiated-instruction-personalized-learning/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Mishka Khilnani
**Excerpt:** At Oak Learners, we are committed to creating a learning environment that celebrates the individuality of each child. Through the integration of UDL and DI, we offer flexible, differentiated learning opportunities that support every student’s unique journey.
**Content:**
At [Oak Learners Micro School](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/), we believe in fostering the individuality of each child, recognizing that every learner has their own unique strengths. In our progressive inquiry-based programming, we strive to create an environment where students have the freedom to take ownership of their learning journey. Central to this philosophy are two educational frameworks—Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI)—which guide us in creating personalized learning experiences for every student.
These frameworks are foundational to Oak Learners’ approach, where every student engages in a cyclical process of identifying their own strengths, needs, goals, and interests. Through collaboration with teachers, peers, parents, and community members, they design inquiry-based projects. This guides their learning over the course of a term. This holistic and integrated approach ensures that each child’s learning experience is tailored to help them meet [Ontario Curriculum](https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/) expectations. All while preparing them for success in high school and beyond.
### **What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?**
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that strives to eliminate barriers to learning by offering flexible learning opportunities from the start. The key tenet of UDL is that it’s not the learner that needs to adapt to the curriculum. Rather, the curriculum should be designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their differences. We love this notion at Oak – kid’s don’t do the adapting, we do it for them! UDL focuses on providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression, ensuring that every learner has access to the curriculum in ways that best suit their individual learning profile.
At Oak Learners, UDL supports our inquiry-based approach by allowing students to engage with content in multiple ways. For example, a student might engage with a history project by reading, viewing a documentary, or discussing concepts with peers. This flexibility fosters independence and encourages creative thinking. Ensuring that students are able to access the content in the way that makes the most sense to them, enhancing their learning experience.
### **What is Differentiated Instruction (DI)?**
Differentiated Instruction (DI) is an approach that focuses on tailoring teaching to meet the diverse needs of students. Rather than assuming all students learn the same way, DI recognizes that each learner has different readiness levels, learning styles, and interests. Teachers use various strategies—such as adjusting content, processes, and products—to ensure that each student is challenged appropriately and supported in their learning.
At Oak Learners, DI plays a critical role in helping students develop self-awareness as learners. Each student’s educational journey is unique; they identify areas of strength and areas for growth. Teachers then differentiate the learning experience to meet each student’s individual needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to engage deeply with the material. This personalized approach fosters a sense of ownership over their learning and promotes confidence, motivation, and resilience.
### **How UDL and DI Work Together at Oak Learners**
While UDL and DI have distinct principles, they complement each other perfectly. Together, they provide a comprehensive framework for supporting individualized learning experiences. This ensures that students have the tools they need to succeed academically and personally. At Oak Learners, we use both frameworks to create a learning environment that is flexible, responsive, and holistic.
##### 1. Student-Centered Learning:
Both UDL and DI place the student at the center of the learning process. UDL provides flexible pathways to access content, while DI ensures that students’ individual needs are met with targeted support. At Oak Learners, students are encouraged to become advocates for their own learning. This builds self-awareness and motivation through active participation in the learning process. They work collaboratively with teachers to identify their goals and design projects that align with their interests and strengths.
##### 2. Flexibility and Adaptation:
In a micro-school like Oak Learners, flexibility is key. UDL’s emphasis on multiple means of representation allows us to adapt the curriculum to meet students where they are. DI helps us tailor instruction to ensure every student is appropriately challenged. Whether it’s offering different methods of learning, adjusting tasks, or incorporating real-world projects. Each educator provides an environment where students have the freedom to explore and learn in ways that work best for them. Our Bridge the Gap program is a prime example of the flexibility we offer at Oak Learners.
##### 3. Cross-Curricular and Real-World Projects:
At Oak Learners, we integrate skills for learning through cross-curricular projects that apply directly to real-world scenarios. By connecting skills across disciplines—such as literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and collaboration—we prepare students for the high school grades and beyond. This approach not only solidifies Ontario Curriculum expectations but also promotes the development of skills that are essential for lifelong learning. UDL and DI help us customize these experiences, ensuring that each student can engage meaningfully with the content and build competencies in ways that resonate with them.
##### 4. Holistic, Inquiry-Based Approach:
Our interdisciplinary, inquiry-based model is the perfect environment for the application of UDL and DI. Through inquiry-based projects, students explore complex questions, solve real-world problems, and connect their learning to the world around them. UDL’s multiple means of engagement, paired with DI’s differentiation strategies, allow us to provide a rich, supportive environment where students are not just learning content, but developing the skills and mindset needed for future success.
### Conclusion: A Personalized, Student-Centered Journey
At Oak Learners, we are committed to creating a learning environment that celebrates the individuality of each child. Through the integration of UDL and DI, we offer flexible, differentiated learning opportunities. This approach not only helps students meet Ontario Curriculum expectations but also empowers them to become lifelong learners. Studens are equipped with the confidence, skills, and motivation they need to succeed in high school and beyond.
As we continue to build a community of learners who are self-aware, independent, and inquisitive, we are proud to provide an educational experience that sets students on a path of meaningful growth and success.
*Source: <https://www.novakeducation.com/blog/udl-vs-differentiated-instruction-a-new-perspective>*
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**Categories:** Education, School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** differentiated instruction, inquiry based learning, inquiry learning, oak learners, personalized learning, private school, project based learning, universal design for learning
---
### [Inquiry-based Learning Through flight: Exploring the Wonders](https://oaklearners.ca/flight-unit-inquiry-learning-oak-learners/)
**Published:** March 2, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The students of Oak Learners recently completed an incredible six-week journey into the fascinating world of flight. This unit was an immersive experience for both students and teachers, blending creativity, hands-on exploration, and cross-curricular connections to make learning come alive.
**Content:**
# Inquiry-based learning through flight
The students of Oak Learners recently completed an incredible and fascinating six-week inquiry-based learning through flight. This unit was an immersive experience for both students and teachers. It blended creativity, hands-on exploration, and cross-curricular connections to make learning come alive.
## **A Flying Start**
The unit took off in style, led by Mishka Khilnani, who made every effort to inspire her students from day one. For the first week, she transformed herself into a different flight-related character each day. This transformation sparked curiosity and excitement as students walked through the doors each morning. The school itself became an airport, complete with passports, boarding passes, baggage x-rays, and security checkpoints. This imaginative kickoff set the tone for a learning adventure like no other.
## **Inquiry-based Learning Across the Curriculum**
Flight became the central theme connecting Science, Math, Literacy, Arts, and Outdoor Education. Each discipline offered unique insights into the wonders of flight:
**Science**: Students explored the history and mechanics of flight. From the earliest Chinese kites to modern electric planes powered by renewable energy. They delved into the properties and forces of flight, learning about lift, thrust, drag, and weight through engaging hands-on activities. Students also connected these concepts to living organisms, studying how birds, insects, and even bats achieve flight.
**Math**: Measurement played a starring role as students learned about measurement units and conversions in the classroom before applying their knowledge outdoors. Activities included estimating and measuring areas of their favorite outdoor locations and calculating the circumference of trees. These real-world applications deepened their understanding while keeping them engaged and active.
**Literacy**: Reading activities centered on flight-related texts, expanding students’ vocabulary and comprehension of key terms essential to their learning. Writing exercises included labeling diagrams of airplanes and creating reflections on their learning experiences.
**Arts**: Creativity soared as students crafted a stunning 3D timeline showcasing the history of flight. This collaborative project is now proudly displayed at the Lakeshore campus, serving as a testament to their hard work and collective learning.
**Outdoor Education**: The natural environment became an extension of the classroom, where students participated in measurement activities, paper plane experiments, and tree-based geometry challenges. We even took a turn at creating our own kites and taking them to the skies! It was a very windy day and we had some setbacks but the students learned from them and knew how they would alter future designs so their kites could soar to their potential. Outdoor Learning added an exciting dimension to the unit, fostering curiosity and teamwork.
### **Experiential Learning Highlights**
One of the hallmarks of this unit was the emphasis on experiential learning. Students had the opportunity to:
- Watch airplanes land, observing flight mechanics in real time.
- Take part in flight simulations, experiencing the thrill of piloting an aircraft.
- Visit the [Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum](https://oaklearners.ca/middle-school-students-visit-the-canadian-warplane-heritage-museum/), connecting history and innovation.
- Design, test, and analyze their own paper planes, kites, and flying devices, combining creativity and scientific inquiry.
### **Inquiry-based Learning Through flight: Reflecting on the Journey**
Through this unit, students not only gained knowledge about flight but also developed skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. The hands-on approach and interdisciplinary connections ensured that every child was engaged and inspired.
Our students have come away with a deeper appreciation for the marvels of flight and the impact it has on our world. From their excited chatter about visiting the museum to their proud presentations of custom-designed flying devices, it’s clear that this unit left a lasting impression.
We are so proud of our young aviators and cannot wait to see where their learning journeys will take them next. At Oak Learners, we’re committed to creating learning experiences that inspire curiosity, foster growth, and, above all, make education an adventure.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore, create, and learn together in our next unit which will take us around the world!
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**Categories:** School Life, Student Showcase
**Tags:** experiential learning, flight project, flight unit, hands-on learning, lake shore campus, learning about flight, literacy, math project, mathematics, oak learners, project based learning, timeline
---
### [Fake Snow Experiments in Aftercare](https://oaklearners.ca/fake-snow-experiments-in-aftercare/)
**Published:** January 28, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Aftercare at Oak Learners is a time for fun and learning in creative ways. Fake snow week was by far Rowyn's favourite week of the 24/25 school year. It will be hard to beat!
**Content:**
The Friday before the winter break supplied us with a nice snowfall. The aftercare kids didn’t want to walk, they wanted to play in the snow. So I promised them we could play at Oak Learners and we were happy to discover the garden was full of untouched snow. We made quick work of turning every bit of pristine snow into chaos. So, I told the kids after the holidays if there was snow we could play in it again. But, when we returned from the holidays there was no snow.
Well, it was decided that we needed to make snow!!
However, I found 5 recipes and had no idea which one would be best. Time for trial and error: I opted to try a couple of them to compare. Armed with baking soda, corn flour, hair conditioner, and shaving cream, the aftercare kids and I set about to make the best snow we could!
Naturally, this made way for high levels of excitement, squeals of delight, and a lot of mess! It was arguably my favourite week in aftercare (so far) despite all the extra clean up required.
On the first day of recipe making, we mixed baking soda with shaving cream. Some of our Rangers (older kids) helped me out by leading the experiment with the different groups by adding more ingredients and helping to mix everything up.
## The Aftercare Cleanup!!
Hands quickly became caked in the mixture and needed frequent washing.
When you bake with baking soda at home, I doubt you get it everywhere as you’re only using small amounts. But, well, we were pouring whole boxes into bowls and mixing it with our hands; so as you can imagine, it was everywhere!
We managed to pull together a decent packing-type of snow in our bowls and I popped it into the refrigerator to keep for the comparison stage.
I then proceeded to clean it all up off of the bathroom floor and myself. It was then that I realized I would wear the same pants every day so I didn’t get any more covered in powdery substances. I even had to tell medical professionals at my appointment that I work with kids so they didn’t just think I was a slob. Kids are a fantastic excuse for just about everything, so I’ve learned.
The next recipe is where we started to understand the ingredients better and make changes. We started with a mix of corn flour and hair conditioner and ended up with some pinky orange “snow” since that’s what we had to work with. But, we found that the hair conditioner didn’t add the nice level of fluff the shaving cream had. So we began adding some of the shaving cream. We ended up with more of a cloud dough.
## The Cleaning Never Ends….
That night, I discovered that I had been touching everything with my powdery hands and had to go around the school cleaning up everything that I touched and then discovered that I had also been walking around with it on my face the whole time. No one bothered to tell me, but I work with kids so it’s ok.
Thursday was the day to pull them both out and compare and troubleshoot. That’s when the real experimentation began.
We discovered that the shaving cream added volume and lightness to the mixes but that the hair conditioner held the dry ingredients together better so the mixing began.
The baking soda/shaving cream mix had some conditioner added and we learned that the mixture stayed cold without the fridge. It also was the most like packing snow. But it was also the messiest and this was not okay with the principal. Oops!
Shaving cream was added to the corn flour/hair conditioner mix, but inevitably ended up remaining a cloud dough instead of a snow texture.
This was also when we made the biggest mess on the floors. Noted.
I don’t know how it got on carpets in rooms we weren’t in but, just like sparkles, things travel and you wonder if you can ever really get it all clean again. I again was happy to clean because that was the price of fun.
## Mission: Snow Troubleshooting
We talked about different ways to fix mixes that are too dry or too wet and what methods were used. We learned that the heat and movement of our hands helps to mold snowballs and cloud dough together even when it seems like it won’t stick and that adding a little bit more of the wet ingredients or a little bit more of the dry ingredients can get you to your intended texture.
Friday was the day we could finally play with the fake “snows.” It was also the day I learned that my snow was being evicted for cleanliness reasons. That’s the day the parents began to wonder how sane I was when I sent home a ball of cloud dough with every kid I could. Sorry about the mess but you know, friends share.
I wasn’t ready to part with my powdery packing snow though so I found a container and it now resides in my fridge for the very day it may make a reappearance. Sorry Kelly…sort of….not really.
So, if you are missing snow and want to make some, I recommend a mixture of baking soda, shaving cream and a little bit of hair conditioner to bind it. Don’t forget to have your cleaning tools ready!
As for measurements, it was more like an exploration. I’d say follow your heart but that only works with garlic. In this case lots of baking soda, lots of shaving cream and a little bit of hair conditioner. If you’re brave you can also add sparkles…maybe have a hand vac close by for clean-up.
## Best of luck on your snow making experimentation!
Resources: [Elf on the Shelf: Making Snow](https://elfontheshelf.com/blog/making-snow/)
---
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**Categories:** Activities, Arts & Crafts, BASE Camps, STEAM
---
### [Holiday Recital, December 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-recital-december-2024/)
**Published:** December 15, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The Oak Learners Annual Holiday Concert was hosted on December 10, 2024 at the Trident Banquet Hall. Displaying talents from the Oak Learners Music Students and Teachers, it was a night filled with ukuleles, pianos, singing and dancing and smiles.
**Content:**
The Oak Learners Annual Holiday Concert was hosted on December 10, 2024 at the Trident Banquet Hall.
Displaying talents from the Oak Learners [Music Students](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/) and Teachers, it was a night filled with ukuleles, pianos, singing and dancing and smiles. Individual and Duet performances featured a selection of traditional Christmas songs as well as pop music favourites from artists such as John Lennon and Taylor Swift. Oak Learners [Elementary Students](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) performed a song and skit together, featuring a Sharon, Lois and Bram Classic “Don’t Bring an Elephant”.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Oak-Learners-Holiday-Concert-Program-2024-3.png?ssl=1 "Oak Learners Holiday Concert Program 2024 (3)")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Oak-Learners-Holiday-Concert-Program-2024-1.png?ssl=1 "Oak Learners Holiday Concert Program 2024 (1)")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Oak-Learners-Holiday-Concert-Program-2024.jpg?ssl=1 "Oak Learners Holiday Concert Program 2024")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_6325.jpg?ssl=1 "IMG_6325")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_6349.jpg?ssl=1 "IMG_6349")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_6347.jpg?ssl=1 "IMG_6347")
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[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_6335.jpg?ssl=1 "IMG_6335")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_6330.jpg?ssl=1 "IMG_6330")
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[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_6345.jpg?ssl=1 "IMG_6345")
## Want to be part of a future recital? Join our [music program](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/) and learn a new instrument or improve your skills.
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**Categories:** Events, School Life
**Tags:** holiday concert, music lessons, oak learners, recital
---
### [Student Art at the Annual ‘Tis the Season Children’s Art Show](https://oaklearners.ca/student-art-at-the-annual-tis-the-season-childrens-art-show/)
**Published:** November 30, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Two students from Oak Learners have their artwork featured at this year's Tis the Season Art Show at the Assembly Hall at Humber College. Featuring art created by students from local schools, the works in this exhibition speaks to the seasonal changes from autumn to winter, like snowfalls and long periods of darkness, and the cultural traditions they help shape. The exhibition is open from November 19 to December 18, 2024.
**Content:**
Two students from Oak Learners have their artwork featured at this year’s [Tis the Season Art Show at the Assembly Hall](http://November%2019%20to%20December%2018) at Humber College. Featuring art created by students from local schools, the works in this exhibition speaks to the seasonal changes from autumn to winter, like snowfalls and long periods of darkness, and the cultural traditions they help shape. The exhibition is open from November 19 to December 18, 2024.
## **“Seasonal Changes” by Erin D.**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_20241130_124915-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_20241130_124927-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
## **“Torto” by Isaac N.**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_20241130_124921-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
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**Categories:** Announcements., School Life, Student Showcase
**Tags:** art, art exhibition, art show, assembly hall, etobicoke, lakeshore campus, middle school, oak learners
---
### [Middle School Students visit the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum](https://oaklearners.ca/middle-school-students-visit-the-canadian-warplane-heritage-museum/)
**Published:** November 30, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners Middle School students took a field trip to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum on November 22, 2024. Our unit on Flight took on new meaning as students learned about the history of warplanes and the impact that RCAF aviators had on history.
**Content:**
Students take flight! 🛫
Oak Learners Middle School students took a field trip to the [Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum](https://www.warplane.com/) on November 22, 2024.
Our unit on [Flight](https://oaklearners.ca/%e2%9c%88%ef%b8%8f-learning-is-taking-flight-at-oak-learners-lakeshore-campus/) took on new meaning as students learned about the history of warplanes and the impact that RCAF aviators had on history. Historical planes, artifacts and patient knowledgeable volunteers brought history and flight science to life for us today. Students had the opportunity to sit in vintage planes and touch all of the gears and knobs! What an incredible experience!
Our friend Alan, owner of [DNA Systems,](https://g.co/kgs/PrRr6cX) came with us and even lent a hand to the museum staff who were trying to get their flight simulators working!! Alan has been sharing his passion for planes and flying with our students throughout his working relationship with Oak Learners. Our students absolutely love when Alan brings his flight simulator to class, so he was the perfect chaperone and personal guide for this field trip!
> [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCsfREZuDYH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)[A post shared by Oak Learners (@oaklearners)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCsfREZuDYH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)
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**Categories:** School Life
**Tags:** canadian warplane heritage museum, cross curricular learning, field trip, flight, hands-on learning, middle school, oak learners, project based learning
---
### [Art in B.A.S.E. at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/art-in-b-a-s-e-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** November 19, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** At Oak Learners Before and After School Enrichment Program we explore a range of activities. I absolutely love doing art with the kids! I get to teach them about new materials, how to use art materials properly to keep them working well for longer, and information about the projects and topics we are working on. I love the exploration, creativity, and learning opportunities that art provides.
**Content:**
At Oak Learners [Before and After School Enrichment Program](https://oaklearners.ca/before-and-after-school-program/) we explore a range of activities. We have Brain Training which is used to do homework and other brain building activities such as writing practice, reading, and spelling. Hands on activities for fun activities like building towers and creating patterns. Movement for motor skills exploration. Music class to introduce the kids to instruments, rhythms, and more. And my favourite, Art.
I absolutely love doing art with the kids! I get to teach them about new materials, how to use art materials properly to keep them working well for longer, and information about the projects and topics we are working on. I love the exploration, creativity, and learning opportunities that art provides.
As Oak Learners is also a [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) we get to use the guidance of their planning to help us with our [B.A.S.E](https://oaklearners.ca/before-and-after-school-program/) projects. In October our [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) kids learned about Indigenous ways of life 600 years ago. So, naturally, for [B.A.S.E](https://oaklearners.ca/before-and-after-school-program/) we enjoyed learning about the same topic. We started with planning out our villages which made for fantastic discussions on why Indigenous people lived the way they did, what made sense, what was practical and what was available to them.
Our older groups of kids (Saplings and Rangers) asked a lot of questions about resources such as food and water and why they used the materials they did. Once we had created a plan on paper for what we thought we wanted to bring to life in a miniature village we moved on to brainstorming the types of materials we could use.
Once we had a plan we started by bringing our plans onto pieces of cardboard, first by sketching areas and then by painting a base layer of green and blue. Then we had to interpret the paper plans to the larger base and decide on where we would place trees, teepees, the central fire pit, crops, and more.
For the rocks we used clay, the sitting logs we used sticks. A fun project was an experiment in using real dirt from outside for the base of the firepit area. We found that we couldn’t use hot glue because it clumped and was hard to spread out onto the entire area we needed to cover. So we used regular school glue, covered the area using the surrounding clay stones as a barrier and then piled on dirt to cover the glue. There were some problems. The glue leaked out of the area so I had to keep cleaning that up and we ended up repainting the area later on. The dirt-glue area also took a few days to dry. In the end it looked great though.
For trees we hot glued on fir branches cut down to size and used skewers (and a YouTube video) to create teepees. The kids then painted them with simple, colourful designs. Once the teepees were ready we also glued them to the base. The rocks, water area, and grass areas received more fresh paint and then we added some weeds for crops.
While we didn’t get to finish everything we had wanted to, we had a lot of fun creating our mini villages and learned a lot of interesting facts. The kids learned about wet areas for crop maintenance, communal living, available materials, and the Indigenous use of resources. Of course they also got to see art materials in a different way and I hope that from now on they will have a wider range of art materials in mind for future projects.
I’m already looking forward to the next projects and can’t wait to share them in the next Oak Learners unit showcase in a few weeks.
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts, Programming, School Life
**Tags:** afterschool program, art, art class, base camp, before and after school, cross curricular learning, etobicoke, mimico, oak learners, project based learning
---
### [✈️ Learning is taking flight at Oak Learners Lakeshore Campus](https://oaklearners.ca/✈️-learning-is-taking-flight-at-oak-learners-lakeshore-campus/)
**Published:** November 12, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The adventure has officially begun at Oak Learners: Lakeshore Campus! Our Middle School "Flight" unit is soaring to new heights and we couldn’t be more excited!
**Content:**
The adventure has officially begun at Oak Learners: Lakeshore Campus! Our Middle School “Flight” unit is soaring to new heights and we couldn’t be more excited!
Under the guidance of our passionate lead teacher and vice principal, Mishka, who is making learning take-off (lol) in style by dressing up as a different flight-related character each day, the students are already immersed in hands on, inquiry-based experiences. During the first week, we kicked things off with a flight simulation and a trip to watch airplanes land- just the beginning of an action-packed 6 weeks ahead!
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With a focus on experiential-learning, our unit connects the science of flight to math (think measurement of speed, altitude, and distance!) and tons of STEM opportunities. Middle School students kicked off their exploration of area and measurement in the best classroom of all – the great outdoors 🌲 With real-life measuring tools ⚒️ in hand, they distances, learned practical math skills, and discovered how math applies to the world around them. This is more than just numbers it’s about DOING to learn, sparking curiosity, and building confidence. Every step is an adventure here, where creativity and community are at the heart of everything we do.
The sky’s the limit for these learners as we explore aviation in a way that sparks curiosity and creativity. 🌟 Stay tuned for more as we continue to FLY (lol) through this amazing learning journey!
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**Categories:** School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** cross curricular learning, flight unit, hands-on learning, inquiry based learning, middle school, oak learners
---
### [Indigenous Unit Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/showcase/)
**Published:** November 10, 2024
**Author:** Kristina Poleva
**Excerpt:** By learning directly from Indigenous voices and engaging with their histories and cultures, our students are better equipped to contribute to a more just and inclusive society. This journey is a testament to the power of inquiry-based learning and the importance of collaboration with Indigenous communities in education.
**Content:**
In our recent Indigenous unit, students embarked on a transformative inquiry journey, delving deep into topics that resonate profoundly with the history and contemporary issues facing Indigenous communities. This unit not only fostered individual exploration but also created an immersive experience that connected students with Indigenous voices, culture, and history.
## **Inquiry Projects**
Each student chose a unique topic, contributing to a rich tapestry of learning. They explored critical issues such as:
- **Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)**: Students researched the ongoing crisis, understanding its historical roots and the systemic factors contributing to this tragedy. Through this inquiry, they gained awareness of advocacy efforts and the importance of justice for affected families. Our students participated in the red Handprint movement to gain more awareness for this initiative.
- **Water Quality on First Nations Reserves**: Investigating the challenges of clean drinking water, students highlighted the disparities faced by Indigenous communities and the implications for health and well-being. This project emphasized the need for sustainable solutions and respect for Indigenous rights. Our students created their own DYI water purification system as a possible solution for the water crisis.
- **Discrimination Against Indigenous LGBTQ+ Individuals**: By exploring the intersections of identity, students examined the unique struggles faced by Indigenous peoples within the LGBTQ+ community. This inquiry allowed them to advocate for inclusivity and understanding in a broader societal context. Our students created a large sized infographic to spread messaging against this form of discrimination.
- **Traditional Weapons of Canadian Indigenous Peoples**: Students learned about the historical significance of various weapons, exploring their cultural importance and craftsmanship. This project illuminated the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Indigenous cultures throughout history. Students made replicas of the weapons for their peers to see and touch.
- **The Origin of Turtle Island**: Delving into creation stories and the significance of Turtle Island, students connected with Indigenous worldviews and perspectives. This inquiry fostered a deeper appreciation for the relationship between people and the land.
## **Experiential Learning**
To complement their research, students participated in a series of enriching experiences that brought Indigenous culture to life:
### **Truth and Reconciliation Day at Nathan Phillips Square**
Students attended the Truth and Reconciliation Day event in Nathan Phillips Square, where they heard powerful speeches, including one from the mayor. This gathering emphasized the importance of acknowledging past injustices and committing to a path of healing and reconciliation. Participating in Indigenous-led workshops such as teepee making, rock painting, and language classes provided hands-on experiences that deepened their understanding of Indigenous traditions and practices.
### **Crawford Lake Conservation Park**
A highlight of the unit was a field trip to Crawford Lake Conservation Park, known for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance. Students explored the park’s unique ecosystem and learned about the archaeological discoveries that uncovered the remnants of a Wendat or Attawandaron village. The reconstructed longhouses offered a tangible glimpse into Indigenous history, and the programs developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners enriched students’ understanding of the cultural landscape.
### **Guest Speaker Session**
We were honored to host a guest speaker who shared his experiences growing up on a reserve. His stories provided personal insights into the realities of Indigenous life, challenges faced, and the strength of community. This direct connection to lived experiences fostered empathy and a deeper understanding among students.
### **Literature and Math Integration**
Throughout the unit, students engaged with Indigenous literature, reading stories that reflect diverse perspectives and histories. This literary exploration complemented their mathematical learning, where Indigenous methods and concepts were integrated, demonstrating the relevance of Indigenous knowledge across disciplines.
As we reflect on this enriching Indigenous unit, it’s clear that understanding Indigenous perspectives is vital for fostering respect and empathy. By learning directly from Indigenous voices and engaging with their histories and cultures, our students are better equipped to contribute to a more just and inclusive society. This journey is a testament to the power of inquiry-based learning and the importance of collaboration with Indigenous communities in education. Together, we can honor the past while building a brighter, more inclusive future.
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**Categories:** School Life, Student Showcase
**Tags:** alternative school, cross curricular learning, elementary school, inquiry based learning, middle school, oak learners, student showcase
---
### [COOK WITH OAK LEARNERS!👩🍳🥘](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners👩🍳🥘/)
**Published:** October 28, 2024
**Author:** Kristina Poleva
**Excerpt:** Cook with Oak Learners! Our middle school students learned to bake "Bannock" - bread originated with Indigenous Peoples! Every week students of Lake Shore Campus have a cooking lesson where they learn how to make meals by themselves related to their current unit of learning!
**Content:**
**Every week students of Lake Shore Campus have a cooking lesson 🍽️ where they learn how to make meals by themselves related to their current unit of learning!**
Last week our middle school students cooked “Bannock” – a type of fry bread, which originates from Scotland but was eventually adopted by the Indigenous peoples of Canada, particularly the Métis of western Canada. Bannock stems from the Gaelic word bannach, which means “morsel,” a short and sweet but accurate description. The Scottish cooked the bread on a griddle called a Bannock Stone, which they placed on the floor in front of a fire. Here’s our recipe of this delicious bread!
**Enjoy! 😋**
## Bannock Recipe
1. *Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.*
2. *Work in the margarine using hands until you make a nice crumble. If you have Olivina margarine in your area, I find this makes for the best bannock.*
3. *Gradually mix in enough milk to make soft but not sticky. Knead.*
4. *Shape into a ball, place on a greased baking sheet, then flatten into a circle about 1 inch thick.*
5. *Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.*
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**Categories:** Activities, Food, School Life
**Tags:** cooking, cooking class, education, etobcioke, indigenous food, life skills, middle school, oak learners, private school, three sisters salad
---
### [Crawford Lake Field Trip - Oct 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/crawford-lake-field-trip-oct-2024/)
**Published:** October 12, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** On October 2, 2024, students from Oak Learners' Royal York and Lakeshore Campuses ventured to Crawford Lake Conservation Area, where they stepped back in time to explore a 15th-century Longhouse Village!
**Content:**
## ***🌟 Field trips are a valuable part of the educational journey at Oak Learners! 🚀 They spark curiosity and excitement, giving our students hands-on experiences that truly bring classroom lessons to life!***
### On October 2, 2024, students from Oak Learners’ Royal York and Lakeshore Campuses ventured to Crawford Lake Conservation Area, where they stepped back in time to explore a 15th-century Longhouse Village! 🏡✨ They learned about the daily lives of Indigenous people over 600 years ago, discovering their foods, agriculture, and even trying their crafts. What an unforgettable experience! 🌿❤️
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0195-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
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**Categories:** Outdoor Education, School Life
**Tags:** crawford lake, elemenetary school, etobicoke, field trips, indigenous studies, middle school, oak learners, outdoor school, primary school, private school
---
### [COOK WITH OAK LEARNERS!👩🍳🥘](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners/)
**Published:** October 10, 2024
**Author:** Kristina Poleva
**Excerpt:** Cook with Oak Learners! This week, our middle school students learned to make "Three Sisters Salad" as part of our integrated unit on Indigenous Studies.
**Content:**
**Every week students of Lake Shore Campus have a cooking lesson 🍽️ where they learn how to make meals by themselves related to their current unit of learning!**
This week was dedicated to indigenous culture as our unit is on Indigenous People and our students made a famous salad called “Three Sisters Salad”. The name refers to the three main crops of some North American tribes: corn, squash and beans – the physical and spiritual sustainers of life. And it’s very easy to make!
**Enjoy! 😋**
## Three Sisters Salad Recipe
1. *In a large bowl, toss squash with canola oil 🥣*
2. *Place in single layer on parchment lined large rimmed baking sheet.*
3. *Bake in 400 ⁰F (200 ⁰C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender and set aside to cool ♨️*
4. *In a large bowl, whisk together canola oil, vinegar, honey, parsley 🌿, salt and pepper*
5. *Add squash, corn 🌽 and beans*
6. *Toss well 🥙*
7. Enjoy!!
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**Categories:** Activities, Food, School Life
**Tags:** cooking, cooking class, education, etobcioke, indigenous food, life skills, middle school, oak learners, private school, three sisters salad
---
### [Raising Monarch butterflies with children](https://oaklearners.ca/raising-monarch-butterflies/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Each summer, from July through September, Oak Learners has become the home to dozens of Monarch Caterpillars so that the children attending programs and members of the community can learn more about these beautiful and endangered insects.
**Content:**
Oak Learners founder, Kelly Farrell, first experienced the magic of raising monarch butterflies as a student in Second Grade. Her teacher at the time, Ms. Thoeny, raised Monarchs in her classroom each year, introducing her students to the magical life cycle and migratory journey of these fascinating insects. As a teacher, Kelly has endeavoured to recreate this experience for her own students. Each summer, from July through September, Oak Learners has become the home to dozens of Monarch Caterpillars so that the children attending programs and members of the community can learn more about these beautiful and endangered insects.
Now a member and co-admin of the local “[Lakeshore Moms](https://www.facebook.com/groups/lakeshorebabies/) Monarch Butterfly Facebook Group”, Kelly coordinates with other local moms and educators to advocate and raise awareness of the importance of nurturing native habitats and flowers for summer pollinators, like butterflies and bees. The group has even taken part in a citizen science project through [Monarch Watch](https://www.monarchwatch.org/), to tag monarchs each fall to help with the gathering of migratory data that will eventually lead to more concentrated conservation efforts. Last year, the group together was responsible for rearing and releasing almost 300 monarch caterpillars; this year they hope to double that number.
Monarch Butterflies are beautiful but also represent one of the greatest mysteries of the insect world since for a very very long time, no one knew (or asked the question) what happened to the monarchs in the winter. Upon the discovery of their [ overwintering ](https://www.monarchwatch.org/tagmig/winter.htm)site in central Mexico, the investigations and conservation efforts to save this endangered insect have grown exponentially. With the growth in awareness of the importance of Monarchs to our crops, the interest in home-rearing these insects has grown too.
### Raising monarch butterflies
can be an exciting and rewarding activity for families and classrooms alike. There is so much to learn when you start exploring the world of insects, pollinators and eco-conservation. Despite the ease and popularity of raising monarchs, we must remember that first and foremost these are wild animals, sensitive to their environments and deserving of respect and consideration for their place in the circle of life. As such, it is important to be aware and mindful of accepted best-practices to guide your monarch discovery.
It’s quite simple to raise and release Monarch Butterflies since they require very little. In fact, the caterpillars will only eat Milkweed, thus only require fresh leaves to eat for the 10-14 days before they pupate. The caterpillars go through five stages of growth and this can be a fascinating process for little children to watch something grow so much in such a short time, not to mention the beauty of the chrysalis and the wonder of the butterfly at the end of the cycle.
We hope you enjoy observing or even raising and releasing Monarch Butterflies as much as we do! It’s something that every child should have the opportunity to participate in at some point in their education. The lessons learned from observing the natural world around are invaluable for children as they grow up to become the future conservators of our world.
**[Cick here to download the Oak Learners and Lakeshore Moms “Raising Monarchs” EBOOK ](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Raising-Monarch-Butterflies-1.pdf)**
Additional links to reference for more Monarch Butterfly information and resources:
Monarch Watch –
<http://www.monarchwatch.org/>
Journey North – <https://journeynorth.org/>
Monarch Joint Venture – <https://monarchjointventure.org/>
Canadian Geographic – <https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/animal-facts-monarch-butterfly>
WWF –[http://www.wwf.ca/conservation/species/monarch\_butterfly/](http://www.wwf.ca/conservation/species/monarch_butterfly/)
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** eco education, environmental education, etobicoke, hands-on learning, kelly farrell, lakeshore Mom's, monarch butterflies, monarch watch, monarchs, oak learners, tagging monarchs
---
### [Summer Camps 2024: Celebrate 10 Summers of Camps with us!](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camps-2024-celebrate-10-summers-of-camps-with-us/)
**Published:** June 30, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Celebrate our 10th Summer Camp Season with us in 2024! Oak Learners offers a unique summer camp experience designed to engage children and make them want to return year after year.
**Content:**
#### Celebrate our 10th Summer Camp Season with us this year!
We offer a unique summer camp experience designed to engage children and make them want to return year after year.
#### What to expect at Oak Learners Arts & Adventures Camps:
At our Classic Arts & Adventures Camps, campers will spend the day doing a variety of planned activities indoors and outdoors. Activities are designed to fit within the weekly themes which have been carefully planned by our camp leadership team. Campers will have the opportunity to spend at least 50% of their days outside in the local community and try new activities. If you want your child to have a structured and enjoyable week in a small-group, our Arts & Adventures Camp is the place to go.
Activities may include:
- Arts and crafts
- Enjoying, playing and even composing music
- Mindfulness, yoga and movement
- Sports and physical challenges
- Trip to local parks and hikes on local nature trails
- Team games and team-building activities
- Science investigations and innovations
#### 2024 Arts & Adventures Camp Weekly Themes
| **Week** | **Dates** | **Weekly Theme** |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 2-5 (4days) | **Celebrate Canada** |
| 2 | July 8-12 | **Exploring Art in Nature** |
| 3 | July 15-19 | **Junior Scientists** |
| 4 | July 22-26 | **Summer in the City** |
| 5 | July 29-Aug 2 | **Let the Games Begin** |
| 6 | Aug 6-10 (4day) | **Musical Theatre** |
| 7 | Aug 12-16 | **Food & Gardening** |
| 8 | Aug 19-23 | **Bugs & Butterflies** |
#### A Staff Team that can’t be beat!
Each summer, our Camp Director and School Director spend a LOT of time recruiting and hiring staff to help run our camps! Returning staff are invited back and new team members are carefully interviewed and selected. Pre-requisites to join the Summer Camp team require that applicants have completed at least 1 year of post-secondary education and be pursuing a field of study related to education or child care. Priority selection is given to applicants with experience in both camp and leadership roles.
Prior to the start of camp, our counsellors undergo an intensive two weeks of training where they complete or renew their Red Cross First Aid & CPR Certification as well as participate in training workshops on programming, leadership and child development. Safety is our top priority at Oak Learners and ALL staff members must also have undergone (and passed!) a recent Vulnerable Sector Check and partake in Safety & Wellness training during their onboarding process.
All season long, our Camp Team goes above and beyond to ensure campers have an exciting and memorable camp experience!
#### **July 2-5 (4days) – Celebrate Canada**
Our home and native land! Start your summer with an engaging and entertaining celebration of Canada. From Alberta to Zambonis, campers will explore famous Canadians, a rich history and stunning geography, artistic and cultural traditions, and the future of our home.
Typical Activities Include:
\* Explore and recreate Canadian art & artists, including the Group of Seven and famous Inuit art
\* Celerbate important symbols of Canada as we create our own ”Passport Across the Country””
\* Enjoy Canadian traditions in music, dance, and food”
#### **July 8-12 – Exploring Art in Nature**
Let’s get messy and explore the beauty of the world around us! This is the week for campers who like to draw, paint, and create. Each day, campers will explore different artistic mediums and methods, both in the studio and out in nature. They will learn how nature often inspires art and how to look for such inspiration each and every day. Throughout the week, campers will work towards producing a portfolio of art and share their work in a special gallery for parents and friends.
Typical Activities Include:
\* Explore different artistic mediums, including drawing, sketching, watercolours, acrylic paint techniques, and more.
\* Investigate ways that nature inspires Art & Design
\* Work towards building a portfolio of art and prepare a ‘Gallery Exhibit’ for families on the last day of camp
#### **July 15-19 – Junior Scientists**
Calling all backyard scientists! Would you like to explore fun aspects of science through exciting outdoor adventures and hands-on experiments? Our Junior Scientists will explore aspects of Science from Astronomy to Zoology and everything in between in a wonderful mix of excitement, experimentation, and exploration. Eureka!
Typical Activities include:
\* Investigate topics in science through hands-on learning, following the Scientific Method
\* Experiment with chemistry and find out if baking soda and vinegar or coke and mentos really create volcanic experiences
\* Design and build innovative devices that solve everyday problems with household and repurposed materials
#### **July 22-26 – Summer in the City**
Love where you live! This week, campers will celebrate their great city and investigate ways to improve it. Let’s get outside and enjoy what our neighbourhood has to offer! Campers will learn about the natural wonders in our own backywards. They will engage in hands-on activities that encourage them to think about sustainability and inventions to make Toronto even better.
Typical Activities Include:
\* Daily adventures to local hidden gems of parks and creeks
\* Explore maps and geographic landmarks in our city and local communities
\* Investigate what makes Toronto a special and unique city
#### **July 29-Aug 2 – Let the Games Begin**
Get Set, Go! The 2024 Olympic Games kick off on July 26th in Paris, France! This week will celebrate Canadian athletes and create future competitors. In this active week, campers will design their own games and compete to beat their own goals and targets. The week will culminate with a camp-wide Olympic-style fun competition!
Typical Activities include:
\* Celebrate Canada on the world stage at this year’s Summer Olympic Games
\* Explore sports and learn about famous athletes at the Summer Olympic Games
\* Participate in familiar sports and work as a team to develop new sports, all in the name of sportsmanship and healthy competition.
#### **Aug 6-9 (4day) – Musical Theatre**
Casting call! Campers in this specialty camp will work with a guest instructor to explore all aspects of performance arts, including singing, dancing, and acting. Over the course of the week, they will work together to prepare a special performance that will be shared on the last day of the week.
Typical Activities include:
\* Explore classic and modern musical theatre numbers through song and dance
\* Investigate how music and performance help tell a story
\* Rehearse and perform a special song to share with the rest of the camp on the last day of the week.
#### **Aug 12-16 – Food & Gardening**
Our very own garden will be the classroom for this week, while campers explore how to plant, grow, and prepare their own food! We will be getting our hands dirty in the garden while campers explore the science of growing food, including seeds, soil, water, and more. They will also learn how to harvest food from the garden to prepare new and nutritious snacks for themselves and the rest of the camp.
Typical Activities include:
\* Investigate sustainable gardening and how so many foods we love can be grown in our own backyard
\* Explore the plant life cycle, including the bioloigy of seeds and the chemistry of soils
\* Harvest and prepare foods grown locally and learn new ways to enjoy classic favourites
#### **Aug 19-23 – Bugs & Butterflies**
Insects and creepy-crawlies! During this week, campers will explore the fascinating world of the little creatures in the parks nearby. Campers will learn about the life, habitat, and have the chance to investigate where they can find the bugs. Making their annual cameo, this week will be a busy week for our native and endangered Monarch butterflies and caterpillars as they devour milkweed and metamorphosize in front our very eyes!
Typical activities include:
\* Explore hidden nature hideouts of bugs and butterflies in our local parks and gardens
\* Investigate the amazing life cycles of bugs and butterflies through hands-on observation and activities
\* Investigate the importance of pollinators in our environment and how humans can both harm and help these insects
- [## Summer Camps 2026
Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
- [## Summer Camps Extended Hours
$50.00 – $90.00Price range: $50.00 through $90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/)
- [## Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
$195.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/preschool-enrichment-mini-camp/)
- [## Junior Learn & Lead
$140.00 – $175.00Price range: $140.00 through $175.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/junior-learn-lead/)
- [## Senior Learn & Lead
$0.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/senior-learn-lead-counselor-in-training/)
For more information on our Summer Camps visit [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
Looking for more? Check out our [Camps Articles](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/)
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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**Categories:** Camps, School Life
**Tags:** alderwood, art camp, bloor west, camp for kids, ertobicoke, etobicoke, etobicoke summer camp, gta summer camp, kids, long branch, mimico, music camp, musical theatre, nature camp, new toronto, oak learners, outdoor camp, science camp, summer 2024, summer camp, summer camps
---
### [Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2024!](https://oaklearners.ca/cognratulations-to-the-graduating-class-of-2024/)
**Published:** June 20, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** This year, Oak Learners celebrated our inaugural Graduating Class and we are thrilled to wish Henry and Jackson the very best of success in the next phase of their educational journey.
**Content:**
## **Congratulations to our 2024 Graduates!**
This year, Oak Learners celebrated our inaugural Graduating Class and we are thrilled to wish Henry and Jackson the very best of success in the next phase of their educational journey.
Graduation was celebrated at the Cellar Door Restaurant, next door to the Lake Shore Campus. Thank you to everyone to helped make this a night to remember!
Hi everyone, as you may know, I’m Henry. I came to Oak Learners in September for my grade eight year and to be a part of the very first graduating class. If you were to ask anyone at Oak Learners what my favourite things are, they would tell you OnePiece, Fortnite, Brawl Stars, soccer and the best team, Manchester City, hockey and the Leafs. What they might not know is that I’m a little brother, a big brother, a son, a grandson, a cousin, a friend, and someone who doesn’t always like change. But here we are, at graduation.
When I say “graduation” we all know that what I really mean is promotion, because that’s what Jackson and I are doing:, we are being promoted to grade 9 and a whole new experience in High School. Whenever we begin new things, we also say goodbye to others. When I look back at grade 8 and my time at here at Oak Learners, I will think of it as the year that made things possible. The year that I had the most fun, and the year that my classmates were my friends too.
When I first came to Oak Learners in September, I didn’t know anyone except Jackson—and really, had only talked to him. Now I talk to everyone! The difference between the beginning of the year, to now, is really big. At the start of the year to about midway through the year, I didn’t want to go outside for outdoor ed. Mishka made me learn (yes, made me), that it is good to go outside often, and that it is fun, and not boring!, So this second half of the year I really tried my hardest to not ask to go back inside early, but to stay outside on the walk, and keep an open., I think I did pretty well on doing that (wink).
I’m really glad to have gone to Oak Learners this year. It has made a very big difference in my life. This year has taught me to work as a team more, to listen to others, and that there is more than one way to approach a problem, and especially, to feel confident. I would like to thank Mishka for believing in me, Daniela for getting me to see things differently, Tenzin for talking about soccer–because there is no one else that likes sports here–Kelly for making Oak Learners possible, the rest of the teaching staff for being there for me, and for my classmates who I now also consider my friends. And most of all, Maya. Maya’s cute little voice and the way that she would reach up for hugs and knew just who to go to depending on what she wanted. She helped me to see how kindness and affection make such a difference in feeling like I belong, and that I have so much to offer. Maya, I hope you love your socks and that you remember me!
I love how at OakLearners, our differences didn’t make us outcasts, but instead were celebrated–even things that always made us laugh, like Daniela saying Jam instead of Ham! To my fellow graduate, Jackson, thanks for all the Bubble Tea, and game nights. To the other seniors: Erin, I will miss beating you in chess matches and Ollie, thanks for making me laugh. Hopefully this is not a goodbye, but more, I’ll see you soon, because I’m not done with Oak Learners just yet and hope to keep you all a part of the next step into High School..
As the writer Beau Taplin said, **“Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful.”**
Good evening all, thank you so much for coming tonight. In case you don’t know, my name is Jackson and I am graduating Grade 8. I’ve been at Oak Learners for 3 years.I would like to now thank people and share some of my favourite memories from this year.
What I will remember most is my teachers, cool field trips, like the cherry blossoms at High Park, the grad trip and Richard for teaching me cool stuff and doing experiments with us. On our grad trip, we had a great time going on the Ridge-Runner Mountain Coaster. I also liked going to restaurants. I loved going to Toronto Island and swimming, being greeted by Maya every morning and going to the Humber Arboretum. This year we watched the chefs at Bombay On The Lake prepare a meal for us. I had fun doing lessons with Richard. I also liked when Tenzin brought in momos for us. We thought it was funny when Isaac got a virus on his computer because of a typo.The highlight of the year was the grad trip for sure.
Although I will miss a lot of things, some things I won’t miss, such as my school computer that is missing the C and M keys. I think my typing speed has gone down significantly because of this. I will definitely NOT miss long division.
However, I will miss my friends, MAYA, outdoor time, experiments with Richard, the Oak Learners Mobile, bubble tea after school, going to Samuel Smith Park and the lake, being able to scooter to school, and my dreamy 2 block commute. But what I will miss the most is, Mishka, she is a great teacher.
I would like to thank my mom and dad, for helping me with homework. Thank you Dad for emergency drop-offs of supplies like my contacts and dry clothes. Thank you Nana for my after school visits and for feeding me. Thank you to Maya for always being the most adorable person in class, after me of course, for snuggling with me and for entertaining me endlessly.
This year has taught me to do long division and distributive property. I would like to thank Richard and Mishka for being patient with me.
In conclusion, thank you Oak Learners for giving me the roots I need to start high school.
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**Categories:** Announcements., School Life
**Tags:** graduation, middle school. grade eight, oak learners
---
### [Senior Students Overnight Trip to Blue Mountain](https://oaklearners.ca/senior-students-overnight-trip-to-blue-mountain/)
**Published:** June 15, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Grade Seven and Eight students from Oak Learners had the opportunity to spend 2 nights and 3 days at the Blue Mountain resort for their Senior Trip this year!
**Content:**
Grade Seven and Eight students from Oak Learners had the opportunity to spend 2 nights and 3 days at the Blue Mountain resort for their Senior Trip this year!
They enjoyed hiking the Scenic Caves and exploring all the amazing activities in the Village, including climbing the outdoor rock wall, riding the Ride Runner Rollercoaster and navigating the treetop High Ropes course.
A special thank you goes out to their teacher, Mishka Khilnanai for organizing an unforgettable trip for our students!
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PXL_20240605_201600843-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_0997-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PXL_20240606_193943496-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PXL_20240606_211854187-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_0944-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PXL_20240606_173828425-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
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**Categories:** School Life
**Tags:** blue mountain, etobicoke, grade eight, grade sevem, middle school, oak learners, senior trip
---
### [Supporting the Trans Canada Trail Care Day 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/supporting-the-trans-canada-trail-care-day-2024/)
**Published:** June 3, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** On Saturday, June 1, Oak Learners joined the Trans Canada Trail Team and the Waterfront Trail team for Trail Care Day 2024! Oak Learners was excited to provide activities for families, including a self-guided scavenger hunt on the Trail.
**Content:**
On Saturday, June 1, Oak Learners joined the Trans Canada Trail Team and the Waterfront Trail team for Trail Care Day 2024! Oak Learners was excited to provide activities for families, including a self-guided scavenger hunt on the Trail. Those who completed the scavenger hunt were treated to a free snack from Birds & Beans Café and a Great Lakes Waterfront Trail patch!
It takes a nation to care for the world’s longest trail network! And on June 1, we celebrated the thousands of volunteers across Canada who do exactly that. Trail Care Day is a multi-location event happening in communities across Canada to get the Trail ready for spring and summer. Each event showcases a unique section of the Trans Canada Trail and calls on volunteers in the community to roll up their sleeves for whatever trail care activity is needed most locally — from debris removal and brush clean-up to accessibility improvements or art installations.
This year, we were also proud to boast the support of representatives from all three levels of Government in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, including MP James Maloney, MPP Christine Hogarth, and Deputy Mayor Amber Morely.
[Get more information here.](https://www.eventcreate.com/e/toronto-trail-care-day)
[](https://www.eventcreate.com/e/toronto-trail-care-day)
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**Categories:** Announcements., Events, Outdoor Education, School Life
**Tags:** etobicoke lakeshore, oak learners, scavenger hunts, trail care day, trans canada trail
---
### [Oak Learners Launches the 2024 Summer Skill Boosters Program](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-launches-the-2024-summer-skill-boosters-program/)
**Published:** May 31, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Summer Skills Boosters at Oak Learners are intensive, one-week workshop experiences for students from Grades 1–12 in a variety of subject areas including math, literacy, study skills and more.
**Content:**
**Summer Skills Boosters** at Oak Learners are intensive, one-week workshop experiences for students from **Grades 1–12** in a variety of subject areas, including:
- **literacy**
- **numeracy**
- **science**
- **study skills**
- **essay writing**
- **executive functioning**
- **computer skills, programming, and coding**
Through hands-on practice, assessment, and careful scaffolding, participants will master key skills that can be integrated into the classroom. Taught by qualified and experienced OCT teachers, each day will include **2 hours** of learning, with nutrition and wellness breaks integrated throughout, in a small-class learning environment with a MAXIMUM of 6 students per class!
### **Primary Students – Entering Grades 1-3 in September 2024**
- Primary Literacy – July 2 – 5, 9-11am
- Primary Numeracy – July 2 – 5, 1-3pm
- Back-to-School Primer – Aug 19th – 23rd, 9-11am
### **Junior Students – Entering Grades 4-6 in September 2024**
- Junior Literacy – July 8 – 12, 9-11am
- Junior Numeracy – July 8 – 12, 1-3pm
### **Intermediate Students – Entering Grades 6-8 in September 2024**
- Computer Skills/Coding – July 15-19, 9-11am
- Executive Functioning – July 22 – 26, 9-11am
- Study Skills – July 22- 26, 1-3pm
- Intermediate Math – July 29 – Aug 2, 1-3pm
### **High School Students – Entering Grades 9-12 in September 2024**
- Essay Writing – July 15 – 19, 9-11am
- Senior Literacy – August 6 – 9, 9-11am
- Computer Skills/Coding – July 15 – 19, 1-3pm
- High School Science Primer – July 29 – Aug 2, 9-11am
- Senior Numeracy Skills – August 6 – 9, 1-3pm
- Executive Functioning – August 12 – 16, 9-11am
- Study Skills – August 12 – 16, 1-3pm
- Back-to-School Primer – August 19th – 23rd, 1-3pm
- High School Students – Entering Grades 9-12 in September 2024
- [## Tutoring Credits
$552.00 – $3,142.80Price range: $552.00 through $3,142.80](https://oaklearners.ca/product/tutoring_credits/)
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**Categories:** Announcements., Camps, Education, Events, School Life
**Tags:** academic support, education, elementary school, etobicoke, high school, literacy, math tutoring, middle school, mimico, new toronto, oak learners, summer academics, summer camp, summer skill boosters, summer tutoring, tutoring
---
### [Oak Learners is Granted a Water Rangers Freshwater Testing Kit for World Oceans Week!](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-is-granted-a-water-rangers-freshwater-testing-kit-for-world-oceans-week/)
**Published:** May 31, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** From June 1 to 9, 2024, Ocean Week is a time to engage in events, learning activities, and community initiatives that highlight the importance of our oceans and their connection to our daily lives. This year, Oak Learners was selected to receive the Ocean Week Canada Grant towards the purchase of a Freshwater Testing Kit from Water Rangers!
**Content:**
From June 1 to 9, 2024, **[Ocean Week](https://oceanweekcan.ca/about/about-ocean-week-canada/)** is a time to engage in events, learning activities, and community initiatives that highlight the importance of our oceans and their connection to our daily lives. This year, Oak Learners was selected to receive the Ocean Week Canada Grant towards the purchase of a **[Freshwater Testing Kit from Water Rangers](https://www.waterrangers.ca/)**!
For the month of June, students at Oak Learners are focused on the sustainability & life of Canadian waters. We are focusing on:
- conservation
- plastics – microplastics – garbage patch
- layers of the ocean
- rocks, geology, glaciers
- tides & the moon
- currents & weather systems
- buoyency – salt water vs plain water
- water systems
- salt water desalination
We frequently take trips to the Humber River, the Mimico Creek & Lake Ontario during our inquiry-based units and we will expand the unit for Ocean Week Canada to include water monitoring with Water Rangers equipment.
Stay tuned to see how our students apply their classroom research to real-life water testing and analysis in our own community!
[](https://www.waterrangers.ca/)
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**Categories:** Education, School Life
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke creek, grant, lake ontario, mimico creek, oak learners, ocean week, students, toronto, water rangers, world ocean day, world ocean week
---
### [A visit to see the High Park Cherry Blossoms](https://oaklearners.ca/a-visit-to-see-the-high-park-cherry-blossoms/)
**Published:** April 26, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** This year, the much-anticipated Peak Bloom of the High Park Cherry Blossoms in Toronto occurred during the final week of April and our students took the opportunity to visit this spectacular showcase of nature at its finest despite the lower-than-seasonal temperatures.
**Content:**
Each year, the [Cherry Blossoms at High Park](https://highparknaturecentre.com/cherry-blossom-watch/) draw significant crowds from all over the GTA when they reach “Peak Bloom” for just one short week!
According to the [High Park Nature Center](https://highparknaturecentre.com/cherry-blossom-tracking/), “Peak bloom” starts when at least 70% of the blossoms are open. Once open, flowers last from 4-10 days, depending on weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can extend the bloom period, while warm, unsettled weather can shorten it.
This year, the much-anticipated Peak Bloom occurred during the final week of April and our students took the opportunity to visit this spectacular showcase of nature at its finest despite the lower-than-seasonal temperatures.
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**Categories:** School Life
**Tags:** april 2024, cherry blossoms, experiential learning, hands-on learning, high park, nature, nature school, outdoor learning, outdoor school, spring, toronto
---
### [Our Students join the Shoreline Cleanup at Colonel Sam Smith Park for Earth Day 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/our-students-join-the-shoreline-cleanup-at-colonel-sam-smith-park-for-earth-day-2024/)
**Published:** April 23, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** On Monday, April 22, the entire student body and staff team gathered at the shores of Colonel Samuel Smith Park to collect garbage in an effort to contribute to keeping our shoreline and park free of garbage.
**Content:**
One of the 3 tenets of Oak Learners’ philosophy is COMMUNITY. Our students are important members of the local community and we enjoy local parks and nature spots every day as part of our [Outdoor Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/outdoor-learning-at-oak-learners/) curriculum.
On Monday, April 22, the entire student body and staff team gathered at the shores of Colonel Samuel Smith Park to collect garbage in an effort to contribute to keeping our shoreline and park free of garbage. Taking part in community cleanups are integral to teaching our students that we can make a big difference with just a little bit of effort. It also helps impress upon them the important lessons in Outdoor Education of “leave no trace”.
[Earth Day](https://oaklearners.ca/celebrating-earth-day-every-day/) is every day at Oak Learners!
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**Categories:** Outdoor Education, School Life
**Tags:** cleanup, community, earth day, garbage pickup, shoreline cleanup, students
---
### [Senior Students raise funds for their end-of-year trip!](https://oaklearners.ca/help-our-senior-students-raise-funds-for-their-end-of-year-trip/)
**Published:** April 20, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Help our graduates fundraise for their end-of-year trip to Blue Mountain with our upcoming Bottle Drive and Bake Sale!
**Content:**
**Help our graduates fundraise for their end-of-year trip to Blue Mountain!**
Ways to help:
1\) Bottle & Can Drive Donate your empty and rinsed alcohol cans and bottles. Collection will continue until May 15, 2024 at both the Royal York and Lake Shore Campus locations.
2\) Visit our Bake Sale on May 4, 2024 at the Royal York Campus from 10:00am until supplies last. Thank you in advance for your support of our students!!
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**Categories:** Events, School Life
**Tags:** bake sale, bottle drive, community event, fundraising, grad trip fundraiser
---
### [The Best Spring Outdoor Clothing for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-spring-outdoor-clothing-for-kids/)
**Published:** April 3, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Spring is the perfect time to get outside and explore what nature has to offer, from hunting for worms to jumping in puddles. Here are a few suggestions when shopping for spring outdoor gear to ensure your child stays warm, dry, and loving the new life all around this spring.
**Content:**
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and explore what nature has to offer, from hunting for worms to jumping in puddles! As the weather gets warmer, it’s tempting to forego the layers and opt for cute jackets and sandals, but it’s important to remember that proper clothing lays the best foundation for building a love of learning outdoors in our children.
Outside exploration has been proven to lead to a plethora of benefits that helps your child develop crucial skills. At Oak Learners, our students are outside for extended periods of time in all weather: snow, rain or shine. Regardless of the forecast, we will continue encouraging our students to explore the natural world around them while pushing boundaries and taking risks.
Most importantly: LABEL EVERYTHING! Labels (such as [Mabel’s Labels](https://mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/fundraising/support)) will ensure that your investments keep coming home to be used another day. Here are a few suggestions when shopping for spring outdoor gear to ensure your child stays warm, dry, and loving the new life all around this spring!
\*\*Please note that this blog contains affiliate links to[ Amazon.ca](https://amzn.to/3tyEYQR)
### RAIN BOOTS
Invest in a good pair of boots! Warm and dry feet are the key to spending more time outside.
These are the key features you want to focus on when purchasing winter boots:
- **Waterproof**: look for boots that are made entirely of rubber or rubber and neoprene.
- **Lightweight**: If they make a clunking sound when your child walks they are probably too heavy and will slow your child down on their adventures.
- **Good Grip**: All too often, rain boots are made for style over function. Look for rain boots that have a solid sole and good grip for navigating wet surfaces.
- **Easy to put on**: Extra bonus if they have little handles to help making putting them on and pulling them off a bit easier! Boots should go up to mid-calf level to help feet stay dry
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Cotton-Lined-Waterproof-Yellow-Little/dp/B0B4KTBKTY?crid=2KM96GODAQXIF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TKoReb7zcGupHCCVt0xqdYMDgjhIEFW4Rlu9EpYIk5wDMoP7dXnjUntesR4IvzA6TPi77X6Im-Q-R6ZR9QyeCht124IBDBdG6nJvDVtKLAoMud3zLG0avtD3VPOsXK71ei8Z3y0meNwlQDM06Orv54BcmvOF0SzvVxbN-Hy1LumEsextGck6GHfUxIKBRdWdLUgG8IkvQqeCAy3j_3a2ZKe2hw01yIOsELeIhmCRewsgyPVJ6U8WIPI7HVPU8Bgn85jVzPDfaujK-X8hjJ2u3D12wMfb-8PuEEx1eGQLD9U.bWlj8voLYhVr2QrjpyYY5_36RelHzHUwO_RN0A2BkgI&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids+rain+boots&qid=1713652189&sprefix=kids+rainboots%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-12&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=5ab3d509fafd0668eaa70b15fa188cba&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Kamik-Stomp-Waterproof-Boots-Light/dp/B09MZ2J5NB?crid=2KM96GODAQXIF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TKoReb7zcGupHCCVt0xqdYMDgjhIEFW4Rlu9EpYIk5wDMoP7dXnjUntesR4IvzA6TPi77X6Im-Q-R6ZR9QyeCht124IBDBdG6nJvDVtKLAoMud3zLG0avtD3VPOsXK71ei8Z3y0meNwlQDM06Orv54BcmvOF0SzvVxbN-Hy1LumEsextGck6GHfUxIKBRdWdLUgG8IkvQqeCAy3j_3a2ZKe2hw01yIOsELeIhmCRewsgyPVJ6U8WIPI7HVPU8Bgn85jVzPDfaujK-X8hjJ2u3D12wMfb-8PuEEx1eGQLD9U.bWlj8voLYhVr2QrjpyYY5_36RelHzHUwO_RN0A2BkgI&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids+rain+boots&qid=1713652189&sprefix=kids+rainboots%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-7&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=64b42d5043051184b5904eb92e22dd1b&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
### SHOES
Invest in a good pair of shoes that will provide great support for growing feet and excellent traction on uneven or slippery surfaces. These are the key features you want to focus on when purchasing shoes for spring and summer outdoor play.
- **Waterproof**: look shoes that will be waterproof or water-resistant to allow for quick dry-outs in between play sessions or hikes.
- **Good Grip**: All too often, shoes for kids are made for style over function. Look for shoes that have a solid sole and good grip for navigating wet surfaces.
- **Easy to put on**: Select shoes that have elastic tension closures for easier on/off and to reduce the risk of laces coming untied and making play no longer safe.
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Columbia-Youth-Redmond-Waterproof-Regular/dp/B0B1SKB3P2?crid=24HAXLU9VF616&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0eZ2rkC4Jpvf1lw0Yzn8_n7gyv4INyd4Ar7g67YcA2ldqq20Ob9zYhjeka1LVeLL9QRKZHwr3YoZZG40MlT7yWwP8N21-B4ubhpUt4kqou09dql5mOCCGv4lBX4br2y5xz3vM-bUZrwOepDcoHrQWKEWg325S05rGn0cnPDCnDU5L6LQ_RnL5m54th0dWnL2amNj7NdOhDEac53-yzl0dlGN_g65fXp-f6zpRdvpqMqk7WRwd0j0r5aLcsP0UIJ2f8gyjS7QaNg4RwIGU_fnJ7lvadcpnozZ7bU_IRmjwyc.qgwm7j7POBZBx3hyoV3UiaELTcydzm-8xBnA7cOmRV8&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids%2Boutdoor%2Bshoes%2Bhiking&qid=1713652545&sprefix=kids%2Boutdoor%2Bshoes%2Bhiking%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-6&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=6db34f8743ef01c282b90cba5c066e91&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Keen-Newport-Sandals-Fusion-Little/dp/B06Y4JVJC1?crid=V1H5U8BIVAOI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sqr9nRQp_xkuUNbL9SSIGYD0MYK2brN1w2NEHjSrqs9hzLYZXWGwk0zmo7lTyi4iAp0aIr9au2co6ievsR6vqMDKOAF76K8f_WBuAKCEci4cjSObivUTuXvkMzpqOZ6L0pUjEhnkdGNHxg6zEpn5f45gDi2Kcl3zAdVmSGfiPdlDGX_GIWG8JMARK3DljaFebtbmcELB4ThA4cpoc0xQscTly3QJoMkuAnwaNpa2rW5SzEcrKUA8ajHg-TgB96dMS4w10UOyi6zpAD-imJLwt6PJRGLUcUVYUVCWJXNr6G8.j3WQ8cNm-JLUPL0b2CLxajWZKegsYR_3TPvZiHlWXfE&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids%2Boutdoor%2Bsport%2Bsandals&qid=1713652301&sprefix=kids%2Boutdoor%2Bsport%2Bsandle%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-16&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=32439bbbf5e8d5358d86af1b1a69afdf&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
### JACKETS
- **Layers**: A waterproof and windproof outer layer with additional breathability will be invaluable as the weather changes day by day in the springtime.
- **Ventilation**: Many jackets have zippers that can offer ventilation when they are moving around a lot or if the temperature warms up.
- **Length**: Make sure it is long enough to cover them and not let rain in when they are lifting their arms and playing. We suggest something that reaching to the top of the knees.
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Mountain-Warehouse-Kids-Waterproof-Jacket/dp/B0845PQ5HH?crid=1M3BT7FFLV965&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HlTJ0Jvv7dEC2bd7tvXJy7QcdVie9geUXAOzuAT5rKIl9WEiefqi74azUvq-T9iJvDUPhlyKMYw55vactF64XO_8pY4UoZdVdZptVEcGqXy547pkk2JkhFmlAkziuqHKbObw73TWs9o1lSjhi8FpfR6O-aASfyBa8Q5Rp-1-l2QcfcRn3n9xM0Hdlbp_H3k_FjtonylYLGkAhou83cD1MJrzqC6KDNzVn_xEL7iqUz-sESR3XSZ7_Da2wpZCpeCsz3q_jMV7anIM4rMpcuSzL5gOI6OVDWVFFSdXH5rAWuc.sDdiB6sfBm5at1nnD4LA7w06Ea4axM3IEWl03Aje6zQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids%2Bwaterproof%2Bjacket&qid=1713653907&sprefix=kids%2Bwaterproof%2B%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-6&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=d945c69081c0f3cd4cb9ad1c074349bb&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Raincoat-Sleeves-Outdoor-Cycling-Camping/dp/B0BGB27GWB?pd_rd_w=lExKg&content-id=amzn1.sym.8b4d8c20-8e51-4634-a76f-c00a1995a502&pf_rd_p=8b4d8c20-8e51-4634-a76f-c00a1995a502&pf_rd_r=4SDF759RZMG41DER3RHZ&pd_rd_wg=GfRkh&pd_rd_r=deba8317-2f57-4db7-9217-e7512ea09d6e&pd_rd_i=B0BGB27GWB&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=4d2a8482ae2f6362dbca28da9672d29b&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
### Rain Suit / Muddy Buddy
- Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof.
- Reinforced bum and knee areas.
- Easy to get on and off!
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Kids-Toddler-Rain-Suit-Waterproof/dp/B0BX527YB7?crid=3CNSB7EPK92Z9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7DDDjy-L-8MjrGXNdFv_jHqshG9GcqA1dinLNGA6oSFctWMSCwArvWqhnLImAA8eZGSptdmATmUyecY_ByFrPr3S5A1drbhU596zrM9UWBk2GDfqZijbxuHEh5q-FjF8D1UzPL_4VyGDD2SfKwKqj7lF8dl_pE_o594yHO51Q1kn7kB0mLKsqhMfXHvONN1Z9d19YvdH3yDL3DYrkX3tHhjDIZd4TDxGX_h-qzSDr_lCCvP-Uwd5iP8eoNJDbXMp7k9Z74RBu3nWxWDuEHgIBrpTQsHlfxDQaqZTnL4BjoE.-pCZc3rXsFNwEZ1kLUMwVxKTwK7xWDIO1aTaxUeuDeE&dib_tag=se&keywords=puddle%2Bjumper%2Brain%2Bsuit%2Bkids&qid=1713654161&sprefix=kids%2Bpuddle%2Bju%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-19&th=1&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=4bbe079296bc04f6b0b5854721261cc8&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08HH4J76W?pd_rd_i=B0B6GM9MKV&pd_rd_w=HFtPV&content-id=amzn1.sym.2981e27c-8e6f-49a6-af49-f9bd34c3c3d8&pf_rd_p=2981e27c-8e6f-49a6-af49-f9bd34c3c3d8&pf_rd_r=CZQHZBTF3J61WY43A1SF&pd_rd_wg=zsdl6&pd_rd_r=72e0a1ba-b8ec-432d-9d9e-4d4b564e17c3&s=apparel&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=e4b84caa04c8b13b17d5d3ee10644e89&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
### WINTER ACCESSORIES
- **Binoculars or Magnifying Glasses**: For birdwatching and up-close inspection of the natural world.
- **Umbrella**: Every child loves twirling an umbrella and watching the raindrops puddle and drip in different patterns!
- **Daypack**: A lightweight pack is great for carrying extra snacks, or a rain poncho, or for those extra layers that might get removed once active play begins.
[](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B071PBFT1R?pd_rd_i=B075WFP7MH&pd_rd_w=ypRqr&content-id=amzn1.sym.d8c43617-c625-45bd-a63f-ad8715c2c055&pf_rd_p=d8c43617-c625-45bd-a63f-ad8715c2c055&pf_rd_r=XGEXFA668WBTX47WB9KX&pd_rd_wg=2nnJA&pd_rd_r=59dcf776-833c-4e01-b76a-6bd371019b76&s=photo&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=e4cf120fc466acb649717fc72723dd56&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B212NY53?&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=b1e2d6ddc02d403a9282553c1f8ef496&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Waterproof-Backpack-Lightweight-Children-Traveling/dp/B07PZ1S2SN?crid=CM39WAD4GL6J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XogyOjr-F-QVLIGMX2iOutQ3WMCNuJlv3UxNUgwKSNIExfCYmPvrtw8PDbB521ptoUe6HJIkBa_RNsOZV15Yn13NkBEqoYU3c_IP6Yh67x7vpVIwsmaZ9Xv_aimsGJxzw4dfV1CL88Erfaeim5Z7-JrQMqjRf8rN0cg07Vy7im6tYEBHqVVEZCPGsRZzq1h9bkVgjxHiAymA47Yhc8pbBx9f6GYyl73keQXahwjcQ0J-WKeTtqn4GQOY-HjVF85l25fvBbkyPblzf1wcc-beCuG9SD16buvneuefC_Z3uHg.UYd4Oz77HjZm1Hf4c53_yGSqH0J54sC1IAt7FLbLgb8&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids%2Bdaypack%2Bspring&qid=1713654651&sprefix=kids%2Bdaypack%2Bspring%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=oaklearners-20&linkId=66351e34a39feaa4e01de4215f123ae4&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Outdoor Education, Parenting
**Tags:** fun, hiking boots for kids, kids, outdoor education, play. school, puddles, rain, rain boots, recess, running shoes for kids, spring, umbrellas, waterproof
---
### [Middle School Students Honour Artists for Black History Month](https://oaklearners.ca/middle-school-students-honour-artists-for-black-history-month/)
**Published:** March 10, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** This year for Black History Month, our Middle School Students at the Lake Shore Campus engaged in an exploration of black music, cultures, traditions, arts, etc. Each student then selected a black artist to learn more about and then designed and painted an artwork that paid homage to the artist they chose.
**Content:**
This year for Black History Month, our Middle School Students at the Lake Shore Campus engaged in an exploration of black music, cultures, traditions, arts, etc. They visited a local [pop-up event](https://oaklearners.ca/student-visits-to-lakeshore-grounds-interpretive-center-in-february-2024/) that celebrated notable Black Canadians and their contributions.
Each student then selected a black artist to learn more about and then designed and painted an artwork that paid homage to the artist they chose. Artists studied included: Faith Ringgold, Jacob Lawrence, Betye Saar, Jonathon Gree, Radcliffe Bailey and Romare Bearden.
A selection of student artwork is included below.
Artwork by Henry C, Grade 8. inspired by the work of Jonathan Green.
Artwork by Marina J, Grade 4. Inspired by the work of Romare Bearden.
Artwork by Isaac N, Grade 6. Inspired by the work of Betye Saar.
Artwork by Erin D, Grade 7. Inspired by the work of Romare Bearden.
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**Categories:** School Life
**Tags:** art school, black artists, black heritage, black history month, middle school art, oak learners, student art, student artwork
---
### [Student Visits to Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Center in February 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/student-visits-to-lakeshore-grounds-interpretive-center-in-february-2024/)
**Published:** March 2, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners Middle School students had the opportunity to visit the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Center at Humber college to learn about the contributions of Black Canadians as well as the story of Grace, a former resident of the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital. These opportunities help our students understand history through unique stories and experiences that cannot be found in a textbook.
**Content:**
## Black Heritage Month at Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Center
The [Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre](https://www.lakeshoregrounds.ca/) hosted a 1-Day pop-up exhibition on February 22, 2024 from the Canadian Multicultural Innovators Museum! “Know the Past, Shape the Future” celebrates the power of creativity and innovation, showcasing the vast contributions of Black Canadians.
Oak Learners Middle School students had the opportunity to visit this exhibition and learn about the contributions of Black Canadians to innovation and development in a vast number of fields.
## “A National Crime: Canada’s Indian Residential School System” at Lake Shore Grounds
Presented by “[Legacy of Hope Foundation](https://legacyofhope.ca/portfolio-items/nationalcrime/)“, this exhibition explores the creation of the Residential School System, the experiences of the students, its impacts and traumas, and Indigenous-led political action, healing, and efforts toward Reconciliation.
Middle School students from Oak Learners visited this exhibition on February 26, 2024 to learn more about the significant impact of the Residential School System and how efforts towards reconciliation are moving forward.
## “Grace: One Story of Thousands”
Grace: One Story of Thousands follows the life and experiences of Grace, one of the 1,511 people buried in the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital Cemetery at the corner of Horner and Evans Avenues in south Etobicoke. Through personal letters and surviving hospital records gathered by Grace’s great-niece, you are invited to pause and reflect on a life lived – not defined – by the institutional system in Ontario.
Oak Learners Middle School Students visited this exhibition to learn about the legacy of the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital through the records of one of its residents. This exhibition is on through July 2024 at the [Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre.](https://www.lakeshoregrounds.ca/grace)
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**Categories:** School Life
**Tags:** experiential learning, field trips, lake shore campus, lakeshore grounds, local learning, middle school, oak learners
---
### [Oak Learners' students visit the Ontario Science Center](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-students-visit-the-ontario-science-center/)
**Published:** February 24, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** On February 21, 2024, the entire student body of Oak Learners shared a visit to the Ontario Science Center. Students from Kindergarten through Grade Eight were accompanied by teachers and several parent volunteers while they explored and experienced science in a whole new way!
**Content:**
On February 21, 2024, the entire student body of Oak Learners shared a visit to the [Ontario Science Center](https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/). Students from Kindergarten through Grade Eight were accompanied by teachers and several parent volunteers while they explored and experienced science in a whole new way!
Having just completed an inquiry-based unit on SPACE, students were fascinated by the [Space Hall](https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/what-s-on/exhibitions) where they could ride a simulated rocket in a space chair and explore meteorites, black holes and cosmic rays!
Younger students were enthralled with the incredible hands-on opportunities in KidSpark, a learn-through-play space where the imagination is the limit!
Scroll down to see more highlights from our trip!
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**Categories:** School Life
**Tags:** elementary school, experiential education, experiential learning, field trip, field trips, hands on, kindergarten, middle schoo, oak learners, ontario science center, school, science, science center, student life
---
### [Physical Play, Games and Student Engagement](https://oaklearners.ca/physical-play-games-and-student-engagement/)
**Published:** January 5, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Engaging children with activities and games like ball games, marital arts, and water sports can be a helpful solution that keeps students healthy physically and can keep them more engaged in the classroom
**Content:**
###### Submitted by Guest Author: *Angel Arambulo*
#### **Why physical play in classrooms?**
Physical play and games are not only an effective way of developing a child’s motor skills but are proven to help enhance a student’s performance in the classroom. This is seen in the way that games can improve a student’s cognitive skills, how physical games can help develop a student’s attention better compared to traditional exercise, and how this is especially effective on students who have conditions such as ADHD.
#### **The benefits of playing games**
Games are often not associated with academic environments like the classroom but studies have shown that including games in the curriculum has great benefits for the students involved. For example, through the use of games, students will have opportunities to develop language skills, hypothesis testing and problem-solving. These skills are further enhanced when incorporating games into lessons because games will give the students positive emotions in class. Studies show that positive emotions “enhance optimistic thinking, which leads to more creative problem-solving capacities” (Hromek, 2009).
#### **Why choose cognitively engaging games over traditional exercise?**
Activities like yoga, martial arts, and more structured games have been proven to increase a student’s attention when compared to traditional exercises. A study done by Manjunath and Telles (2001, as cited in Li, 2023), recorded that cognitively engaging activities like yoga improved the performance of girls ages 10-13. Whereas activities like jogging, stretching, and weightlifting showed no improvement in performance. Participating in cognitively engaging activities will also benefit students in classes because according to Lakes & Hoyt (2004, as cited in Li, 2023), students involved in martial arts or other similar activities will show great improvement in areas of self-regulation.
#### **How do these types of activities benefit students with ADHD?**
There have also been studies that show how cognitively engaging games can help students with ADHD within the classroom. One of the better ways that educators can support students with ADHD in the classroom is by involving them in cognitively engaging activities. In a study by Tomporowski et al. (2015, as cited in Li, 2023), activities like ball games and water sports require more cognitive control and greater environmental variability, which entail more attention from the child. It is believed that these games and factors contribute to the improvement of environmental adaptation and attentional problems in children with ADHD.
With this in mind, engaging children with activities and games like ball games, marital arts, and water sports can be a helpful solution that keeps students healthy physically and can keep them more engaged in the classroom.
---
**References**
Li, D., Li, L., Zang, W., Wang, D., Miao, C., Li, C., Zhou, L., & Yan, J. (2023). Effect of physical activity on attention in school-age children with ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Physiology, 14, 1189443–1189443. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1189443>
Li, K., Dong, G., & Gao, Q. (2023). Martial arts enhances working memory and attention in school-aged children: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 235, 105725–105725. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2023.105725>
Hromek, R., & Roffey, S. (2009). Promoting Social and Emotional Learning With Games: It’s Fun and We Learn Things. Simulation & Gaming, 40(5), 626–644. <https://doi.org/10.1177/1046878109333793>
---
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**Categories:** Educational Games, Healthy Living, Outdoor Education, Teaching
**Tags:** adhd, angelo arambulo, anxiety, games, mental health, outdoor education, outdoor learning, physed, physical activity, physical education, student engagement
---
### [Oak Learners Holiday Concert 2023](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-holiday-concert-2023/)
**Published:** December 23, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners was proud to present our Holiday Concert for the 2023 Season! Our students from all grade levels performed, and the concert also featured solo performances from students who participate in Private Music Lessons at Oak Learners.
**Content:**
Oak Learners was proud to present our Holiday Concert for the 2023 Season! [Our students](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) from all grade levels performed, and the concert also featured solo performances from students who participate in [Private Music Lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/) at Oak Learners.
Families and friends who attended were delighted with unique compositions as well as our own renditions of holiday favourites. Congratulations to all who performed and a special thanks to our Music Faculty for the hard work that went into making this event a success!
Oak Learners Middle School students from the Lake Shore Campus perform their own rendition of Carol of the Bells which they named “Carol of the Memes”. Together with our own Music Faculty as well as visiting musician Alter, students composed, recorded and produced their own electronic version of the song.
Oak Learners Kindergarten and Elementary School students from the Royal York Campus performed “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” as well as “My Favourite Things”. Musical performances and choreography was arranged by Oak Learners’ teachers and music faculty.
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**Categories:** Events, School Life
**Tags:** . micro school, Day School, family concert, holiday concert, music concert, oak learners, school concert
---
### [Middle School Student Enjoy a Field Trip to the AGO](https://oaklearners.ca/middle-school-student-enjoy-a-field-trip-to-the-ago/)
**Published:** December 21, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** On December 19, 2023, our Middle School students from the Oak Learners Lake Shore Campus visited the Art Gallery of Ontario. They spent the day exploring the galleries, in particular the extraordinary works of Keith Haring.
**Content:**
On December 19, 2023, our Middle School students from the Oak Learners Lake Shore Campus visited the Art Gallery of Ontario. They spent the day exploring the galleries, in particular the extraordinary works of Keith Haring.
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**Categories:** School Life
**Tags:** AGO, art, art gallery, field trip, middle school, school trip
---
### [The Best Winter Clothing for Kids, from Head to Toe!](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-winter-clothing-for-spending-more-time-outside-this-season/)
**Published:** December 20, 2023
**Author:** Emma Van der Jagt
**Excerpt:** This winter we have a lot to look forward to! From exploring snow hills to ice crystals to making igloos and snow angels. Help your little learners stay warm and dry this winter so they can continue learning and having fun in comfort. Outside exploration has been proven to lead to a plethora of benefits that helps your child develop crucial skills. At Oak Learners, our students are outside for extended periods of time in all winter weather: snow, rain or shine. Regardless of the forecast, we will continue encouraging our students to explore the natural world around them while pushing boundaries and taking risks.
**Content:**
This winter we have a lot to look forward to! From exploring snow hills to ice crystals to making igloos and snow angels. Help your little learners stay warm and dry this winter so they can continue learning and having fun in comfort. Outside exploration has been proven to lead to a plethora of benefits that helps your child develop crucial skills. At Oak Learners, our students are outside for extended periods of time in all winter weather: snow, rain or shine. Regardless of the forecast, we will continue encouraging our students to explore the natural world around them while pushing boundaries and taking risks.
Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather with the right clothes. Please ensure your child is knowledgeable about their snow gear so they can identify it on their own and understand how to put it on. While we learn together in the great outdoors, here are a few suggestions when shopping for winter gear.
Most importantly: LABEL EVERYTHING! Labels (such as [Mabel’s Labels](https://mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/fundraising/support)) will ensure that your investments keep coming home to be used another day.
\*\*Please note that this blog contains affiliate links to[ Amazon.ca](https://amzn.to/3tyEYQR)
### **BOOTS**
Invest in a good pair of boots! Warm feet are the key to spending more time outside.
These are the key features you want to focus on when purchasing winter boots:
- **Warmth**: look on the tag for boots that can withstand Canadian winter temperatures. Tip: ensure they have linings which can be removed for easy drying and that can be layered with socks).
- **Waterproof/resistance**: bonus if they have a drawstring around the top to keep snow and ice from finding its way into the boots.
- **Lightweight**: If they make a clunking sound when your child walks they are probably too heavy and will slow your child down on their adventures.
- **Easy to get on/off**: practice putting the boots on with your children and show them how to make sure they are tied tightly and comfortably.
- **Adjustable**: a secure fit lace system, drawstring or Velcro strap on top.
[](https://www.amazon.ca/North-Youth-Alpenglow-Waterproof-Acoustic/dp/B09TRYZM27/ref=sr_1_3?crid=D51TV4EF7ZA9&keywords=north%252Bface%252Bwinter%252Bboots&qid=1703643081&refinements=p_89%253ATHE%252BNORTH%252BFACE&rnid=21204935011&s=apparel&sprefix=north%252Bface%252Bwinter%252Bboots%252Caps%252C100&sr=1-3&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=oaklearners-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=f4cd90a0408dba14d73d51621173b509&camp=15121&creative=330641)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/KEEN-Little-Winter-Insulated-Waterproof/dp/B09NMX3L2N/ref=sr_1_7?crid=GRU3UG6PLHQZ&keywords=keen%252Bgirls%252Bwinter%252Bboots&qid=1703643398&sprefix=keen%252Bgirls%252Bwinter%252Bboots%252Caps%252C114&sr=8-7&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=oaklearners-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=3487e37dd5958d3e77692d382093ff06&camp=15121&creative=330641)
### **SOCKS**
- Send 2-3 pairs of socks with your child every day. Wet feet are no fun!!
- Wool is always a good idea but can cause some itchiness so make sure your child tries them on with you. It is absolutely necessary to avoid synthetic materials (polyester, acrylic, etc). They must be breathable to avoid sweaty wet toes.
- Cotton is also a good option, as an alternative to wool. When in doubt, go for natural fibers.
- Make sure the socks will fit comfortably with their snow boots on.
- The higher the fit the better.
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Sandsuced-Thermal-Cushion-Stocking-Stuffers/dp/B0B6P3DNDW/ref=sr_1_8?crid=2PKGCOBUGW68J&keywords=Thick+merino+Socks+Winter+Seamless+kids&qid=1703644114&sprefix=thick+merino+socks+winter+seamless+kids%252Caps%252C132&sr=8-8&_encoding=UTF8&tag=oaklearners-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e4690c2a70ff2e441d25f396ed378b32&camp=15121&creative=330641)
[](https://www.amazon.ca/Pairs-Merino-Socks-Terry-Toddler/dp/B09C5FDK6J/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2PKGCOBUGW68J&keywords=Thick%252Bmerino%252BSocks%252BWinter%252BSeamless%252Bkids&qid=1703644114&sprefix=thick%252Bmerino%252Bsocks%252Bwinter%252Bseamless%252Bkids%252Caps%252C132&sr=8-9&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=oaklearners-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=ad2ca6de82695271b2b4ef7dd7137edb&camp=15121&creative=330641)
### **JACKETS**
- **Layers**: A jacket with removable layers is a good choice. Three shells is recommended with a waterproof outer layer. Otherwise, choose a waterproof jacket that can be worn over a sweater.
- **Insulation**: a thick jacket doesn’t always equal warmth. Read the tag to find technology that works with the body heat to keep them warm.
- **Ventilation**: Many jackets have zippers that can offer ventilation when they are moving around a lot or if the temperature warms up.
- **Length**: Make sure it is long enough to cover them and not let snow in when they are lifting their arms and playing.
[](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08MQ62H37/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B08MQ62H37&pd_rd_w=HN20O&content-id=amzn1.sym.2981e27c-8e6f-49a6-af49-f9bd34c3c3d8&pf_rd_p=2981e27c-8e6f-49a6-af49-f9bd34c3c3d8&pf_rd_r=TCT43F60RDW5H5Q2JD36&pd_rd_wg=DO12w&pd_rd_r=fc6d59b0-429d-4b63-b98a-46ea2c2e6de7&s=apparel&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&_encoding=UTF8&tag=oaklearners-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=f0695b4548a971a8aa62d46129d96698&camp=15121&creative=330641)
[](https://amzn.to/3RBlROa)
### **SNOW PANTS**
- Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof.
- Insulation.
- Big enough to fit [long underwear](https://amzn.to/3RE2i7P) or PJ’s underneath for an extra layer of warmth.
- Reinforced bum and knee areas.
To keep a snowsuit newer, longer, follow its laundry instructions! We have a preconceived notion that washers and dryers destroy winter wear. Contrary to this belief, washing snowsuits can often revive different layers and insulators, giving them new life.
[](https://amzn.to/3vlINt3)
[](https://amzn.to/3v7rxru)
### **WINTER ACCESSORIES**
- **Mittens/gloves**: personal preference for what your child prefers. Waterproof! Please send 2 pairs for each day.
- **Mitten Clips**: [Mitten Clips](https://amzn.to/47eBbpu) are a must-have if you have a child who is constantly losing one mitt from each pair!
- **Hats**: their hat should be snug on their heads and cover their ears. Bonus if it can be tied or clipped around their chin.
- **Scarves vs Balaclavas**: scarves can be difficult to put on and tuck into coats. Balaclavas and neck warmers are preferred. It should be able to be pulled up over your child’s mouth and nose.
[](https://amzn.to/3NDBHGT)
[](https://amzn.to/3GXM04N)
[](https://amzn.to/3RE2i7P)
---
For more healthy living posts visit our [Healthy Living Blog Posts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
To keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OakLearners) or [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
For more fun Fitness Activities find us on [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/) too.
---
Originally published in November 2020. Affiliate links updated December 2023.
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Outdoor Education, Parenting
**Tags:** fun, kids, outdoor education, play. school, recess, snow, winter, winter clothing
---
### [Benefits of Risky Play and Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/benefits-of-risky-play-and-outdoor-education/)
**Published:** December 14, 2023
**Author:** Arlen Atanasiu
**Excerpt:** Risky play can sound intimidating and many parents feel the same way. In fact, these concerns are natural, but they also often limit our ability to allow children to fully explore their surroundings and be exposed to new opportunities. Although risky play can sound dangerous and sometimes scary, it is important to remember that it is an essential part of development in several domains.
**Content:**
# Does Risky Play Scare You?
Risky play can sound intimidating and many parents feel the same way. In fact, these concerns are natural, but they also often limit our ability to allow children to fully explore their surroundings and be exposed to new opportunities. Although risky play can sound dangerous and sometimes scary, it is important to remember that it is an essential part of development in several domains.
# What Exactly IS Risky Play?
Risky play is exploration/activities involving an element of risk or exposure to new tricky situations (Cevher-Kalburan & Ivrendi, 2015). Risky play does not have to mean playing with sharp knives! It could mean a toddler attempting to balance on stepping stones, or a preschooler climbing the play structure at the park. The point of risky play is to encourage children to try new things, explore, and learn their own capabilities!
Navigating the Elements
Independent Explorations
Exploring Balance
# Why Is Risky Play SO Important?
Risky play is an essential part of the developing child’s life, it teaches them about the world! It allows children to engage with the environment in a new way, teaching children critical thinking skills, problem solving, along with their own limitations and abilities. Risky play also teaches children gross motor-skills and perpetual-orientation skills (Cevher-Kalburan & Ivrendi, 2015). Risky play does not stop at enhancing physical development, it also helps develop social and psychological development. By engaging in risky play with others, it encourages conflict resolution and communication skills amongst peers through play. Risky play also helps children manage their emotions and confront their fears in a safe environment! Looking at risky play through a psychological lens, taking risks “provides the child with an exhilarating positive emotion and expose the child to the stimuli they previously have feared. As the child’s coping skills improve, these situations and stimuli may be mastered and no longer be feared” (Sandseter & Kennair, 2011).
Picking Flowers
Using Tools
Navigating the Computer
# Outdoor Education
Outdoor education is available anywhere outside! It can be a playground, a community garden, your backyard, or in the schoolyard. The important thing is- children get to explore OUTDOORS! Outdoor education is a growing concept that more and more people are beginning to appreciate, and rightfully so. Outdoor education provides a ton of benefits for children. Its proven to help children retain more information for longer periods of time, reduce anxiety/stress, reduce sedentary behaviour, and connects children to their surrounding community (Ayotte-Beaudet, 2022), and most importantly, its exciting for the children!
Rough and Tumble Play
Enjoying All-Weather Play
Interacting with the Ecosystem
#### **Researched and Authored by: Ashley Morton**
#### **Photo Credit to Oak Learners.**
---
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**Categories:** Education, Outdoor Education, Programming
**Tags:** outdoor education, outdoor learning, risky play
---
### [Learning about Diwali through cross-curricular experiences](https://oaklearners.ca/exploring-diwali/)
**Published:** November 28, 2023
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Our day school students enjoy exploring different traditions around the world. This year we learned about Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights.
**Content:**
Our day school students enjoy exploring different traditions around the world. This year we learned about Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights which “[symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali)“.
#### **Learning About Culture Through Food**
Our Lake Shore campus students had the privilege and joy of visiting [Bombay on the Lake](https://bombayonthelake.ca/). There they learned about Diwali and how to make some popular dishes.
#### **Celebration Through Dance**
One of our teachers taught the students how to dance in celebration of Diwali and we learned through activities and books about the festival. Our students even had the opportunity to watch a Diwali celebratory dance at Sherway Gardens.
Here are some great resources to aid in your global cultural experience;
- [**Teach Kids the Story of Diwali**: https://kidworldcitizen.org/teach-kids-the-story-of-diwali/](https://kidworldcitizen.org/teach-kids-the-story-of-diwali/)
- [**Diwali Classroom Ideas**: https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/diwali-activity/](https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/diwali-activity/)
- [**Learn about Diwali**: https://www.globetrottinkids.com/diwali-festival-of-lights/](https://www.globetrottinkids.com/diwali-festival-of-lights/)
- [**Diwali Activities for Kids**: https://www.littleladoo.com/diwali-activities-for-kids/](https://www.littleladoo.com/diwali-activities-for-kids/)
- [**Diwali Crafts**: https://happytoddlerplaytime.com/diwali-crafts-activities-for-kids/](https://happytoddlerplaytime.com/diwali-crafts-activities-for-kids/)
## Learn more about our Alternative Private School
[Private School at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
---
Learn more about our Day School here: [Private Day School at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Activities, School Life, Teaching, Top Posts 2023
**Tags:** Diwali, education, exploration, lake shore campus, programming
---
### [Supporting Your Preschool Child's Growth is A Joint Effort](https://oaklearners.ca/supporting-your-childs-growth-is-a-joint-effort/)
**Published:** November 17, 2023
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Finding a great preschool or kindergarten readiness program is half the battle. Your child will still need support at home to continue their development.
**Content:**
[” A new study suggests that children develop critical learning-related social skills – including independence, responsibility, cooperation and self-regulation – as early as age 3, and that those social skills are important for early academic success once children get to kindergarten.”](https://today.oregonstate.edu/archives/2003/jul/study-pre-school-social-skills-more-critical-academics)
Did you know that the best time to work on developing social skills is around 3 years old? Just the right age for preschool classes. While playdates and other social programs can help, and should be encouraged, preschool classes help with more than just social skills. Both preschool classes and at home support should be used to help your child grow and become ready for kindergarten.
[Good preschool classes or pre-kindergarten classes](https://oaklearners.ca/3-ways-preschool-class-benefits-kids/) will use tools such as visual schedules and timers to improve executive function skills. Group reading time helps identify emotions, improve listening skills, and improves concentration. Opening and closing self-story times encourage children to create timelines and helps to improve their communication. All of this encourages children to interact and build relationships all facilitated by play.
Library programs and other community events are also great ways to improve social skills and build executive function skills but they should be attended often and consistently.
At [home](https://oaklearners.ca/7-strategies-every-parent-can-use-to-support-their-childs-at-home-learning/) is where the magic happens in relationship building between parents and siblings. Some simple things you can do at home to continue their learning process is to read a book together before bed every night, enjoy child-led conversations, and keep consistent, visual schedules.
Each morning the child should learn what is expected of them by using some form of a visual schedule with their parent’s guidance and a timer or clock to know when they need to be done with each task. This consistency makes mornings easier and helps the child build independence. Reading a book together before bed is also a great way to mark the end of the day and opens up some time for conversations.
Dr Dan Gartrell calls these talks “contact talks”: [“Contact talks build healthy attachment between an adult and child like nothing else can. They support the development of a child’s self-esteem, social skills, thinking skills, and language abilities (key capacities for school success). If contact talks take place during physical activities, they enhance physical development.”](https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/readiness-not-state-knowledge-state-mind)
While Dr Gartrell suggests various ways to include these talks, it’s important to accept that your time may be limited between work, school, and other commitments. The important thing is to make sure you have these relationship-building moments even if they are grouped with another necessary activity, such as getting ready for bed.
While a good preschool program will help your child’s growth and kindergarten readiness, that can’t be the only way they prepare for the next stages of their life. The parents and teachers should be cooperating to offer the greatest level of support during the most important stages of development. One without the other is still great but can only take your child so far. If you are unsure what further support your child needs from you, ask the teachers directly working with your child and create a plan together.
It really does take a community to support the child and parents at every stage.
[Learn More About Our Preschool Enrichment Program](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)
---
Learn more about our Preschool Enrichment Program click here: [Preschool Enrichment](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Pre-K, Programming
**Tags:** education, kindergarten, kindergarten readiness, pre-k, preschool, program, programming, programs, toddlers
---
### [3 Ways Preschool Class Benefits Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/3-ways-preschool-class-benefits-kids/)
**Published:** November 11, 2023
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** A good pre-kindergarten program offers important skills development such as social interaction, school readiness, and improved executive function. Let's look at them further:
**Content:**
Studies of children who attend preschool classes show prolonged benefits including long term success, improved grades, and greater self-awareness. When children had their brains scanned as well as having their home environment and support systems evaluated, it was discovered that a large amount of development occurs at 3 and 4 years of age. Most children don’t start kindergarten until they are 4 or 5 years old and some don’t start school until grade 1. This creates a lost opportunity for important early development.
A good pre-kindergarten program offers important skills development such as social interaction, school readiness, and improved executive function. Let’s look at them further:
#### **1. Improved social skills.**
Social skills are important for every stage of life but when the brain is still developing it’s an opportunity to set some core understandings about communication and empathy.
When a child acquires good social skills they are better equipped to navigate social situations, communicate effectively, make friends, and regulate their emotions which improves interactions and reduces the likelihood of behvaioural problems.
Co-operation can be learned through play. Tasks or games that need to be done as a group promote sharing, communication, active listening, and patience. This opens them up to learning more executive skills such as problem solving and creative thinking.
Emotion recognition and regulation can be learned through reading, identifying character’s emotions and body language. Talking about how the characters may feel in certain situations and finding ways to describe emotions builds self-awareness as well as a greater understanding of how and why others react the way they do. This promotes less overwhelming feelings, stress and frustration.
Active listening activities such as reading out loud, verbal instructions, and back and forth conversations help to teach a child how to stop and listen and ensure they understand what’s being said before acting or responding. This promotes greater understanding, communication, and connection.
#### **2. School readiness.**
[“School readiness is a good predictor of long-term achievement. School readiness refers to the development of the cognitive, behavioral, and social skills that help a child to make a smooth transition into formal schooling and enable him to perform at the appropriate level.”](http://www.urbanchildinstitute.org/resources/policy-briefs/pre-k-matters#:~:text=The%20benefits%20of%20Pre%2DK%20are%20not%20limited%20to%20test,grade%20level%20in%204th%20grade.&text=Tennessee's%20targeted%20Pre%2DK%20program,shown%20to%20boost%20school%20readiness)
While there are many ways to be school ready, children who have learned the appropriate skills during the critical brain development stages are more likely to adapt easily to regular school classes and routines.
Studies have discovered that children who attended pre-kindergarten classes adapt well to regular school settings and have more advanced reading and numerical skills. It’s also found that the work done on social skills, self-awareness, and independence allow for less behavioural challenges.
A growing vocabulary enables a child to communicate their needs clearly while also allowing them to help others. When they can understand what they are feeling, label it and understand why and how to handle it they become more confident.
They are naturally good at exploring and learning from their experiences. Young children soak up information and exploratory learning like sponges. They are eager to absorb new information that gives them ways to express themselves. Using play is the optimal way to deliver this information and that’s what is so much fun about pre-kindergarten classes.
#### **3. Improved problem solving and executive function.**
[“Executive functioning skills include organizing and prioritizing, staying focused on tasks, and regulating emotions. Children begin developing executive functioning skills rapidly between the ages of 3 and 5. Preschool and early childhood teachers play an important role in helping young learners develop academic skills (such as recognizing letters, colors, and numbers) and developing the executive functioning skills they need to be prepared for kindergarten.”](https://www.edutopia.org/article/executive-functioning-and-kindergarten-readiness/#:~:text=Telling%20the%20story%20of%20their,mentally%20holding%20and%20manipulating%20information.)
Our Kindergarten Readiness class is half days and we include a lot of the steps needed to build school readiness and improve social skills.
We start each day by creating a visual schedule of what we will do for that class together. This helps children understand scheduling and time. The use of timers for activities, enables them to feel more in control of what they choose to do when approaching an activity and when they need to prepare to move on to the next step in the schedule.
Timers also help persuade a child to spend a set amount of time on an activity they are struggling with. It’s easier if they know it will end, it is easier to convince them to give it a try. While a child’s ability to focus does increase with age, using set time blocks can encourage the development of focus and improve their time management.
Every class is started and ended with a story of your day session. Each child gets a short window of time to tell a story of their day before class and at the end of class. This helps them to practice sequencing events, improves executive function, and working memory.
While not all preschool classes are the same, hopefully this article will give you an idea of what questions to ask and what to look for in an effective pre-kindergarten program. While most preschool programs are good enough, they may not offer the right support for your child and a bad program can be damaging. Do your homework, ask the right questions, and find the right fit for your child before committing. This research will likely need to start early in case the program you choose has a waitlist.
The Oak Learners’ [Preschool Enrichment Program](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/) is currently accepting enrollment.
[Learn More About Our Preschool Enrichment Program](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)
---
Learn more about our Preschool Enrichment Program click here: [Preschool Enrichment Program](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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## [The Best Spring Outdoor Clothing for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-spring-outdoor-clothing-for-kids/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| April 3, 2024 \| [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/) \| 0 Comments
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and explore what nature has to offer, from hunting for worms to jumping in puddles. Here are a few suggestions when shopping for spring outdoor gear to ensure your child stays warm, dry, and loving the new life all around this spring.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-spring-outdoor-clothing-for-kids/)
## [Promoting Community Involvement & Volunteering from Home](https://oaklearners.ca/beyond-your-bubble-promoting-community-involvement-volunteering-from-home/)
by [Julia Taylor](https://oaklearners.ca/author/juliataylor/ "Posts by Julia Taylor") \| January 18, 2021 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
One of the most consistent messages we’ve heard throughout this pandemic is to stay at home, but what can we do when “home” starts to feel like a lonely place? One solution is to encourage children and youth to get involved with community service and volunteering…
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/beyond-your-bubble-promoting-community-involvement-volunteering-from-home/)
## [5 Reasons Why You Should Teach Your Child a New Language](https://oaklearners.ca/5-reasons-why-you-should-teach-your-child-a-new-language/)
by [Marziyeh Modjtehedi](https://oaklearners.ca/author/mmodjtehedi/ "Posts by Marziyeh Modjtehedi") \| March 5, 2021 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
Contrary to popular belief, learning multiple languages simultaneously doesn’t cause a language delay and is shown to have many benefits. In fact, children’s brains are able to absorb a second language effortlessly from the ages of 0-3 since their brains are more…
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/5-reasons-why-you-should-teach-your-child-a-new-language/)
## [Making Music Online: Chrome Music Lab and More!](https://oaklearners.ca/making-music-online-chrome-music-lab-and-more/)
by [Julia Hess](https://oaklearners.ca/author/julia-hess/ "Posts by Julia Hess") \| July 2, 2020 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
Making music at home can be lots of fun, and many students may be interested in learning more about different instruments we can use to make music, how to read sheet music of their favourite songs, or even how to write their own songs. Chrome Music Lab is an excellent, free program that can be tailored to elementary students of all ages, and can also be lots of fun for older students and adults as well.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/making-music-online-chrome-music-lab-and-more/)
## [Learning French from Home: Fun Online Resources](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-french-from-home-fun-online-resources/)
by [Jasmine Brioux](https://oaklearners.ca/author/jasmine-brioux/ "Posts by Jasmine Brioux") \| June 25, 2020 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Private Tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/category/private-tutoring/), [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
As the school year comes to a close, many parents are looking for resources to continue their child’s French curriculum. Parents who do not speak the language want to provide their children with exposure to it, especially if their kids are in French immersion or…
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-french-from-home-fun-online-resources/)
## [Effective Musical Instrument Practice at Home](https://oaklearners.ca/musical-instrument-practice-at-home/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| November 12, 2021 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
Most people understand that the more practice on your instrument, the better you become. When it comes to habits, consistency is an important factor in making routines for practice. Some wonder how you can improve your practice habits without causing too much stress? Let’s look at six ways you can make better use of your time when practicing your musical instruments at home.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/musical-instrument-practice-at-home/)
## [5 Reasons Your Child Should Learn a New Language](https://oaklearners.ca/why-your-child-should-learn-new-languages/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| August 27, 2021 \| [Language Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/category/language-learning/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/) \| 0 Comments
Children take in new information and find new things out everyday. Ensuring they receive all the information needed throughout their lives must start at a young age. Language learning is a direct reflection of a child’s brain changing. In fact, during the first six years of life, a child’s brain changes the most during language acquisition in comparison to any other cognitive ability that is also being acquired! So, here are 5 reasons why your child should learn a new language.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/why-your-child-should-learn-new-languages/)
## [Helping Children Understand Their Emotions with Mood Cards](https://oaklearners.ca/helping-children-understand-their-emotions-with-mood-cards/)
by [Tabitha Lynn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/tlynn/ "Posts by Tabitha Lynn") \| March 10, 2021 \| [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/), [Mindfulness](https://oaklearners.ca/category/mindfulness/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
Moods and emotions can be big feelings that even some adults have trouble understanding so we cannot expect children to be masters of theirs. There are many ways in which we can help children understand what they are feelings, such as role modeling, through pretend play, and mood cards. In this blog we will be focusing on mood cards, what they are and how to use them.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/helping-children-understand-their-emotions-with-mood-cards/)
## [Games and Activities for Road Trips](https://oaklearners.ca/games-and-activities-for-road-trips/)
by [Jasmine Brioux](https://oaklearners.ca/author/jasmine-brioux/ "Posts by Jasmine Brioux") \| July 14, 2020 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/) \| 0 Comments
Summer is in full swing, and for many families, it means that more time is spent travelling in the car. Some may be driving to family cottages, while others might be going on camping trips. No matter where you are driving, you will likely hear the phrase “Are we there…
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/games-and-activities-for-road-trips/)
## [Incorporating Physical Activity During Online Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/incorporating-physical-activity-during-online-learning/)
by [Tabitha Lynn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/tlynn/ "Posts by Tabitha Lynn") \| April 14, 2021 \| [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/), [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/) \| 0 Comments
Have you ever noticed that after a long day at work, staring at a computer all physical activity day you feel cranky, sometimes your body feels stiff, or you have a headache? Well, the same thing happens with our children but it usually doesn’t require a full day of screen time to cause these negative effects.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/incorporating-physical-activity-during-online-learning/)
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**Categories:** Education, Pre-K, Programming
**Tags:** education, kindergarten, kindergarten readiness, pre-k, preschool, program, programming, programs, toddlers
---
### [Stunning Mural "Tangled Geese" Comes To Life in Mimico Village](https://oaklearners.ca/stunning-mural-tangled-geese-comes-to-life-in-mimico-village/)
**Published:** November 1, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The Mimico Village BIA and Oak Learners commissioned an innovative and inspirational mural for the community in September 2023. The mural was unveiled in a community event on October 28, 2023 and brought to life with an interactive video projection.
**Content:**
The Mimico Village BIA and Oak Learners commissioned an innovative and inspirational mural for the community in September 2023. The artist collaborated with Oak Learners Director, Kelly Farrell, as well as students from Oak Learners to design and install the mural. The mural was unveiled in a community event on October 28, 2023 and brought to life with an interactive video projection.
The Mural Artist Kayla Bluium describes her vision for the mural in the following way, *“In this mural I explore my neuro-divergence and personal struggles with ADHD and dyslexia throughout my life. Although it has been difficult, I am grateful that my differences have taught me to empathize with others, to build a life that suits my needs and embrace my ability to see the world differently. I want to create a mural that inspires children to accept and love who they are by finding the silver lining in their differences. As someone who struggles on a daily basis with executive dysfunction, I want to be an inspiration that you can live an interesting and fulfilling life that embraces your differences. The mural will be created in my whimsical art style using plants and animals to tell surreal stories about femmehood, self-love and mental health.*”
Projection Artist Nathan Bruce talks about the projects as an experience that, “*will explore the psychological and emotional experiences of those who live with ADHD and other neuro-divergencies. Through the use of intertwining colours, patterns, and shapes, we will transform the mural into a kinetic landscape that aims to represent the lived experience of neurodivergence. We hope that through this collaboration between digital and analogue art forms, those living with their unique differences will feel seen, heard, and inspired by what we create*.”
Learn more about Kayla Bluium at [www.kaylabuium.com](http://www.kaylabuium.com/) and [www.instagram.com/milkboxtheartist](http://www.instagram.com/milkboxtheartist)
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**Categories:** Announcements., Events, School Life, Top Posts 2023
**Tags:** art, kayla buium, mimico village, mural, mural artist, mural projection mapping, nathan bruce, oak learners, tangled geese, toronto mural art, video projection
---
### [Our Middle School Students Want YOU to Choose Our Next Class Pet](https://oaklearners.ca/our-middle-school-students-want-you-to-choose-our-next-class-pet/)
**Published:** October 5, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** For the month of September, our Middle School class at the Oak Learners Lake Shore Campus has been engaged in an inquiry-based learning project to choose a class pet. The students have learned about the importance of responsible animal caretaking while also investigating the pros and cons of having a class pet.
**Content:**
Help our middle school students choose a class pet!
For the month of September, our [Middle School](https://oaklearners.ca/upper-elementary-curriculum/) class at the [Oak Learners Lake Shore Campus](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) has been engaged in an inquiry-based learning project to choose a class pet.
The students have learned about the importance of responsible animal caretaking while also investigating the pros and cons of having a class pet. They have researched the costs and necessary budget required for different types of pets as well as the feasibility of each type of habitat.
Each student then chose one potential pet to research in depth. They prepared a persuasive writing presentation and sample habitat to share with the class. The students were passionate and highly engaged in learning about the various options, including the option to NOT have a class pet! Throughout the learning unit, students were also reading “The One and Only Ivan” as a class novel study and expressed a wide range of emotions towards holding animals in captivity.
At the end of the presentations, the class was still divided on the topic, so we decided to take the project one step further and reach out to the community! We have provided each students’ persuasive paragraph for each possible choice below and are asking for YOUR help to weigh in on the decision!
Voting will be open throughout the Thanksgiving weekend and will close on Monday, October 9th, 2023. Students will analyze the data on Tuesday, October 10th, and make a final decision.
Thank you for taking the time to weigh in on this very important decision for our class!
### **Should we get a SKINK?**
The Plestiodon fasciatus ( also known as the American five lined skink) The range of the American five-lined skink extends in the north to southern Ontario, Michigan and Eastern New York, the western border is in Minnesota, Missouri and eastern Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas. Their tails, if broken off, can regrow in 2 months. The American five-lined skink eats fruit, bugs and vegetables. Their habitat should have moist, hardwood areas with a permanent running water source as well as sites to bask in the sun and places to hide such as under bark and stone cracks. A pair of skinks can comfortably live in a 100-110 litre terrarium. They grow to about 12 to 21 centimetres long. Their predators are snakes, crows, hawks, shrews, moles, opossums, skunks, raccoons, and domestic cats. A pair of skinks can live up to 5-10 years with adequate care. The American five-lined skink has 5 white and yellow lines running to their bright blue tail.
[VOTE BELOW](#vote)
### **Should we get a GARTER SNAKE?**
Garter snakes make great classroom pets because they are easy to take care of. They don’t do much and they adapt well to different environments. They eat snails, earthworms, leeches, small fish, grasshoppers, and other insects, which we can buy at most pet stores. They don’t need a lot of room and can live up to 10 years or more. They are also not poisonous to humans and are gentle and like to be held. This is why garter snakes make a great class pet. (bows).
[VOTE BELOW](#vote)
### **Should we get a CORN SNAKE?**
Corn snakes are constrictors, wrapping themselves around prey to squeeze and subdue it before swallowing it whole.
The name corn snake may have originated from the markings on this snake’s belly, which resemble maize, or Indian corn.
Adult Corn snakes will need at least a 40-gallon terrarium. This is a very good classroom pet because it is 3-5 feet and easy to take care of. The corn snakes eat mice, meat, eggs, and raw meats. Corn snakes need about 1 inch of water a day. Corn snakes need a bowl of water that is 2.54 centimeters.
Contrary to what you might think, corn snakes can make great classroom pets. Recommended beginner snakes like the corn snake come in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns, are docile and generally grow to about 3-5 feet.
[VOTE BELOW](#vote)
### **Should we get a CHUBBY FROG?**
The Banded Bullfrog is also known as a Chubby Frog because they are really cute and chubby!
We should get one so that Maya would have a little friend in the classroom.
It would swim in a little bowl in the terrarium.
There would be a lot of ideas for names like Mikey, Leo,etc
The Chubby Frog will only grow up to 2-3 inches and we could learn a lot about amphibians when we see it grow.
It would jump a lot and be fun to watch!
[VOTE BELOW](#vote)
### **Should we get a TORTOISE?**
I think that we can get a Greek Tortoise because they can teach us how to care for animals. I also think they are kinda cute!
They’re not like hamsters or birds or other warm-blooded pets, so they will require some special care. They are not good with young children but they are good with middle schoolers to high schoolers or older. This means they could be a great fit for our class! Older kids—middle school and over—can make great caretakers for tortoises and turtles if they are properly trained.
Tortoises are docile and sweet animals. These are all reasons why we should definitely get a tortoise!
[VOTE BELOW](#vote)
### **Should we NOT get a class pet?**
Buying a class pet is like buying death and selling your freedom.
First, there’s an 8/15 chance they have Salmonella and a 7/15 chance they can have ringworm. There is also a 6/15 they can have tapeworms and more.
Also, there have been reports of abuse, such as a snake being microwaved! Buying pets can support breeders and other cruel sellers.
Don’t forget that during an emergency, a classroom pet is most likely to get left behind and die. Animals are supposed to run free in the wild not caged up in a school. Come on guys – we are literally reading a book about this!! Think about Ivan. (from *The One and Only Ivan*)
Maybe we can’t change. Humans can’t change. From our dog’s bleeding nose to our kid’s cuts, we will always be guilty and have blood on our hands. But, maybe, just maybe, this will make us less guilty. Maybe this will bring us just one step closer to change.
[VOTE BELOW](#vote)
Loading…
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**Categories:** School Life, Student Showcase, Top Posts 2023
**Tags:** class pet, inquiry learning, lake shore campus, middle school, oak learners, project based learning
---
### [Mimico Village BIA Mural Project at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/mimico-village-bia-mural-project-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** September 26, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Together with Oak Learners, the Mimico Village BIA has undertaken the commission of an innovative and inspirational for the community.
**Content:**
Together with [Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca), the [Mimico Village BIA](https://mimicovillagebia.ca/) has undertaken the commission of an innovative and inspirational for the community. The mural will be painted directly on the north-facing wall of 394 Royal York Road, currently occupied by Oak Learners. Funded by the City of Toronto, the mural will be completed in September-October 2023, and will be presented to the community in a special event, hosted by the Mimico Village BIA on October 28, 2023.
The Mural Artist Kayla Bluium describes her vision for the mural in the following way, *“In this mural I explore my neuro-divergence and personal struggles with ADHD and dyslexia throughout my life. Although it has been difficult, I am grateful that my differences have taught me to empathize with others, to build a life that suits my needs and embrace my ability to see the world differently. I want to create a mural that inspires children to accept and love who they are by finding the silver lining in their differences. As someone who struggles on a daily basis with executive dysfunction, I want to be an inspiration that you can live an interesting and fulfilling life that embraces your differences. The mural will be created in my whimsical art style using plants and animals to tell surreal stories about femmehood, self-love and mental health.*”
[](http://www.kaylabuium.com)
[](http://www.kaylabuium.com)
[](http://www.kaylabuium.com)
The mural will be unveiled in a community event on October 28, 2023, coupled with an interactive video projection that will bring the mural to life. Projection Artist Nathan Brucetalks about the projects as an experience that, “*will explore the psychological and emotional experiences of those who live with ADHD and other neuro-divergenies. Through the use of intertwining colours, patterns, and shapes, we will transform the mural into a kinetic landscape that aims to represent the lived experience of neurodivergence. We hope that through this collaboration between digital and analogue art forms, those living with their unique differences will feel seen, heard, and inspired by what we create*.”
We are excited to see how the project comes together and evolves to inspire and unite our community.
Learn more about Kayla Bluium at [www.kaylabuium.com](http://www.kaylabuium.com) and [www.instagram.com/milkboxtheartist](http://www.instagram.com/milkboxtheartist)
[](http://www.kaylabuium.com)
### **Follow along with the progress of the Mural Installation….**
### **Day 1**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PXL_20230925_185947498-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
### **Day 2**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PXL_20230926_184352445-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
### **Day 3**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PXL_20230926_231941652-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
### **Day 4**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PXL_20230928_173603135-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
### **Day 5**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PXL_20230930_201855837-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PXL_20231003_214139239.PANO_-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
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**Categories:** School Life, Top Posts 2023
**Tags:** art, etobicoke, mimico, mimico village bia, mural, toronto
---
### [NEW Mural welcomes students at the Oak Learners Lake Shore Campus](https://oaklearners.ca/new-mural-welcomes-students-at-the-oak-learners-lake-shore-campus/)
**Published:** September 2, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Designed, illustrated and painted by Julia Taylor. Julia taught at Oak Learners from 2020 through 2023 and helped lead the launch of the Lake Shore Campus Location in September 2022.
**Content:**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG-20231111-WA0009.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG-20231111-WA0021.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PXL_20230904_155943695-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
#### Designed, illustrated and painted by Julia Taylor. Julia taught at Oak Learners from 2020 through 2023 and helped lead the launch of the Lake Shore Campus Location in September 2022.
#### [Visit](https://oaklearners.ca/contact/) the Oak Learners Lake Shore Campus at 3003B Lake Shore Blvd W in Etobicoke.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG-20231111-WA0018.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG-20231111-WA0010.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG-20231111-WA0008.jpg?ssl=1)
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**Categories:** Announcements., School Life, Top Posts 2023
**Tags:** art, Julia Taylor, lake shore campus, mimico, mural, new toronto, oak learners, school art, school mural
---
### [Oak Learners named "Best in Arts & Culture" for 2023 in the annual GEMS of Etobicoke-Lakeshore Awards](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-named-best-in-arts-culture-for-2023-in-the-annual-gems-of-etobicoke-lakeshore-awards/)
**Published:** August 25, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners was the distinguished recipient of the 2023 GEMS of Etobicoke-Lakeshore Award in the category of Best Arts & Culture. The GEMS are small business and service organization awards that are presented each year by James Maloney, Minister of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
**Content:**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PXL_20230823_005004241.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG-20230822-WA0030.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PXL_20230823_000905368.MP_-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
Oak Learners was the distinguished recipient of the [2023 GEMS](https://jamesmaloney.libparl.ca/2023/03/13/gems-of-etobicoke-lakeshore-2023-nomination-forms/) of Etobicoke-Lakeshore Award in the category of Best Arts & Culture. The GEMS are small business and service organization awards that are presented each year by [James Maloney](https://jamesmaloney.libparl.ca/), Minister of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. These awards celebrate the businesses, business owners and volunteers that go above and beyond for our community. The 2023 Awards were presented at a special ceremony at the Mimico Cruising Club on August 22, 2023. Oak Learners has been nominated for a GEM Award every year since 2015 and also won in the category of [Best Professional Service Business in 2021](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-named-best-service-business-in-the-2021-gems-of-etobicoke-lakeshore-awards/).
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG-20230822-WA0019.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG-20230822-WA0030.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PXL_20230823_001055233.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PXL_20230823_002256528.MP_-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
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**Categories:** Announcements., Events, Top Posts 2023
**Tags:** awards, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, gems of etobicoke-lakeshore, james maloney, kelly farrell, nominee, oak learners, winner
---
### [Food & Gardening at Summer Camp with Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/week-7-of-camp-recap-food-gardening/)
**Published:** August 23, 2023
**Author:** Natalie Julien
**Excerpt:** At Summer Camps, sometimes we really do get to live out our childhood dreams and play with our food! Our very own garden was the classroom for this week! Campers explored how to plant & grow their own food and then prepare it for themselves, friends and family.
**Content:**
# At Summer Camps, sometimes we really do get to live out our childhood dreams and *play with our food!!!*
# Our very own garden was the classroom for this week! Campers explored how to plant & grow their own food and then prepare it for themselves, friends and family.
# We learned WHERE our food comes from.
# What is “sustainably sourced food” & HOW does it grow?!
# We got our hands dirty & answered the questions!!
# This week we created:
#
# Healthy “freezies”!
# Fruit Kabobs!
# Smoothies: using a blender campers learned how to measure, mix, dice and blend!
# Zucchini pizza bites: we plucked our very own zucchinis from the garden, diced them up and got to create our own little mini pizza bites!
# Health-concious popsicles!
# It’s fun to learn, play and then eat our very own creations!! Campers tried new foods & textures and learned to like and explore new tastes!
#
---
For more information on our Summer Camps visit [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
Looking for more? Check out our [Camps Articles](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/)
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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-
**Categories:** Camps
**Tags:** cooking with kids, elementary school, etobicoke, food, gardening, gardening with kids, kids, mimico, new toronto, oak learners, south etobicoke, summer camp
---
### [Travelling Around the World at Oak Learners Summer Camps!](https://oaklearners.ca/week-5-6-camp-recap/)
**Published:** August 23, 2023
**Author:** Natalie Julien
**Excerpt:** Two weeks of Summer Camp just flew by! And we aren't just saying that because we took a trip around the world! We learned about different cultures and their structures! We made art such as the Chinese Dragon, a Traditional African neckpiece & a Dasara Elephant craft! Our specialty campers learned all about Environmental science with our resident scientist, Richard! We learned about water pollution & experimented with storms in a jar!
**Content:**
# Two weeks of Summer Camp just flew by! And we aren’t just saying that because we took a trip around the world!
# We learned about different cultures and their structures! We made art such as the Chinese Dragon, a Traditional African neckpiece & a Dasara Elephant craft!
# Our specialty campers learned all about Environmental science with our resident scientist, Richard! We learned about water pollution & experimented with storms in a jar!
# We also recreated famous structures! Too much fun to be had these past weeks!
# And of course, we ventured out at least two hours a day into the beautiful nature that surrounds us. We studied the different habitats and their biodiversity! Foraged for plants, flowers & bugs of all kind!
---
For more information on our Summer Camps visit [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
Looking for more? Check out our [Camps Articles](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/)
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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-
**Categories:** Camps, Events, Music
**Tags:** camps, etobicoke, geography, hands-on learning, kids, mimico, project based learning, science, stem, summer camps, travel
---
### [Summer Camp is for Art and Adventure at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/weeks-3-4-summer-camp-2023/)
**Published:** August 18, 2023
**Author:** Natalie Julien
**Excerpt:** What an exciting two weeks. Our themes these past two weeks were "Art Attack/Summer in the City" & our speciality camp was "Visual Art & Nature"
**Content:**
# **We wrapped up weeks 3 & 4 of Summer Camp 2023 with new perspectives and messy hands!**
# **What an exciting two weeks. Our themes these past two weeks were “Art Attack/Summer in the City” & our speciality camp was “Visual Art & Nature”**
# **For our Art Attack theme, our resident artist, Sarah, taught us all about negative & positive space, colour theory & water colour techniques…. just to name a few! We had so many hands-on projects this week.**
# ***We love to experiment & get messy around here!***
# **For our visual Art & Nature Specialty Camp, our resident scientist**
# **Dr. Richard, taught us about:**
# **Measuring Grass Health by Colour**
# **Plant Genetics**
# **& Identifying bugs, flowers & leaves *just to name a few activities*!**
# What a blast! Stay tuned for the next few weeks of adventures! And… the adventures don’t just stop here! We will be announcing our fall programming very soon!
---
For more information on our Summer Camps visit [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
Looking for more? Check out our [Camps Articles](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/)
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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**Categories:** Camps, Outdoor Education
**Tags:** art and nature, art camp, etobicoke, mimico, nature camp, oak learners, south etobicoke, summer camp, summer camp for kids
---
### [Move and Groove at Summer Camp with Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-week-2-2023/)
**Published:** July 14, 2023
**Author:** Natalie Julien
**Excerpt:** Wow... time flies when you are having the BEST time ever! This week at the Royal York campus Summer Camps, our theme was "Move & Groove" and we certainly did that! Read more about Summer Camps at Oak Learners.
**Content:**
# Week #2! Wow… time flies when you are having the BEST time ever! This week at the [Royal York campus](https://oaklearners.ca/product/arts-adventures-classic-summer-camps-2023-royal-york-campus/), our theme was “Move & Groove” and we certainly did that! We moved and grooved all over Lakeshore/Mimico during our outdoor adventures, we made musical crafts, had amazing dance parties, sang, learned about rhythm & music and just had so much joy!
# **We don’t know about you guys, but we REALLY, really love the splash pad & waving pool.**
# 
# **Our crafts this week were exceptionally cool & musical!**
# **Thank you to everyone for a wonderful week two of camp! See you all [next week](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camps/)!**
- [## Summer Camps 2026
Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
- [## Summer Camps Extended Hours
$50.00 – $90.00Price range: $50.00 through $90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/)
- [## Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
$195.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/preschool-enrichment-mini-camp/)
- [## Junior Learn & Lead
$140.00 – $175.00Price range: $140.00 through $175.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/junior-learn-lead/)
- [## Senior Learn & Lead
$0.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/senior-learn-lead-counselor-in-training/)
---
For more information on our Summer Camps visit [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
Looking for more? Check out our [Camps Articles](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/)
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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**Categories:** Camps, Music, Outdoor Education, School Life
**Tags:** camps, dance, etobicoke, mimico, movement, music, music camp, music lessons, musical theatre camp, oak learners, summer camps, yoga
---
### [Musical Theatre Week at Summer Camp 2023](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-week-1-2023/)
**Published:** July 12, 2023
**Author:** Natalie Julien
**Excerpt:** Rain or (lots of) Sunshine, we were out exploring, splashing, playing and enjoying the weather with our wonderful counsellors Emma, Gaby, Ryan & Kristina at the Royal York Campus.
**Content:**
#### *Wow*…what a fun & smooth first week of camp for 2023! For that, we have our fabulous campers & staff to thank
#### Rain *or* (lots of) Sunshine, we were out exploring, splashing, playing and enjoying the weather with our wonderful [counsellors](https://oaklearners.ca/ourteam/) Emma, Gaby, Ryan & Kristina at the Royal York Campus.
## **Our campus was visited this week by our resident percussionist, Mr. [Adam](https://oaklearners.ca/ourteam/)! All campers had a chance to play the drums, and he worked with us on rhythm & team work! We did a lot of clapping, stomping and shaking!**
## **We also enjoyed working with our boomwhackers and learning about different pitches and how we can combine them to make a scale!**
## *“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato*
### **Our theme of the week at Royal York was “Musical Theatre”. Our specialized camp group learned music, we worked on annunciation, character development and singing! Musicals we learned music from about this week were: “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, “HONK! The Musical”, “The Lion King”, “Peter Pan” & “CATS!” We learned lots of fun warm ups with Miss Natalie so our voices can stay healthy and strong!**
# **This week, we focused on music/theatre themed crafts! The creativity flowed!**
# We can’t wait for the next weeks of [camp](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camps/) together!!!
- [## Summer Camps 2026
Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
- [## Summer Camps Extended Hours
$50.00 – $90.00Price range: $50.00 through $90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/)
- [## Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
$195.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/preschool-enrichment-mini-camp/)
- [## Junior Learn & Lead
$140.00 – $175.00Price range: $140.00 through $175.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/junior-learn-lead/)
- [## Senior Learn & Lead
$0.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/senior-learn-lead-counselor-in-training/)
---
For more information on our Summer Camps visit [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
Looking for more? Check out our [Camps Articles](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/)
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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-
**Categories:** Camps, Outdoor Education, Top Posts 2023
**Tags:** camps, etobicoke, mimico, music camp, music lessons, musical theatre, oak learners, percussion, summer camp 2023, summer camps
---
### [Celebrating Earth Day, Every Day](https://oaklearners.ca/celebrating-earth-day-every-day/)
**Published:** April 23, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** We live in a changing world, where it is becoming ever-important to take steps towards conserving the Earth’s resources for generations to come. At our school, environmental awareness has always been a priority for both staff and students alike.
**Content:**
We live in a changing world, where it is becoming ever-important to take steps towards conserving the Earth’s resources for generations to come. At our school, environmental awareness has always been a priority for both staff and students alike. Through participation in global events such as Earth Hour and Earth Day, we raise the awareness of students and create lasting habits of eco-friendliness.
While three R’s have clearly become part of our collective vocabulary, the one that is most effectively managed in schools is recycling. But establishing guidelines for recycling, compost and garbage is only the first step to ensuring that everything is properly disposed of. Recycling and composting have to be a matter of habit for the students and staff. Turning good recycling theory into practice takes time and a lot of effort, but can be fun. Engaging students in games and challenges to see who can produce the least amount of actual garbage is a good way to build awareness around the school and teach students to “Reduce” packaging and to “Reuse” containers.
**More Awareness of ‘Reducing’ and ‘Reusing’**
Technology is a given part of our students’ worlds since they were born. In itself, technology can be a solution to problems of waste in schools, as digitizing records, documents and communication save paper. However, as technology constantly develops and changes, we are then left with another problem, that of electronic waste which needs to be disposed of at a proper facility.
Students are increasingly more aware of the “Reduce” and “Reuse” aspects of environmental change. Consumerism and over-consumption are high in this era of easily replaceable electronics and dollar-store purchases. Recycling is far better than creating garbage, but it still consumes energy and produces waste. Reducing the amount of “stuff” that we purchase, along with using reusing as much as we can, minimizes what we need to dispose of, whether recycled or “trashed.” In reality, reducing our usage and reusing items is a “greener” way to effect change and to conserve our resources and should be the focus of continued efforts toward environmental awareness in schools.
**Helping Students Live Out the R’s**
Students learn best when behaviours are modelled. Here are some simple solutions our school found that have helped the students to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle:
REDUCE
- Use email and electronics newsletters to maintain effective home-school communication.
- Establish a garbage-free lunch policy to reduce waste; parents can support this by purchasing in bulk and using reusable containers.
- Use reusable fabric food-safe pouches instead of plastic zipper baggies.
- Reduce your carbon footprint by shopping locally and planting a small vegetable or herb garden for frequently used items at home; schools can also plant cooperative gardens to teach students about growing their own food.
- Reduce textbooks by purchasing online licences or using websites for research.
- Use mini-whiteboards instead of paper for various activities.
- Combine two pages onto each side of a sheet when photocopying or printing (which may seem small at first, but young eyes adapt to this quickly).
- Use rechargeable batteries where possible in the home for toys and games to reduce toxic electronic waste.
- Continue to encourage students to turn off the water when they are not using it and to turn off the lights when they leave a room – these habits are formed at early ages.
REUSE
- Collect used paper (one-sided) in the classroom and from home for later usage.
- Parents can donate old letterhead from their offices to use for school photocopying and drawing paper.
- Photocopy and print on reused paper (single-sided).
- Encourage students to use reusable containers for snacks.
- Use travel mugs for hot drinks and reusable bottles for water and juice.
- Collect items that can be reused for art activities around the school (e.g. toilet paper rolls, margarine containers, glass jars, etc.).
- Use reusable mesh bags for loose produce when buying in the grocery store.
RECYCLE
- Turn recycling into a fun activity for staff and students; create challenges for classes to properly sort their recycling and compost.
- Educate students on the local guidelines for recycling to ensure that only recyclable materials are placed into recycle bins, which reduces energy spent sorting material at a later time.
- Designate an area of the school for collecting electronic waste and batteries from families and partner with a recycling company who will pick it up on a regular basis.
- Encourage families to designate a location at home where “used up” batteries can be collected before being taken to a drop-off location (e.g. used food container or jar, labelled and kept beside the recycling bins in the home).
*< Modified from the original article co-written by Kelly Farrell and published on [Our Kids Blog ](http://www.ourkids.net/blog/earth-day-schools-9483/) on 18/04/2011. >*
---
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**Categories:** Education, Healthy Living, Mindfulness
**Tags:** alterative education, alternative school, community, earth day, eco education, ecology, ecoschool, environment, environmental education, mimico, recycle, schools, waste
---
### [Expressing Creativity through Nature](https://oaklearners.ca/expressing-creativity-through-nature/)
**Published:** April 21, 2023
**Author:** Nina Semchyshyn
**Excerpt:** We have to celebrate the good days and remember what is special in our lives. Thankfully, we have life and that is because of the Earth. SO, let’s celebrate and use the things it gives us to show its beauty.
**Content:**
Expressing creativity is something we can do with nature any time of year but Spring is a lot more fun for these activities.
Every April 22nd, Earth Day is celebrated world wide and that is something that is truly special! It is a day where everyone, no matter the place or race of Earth’s population takes the time to acknowledge and remember that we all live on a pretty incredible planet. It is one of the days each year that everyone celebrates something together.
At this time, the world is also experiencing and currently coping with something that effects us all. It has been awhile since everywhere in the world has the same reason they are struggling together.
But, we have to celebrate the good days and remember what is special in our lives. Thankfully, we have life and that is because of the Earth. SO, let’s celebrate and use the things it gives us to show its beauty.
### Expressing creativity with nature!
Every child has a different imagination and here are some ways we can facilitate it!
**Step 1:** Look around! What draws your eye?
**Step 2:** Let’s collect! Choose two to three materials from nature (a leaf, a rock, a flower, etc) and find five of each to gather.
**Step 3:** Sort them! Put each of the products into piles to sort them.
**Step 4:** Find a background! You can use grass, wood, a table, the floor of your living room to put your materials together on.
**Step 5**: Imagine! Think of something you’d like to produce. It could be a shape (circle, square, heart, etc.) or an image! Anything!
**Step 6**: Create! Put it together, use the materials you chose to make your picture.
**Step 7:** Take a picture!
**Step 8**: Put your materials back into nature! Place everything back to the ground, anywhere you want. The materials you chose were decomposable. Which means that it will live another life in the Earth if it is put there!
#### Take it one step further and create a nature mandala!
---
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**Categories:** Outdoor Education, Outside Activities
**Tags:** art, creativity, earth day, nature
---
### [Cherry Blossom DIY Art Activity](https://oaklearners.ca/welcome-spring-with-this-cherry-blossom-diy-art-activity/)
**Published:** April 20, 2023
**Author:** Doran Reed
**Excerpt:** This painting is a wonderful spring art project for kids with an added bonus of paiting with different textures!
**Content:**
Nothing says Spring like seeing cherry blossom trees begin blossoming in gorgeous shades of pink and white! This painting is a wonderful spring art project for kids with an added bonus of painting with different textures!
Supplies:
- Canvas paper
- Acrylic or tempra paint (red, pink, white, black, green)
- Paintbrushes
- Paint palette and water container, recycled containers work great for this
- Cotton balls with clothespins **OR** Qtips **OR** potato halves **OR** sponges
Process:
1. Begin by using a black marker to draw an outline of the tree trunk and branches. The child can paint the trunk in with black paint.
2. Use Qtips, or cotton balls held with clothespins to dab white and pink paint onto the branches to create the “blossoms”.
3. Children can also use their fingers to dab on green leaves.
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
**Tags:** activity, art, cherry blossom, cherry blossom art, classroom art, craft, doran, kindergarten, paint, preschool, preschool art, spring
---
### [A Natural Way to Learn](https://oaklearners.ca/a-natural-way-to-learn/)
**Published:** April 1, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** On a beautiful spring afternoon in mid-May, we noticed that our local park was blanketing in gorgeous yellow dandelions. The fields of green and yellow seemed to stretch forever, providing us an opportunity to reflect on the absolute beauty of the natural world around us.
**Content:**
***“Let Nature be your teacher.” – William Wordsworth***
---
*<Originally published June 4, 2019>*
---
If I told you that we made [Dandelion Play Dough](https://parentingchaos.com/diy-dandelion-playdough/) today, you may well wonder what it had to do with the curriculum, but in fact it was one of the best learning experiences for students and teachers alike!
For the past month, our [students](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) have been learning about plants through a project-based inquiry unit. We began with a full dissection of an almost-dead daffodil plant, examining all parts of the plant and asking questions along the way. The children were fascinated by being allowed to touch the plant and pull it apart, making it obvious once again that we need to spend more time letting children explore the world around them, close-up.
  
Our students planted seeds of many varieties, learning about the stages of plant growth as our own plants started growing. Each student developed their own areas of inquiry and were able to expand on class activities through independent and guided research opportunities. For example, one student was fascinated by the different varieties of beans and wondered if they would sprout bean plants that looked different and how he would be able to differentiate different plans. This led to more hands-on learning as we worked together to develop ways to figure out the answer to this problem. Through this exploration, this student was able to develop skills in multiple disciplines, including non-fiction reading, report writing, scientific diagram sketching and labeling, measurement, and more.
Spring was the perfect opportunity to bring this inquiry into the classroom, since the local parks and even our own front yard could become a natural extension of our classroom. We watched the first crocuses and tulips pushed their way into the sunshine on our daily neighbourhood walks. We spent a day at [High Park](http://www.highparktoronto.com/), learning about the attraction of Cherry Blossoms and exploring the budding trees and the birds, newly arrived from their winter migrations.
On a beautiful spring afternoon in mid-May, we noticed that our local park was blanketing in gorgeous yellow dandelions. The fields of green and yellow seemed to stretch forever, providing us an opportunity to reflect on the absolute beauty of the natural world around us. We noticed bees enjoying the first flowers of spring and the birds enjoying pecking through the grass for special treats. We decided to seize the opportunity and learn more about how dandelions are so much more than just a weed, including how they can be used as a simple natural dye.
Each student agreed to pick 10 dandelions each, leaving plenty in the park for the bees and butterflies. We took them back to school and looked closer at the stems and flower heads, deciding that the flowers alone would probably give us the best chance to achieve a more vibrant yellow colour. Preparing play-dough our normal way, we decided to blend the dandelion flowers with the water, achieving a sort of paste that mixed easily with the rest of the ingredients. The best part was when it was ready and we got our hands on it! The texture was fantastic! So many little bits of petals and leaves that could be seen throughout the gorgeous soft yellow dough, as if emphasizing the importance of getting our hands literally ON what we are learning.
It’s just natural.
   
---
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**Categories:** Education, Outdoor Education, School Life
**Tags:** dandelion craft, dandelion play dough, education, experiential learning, hands-on learning, high park toronto, inquiry based learning, natural learning, nature, nature education, outdoor education, reggio emilia, reggio inspired
---
### [Creating a Culture of Inclusivity: How Our School Values Diversity and Equity](https://oaklearners.ca/creating-a-culture-of-inclusivity-how-our-school-values-diversity-and-equity/)
**Published:** March 29, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** At its core, inclusivity means recognizing and valuing the diversity of our students and ensuring that each and every one of them feels welcome, supported, and included in our learning community. This includes students of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.
**Content:**
At its core, inclusivity means recognizing and valuing the diversity of our students and ensuring that each and every one of them feels welcome, supported, and included in our learning community. This includes students of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.
One benefit of creating a culture of inclusivity is that it helps to create a safe and supportive learning environment where students and staff can thrive. As Marzi, one of our valued staff members, shared, “I felt like a true member of a community for the first time since immigrating to Canada when I was able to share my cultural New Year’s celebration with the students and staff at Oak Learners.” This sentiment speaks to the power of inclusivity in creating a sense of belonging and community for individuals from all backgrounds. When students and staff feel valued and supported, they are more likely to feel comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives, engaging in discussions, and taking risks in their learning.
Another benefit of inclusivity is that it helps to foster empathy and understanding among students. By valuing and celebrating diversity, we help our students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for different perspectives and experiences. This can help to create a more compassionate and empathetic community that is better equipped with several tools such as, learning to ask questions to build understanding and new ways to find similarities.
At Oak Learners, we understand the importance of fostering positive and open relationships built on mutual respect. As such, we place a high value on open communication and dialogue not only among our students, faculty, and staff, but also between all members of our community. Our experienced teachers encourage our students to engage in respectful and open discussions about issues related to diversity and inclusivity, and we provide them with the tools and support they need to navigate these conversations in a constructive and respectful manner.
Overall, we believe that creating a culture of inclusivity is the foundation for creating a supportive and enriching learning environment where all students can thrive. By valuing and celebrating diversity and equity, we are able to create a community that is better equipped to navigate the challenges of the world and make a positive difference in their communities and beyond. At Oak Learners, we believe that diversity and inclusivity are essential values for creating a supportive and enriching learning environment. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity that celebrates and values the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of each of our students.
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Our Team, Parenting, School Life, Top Posts 2023
**Tags:** Creating a Culture of Inclusivity, diversity, Equity, etobicoke, Inclusivity, oak learners, Oak Learners School, Ontario Private schools, private school, resources, School Values, support, toronto
---
### [The Healing Power of Music: How Learning an Instrument Can Improve Mental Health](https://oaklearners.ca/the-healing-power-of-music-how-learning-an-instrument-can-improve-mental-health/)
**Published:** March 26, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Music has been used as a form of expression for centuries. It is a powerful tool that can convey emotions and feelings in both a verbal and non-verbal setting. Learning to play an instrument allows individuals to express themselves in a limitless creative way, providing a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. This is especially important for children and teenagers who may struggle expressing themselves or have many stressors and anxiety in their life.
**Content:**
Music has been used as a form of expression for centuries. It is a powerful tool that can convey emotions and feelings in both a verbal and non-verbal setting. Learning to play an instrument allows individuals to express themselves in a limitless creative way, providing a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. This is especially important for children and teenagers who may struggle expressing themselves or have many stressors and anxiety in their life. In more recent times we have seen the impact music has had to help keep people connected and united during the Covid lockdowns. Whether it is listening to soothing music or upbeat songs to boost mood and motivation, people have turned to music as a form of therapy to deal with the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic.
Studies have shown that learning to play an instrument can have a significant impact on mental health. Playing an instrument requires focus, discipline, and perseverance, all of which are important life skills. It can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting relaxation and improving mood. In fact, a [study](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190212134120.htm) by the National Institutes of Health found that playing music can activate the same reward centers in the brain as food, partaking in your favorite activities, providing a rewarding feeling of accomplishment and confidence.
Learning an instrument can also improve cognitive function, memory, and creativity. It requires the brain to process and interpret multiple pieces of information at once, such as reading music, controlling the instrument, and listening to the sound. This can lead to increased brain connectivity and improved neural processing, which can translate to improved academic performance and problem-solving skills.
At Oak Learners, we offer [private music lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/) for a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, violin, and drums. Our experienced teachers work with students of all ages and skill levels, providing individualized instruction that is tailored to each student’s needs and interests. We believe that music education should be accessible to everyone and offer financial assistance to families who need it.
Our [music program](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/) not only teaches students how to play an instrument but also provides them with a sense of community and belonging. It allows them to connect with others who share their passion for music and provides a creative outlet for self-expression. We have seen firsthand the positive impact that music can have on our students’ mental health and well-being, and we are proud to offer this program as part of our holistic approach to education.
In conclusion, the healing power of music is undeniable, and learning an instrument can have significant benefits for mental health, especially for children and teenagers. At Oak Learners, we recognize the [importance of music](https://oaklearners.ca/this-is-your-brain-on-music/) education and offer private music lessons as part of our holistic approach to education. We believe that every student deserves access to music education and are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive.
[  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2025-4.jpg?ssl=1 "2025 (4)")
[  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2025-3.jpg?ssl=1 "2025 (3)")
[  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2025-5.jpg?ssl=1 "2025 (5)")
[  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2025.jpg?ssl=1 "2025")
[  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2025-2.jpg?ssl=1 "2025 (2)")
Private music lessons are available for all ages. Learn a new instrument, compose your first score, or just improve your skills with our music teachers.
## [A Magical Evening of Music and Theatre at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/a-magical-evening-of-music-and-theatre-at-oak-learners/)
by [Mishka Khilnani](https://oaklearners.ca/author/mishka-khilnani/ "Posts by Mishka Khilnani") \| June 25, 2025 \| [BASE Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/base-camps/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/), [Student Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/student-showcase/) \| 0 Comments
On June 5th, Oak Learners wrapped up the 2024–2025 school year with a spectacular outdoor concert at Amos Waites Park. Students from our Day School, B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) program, and private music lessons took to the stage to share the music and theatre pieces they’ve been working so hard on all year.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/a-magical-evening-of-music-and-theatre-at-oak-learners/)
## [Some of our Past Teachers](https://oaklearners.ca/meet-our-music-teachers-for-2024-2025/)
by [Natalie Julien](https://oaklearners.ca/author/nataliejulien/ "Posts by Natalie Julien") \| September 23, 2024 \| [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/) \| 0 Comments
A few of the past teachers we have had the opportunity to work with.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/meet-our-music-teachers-for-2024-2025/)
## [Travelling Around the World at Oak Learners Summer Camps!](https://oaklearners.ca/week-5-6-camp-recap/)
by [Natalie Julien](https://oaklearners.ca/author/nataliejulien/ "Posts by Natalie Julien") \| August 23, 2023 \| [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/), [Events](https://oaklearners.ca/category/events/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/) \| 0 Comments
Two weeks of Summer Camp just flew by! And we aren’t just saying that because we took a trip around the world! We learned about different cultures and their structures! We made art such as the Chinese Dragon, a Traditional African neckpiece & a Dasara Elephant craft! Our specialty campers learned all about Environmental science with our resident scientist, Richard! We learned about water pollution & experimented with storms in a jar!
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/week-5-6-camp-recap/)
## [Spotlight on Adam, our former music teacher](https://oaklearners.ca/spotlight-on-our-amazing-music-teacher-adam/)
by [Natalie Julien](https://oaklearners.ca/author/nataliejulien/ "Posts by Natalie Julien") \| July 22, 2023 \| [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/category/our-team/), [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/) \| 0 Comments
Spotlight on Adam, Oak Learners’ former music teacher. Professional drummer with 11+ years experience. Read his story and find current music lessons at Royal York
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/spotlight-on-our-amazing-music-teacher-adam/)
## [Move and Groove at Summer Camp with Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-week-2-2023/)
by [Natalie Julien](https://oaklearners.ca/author/nataliejulien/ "Posts by Natalie Julien") \| July 14, 2023 \| [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/) \| 0 Comments
Wow… time flies when you are having the BEST time ever! This week at the Royal York campus Summer Camps, our theme was “Move & Groove” and we certainly did that! Read more about Summer Camps at Oak Learners.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-week-2-2023/)
## [The Healing Power of Music: How Learning an Instrument Can Improve Mental Health](https://oaklearners.ca/the-healing-power-of-music-how-learning-an-instrument-can-improve-mental-health/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| March 26, 2023 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/) \| 0 Comments
Music has been used as a form of expression for centuries. It is a powerful tool that can convey emotions and feelings in both a verbal and non-verbal setting. Learning to play an instrument allows individuals to express themselves in a limitless creative way, providing a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. This is especially important for children and teenagers who may struggle expressing themselves or have many stressors and anxiety in their life.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/the-healing-power-of-music-how-learning-an-instrument-can-improve-mental-health/)
## [The Benefits of Kids Learning to Dance](https://oaklearners.ca/the-benefits-of-kids-learning-to-dance/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| January 11, 2023 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
Dancing is great exercise and form of self expression that promotes physical fitness, creativity, social connections and learning. Not only it is fun and enjoyable, but it also offers a variety of benefits that can contribute to a child’s overall health and well-being. Find out why it’s important for kids to learn how to dance!
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/the-benefits-of-kids-learning-to-dance/)
## [Effective Musical Instrument Practice at Home](https://oaklearners.ca/musical-instrument-practice-at-home/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| November 12, 2021 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
Most people understand that the more practice on your instrument, the better you become. When it comes to habits, consistency is an important factor in making routines for practice. Some wonder how you can improve your practice habits without causing too much stress? Let’s look at six ways you can make better use of your time when practicing your musical instruments at home.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/musical-instrument-practice-at-home/)
## [Partner Showcase: A New Take on Outdoor Education with Larchwood Nature OT Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/a-new-take-on-outdoor-education-with-larchwood-nature-ot-programming/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| November 4, 2021 \| [Announcements.](https://oaklearners.ca/category/announcements/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Partner Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/partner-showcase/), [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/), [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/) \| 0 Comments
At Larchwood Nature OT we are developing courage, confidence, coordination and deep care for our precious environment in all of our clients. Nature offers many opportunities for supporting development of the mind, muscles, senses, and emotions.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/a-new-take-on-outdoor-education-with-larchwood-nature-ot-programming/)
## [Partner Showcase: Make Music Magical with Little Rebels and Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/make-music-magical-with-little-rebels-and-oak-learners/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| November 2, 2021 \| [Announcements.](https://oaklearners.ca/category/announcements/), [Events](https://oaklearners.ca/category/events/), [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Partner Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/partner-showcase/), [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/) \| 0 Comments
If there’s one thing we love, it’s educational spaces that are totally aligned. The Little Rebels mandate and vision line up magically with the Oak Learners vision to inspire creativity, foster technique and encourage confidence.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/make-music-magical-with-little-rebels-and-oak-learners/)
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Music, Parenting, Programming
**Tags:** anxiety, art therapy, etobicoke, Kids Heath, Kids Mental Health, Kids Resources, music, music lessons, oak learners, Oak Learners Music, Ontario Private schools, Private Music Lessons, resources, support, toronto
---
### [Spring Wonder Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/spring-wonder-walks/)
**Published:** March 23, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The weather is getting warmer and the sun is shining brighter and it helps us all feel a little bit better each day. It's the perfect time to get outside and take a walk!
**Content:**
The weather is getting warmer and the sun is shining brighter and it helps us all feel a little bit better each day. It’s the perfect time to get outside and take wonder walks!
A huge part of our program at Oak Learners is spending time outdoors. We explore our neighbourhood and our city each and every day, regardless of the weather. We wander up and down streets and nature trails and explore the beautiful waterfront, mere minutes from our school. Our favourite time of year for this is definitely Spring because every single day we see new changes that mark the changing season.
### One of our favourite activities are “Wonder Walks”
As we walk to a park or trail, we stop at random spots and take turns asking “I wonder” questions. Sometimes someone else in the group has an idea of the answer, and sometimes we decide to “Google it”. Regardless of answers or not, it helps our students be astute observers of the world around them.
Here are five other ideas to change the way you explore your neighbourhood:
- **Alphabet Walk** – find each letter of the alphabet as you walk down the street. As a challenge, find the letters in order or find objects that start with each letter instead! To keep the activity going, children can keep track of the letters in a notebook or time how long it takes to complete the alphabet challenge and see if they can beat their own time the next day.
- **Word Walk** – choose one or two challenge words, or one word per person and find all of the letters to “Spell” the word as you are walking. When everyone has spelt their word, the game ends or players swap words!
- **Weird Things Walk** – As you walk through the neighbourhood, look for “weird” things. I’ve told my students that “weird” in this case means “anything that doesn’t belong”. We have found some very weird things on our walks, including socks in the middle of the street, coffee cups on fence posts, couches on the sidewalk and so much more! Everytime we spot a weird thing, I challenge the students to make up a story about how that object got there! Thiis has led to some very creative story-telling! Sometimes we even take photos to use for illustrations for our stories when we get back to school.
- **Mindful Walk** – On a mindful walk, it’s all about being in the present moment. Children are encouraged to take each step with purpose. To observe their surroundings and talk about everything they observe with their 5 senses. Sometimes smells are more noticeable and sometimes sounds are. Regardless of what you see, hear, smell, feel or taste, it can be a very wonderful way to take a new walk each day.
- **Number Walk** – Look for objects in “sets”. Choose a number each day and see how many things in a set of that number you can find. For example, if you choose the number “3”, see how many times you see things in sets of 3, like 3 pylons at a construction site, or 3 dogs outside of a café. Alternatively, looks for sets in order of the numbers 1 to 10. First, find 1 thing, then find a pair of somethings, etc.
If you like these wonderful ways of taking a walk, you will definitely want to check out our Nature Scavenger Hunts! Sign up below for your free scavenger hunts download. Happy hunting!
---
For more fun Outside Activities and Oak Learners fun check us out on [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”) and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/)
Looking for more? Check out our [Outside Activities Archives](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities, School Life
**Tags:** adventure, children, education, get outside, mindful walk, neighbourhood walk, oak outside, outdoor, outdoor education, outdoors, outside learning, parenting, scavenger hunt, student, teaching, walk, walking
---
### [How Small Class Sizes can Help Children Prepare for High School](https://oaklearners.ca/how-small-class-sizes-can-help-children-prepare-for-high-school/)
**Published:** February 28, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** As parents and educators, we all want our students to succeed in high school and beyond. At Oak Learners, we believe that small class sizes play an integral role in preparing students for success in their academic journey. In this post, we will explore and outline the benefits of smaller class sizes and how they can impact high school preparation.
**Content:**
# How small class sizes can help children prepare for High school
As parents and educators, we all want our students to succeed in high school and beyond. At Oak Learners, we believe that small class sizes play an integral role in preparing students for success in their academic journey. In this post, we will explore and outline the benefits of smaller class sizes and how they can impact high school preparation.
One of the main advantages of small class sizes is that they allow for more personalized and direct teaching and instruction. Teachers can tailor their lessons to the specific needs and abilities of each student, providing a more customized learning experience. This personalized approach can lead to better student engagement and retention of the material.
In smaller class sizes, teachers can provide more one-on-one time with each student. This extra attention allows teachers to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each student and address them accordingly. By doing so, teachers can help their students overcome their challenges and excel in areas where they excel. This can help boost student confidence and motivation, which is essential for success in high school and beyond.
In addition, teachers can also learn their students’ learning styles in smaller classes. Every student learns differently, and teachers who are familiar with their student’s learning styles can adapt their teaching strategies to meet each student’s needs. This approach can make learning more effective and enjoyable for students and ultimately help them to achieve their academic goals.
Small class sizes can also promote a more collaborative and supportive learning environment. Students are more likely to feel comfortable asking questions and participating in class discussions when they are in a smaller group. They can build relationships with their peers and work together on projects and assignments, which can develop teamwork and communication skills that are essential for success in high school and beyond.
At Oak Learners, we understand the importance of small class sizes in high school preparation. We keep our class sizes small, with a 6:1 student per teacher ratio. Our teachers are passionate about providing personalized and direct instruction that helps our students reach their full potential. We believe that this approach can make a significant difference in the academic success and personal growth of our students.
Small class sizes provide a more personalized and direct approach to teaching, allow for more one-on-one time with teachers, enable teachers to identify learning styles and adapt their teaching strategies, and promote a collaborative and supportive learning environment. If you’re looking for a school that prioritizes small class sizes and personalized instruction, consider Oak Learners in Etobicoke.
Learn more about Oak Learners Alternative Day School Here: <https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/>
Learn more about private one–on–one tutoring here: <https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/>
Learn more about Oak Learners Extra Curricular programming Here: <https://oaklearners.ca/oakonsite/>
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Resource Recommendations
**Tags:** Class size ratios, education, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, high school prep, Highschool preperation, How to get kids ready for highschool, mimico, Mimico School, New Toronto schools, oak learners, Oak Learners Blog New, Oak Learners class size, One - on - one tutoring, parenting, preschool, private school, Skills kids need to learn for highschool, Small Class Sizes Benifits, teachers, teaching, Tips for highschool, Toronto Private Schools, Toronto Schools, Toronto Tutoring
---
### [How to Pick the Right Summer Camp for your Child](https://oaklearners.ca/how-to-pick-the-right-summer-camp-for-your-child/)
**Published:** February 24, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Summer is just around the corner and parents, it's time to start thinking about summer camps for your kids. With so many options available both locally, and around the GTA, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your child. But don't worry, we've got you covered! In this post, we'll guide you through the process of choosing the perfect summer camp for your child that will ensure their best summer yet.
**Content:**
# How to Pick the Right Summer Camp for your Child – Oak Learners
Summer is just around the corner and parents, it’s time to start thinking about summer camps for your kids. With so many options available both locally, and around the GTA, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your child. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the perfect summer camp for your child that will ensure their best summer yet.
Firstly, consider your child’s interests and hobbies. What does your child enjoy doing? Do they prefer outdoor activities or indoor ones? Are they interested in sports or arts and crafts? It’s important to choose a camp that aligns with their interests while also considering camps that give your child new opportunities and experiences. Discovering camps that provides a mixture of unique and fun activates can provide your child with the ability to try new things and develop new skills that they may not normally try. Camp can also be a great opportunity for kids to learn about new interests, hobbies and activities they may normally not be aware of. Finding a camp that provides a wide range of themes, activities and challenges can be very beneficial to ensuring your kid will learn new skills and try new things this summer.
At Oak Learners, we offer a variety of activities to suit every child’s interest. From arts and crafts to sports and games to exploring their community our camps are designed to provide a fun and engaging experience for all campers. Activities are based on the weekly themes which have been planned by our dedicated camp team. Campers will have the opportunity to spend time outside in the local community and discover what makes their neighbourhood special. New to this summer Oak Learners is also offering specialized summer camps for campers looking to expand their camp experience. Campers in this specialty camp will work with a guest instructor for two weeks to explore bi weekly themes and activities.
Another important factor to consider when deciding upon the right summer camp for your child is the counselor to camper ratio. This is especially important for younger children or children who may need more individual attention during their time at camp. At Oak Learners, we maintain a high counselor to camper ratio to ensure that every child receives personalized attention and guidance during their time at camp. This lets camp counselors get to know each child and what they are both interested in and worried about to help make their time at camp the best it can be.
Finally, consider the places your child will visit and the experiences they’ll have during their time at camp. Will they have the opportunity to explore nature, parks or discover what makes their community unique and special? These experiences can be valuable for your child’s personal growth and development and make sure your child is connecting to their local environment and community. Oak Learners offers a range of exciting off site activities that provide campers with unique experiences. From visits to parks, splash pads, hiking trails to trips to the library and waterfront, our campers get to explore the world around them while having fun and making new friends along the way.
Choosing the right summer camp for your child requires careful consideration of your child’s own interests, activities offered, the counselor to camper ratio, and the experiences they’ll have. At Oak Learners, we provide a safe, engaging, and fun summer camp experience for all children. With two convenient locations located on Royal York Road and Lake Shore Blvd and our new specialized camps, we’re confident that your child will have a summer they’ll never forget.
You can learn more about all Oak Learners summer camps here: <https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/>
## What to expect at our 2-week Specialty Arts & Adventures Camps:
This expanded experience of our Arts & Adventures Camps provides more time for campers, counsellors and specialist instructors to build relationships and explore bi-weekly themes in greater depth. These camps are open for campers ages 5-12.
## What to expect at Arts & Adventures Classic Camps:
At our Arts & Adventures Classic Camps, campers ages 4-9 will spend the day doing a variety of planned activities which are both indoors and outdoors. They will learn, explore their creative side, have fun and make new friends.
> [Oak Learners Summer Camp 2023](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-summer-camp-2023/)
> [Arts & Adventures Classic Summer Camps 2023 (Royal York Campus)](https://oaklearners.ca/product/arts-adventures-classic-summer-camps-2023-royal-york-campus/)
> [Arts & Adventures Specialty Summer Camps 2023 (Royal York Campus)](https://oaklearners.ca/product/arts-adventures-specialty-summer-camps-2023-royal-york-campus/)
> [Arts & Adventures Classic Summer Camps 2023 (Lake Shore Campus)](https://oaklearners.ca/product/arts-adventures-classic-summer-camps-2023-lake-shore-campus/)
> [Arts & Adventures Specialty Summer Camps 2023 (Lake Shore Campus)](https://oaklearners.ca/product/arts-adventures-specialty-summer-camps-2023-lake-shore-campus/)
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**Categories:** Activities, Camps, Events, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities, Parenting, Resource Recommendations
**Tags:** 2023 Summer Camps, Benefits of summer camp, Best camps Etobicoke, Best camps GTA, Best camps Toronto, education, etobicoke, Etobicoke Camps, Etobicoke day camps, Etobicoke Kids Camps, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, Etobicoke Schools, GTA Camps, GTA Summer Camps, How to pick the best camps, Kids Camps, mimico, Mimico kids camps, mindfulness, new toronto, oak learners, Oak Learners Summer Camps, Ontario Camps, parenting, summer camps, teachers, toronto, Toronto kids camps, Toronto Summer Camps
---
### [21st Century Literacies and Evolving Pedagogy](https://oaklearners.ca/21st-century-literacies-and-evolving-pedagogy/)
**Published:** February 15, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners is dedicated to supporting parents on their journey to prepare their children for the future of the 21st Century. By adopting a variety of educational pedagogies that empower learners and encourage hands-on exploration, we are flexible to teach new skills as well as the foundational aspects of learning.
**Content:**
##### “If we teach today the way we were taught yesterday, we aren’t preparing students for today or tomorrow.”
Curriculum and educational pedagogy have been rewritten innumerable times from age to age, but the essential skills students have been taught have remained the same since the beginning of human civilization. Schools around the world have always taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as an appreciation for history, culture and science and the natural world around them. Learning in the 21st Century is not any different; students still need these essential skills, perhaps more than ever. What has evolved is the need for additional skills which have emerged with the dependency on technology. Students now also need to be digitally literate and socially literate, while also having the ability to collaborate with others and critically think towards identifying and solving problems.
Worldwide, the school systems of today are built upon an [Industrial Revolution](http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/history/industrial_era/the_industrial_revolution/revision/5/) model where all students are taught the same curriculum, at the same pace. Success is measurable through testing which also serves to separate the high achievers for the purpose of moving children into professional roles or industrial roles. This system was effective back in a time when families were moving from farms to cities to work in factories and children needed to be supervised or educated during the workday. Curriculum was built around the basic “reading, writing and arithmetic” literacies through [rote learning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rote_learning). Today, there is a need to revisit learning strategies to include critical thinking, inquiry, and application of skills.
A shift in educational theory and values has been unfolding for several years now, evident in the way teachers move towards more project-based learning models to engage students. Analysts continue to stress the need for more critical thinking skills and creativity in future leaders. It has frequently been suggested that the 21st Century is propelling industries into the “Golden Age of Entrepreneurship”; another reason why children need to be prepared for a future that they can design themselves and adapt to an ever-changing economic landscape.
Most recently, [Michael Fullan](http://www.michaelfullan.ca/) worked with the [Ministry of Education in Ontario](http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/reports/fullan.html) to determine that there are certain [21st Century Competencies](http://www.edugains.ca/resources21CL/21stCenturyLearning/21CL_21stCenturyCompetencies.pdf) that students need to prepare them for success in the 21st century: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Citizenship & Character Education. This document also recognizes that “A broad repertoire of pedagogical strategies is required to support the emphasis on deep learning and new learning partnerships.” Consequently, it is our responsibility as parents and educators to provide a learning environment that will not only facilitate the learning of these skills through a multitude of scenarios and methods but will also inspire our children to future greatness.
With so many emerging literacies and new opportunities to learn and collaborate with technology, it has become increasingly important for teachers and schools to keep pace. Education cannot be expected to remain stagnant in a changing world. Parents need to ask themselves if they want their children learning the same way they themselves were taught, or if they want their children prepared to face the challenges of the next century.
Oak Learners is dedicated to supporting parents on their journey to prepare their children for the future of the 21st Century. By adopting a variety of educational pedagogies that empower learners and encourage hands-on exploration, we are flexible to teach new skills as well as the foundational aspects of learning. The Ontario Curriculum guides us to understand the minimum that children need to learn, but we always have an eye on alternative curriculum developments and the individual needs and interests of the children. Our full program at Oak Learners is derived from the study of multiple curriculum documents from around the globe which incorporate the developmental skills children need to learn as well as the emerging literacies. This multi-modal approach is designed to best prepare students for a future of flexibility, empowerment and success.
### Learn more about our innovative approach to curriculum and learning at Oak Learners by visiting our [Micro School](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
---
*<Originally published on August 15, 2018>*
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Private Tutoring, Teaching
**Tags:** 21st century education, curriculum, education, educational pedagogy, future, oak learners, ontario, private school, skills
---
### [Top 10 Skills Middle Schoolers Need to Learn](https://oaklearners.ca/top-10-skills-middle-schoolers-need-to-learn/)
**Published:** February 6, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Middle school is an important period in a student’s academic journey as it lays the foundation for future success in high school and beyond. During this time, students are faced with new challenges and responsibilities, and it is essential for them to develop certain skills to ensure their academic success. Here are the top 10 skills middle schoolers should learn for school success.
**Content:**
## Top 10 Skills Middle Schoolers Need to Learn – Oak Learners
Middle school is a crucial period in a student’s academic journey as it lays the foundation for future success in high school and beyond. During this time, students are faced with new challenges and responsibilities, and it is essential for them to develop certain skills to ensure their academic success and personal growth. Here are the top 10 skills middle schoolers should learn for school success:
1\. Time Management: Middle school students need to learn how to manage their time effectively to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and leisure time. By developing good time management skills, students can avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed, and they can use their time more efficiently.
2\. Organization: Keeping track of assignments, due dates, and supplies can be challenging for middle schoolers. However, by developing good organizational skills, students can stay on top of their work and avoid missing deadlines
3\. Study Skills: Effective study skills are crucial for middle school students. They need to learn how to take notes, read actively, and review their material regularly to retain information. By developing good study habits, students can increase their academic performance and build a strong foundation for future success.
4\. Critical Thinking: Middle school students need to learn how to think critically and analyze information. By developing critical thinking skills, students can evaluate information and arguments, make informed decisions, and solve problems effectively.
5\. Communication: Effective communication skills are essential for middle school students. They need to learn how to express themselves clearly and listen actively to others. By developing good communication skills, students can build strong relationships, work well in groups, and succeed in their academic and personal lives.
6\. Responsibility: Middle school students need to learn how to take responsibility for their actions and make good choices. By developing a sense of responsibility, students can become independent learners and take control of their academic and personal lives.
7\. Collaboration: Collaboration skills are important for middle school students as they learn how to work with others to achieve a common goal. These skills can help students succeed in group projects and build teamwork skills that are valuable in both academic and professional settings.
8\. Self-Motivation: Developing self-motivation skills can help middle school students set and achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and take ownership of their learning.
9\. Adaptability: Middle school students need to learn how to adapt to new situations, understand different perspectives, and be open to change. Developing adaptability skills can help students navigate the challenges of middle school and beyond.
10\. Positive Attitude: Maintaining a positive attitude can help middle school students overcome challenges, build resilience, and stay motivated. By focusing on the positive, students can approach their studies with a growth mindset and achieve their goals.
To recap, developing these top 10 skills can help middle school students succeed academically, personally and lay the foundation for future success in high school and beyond. Encouraging students to focus on these skills can help them navigate the challenges of middle school and set them on a path to success.
*For more middle school success resources visit these links:*
<https://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/growsuccess.pdf>
<https://www.ontario.ca/page/growing-success-assessment-evaluation-and-reporting-ontario-schools-kindergarten>
<https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-help-middle.html>
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**Categories:** Announcements., Education, Parenting, Resource Recommendations
**Tags:** education, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, Etobicoke Schools, Kids in Middle School, middle school, mimico, mindfulness, oak learners, parenting, teachers, Top Skills, Top Tips, toronto
---
### [Local Hikes and Hidden Gems for Family Fun](https://oaklearners.ca/local-hikes-and-hidden-gems-for-family-fun/)
**Published:** February 2, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Winter lockdown doesn’t have to mean endless screen time and being stuck indoors. There are plenty of ways to get outside and explore the amazing secret hot spots of nature, art and culture that South Etobicoke has to offer. Here are my top 3 local hikes to explore with my own family and our students at Oak Learners!
**Content:**
*Love Local – Feb Article for [Etobicoke Lakeshore Press](https://etobicokelakeshorepress.com/)*
Winter lockdown doesn’t have to mean endless screen time and being stuck indoors. There are plenty of ways to get outside and explore the amazing secret hot spots of nature, art and culture that South Etobicoke has to offer.
Here are my top 3 local hikes to explore with my own family and our students at Oak Learners!
- **Etobicoke Point**, at the tip of the spit at Humber Bay Shores West, this is one of my favourite spots to see the downtown skyline. The bike trail heading out the point is where my daughter learned to ride her bike many years ago because it offered a flat, predictable trail with lots of opportunities to stop and rest. On cold winter nights, my daughter and I still drive out to the point to check out the nighttime views of the city.
- All year-round, **Colonel Sam Smith Park**, located on the shores just south of Humber College, the park, trails and waterfront offer beautiful vistas, opportunities for wildlife discovery and so much more! Visit in the spring to see nature emerging from hibernation and visit in the fall to spot migratory birds, butterflies and to see brilliant examples of fall colours. Much of the pathways are protected from the wind during the winter so it is a pleasant family walk any time of year.
- The hidden trails along **Mimico Creek** are also some of my favourite spots to take groups of students. Jeff Healy Park and Berry Road Park are beautiful hidden gems that provide access to hiking paths and trails along the creek. Jeff Healy Park is one of our favourites because of the playground and the giant musical instruments that make the hills come alive with sound.
All of these spots, and more, are on the list of adventures we have lined up for Summer Camp at Oak Learners this year. Be sure to check out [www.oaklearners.ca/summer](https://oaklearners.ca/summer/) to learn more about our unique approach to camps and summer fun!
---
For more healthy living posts visit our [Healthy Living Blog Posts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
To keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OakLearners) or [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
For more fun Fitness Activities find us on [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/) too.
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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**Categories:** Camps, Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Outdoor Education, Parenting
**Tags:** activities, etobicoke, family, family day, fun, hikes, local, outdoor education, outdoors, toronto
---
### [Partner Showcase: Little Rebels](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-little-rebels/)
**Published:** February 1, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Blank
**Content:**
# Partner Showcase: Little Rebels
At Oak Learners, we believe in providing exceptional educational opportunities to children in our community and across the GTA. We are excited to share with you our partnership showcase with Little Rebels Music Class, which has been an integral part of our community for over three years.
Little Rebels Music Class is an amazing program that provides children aged 2-5 years with the opportunity to explore and engage in music in a fun and interactive way. Through this program, children are able to develop their musical abilities and creativity while also building their social skills and self-confidence.
At Oak Learners, we recognize the important role that music plays in a child’s development, and we are proud to partner with Little Rebels Music Class to provide this outstanding class to the community. One of the key benefits of Little Rebels Music Class is that it provides children with a safe and supportive environment where they can learn and grow. The program is designed to be fun and engaging, and it allows children to explore their creativity and express themselves in a way that is meaningful to them.
In addition to promoting creativity and self-expression, Little Rebels Music Class also helps children to develop important social skills. Through singing, dancing, and playing instruments together.
More information about Little Rebels Classes can be found here: <https://www.littlerebelsmusic.com/>
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**Categories:** Partner Showcase
**Tags:** etobicoke private school, Mimico Schools, New Toronto schools, oak learners, Toronto private school
---
### [Pink Shirt Day Fundraiser 2023 - Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/pink-shirt-day-fundraiser-2023-oak-learners/)
**Published:** January 30, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Pink Shirt Day is a day of awareness and inclusion that takes place annually in Canada to inform and take a stand against bullying. This year Pink Shirt Day is Wednesday, February 22nd. At Oak Learners, we believe that it is important to take part in this day to promote kindness, acceptance, and to highlight the importance of inclusion and community.
**Content:**
Pink Shirt Day – Oak Learners
Pink Shirt Day (Anti-Bully Day) is a day of awareness and inclusion that takes place annually in Canada to inform and take a stand against bullying. This year [Pink Shirt Day](https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/) is Wednesday, February 22nd. At Oak Learners, we believe that it is important to take part in this day to promote kindness, acceptance, and to highlight the importance of inclusion and community.
Every year on Pink Shirt Day we make sure that our students are aware of the importance and significance of not only the day itself but also what it means to stand up to bully and become an ally. In the weeks leading up to Pink Shirt Day, our teachers and educators will talk to the students about the importance of kindness and acceptance, and how we can all make a difference by standing up against bullying.
Pink Shirt Day is an important day that reminds us of the importance of kindness and inclusion. At Oak Learners we believe by promoting kindness and acceptance, we can make a difference and create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
This year Oak Learners has decided to help better promote Pink Shirt Day by selling **[‘Be Kind’ pink shirts](https://oaklearners.ca/product/be-kind-pink-shirts/)** to the community. All proceeds of the shirt sales will be donated to [**WITS**](https://witsprogram.ca/) to help support kids managing conflict in schools, in their families, and community. WITS provides valuable resources and programs to help kids during times of conflict.
Shirts are available to order on our website OakLearners.ca and can be picked up at both our Royal York and Lake Shore campuses.
In addition to the pink shirts Oak Learners will be selling a non for profit “Pink Shirt Day” hat.
Oak Learners Pink Shirt Day T-Shirt
Adult Sizes:: XS, S, M, L, XL
Adult Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Cost: $20
[Purchase Pink Shirts Here ](https://oaklearners.ca/product/be-kind-pink-shirts/)
Pink Shirt Day Hat
Size: One Size Fits All
Cost: $60
.
[Purchase Pink Shirt Day Hats](https://oaklearners.ca/product/be-kind-pink-shirts/)
*For more Pink Shirt Day Canada 2023 resources visit these links:*
*https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/*
*https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/resources*
www.wits.ca
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**Categories:** Announcements., Education, Events, Resource Recommendations, Top Posts 2023
**Tags:** 2023 Pink Shirt Day Canada, Anti Bully Day, Anti Bully Toronto, How to stop bulling, Importance of Pink Shirt Day, oak learners, Pink Shirt Day, Pink Shirt Day Canada, Pink Shirts, Private Schools Tronto
---
### [2023 Top Choice Awards: Best Private School In Etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/2023-top-choice-awards-best-private-school-in-etobicoke/)
**Published:** January 25, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners was voted Best Private School In Etobicoke in the 2023 Top Choice Awards.
**Content:**
We are thrilled to announce that Oak Learners has been voted the **2023 Best Private School in Etobicoke** award by **Top Choice Awards**! This is a huge honor for us and we could not have done it without the support of our dedicated teachers, staff, and most importantly, our amazing students. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the Etobicoke/Mimico community who voted for us and helped us achieve this incredible recognition. We are truly humbled by this award and it serves as a testament to our hard work and dedication.
Learn more about [Private School at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)!
We are proud to be a part of the Etobicoke community and we look forward to continuing to provide the [best education](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/), [classes](https://oaklearners.ca/oakonsite/) and [camps](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-summer-camp-2023/). Once again, thank you to Top Choice Awards for this prestigious honor, and thank you to everyone who made this possible.
Oak Learners Team.
You can discover more about the 2023 Top Choice Awards and find all the Etobicoke winners at: <https://www.topchoiceawards.com/>
**Two Locations for Summer 2023!**
Royal York Campus – 394 Royal York Rd. (Royal York/Hay Ave)
Lakeshore Campus – 3003b Lakeshore Blvd W (Lakeshore/Ninth st)
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**Categories:** Announcements., Events, Our Team, Partner Showcase, School Life, Top Posts 2023
**Tags:** 2023 Top Choice Awards, award, Best Private School, Best Private School Etobicoke, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, Etobicoke Summer Camps, GTA Summer Camps, Kids summer camps, Lakeshore Camps, Mimico Camps, oak learners summer camp, private school, private schools, school, summer camp, Top Choice Awards, Top Toronto private school, Toronto kids camps, Toronto private school, Toronto Summer Camps
---
### [Oak Learners Summer Camp 2023](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-summer-camp-2023/)
**Published:** January 17, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners Summer Camp overview. Spots are filling up quickly for our new 2023 Summer Camps and the time to act is now! We offer a unique summer camp experience designed to engage children and make them want to return year after year. Check out our new specialty camps!
**Content:**
New 2023 Oak Learners Summer Camp spots are filling up quickly! We offer a unique summer camp experience designed to engage children and make them want to return year after year. Discover our new specialty camps!
**Creativity:** We encourage campers to be creative and explore various means of expression. We plan out a variety of activities including music and art to allow campers to ‘give it a go’.
**Mindfulness:** In addition to the engaging and busy camp activities, we plan in times where campers can take time to reflect and relax. Mindfulness activities include yoga, meditation, specific self-awareness activities and time to stop and think.
**STEAM:** Through Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math activities, campers will have the opportunity to develop their social skills, confidence and cognitive flexibility.
**Community:** Campers will spend as much time outdoors as possible. They will enjoy field trips that give them the opportunity to experience situations that they might not usually have the chance to.
Campers can explore natural surroundings and understand their part in nature and the local community.
#### **What To Expect at Arts & Adventures Camp**
At our Arts & Adventures Camp, campers will spend the day doing a variety of planned activities which are both indoors and outdoors. They will learn, explore their creative side, have fun and make new friends.
Activities are based on the weekly themes which have been carefully planned by our camp counselors. Campers will have the opportunity to spend time outside in the local community and try new activities. If you want your child to have a structured and enjoyable week, our Arts & Adventures Camp is the place to go.
Activities may include:
- Nature trails
- Arts and crafts creations
- Composing music
- Mindfulness events
- Sports and challenges
- Trip to local parks
- Team games and team building activities
- Science experiments
Campers will also have the opportunity to visit local splash pads and wading pools and you will be notified of “water days” to help pack accordingly.
#### **A Typical Day at Arts & Adventures Camp**
7:30-9:00 – Early Drop-Off Programming (add-on)
9:00 – 9:15 – Drop-off, welcome and arrival activities
9:15 – 10:00 – First activity e.g. artistic designs on the weekly theme
10:00 – 11:00 – Second activity e.g. music on the weekly theme
11:00 – 11:15 – AM Snack
11:15 – 12:15 – Third activity e.g. outdoor explorations
12:15 – 1:15 – LUNCH
1:15 – 1:45 – Mindfulness activity
1:45 – 3:00 – Fourth activity e.g. nature trail and games
3:00 – 3:30 – Reflections & celebrations
3:30 – 4:00 – Closing Activities & Dismissal
4:00-6:00 pm – Extended Day Programming (add-on)
#### **What To Expect at our New Specialty Camps**
This expanded experience of our classic[ Arts & Adventures Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product/arts-adventures-classic-summer-camps-2023-royal-york-campus/) provides more time for campers, counselors and specialist instructors to build relationships and explore bi-weekly themes in greater depth. Each theme brings a new experience. Campers will spend the majority of the day participating in cross-curricular activities related to the theme while also getting outside and exploring the local community and the beauty within it.
They will experience learning in a different way, both inside and outside! Campers will take trips to places such as the Humber River, Mimico Creek Trail, Humber Bay Shores and Mimico Waterfront.
Activities may include:
- Animal explorations
- Hiking
- Survival skills
- Mindfulness activities
- Nature trails
- Sketching sceneries
- Team games and team building activities
Campers will also have the opportunity to visit local splash pads and wading pools and you will be notified of “water days” to help pack accordingly.
Campers are strongly encouraged to pack lightly with everything they need for the whole day.
Camp will be indoors only for certain days if it is necessary for campers and the counsellors safety. Counsellors will plan for ‘rainy days’ but may need to use an indoor location if there are extreme weather warnings.
#### **A Typical Day at Specialty Summer Camps**
8:00-9:00 – Early Drop-Off Programming (add-on)
9:00 – 9:15 – Drop-off, welcome and arrival activities
9:15 – 10:15 – First activity e.g. animal exploration and nature trail
10:15 – 10:45 – AM Snack & Mindfulness
10:45 – 12:15 – Second activities e.g. hiking and artistic sketches
12:15 – 1:15 – LUNCH
1:15 – 1:45 – Team games
1:45 – 3:00 – Third activities e.g. survival skills and team building
3:00 – 3:30 – Reflections & celebrations
3:30 – 4:00 – Closing Activities & Dismissal
4:00 – 6:00 pm – Extended Day Programming (add-on)
**Two Locations for Summer 2023!**
Royal York Campus – 394 Royal York Rd. (Royal York/Hay Ave)
Lakeshore Campus – 3003b Lakeshore Blvd W (Lakeshore/Ninth st)
Book today to guarantee your spot in the Oak Learners 2023 Summer Camp early bird! Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to book: <https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/>
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**Categories:** Announcements., Camps, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities, School Life
**Tags:** 2023 Summer Camp, early bird summer camp, etobicoke, Etobicoke Kids Camps, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, Etobicoke Summer Camps, GTA Summer Camps, Kids summer camps, Lakeshore Camps, Mimico Camps, oak learners summer camp, private school, private schools, school, summer camp, Toronto kids camps, Toronto Summer Camps
---
### [The Benefits of Kids Learning to Dance](https://oaklearners.ca/the-benefits-of-kids-learning-to-dance/)
**Published:** January 11, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Dancing is great exercise and form of self expression that promotes physical fitness, creativity, social connections and learning. Not only it is fun and enjoyable, but it also offers a variety of benefits that can contribute to a child's overall health and well-being. Find out why it's important for kids to learn how to dance!
**Content:**
## The Benefits of Kids Learning to Dance
Dancing is not just a fun activity for children, but it’s also an excellent form of exercise. As kids grow and develop it’s important to provide them with opportunities to stay active and healthy, and dance is a great way to do that. Dance is also accessible to children of all ages and abilities. Young children can begin to learn basic dance steps and movements, and as they grow and develop, they can continue to build on those skills. Not only is dancing a fun and a good form of exercise but it also helps children express themselves and building meaningful relationships and connections though forms of dance.
Dancing is a great activity during the winter months. When the weather is cold it can be difficult to find outdoor activities that are both fun and healthy. Dance is an indoor activity that can be done year-round in many different environments and is a great way to stay active during the winter months. Dance is also a safe space for children to learn and grow. Unlike many other sports and activities, dance does not involve contact or the risk of injury from impact. It’s an activity that allows children to develop coordination, balance, and flexibility in a safe and controlled setting at their own pace.
Beyond physical benefits, dance also allows children to express themselves creatively. Through movement, children can convey emotions, and explore their imagination. This kind of self expression is especially important for children who may have difficulty expressing themselves in other ways. Dance can also be a social activity that allows children to make new friends and connect with others who share their interest and dance moves. Additionally, dance can help children learn about other cultures, customs and music and dances from both Canada and around the world.
Dancing is also a great way for children to learn different developmental skills. Dancing teaches focus, self control, and helps spark creativity which are all important qualities that will help children in school and other areas of life. By learning to dance, children can gain a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence, which can have a positive impact on their overall development.
Overall, dancing is great exercise and form of self expression that promotes physical fitness, creativity, social connections and learning. Not only it is fun and enjoyable, but it also offers a variety of benefits that can contribute to a child’s overall health and well-being.
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Healthy Living, Music, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, Helping Kids Set Goals, learning, mimico, New Years, New Years Goals, oak learners, private school, private schools, school, Setting Goals, toronto
---
### [Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Education for Your Child](https://oaklearners.ca/questions-when-choosing-the-education-for-your-child/)
**Published:** January 11, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The question of which school should my child go to causes a great dilemma in a parent's mind when choosing the right school for their child. When will the school of your choice become the perfect fit?
**Content:**
The question of which school should my child go to causes a great dilemma in a parent’s mind when choosing the right school for their child. When will the school of your choice become the perfect fit? It’s a long and exhausting process, to say the least. In light of helping all parents with this task, we’ve created a list of questions to help you on your journey to choosing the right education for your child.
#### **Questions To Ask Yourself Beforehand**
Before going to the schools and asking every question you can think of on the spot, try and see what your goals are for your child and what you want to get out of the school.
- What are the long-term goals I want to get out of this school that will help my child be more educated in the future?
- Why do I see this school as a good fit for my child and what can they provide that may give them an advantage over other schools?
- What strengths and weaknesses does my child have? Will the school expand these categories and help them grow as a learner?
- Do I like the environment of the school? Does it look like somewhere I can send my child to learn every single day?
- What are my expectations of a school? What do I expect my child to get out during their time at this school?
- What role do I play with this school? Should I have a part in the community or help my child after school?
With these questions in mind, you’ll get a better understanding of what you’re looking for in a school, what you’re looking for in the learning process for your child, and what you need to do as a parent to better assist your child during the learning process. This will help direct you in your decision when looking at schools and deciding which may be the best fit for you and your child.
#### **Questions To Ask During A School Tour**
Although I’m sure there are hundreds of questions you can ask during a school tour with the principal or teachers, you should try and focus on the more important ones first. Getting to know what values this school has, what learning styles they teach, how they approach teaching as a whole.
- What is the philosophy for learning at this school?
- What would a typical day/week look like for my child in this school?
- How do you create a curriculum? How often is it updated?
- What does a successful student look like here? What does a struggling student look like? How do you help them with getting over learning humps?
- What differentiates you from other schools?
- What role would the parent play in your school?
- What do you see a child leaving your school coming out with?
With these questions in mind, you will hopefully come out with a better understanding of whether you think this school is the right fit for you or not. You’ll understand what the school’s main objectives are, how they may fit your child’s educational journey, and if they meet the requirements you may have. We hope these ideas have helped you in your journey with picking the right school for your child. If you’re having trouble with searching, Oak Learners has a great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, private school, private schools, Questions for Schools, Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Education for Your Child, Questions When Choosing Education for My Child, Questions When Choosing The Right School, school
---
### [How To Help Children Develop Achievable New Years Goals](https://oaklearners.ca/how-to-help-children-develop-achievable-new-years-goals/)
**Published:** January 1, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Setting goals is an important skill for children to learn, but it’s important to make sure their goals are realistic. Here are some strategies and tips to help children create a realistic New Year’s goal!
**Content:**
## How To Help Children Develop Achievable New Years Goals
Setting goals is a significant skill for children to learn, but it’s important to make sure their goals are realistic and achievable. Here are some strategies and tips to help children create a realistic New Year’s goal:
**Start small:** It’s important to start small and gradually work up to larger goals. This will help children feel a sense of accomplishment as they work towards their goals and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed.
**Make a plan:** Help your child break their goal down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make the goal feel more attainable and help them stay on track.
**Set specific goals**: It’s important for children to set specific goals so they know exactly what they are working towards and want to achieve. For example, instead of setting a general goal of “I want to learn a new sport” a specific goal might be “This year I want to play and learn basketball”
**Encourage persistence:** Children will inevitably face setbacks as they work towards their goals. Encourage your child to persevere and keep trying, reminding them that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as they learn from them.
**Celebrate accomplishments:** As your child achieves their goals, celebrate their accomplishments! This will help them feel proud of their achievements and motivated to continue setting and achieving goals for next year.
There are several strategies and tips that can help children create realistic New Year’s goals. Start small, make a plan, set specific goals, encourage persistence, and celebrate accomplishments. With these strategies, your child will be well on their way to setting and achieving their goals into the new year.
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**Categories:** Education, Healthy Living, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, Helping Kids Set Goals, learning, mimico, New Years, New Years Goals, oak learners, private school, private schools, school, Setting Goals, toronto
---
### [Smaller Classroom Ratios Bring Measurable Results](https://oaklearners.ca/smaller-classroom-ratios-bring-measurable-results/)
**Published:** November 30, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** At Oak Learners, we believe that small classes benefit everyone. Students receive more individual attention and are able to build constructive relationships with both teachers and peers.
**Content:**
For many people listening to the news, the difference between a classroom ratio of 25 or 28 may not sound like a big difference. The real difference becomes more evident when we realize that the ratio is a school-wide average which counts special needs classes along with inclusive mainstream classes.
In Ontario government-funded schools, the [Ministry of Education](http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/cst/index.html) has declared that Primary classrooms (K-3) can have no more than 20 students, while there is an average of 25 students per teacher in grades 4-8 classroom and full-day Kindergarten classes may have up to 29 students with one teacher and one ECE. Yet, consider that a special needs class of 5 children with 1 teacher and 1 ECE and a classroom down the hall of 35 children and 1 teacher. On average, the school even falls under the criteria for ratio, but the class of 35 children will run significantly different than an actual class of 25 students, especially when you take into account the provincial average of 30% of mainstream students also have an IEP and require special accommodations. This now means that in our class of 35 students, 11 of them will require extra support and even a completely modified program for any number of academic and behavioural exceptionalities.
When you break down the math and look at the actual day-to-day functioning of a classroom in 2019, it’s much easier to understand the impact of classroom ratios on student performance. With smaller classes, teachers are better able to focus on individual needs of students; this is indisputable. There is no magic number that creates the perfect environment for student learning, but educational experts agree that smaller classes are more conducive to student learning overall.
As class sizes have grown and additional support workers for students with special needs has grown, there has been significantly less time for teachers to provide a traditional level of support for the average student. Consequently, students who fall in the mid or high range of academic performance are often left to work on their own or seek help after-school from family members or tutors.
At [Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/), we believe that small classes benefit everyone. Students receive more individual attention and are able to build constructive relationships with both teachers and peers. Teachers of smaller classes are not stretched and overworked so they are able to truly personalize the learning experience for each child and build valuable experiential learning opportunities into daily plans. Parents then receive more quality information about the progress of their children and are able to regularly meet and debrief which also ensures that new strategies can be implemented immediately instead of waiting until the next term.
How would a lower ratio benefit your child? Learn more about educational options at Oak Learners at <https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/>
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
To keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OakLearners) or [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
*<Originally published November 20, 2019>*
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**Categories:** Education, School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** class size, classroom, education, etobicoke, learning, ontario, private school, small classes, students, teachers, toronto
---
### [Partner Showcase: Humber College Placement Student](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-humber-college-placement-student/)
**Published:** October 26, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners has teamed up with Humber College and various other colleges to gather talented students from across Canada to work inside the school. Nick started at Oak Learners in the summer of 2022 as a placement student on the administration team. Nick shared what he has learned from working at Oak Learners and what takeaways he has from the placement.
**Content:**
Oak Learners has teamed up with Humber College and various other colleges to gather talented students from across Canada to work inside the school. Nick started at Oak Learners in the summer of 2022 as a placement student on the administration team. Nick shared what he has learned from working at Oak Learners and what takeaways he has from the placement.
#### **Why did you choose Oak Learners as your internship with Humber College?**
(Nick) “Oak Learners felt like a perfect fit for my work term placement. Working inside the school makes every day unique and special. The Oak Learners team was another big reason why I choose Oak Learners as my placement, everyone is very supportive and it feels like a true team environment.”
#### **How did your Oak Learners placement enrich your learning?**
(Nick) “Oak Learners has helped me during my studies by providing me with practical real-world experience and the understanding of working in a dynamic environment. The skills I have learned while working at Oak Learners have translated well into my classes and have helped prepare me for the future.
#### **What brought you happiness when working with Oak Learners?**
(Nick) “Some of my best memories of working at Oak Learners are achieving goals and challenges as a team. Everyone understands what needs to be completed and feels free to ask for help when they need it. Working in a strong team environment was definitely one of the best parts of working at Oak Learners.
Another thing that I have enjoyed at Oak Learners is the overall drive of the team to provide the best possible learning experience and environment for children attending the school. Having a common goal within the workspace is definitely a motivation booster.
#### **How Will The Oak Learners Internship Benefit Your Career?**
(Nick) “Oak Learners provided me with practical experience in digital marketing and administration which directly relates to my program at Humber College. It has also made me aware of what it is like to work in a changing environment and be open to new ideas. I am thankful I completed my work experience at Oak Learners due to the experiences I have gained and the strong connections I have made.
---
At Oak Learners, our mandate includes helping all learners reach their potential through creativity, confidence, and community. This mandate goes beyond what we do for our students and includes supporting new teachers, interns, and youth on their path to success.
Since its inception, Oak Learners has consistently provided opportunities for students and interns to work alongside experienced professionals to develop new skills and expand their learning opportunities. In addition to providing work experience and mentorship, Oak Learners has also invested in professional development courses and certifications for our teachers and staff. In the past year, our teachers have participated in courses through the Red Cross, Learning Without Tears, the National Institute for Learning Development, and more. Several of our teachers have also been working towards Postgraduate Degrees and their experiences at Oak learners have formed a foundation of experiential learning to augment the theory they were learning in class.
Last summer, Oak Learners was honored to receive the [Canada Summer Jobs Grant](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html) from the Government of Canada in order to employ amazing students to support our camp programming. This was a huge step for Oak Learners towards supporting our continuous professional development plans as well as a fantastic opportunity to bring new energy and excitement into our programming. We are grateful for the support of our local community and elected representatives as we continue to strive to bring more opportunities for personalized learning to our students.
Oak Learners has a great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Our Team, Partner Showcase, School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** Day School, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, humber, humber college, learning, mimico, oak learners, partner showcase, private school, private schools, school, toronto
---
### [Truth and Reconciliation - Orange Shirt Day](https://oaklearners.ca/truth-and-reconciliation-orange-shirt-day/)
**Published:** September 23, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Truth and Reconciliation Day is approaching on September 30, to honor the Survivors of Residential Schools and the Native Community. Oak Learners is lucky to have a diverse group of dedicated teachers, including Doran Reed, who identifies as a Non-Status Metis. Doran is a local artist in the Mimico community, as well as one of our kindergarten teachers. She took inspiration from the eagle in the native culture, to create a beautiful design for our Orange Shirts. Doran’s family originates from the Manitoulin Islands, and her mother’s family are all direct descent. Doran consistently heard stories from her mother about the disregard and negative attitudes she would get from her peers, due to her mother’s heritage. This inspired her to want to learn more about her background, and create a positive environment for everyone of Native Heritage in any way she can. The shirts are for sale on the [Oak Learners Website ](https://oaklearners.ca/product/every-child-matters-orange-shirts-2022/)and all proceeds are being donated to The Downie and Wenjack Fund.
[The Downie and Wenjack Fund](https://downiewenjack.ca/) was created by Gord Downie and The Wenjack Family, with the ultimate purpose of improving the lives of Indigenous people. They create connections for these communities to “build awareness, education and connections between all people in Canada,” along with encouraging understanding of general mental health issues, and how to approach them, as this is regularly disregarded in the Native Community. Our proceeds will go directly to this fund in hopes of furthering their long journey towards improving Indigenous life.
To learn more about the Downie and Wenjack Fund, you can visit their website: <https://downiewenjack.ca/>
*Charlotte Reed, the author of this blog, is Doran Reed’s younger sister. She also identifies as a Non-Status Metis, and is very passionate about the Native Community because of her mother’s history and heritage.*
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**Categories:** Announcements., Education, Events, Resource Recommendations
---
### [The Benefits Of Summer Camp For Your Children](https://oaklearners.ca/benefits-of-summer-camp-for-your-children/)
**Published:** July 30, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Kids that are more active in summer camp learning, exploring nature, and having memories at camps tend to develop lifelong skills that can be carried over into many aspects of their life.
**Content:**
If you’re considering Summer Camp for your children, you may have many questions in the back of your mind:
- Will my kids have the full camp experience with activities, social learning, and most importantly, be safe and have fun?
- Are my children ready to enter the camp? Will their personality fit in?
- Which camp programs will best suit my children?
Although I’m sure there are many other questions that arise, they’re all valid. In this article, we will explain why summer camps can benefit your children in the short, and long-term, why and how to choose a summer camp, and what to expect for your children.
### **1. Summer Camp Develops Life-Long Skills**
Kids that are more active with learning, exploring nature, and having memories at camps tend to develop lifelong skills that can be carried over into many aspects of their life. Skills some parents notice their kids growing on include:
- **Independence:** When your children spend time away from you, they grow as an individual. Having a good balance of parent-children time, and independence as a child can foster growth including self-identity, exploration, communication and collaboration, and so much more.
- **Self-esteem:** At camp, there are many activities that build your self-esteem. Arts and crafts, playing games, and building close connections with your fellow campers, there are many opportunities where children build their self-esteem through their hard work and celebrated achievements.
- **Promoting healthy living:** Exploring the outdoors, enjoying nature walks, skipping, jumping, and running are all forms of activities that promote healthy living and give children every opportunity to express themselves in a healthy living way.
- **Pushing the comfort zone:** Campers will run into many activities, games, and explorations that they’ve never done before. Pushing this zone of comfort and stimulating their curiosity is a great chance for your child to learn and grow.
### **2. Summer Camp Provides Screen-Free Time**
We all know how prevalent screen time is in today’s age. Every child and their friends have iPads to watch the latest videos, play video games, and stare at the screen for hours on end.
Taking some time away from the devices and getting their daily activity in is key in getting their blood flowing, a healthy dose of vitamin D, and enjoying the fresh air. Some great experiences campers also get are:
- **Communicating with other campers** and enjoying face-to-face social experiences
- **Enjoying food outside** alongside other campers and counsellours
- **Stimulating all of their senses**, including smell, touch, taste, sight, and hearing
- **Being engaged in learnings** creatively and intellectually
### **3. Summer Camp Encourages Outdoor Play and Connecting with Nature**
One thing many children don’t get to experience as often if they aren’t a part of camp programs is connecting with nature, having nature walks, and exploring many things that are all around us.
Children get to see and talk about what they’re experiencing together, get their daily walking activities in, see the beautiful outdoors, and explore mindfulness with all of their senses, hearing the rivers flow, the trees whistle, and every step they take on their nature walks.
[Studies have shown](https://www.moodwalks.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/CO_Step_Infographic.pdf) many benefits to nature walks, and the impact they can have on children. Here are some interesting facts to note:
- “**5-10%** of Canadians are affected by ADHD, and only **20 minutes** of nature walking give a boost of concentration in children with ADHD”
- “A **daily walk in nature** can be as effective in **treating mild cases of depression** as taking an antidepressant”
- “**82% of teenagers are not active enough**, and only **7% of children** meet Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines”
- “**2/3 Canadians are Vitamin D deficient**“
- “An increasing body of evidence suggests that one of the best ways to improve your mental well-being is **by simply spending more time outdoors**“
---
Choosing the right summer camp can be a difficult process. Luckily, Oak Learners currently has summer camps running until August 22nd!
[***Oak Learners offers a unique summer camp experience designed to engage naturally inquisitive and active children.*** ](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
***Mindfulness*:** In addition to participating in guided yoga and meditation exercises, campers will participate in specially designed self-awareness activities, giving each camper time to be introspective, ask questions, relax and be creative.
***STEAM*:** Through Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math activities, campers will have the opportunity to develop their social skills, confidence, and cognitive flexibility.
***Community*:** Campers will spend as much time outdoors as possible, enjoying local field trips that are designed to encourage them to explore their natural surroundings and develop an understanding of their own roles in nature and in our surrounding community.
###
### **What to expect at Oak Learners Eco Adventures** **Camp:**
[At our Eco Adventures Camp](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/), campers will spend the **ENTIRE DAY OUTSIDE** exploring the local area and the beauty within it. They will experience learning in a different way, play outside and find out about the local community.
Campers will take trips to places such as the Humber River, Mimico Creek Trail, Humber Bay Shores, and Mimico Waterfront. Campers will be fully outside and be regularly ‘on the move’.
Activities may include:
- Animal explorations
- Hiking
- Survival skills
- Mindfulness activities
- Nature trails
- Sketching sceneries
- Team games and team-building activities
Campers will also have the opportunity to visit local splash pads and wading pools and you will be notified of “water days” to help pack accordingly. With this being a fully outdoors camp, campers are strongly encouraged to pack lightly with everything they need for the whole day. If you’re interested in seeing what Oak Learners Summer Camp is like, [see more here!](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
If you’re interested, Oak Learners also has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one-on-one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Activities, Camps, Education, Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities, Parenting
**Tags:** 2022 summer camp, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, oak learners summer camp, private school, private schools, school, summer, summer camp, summer camp etobicoke
---
### [Partner Showcase - Seneca College Internship with Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/seneca-college-showcase-internship/)
**Published:** July 15, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The concept of teaching and learning matching is that it impacts learning in a way that encourages students to respond more positively to instructional methods while informing faculty about effective teaching practices. This encourages collaboration between the teacher and student which in turn reduces classroom management issues.
Recent research has shown that it is not as effective for a teacher to change their teaching preferences to suit the students in their classroom because they may not be as comfortable teaching in that manner.
**Content:**
Oak Learners has teamed up with Seneca College and various other colleges to gather talented students across Canada to work inside the school. We interviewed one intern student from Seneca College that joined the Oak Learners team, Maria, to speak more on what they have learned whilst working with Oak Learners, how their experience went, how Seneca College saw the experience, and what takeaways they have from the internship with Oak Learners.
#### **Why did you choose Oak Learners as your internship with Seneca College?**
Maria’s Answer (Seneca Intern): “I knew I could learn so much in many different aspects and how supportive and kind I knew ALL the staff already are.”
#### **How did your Oak Learners placement enrich your learning?**
Maria’s Answer (Seneca Intern): “I learned how to utilize different management behaviour strategies and be more confident/assertive.”
#### **What brought you happiness when working with Oak Learners?**
Maria’s Answer (Seneca Intern): “Seeing the children smile and grow but also when they come to me for comfort or simply to play! It shows how much they trust or are comfortable around me which is nice. Also how inclusive the staff are. They greet you whenever they see you and take the time to ask you how you are.”
#### **What did you think of the co-worker environment?**
Maria’s Answer (Seneca Intern): “AMAZING. The amount of feedback and support you can get by the other teachers is great. They go beyond to help you the best they can with whatever they know. There’s no judgment and you can feel that. It’s an environment where you are okay sharing your thoughts.”
#### **How Will The Oak Learners Internship Benefit Your Career?**
Maria’s Answer (Seneca Intern): “As a professional, this internship allowed me to be more aware of myself, my actions and how I approach things. As someone who will continue to work with children, these strategies are fundamental and will continue to be used.”
If you’re interested, Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Our Team, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, Oak Learners College, private school, private schools, school, Seneca, Seneca College, Seneca College Oak Learners
---
### [Back to School 20% Off with Mabel's Labels Fundraising](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-sale-mabels-labels-fundraising/)
**Published:** July 9, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Looking for school supplies going back to school, summer camp, or for extracurricular work? Look no further! Mabel's Labels Fundraising back-to-school sale on all school label packs starts now until the end of July!
**Content:**
Looking for school supplies going back to school, summer camp, or for extracurricular work? Look no further! Mabel’s Labels Fundraising back-to-school sale on all school label packs starts now until the end of July!
Our entire line of personalized school products will be **20% OFF!** This annual event includes a lot of our popular items that rarely go on sale. It’s the absolute best time for your supporters to stock up on all the labels they need for school and support your organization.
**Why is encouraging labeling so important?** We know that labeling is critical to reducing the spread of germs by ensuring lookalike items don’t get mixed up. It’s also important that kids don’t lose the expensive items parents buy each school year. Replacing items is far more costly than labeling.
This year our custom labels have loads of new design options making them perfect for customizing to each kid’s style. As an example, you can have your child’s name, school name, class name, or just about anything you want on your school products! Not only this, but you can add templated designs to choose from. To top this all off? Free shipping on all your orders!
[Be sure to search “Oak Learners” in the search bar to support us during your sale shopping!](https://mabelslabels.ca/en_CA/fundraising/support/)
[](https://mabelslabels.ca/en_CA/fundraising/support/)
If you’re interested, Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
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**Categories:** Education, Resource Recommendations, School Life
**Tags:** back to school, back to school etobicoke, back to school sale, back to school sale etobicoke, fundraising, private school, private schools, school, summer
---
### [Squash Exploration](https://oaklearners.ca/squash-exploration/)
**Published:** May 16, 2022
**Author:** Brittany Hall
**Excerpt:** Comparing and contrasting food is a great way to ask exploratory open-ended questions about how a food engages our senses and later transition to questions on taste. Encourage curiosity and critical thinking by listing observations and making predictions about the squash varieties before you start cooking. Here are some examples from our recent Urban Farming & Cooking Class:
**Content:**
Comparing and contrasting food is a great way to ask exploratory open-ended questions about how a food engages our senses, and later transition to questions on taste. Encourage curiosity and critical thinking by listing observations and making predictions about the squash varieties before you start cooking. Here are some examples from our recent Urban Farming & Cooking Class:
*Prompts for Observations:*
- Knock on all three – do they sounds different?
- Do they sound full or like there is an empty space within?
- Feel texture – how do the surfaces differ? How are they similar?
- What do they smell like? Do they remind you of anything else?
- Do we have any hints on how it grows (inside out or outside in), or where it grows from?
- What could the hard skin (rind) protect it from?
*Prompts for Predictions:*
- What do we think the inside texture will be?
- Will they be the same? Will they be different?
- Will there be seeds inside? Do we think they will all be the same size? Will the seeds be hard or soft?
- How many seeds do we think there are within each one?
- Do we think one squash grows from one seed, or many grow from one seed?
- Do we think they grow on a tree, a bush, a vine, or in water?
- What colour do we think each will be inside?
- Will they be the same as the outside, or as each other?
- Do we think the colour will change as they cook?
### The Recipe – Roasted Summer Squash
The first step in any recipe:
- Wash your hands! Cooking together is a great way to reinforce good hygiene habits. As well it’s a good idea to tie all long hair into a bun or pony tail so no hands are accidentally touching their face as they work.
**Ingredients & Tools** – note: you can roast these on a parchment lined baking sheet or within a muffin tin. We wanted the maple flavour to infuse with the squash, however this is entirely preference based.
\*Preheat oven to 425°F
- Muffin tin (or baking sheet and parchment paper)
- Mixing bowls
- Winter Squash – we used Acorn Squash, Spaghetti Squash, and Butternut Squash (Delicata would be a great addition as well if you have this available)
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Maple Syrup or brown sugar
- Optional:
- Garlic powder/minced garlic
- Fajita spice pack (add to separate mixing bowl to contrast squash flavour profiles and bake in separate muffin tins)
**Steps:**
1. Chop up butternut and acorn squash and 2-inch pieces for children to pull seeds and string bits off (skin can be pealed/cut off, or left on)
2. Chop up spaghetti squash (preferred skin off, however you can leave on)
3. Add squash to mixing bowl and have child add a capful of olive oil, capful of maple syrup (or ½ tbs of brown sugar), grind in salt and paper, and add optional spices as desired
4. Mix everything together until all squash is evenly coated
5. Bake for 30-40minutes (depending on oven)
We learned a lot of cool facts in class about how winter squashes grow, but we always love seeing the growing process in action. Before we watch, we make a prediction of how many days we think it will take to grow. Here’s a video of a butternut squash plant flowering and then growing a squash: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgn2Wku-X7w>
### Questions & Prompts:
- How would they describe the flavour – we try to engage in the five core flavour profiles: salty, sweet, sour, umami and bitter
- Where are these tastes on their tongue? Do they change as time goes on?
- What vegetable tastes similar? Or are these completely new tastes?
- What’s the difference between the tastes of the various ingredients?
- What is the texture like? Is it crispy, mushy, crunchy, hard, soft, moist, dry?
- How did the texture change from how they were raw?
- What predictions did we make that were right? What were different?
### Fun Facts and Health Benefits:
- Zucchinis are considered summer squash, however butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, delicata squash and pumpkins are winter squash (although they grow throughout the year)
- Winter squash will last for months after being picked with a hard rind (outside skin) to protect them (while summer squash must be eaten right away)
- Squash are all part of the botanical family “Cucurbita” which also includes melons and cucumbers
- Squashes are high in vitamin A, C, and B6
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**Categories:** Food, Healthy Living
**Tags:** activities, activity, colouful food, cooking, cooking class, exploration, food, food class, healthy living, squash, urban farming
---
### [Personalized Guacamole](https://oaklearners.ca/personalized-guacamole/)
**Published:** May 9, 2022
**Author:** Brittany Hall
**Excerpt:** The key to promoting open-mindedness and excitement over trying new foods with kids is providing them as much control and decision-making power as possible. Trust is reciprocal, and as your child feels trusted with decisions and contributing to the cooking process, they’ll feel like they can trust the space to openly assess how they taste something
**Content:**
The key to promoting open-mindedness and excitement over trying new foods with kids is providing them as much control and decision-making power as possible. Trust is reciprocal, and as your child feels trusted with decisions and contributing to the cooking process, they’ll feel like they can trust the space to openly assess how they taste something.
As explored in previous articles, although trying to elicit a response and collect feedback on the kinds of foods your child enjoys may appear to you as a process to engage with them, it can often cause a child to feel boxed-in. The resistance to say they enjoy any particular foods can stem from feeling rushed to make this decision before they’ve had a chance to explore their ever-evolving palate and the language of taste, rather than them truly not enjoying a food. Focus on the end goal being promoting curiosity and excitement when tastes change, rather than aiming to have a committed yes or no answer from your child.
### The recipe card:
Promote ownership over their custom guacamole creation by providing them paper and pencils, markers, or crayons to create their own recipe card based on their ingredient decision. In our class, we did a variation of drawing our ingredients, writing out their names and measurements, or a mix of both. Ask your child how they would like to design the recipe card, helping the younger ones with spelling as needed.
### The Recipe – “My Guacamole Recipe”
The first step in any recipe:
- Wash your hands! Cooking together is a great way to reinforce good hygiene habits. As well, it’s a good idea to tie all long hair into a bun or pony tail so no hands are accidentally touching their face as they work.
Ingredients & Tools
- Mixing Bowls
- Avocados
Create food option stations to select:
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped onion
- Garlic powder/minced garlic
- Lemon
- Lime
- Cherry tomatoes
- Hot pepper (depending on age and spice tolerance)
- Cilantro
*Tip:* If your avocados are taking a while to ripen, put them in a bag with a banana (preferably starting to brown and in a paper bag) to speed up the process. Banana’s produce a gas called ethylene, which encourages the ripening process.
Steps:
1. Divide up the avocados into the mixing bowls and ask your child to begin mashing them
2. Ask your child to select each ingredient at the food stations, then have them mix in their selection at whatever amount they think is best
3. Encourage them to taste their creation and adjust their recipe based on their preferences (see prompts below)
### Bonus Recipe – Leftover Pita/Tortilla Baked Chips:
Whether you’re fishing out some frozen tortillas or pita from the freezer, or taking some few day-old tortillas from a bag, this recipe is a quick way to reduce food waste while engaging in some motor function with your little one. Preheat the oven to 350°F while they tear up the chips to whatever size they think is best. Add them to a bowl, and pour a capful of olive oil for your child to drizzle over the chips and then toss or shake up the bowl. Add these to a parchment paper lined baking sheet and have them use the salt grinder over the chips before popping them in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This is a perfect addition to their guacamole recipe, and will add to their accomplishment of leading the creation of a full snack.
We learn a lot of cool facts in class about how avocados grow, but we always love seeing the growing process in action. Before we watch, we make a prediction of how many days we think it will take to grow. Here’s a video of an avocado from seed to plant (not yet with fruit): <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMjV7Y3nSzQ>
### Questions & Prompts:
- How would they describe the flavour – we try to engage in the five core flavour profiles: salty, sweet, sour, umami and bitter
- Where are these tastes on their tongue? Do they change as time goes on?
- What vegetable tastes similar? Or are these completely new tastes?
- What’s the difference between the tastes of the various ingredients?
- What is the texture like? Is it crispy, mushy, crunchy, hard, soft, moist, dry?
- How did the texture change when mixed together?
### Fun Facts and Health Benefits:
- Avocados are a berry fruit
- One of the few fruits with healthy unsaturated fats and protein
- They are sometimes called an “alligator pear” because the skin looks like an alligator
- Most trees will grow about 150 avocados per year, but some can grow up to 300 per year (when they are age 5 to 7 years old)
- There are over 500 types of avocados grown worldwide
- Avocados originated from Mexico and were discovered by the Aztecs in 500 BC
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**Categories:** Food, Healthy Living
**Tags:** activities, activity, avocado, colouful food, cooking, cooking class, exploration, food, food class, guacamole, healthy living, urban farming
---
### [Baked Zoodle Cups](https://oaklearners.ca/baked-zoodle-cups/)
**Published:** May 2, 2022
**Author:** Brittany Hall
**Excerpt:** Zoodles are an accessible way to put your child in charge of the meal’s main event, while making something visually interesting and with a firmer texture then sliced or chopped options. Engage in some sensory exploration by challenging them to make and find the longest zoodle they can, and count the rings remaining on the end of a spiralized zucchini. This recipe is as great for exploring tastes as it is for enhancing fine and gross motor skills!
**Content:**
Zoodles are an accessible way to put your child in charge of the meal’s main event, while making something visually interesting and with a firmer texture then sliced or chopped options. Engage in some sensory exploration by challenging them to make and find the longest zoodle they can, and count the rings remaining on the end of a spiralized zucchini. This recipe is as great for exploring tastes as it is for enhancing fine and gross motor skills!
### The Recipe – Baked Zoodle Cups
The first step in any recipe:
- Wash your hands! Cooking together is a great way to reinforce good hygiene habits. As we’re working with raw egg especially, it’s a good idea to tie all long hair into a bun or pony tail so no hands are accidentally touching their face as they work.
Ingredients & Tools
- \*Preheat oven to 400°F
- Spiralizer
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Zucchini (1 to 2 medium to large)
- Shredded Cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Breadcrumbs
- 1 – 2 eggs (match zucchini number)
- Olive Oil & spray oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional:
- Herbs: dried or fresh chopped (basil, parsley, oregano)
- Garlic powder/minced garlic
Steps:
1. Get spiralizing! Hold your spiralizer steady as your child spins and reveals threads of zucchini
2. Place cherry tomatoes in a mixing bowl with a fork and instruct them to pierce and squish the tomatoes
3. Crack an egg and whisk (we recommend placing a cutting board beneath the egg bowl to catch any leakage).
4. Mix zucchini, tomatoes and egg mixture together, sprinkle in breadcrumbs and use small salt and pepper grinder to season. Add two capfuls of olive oil and mix well.
5. Spray muffin tins with oil and scoop in mixture
Sprinkle shredded cheese over top
6. Bake for 20-30minutes (depending on oven)
We learned a lot of cool facts in class about how zucchinis grow, but we always love seeing the growing process in action. Before we watch, we make a prediction of how many days we think it will take to grow. Here’s a video of a zucchini from seed to fruit: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFBfxbcWZcY>
### Questions & Prompts:
- How would they describe the flavour – we try to engage in the five core flavour profiles: salty, sweet, sour, umami and bitter
- Where are these tastes on their tongue? Do they change as time goes on?
- What vegetable tastes similar? Or are these completely new tastes?
- What’s the difference between the tastes of the various ingredients?
- What is the texture like? Is it crispy, mushy, crunchy, hard, soft, moist, dry?
- How did the texture or flavour change from how they were raw (zucchini and tomatoes)?
### Fun Facts and Health Benefits:
- Zucchinis are a fruit as they come from the plant’s flower
- It has more potassium than a banana!
- They are part of the summer squash family
- It is 93% water and high in vitamin A, C and B9
- Zucchini flowers can also be eaten, and some people stuff them with cheese like ricotta and then fry them
- It is an annual plant, so it grows from seed to harvest in a single year
- They grow on a vine that spreads along the ground, but will also climb a trellis if positioned nearby.
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**Categories:** Food, Healthy Living
**Tags:** activities, activity, baking, colouful food, cooking, cooking class, exploration, food, food class, healthy living, urban farming, zoodles, zucchini
---
### [Snowflake Cooking Coleslaw](https://oaklearners.ca/snowflake-cooking-coleslaw/)
**Published:** April 24, 2022
**Author:** Brittany Hall
**Excerpt:** The versatility of cabbage when cooking with kids cannot be emphasized enough. Whether you’re lightly roasting or sautéing the leaves to introduce some oil and salt tastes, searing cabbage-steaks to absorb some Dijon and maple flavours, or munching on it raw in this egg-free coleslaw recipe, kids have ample opportunities to focus on the many ways it can be prepared and their reaction to the variations, rather than deciding the foods merit based on one flavour profile.
**Content:**
The versatility of cabbage when cooking with kids cannot be emphasized enough. Whether you’re lightly roasting or sautéing the leaves to introduce some oil and salt tastes, searing cabbage-steaks to absorb some Dijon and maple flavours, or munching on it raw in this egg-free coleslaw recipe, kids have ample opportunities to focus on the many ways it can be prepared and their reaction to the variations, rather than deciding the foods merit based on one flavour profile. Fundamentally, it encourages kids to think of foods and flavours for their many potentials, rather that determine if it belongs in the favourite or least favourite food categories.
Read below for a description of the recent egg-free coleslaw we made in our Urban Farming & Cooking Class. We explore the recipe itself, scissor and grater safety, and utilizing alternative food prep methods kids are familiar with…snowflakes!
### Sharp Tools with Kids
Using sharp tools is always a daunting task at first, however implementing some safety tips, reinforcing communication, and maintaining a slow and patient pace both during instruction and the task itself is key to introducing the skills safely.
*Using a Grater*
1. Select a grater with a small surface area to minimize contact with skin. We opted for this small triangular grater so there would be less exposure to their enclosed hand than a rectangular box grater option.
2. Have the child hold the item that they are grating with the hand they write with. They can place their non-dominant hand on the grater alongside yours to steady it.
3. Leave the end of the grated item on (ie. End of a carrot) so there is more room to hold.
4. Grate from the top to the bottom. Ask them why grating bottom to top or back and forth might be less safe (demonstrate with your own hand grating).
- Grating back and forth or bottom to top exposes more of their skin and makes the grater less steady as they move up.
5. Line up their knuckles and make a connecting circle with their thumb and pointer finger to prevent any fingers sticking out towards the grater. We recommend holding your hand in front of theirs between them and the grater until you feel confident that they can perform the motion without adjusting their hand.
6. If they can this, stand by their side and ensure they maintain a slow pace. If they can’t then keep your hand between theirs and the grater but have their movement drive the item down the grater so they still feel in charge of the task.
### Using Alternative Methods – Cabbage Snowflakes
Introducing, snowflake cooking! Similar to cutting a snowflake from paper with child scissors, this method can be used on a variety of vegetables.
1. Start with sanitizing the scissors – this is a great opportunity to explain why we clean all of our cooking tools before we cook.
2. Review the safe use and transport of scissors:
- When moving with or passing scissors, encourage them to hold the scissors pointed down, with their fist around the closed blades.
- We only direct scissors in the direction we are cutting, on the material we are cutting.
- Close the scissors blades and rest it in the centre of the table when we are done using it (not at the edge, not left with blades open).
3. Classic coleslaw has long thin stripes, however encourage the kids to get as creative as they’d like as they cut up their cabbage leaf into a snowflake, and then cut up the snowflake itself. They can always return to their mixing bowl and cut any larger pieces smaller, however they’ll enjoy the autonomy to decide the size and shape of their recipe’s main ingredient.
## The Recipe – Egg-free Coleslaw
The first step in any recipe:
- Wash your hands! Cooking together is a great way to reinforce good hygiene habits. As well, so we don’t get any olive oil on our face or in our hair, we also find it helpful to tie all long hair into a bun or pony tail before we start cooking.
Ingredients:
- Cabbage – purple cabbage is great to add colour to the recipe, and explore how water and paper towel collects the colour as well.
- Carrot
- Apple
- Lemon
- Olive Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional:
- Teaspoon of sugar, honey, maple syrup
- Mustard (honey or Dijon)
Steps:
1. Shred the cabbage, utilizing the snowflake method described above
2. Shred the carrot(s) and apple(s) with the grater (raise the grater to check how much you’ve collected and ask your child if they would like to have more or less, empowering them by giving them control over the recipe’s proportions)
3. Whisk together the dressing:
- a capful of olive oil (have them tip this into the mixing bowl)
- a ¼ slice of lemon (have them squeeze this in)
- Salt and pepper (small jars with twist grinders are a great way to designate this task to your child to complete at their discretion)
- A capful of apple cider vinegar (have them tip this into the mixing bowl)
- Optional – add a tablespoon of Dijon or honey mustard
- Optional – add a teaspoon of sugar, honey or maple syrup
- Whisk together!\*
4. Add the dressing over the shredded apple, carrot, and cabbage. Let sit for 30 minutes to soften the cabbage (but enjoy fresh as well if preferred, and then compare the texture change).
### \*Bonus Activity – Oil and Vinegar Experiment: Emulsions
Before mixing, whisking or shaking up the dressing, encourage your child to observe how olive oil and the apple cider vinegar separate. Explain that oil and vinegar have something called molecules within that only want to stay with their friends and stay separate.
You can additionally explore the time it takes for oil and vinegar to split again after being shaken together, and then how it compares to adding mayonnaise and mustard (because they posses emulsifiers). Make predictions on what will separate again and when, and what mixtures will stay together.
Other additions:
- Add mayonnaise to make a creamy dressing.
- Add raisins to add more sweetness.
- Add some greens – from chopped spinach to fresh parsley, make a tester tasting bowl and encourage your child to explore how the greens change the taste and decide if they would like to add to their recipe.
We learned a lot of cool facts in class about how this brassica grows, but we always love seeing the growing process in action. Here’s the video of a cabbage from seed to harvest: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTWQNz1YGyM>
### Questions & Prompts:
- How would they describe the flavour – we try to engage in the five core flavour profiles: salty, sweet, sour, umami and bitter
- Where are these tastes on their tongue? Do they change as time goes on?
- What vegetable tastes similar? Or are these completely new tastes?
- What’s the difference between the taste of the carrot, apple, and cabbage? What makes them similar?
- What is the texture like? Is it crispy, mushy, crunchy, hard, soft, moist, dry?
- How did the texture or flavour change after the dressing sat on the carrots, apples and carrots?
### Fun Facts and Health Benefits:
Fun Facts & Health Benefits – Carrots
- A light frost can convert some of the vegetable’s starches to sugar, sweetening a carrots taste
- Their ancestor is Queen Annes Lace, which has a white root and woodier taste than the carrots we eat today
- One serving of carrots delivers over 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, and are also high in vitamin C, and some B vitamins
Carrots are something called biennial plants, meaning they need two growing seasons to produce seeds and will only flower after they’ve been left in the ground into their second year
Fun Facts & Health Benefits – Cabbage
- They belong to the same vegetable family as: brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and kohlrabi
- The waxy coating on cabbage leaves keep the plant warm in its preferred cool climates. Exploring this texture and making observations on how it feels, and then predictions on why it feels how it does is a great way to get the creative juices flowing before you start cooking!
- Cabbage is a great source of vitamin C, K and B6 in addition to other nutrients
- Cabbages are 90% water
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**Categories:** Food, Healthy Living
**Tags:** activities, activity, coleslaw, colouful food, cooking, cooking class, exploration, food, food class, healthy living, urban farming
---
### [Oak Learners Classroom Teacher Interview #2 - Emma van der Jagt](https://oaklearners.ca/classroom-teacher-interview-2/)
**Published:** March 21, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The concept of teaching and learning matching is that it impacts learning in a way that encourages students to respond more positively to instructional methods while informing faculty about effective teaching practices. This encourages collaboration between the teacher and student which in turn reduces classroom management issues.
Recent research has shown that it is not as effective for a teacher to change their teaching preferences to suit the students in their classroom because they may not be as comfortable teaching in that manner.
**Content:**
At the heart of Oak Learners are the teachers that work with students every day to create an environment for the learners to excel with every project, task, and endeavor they complete. We wanted to interview some of our teachers to see their perspectives on their teaching field, get to know them better, and see what inspired them to become a teacher. This is the second interview we have done with teachers at Oak Learners, so if you missed the first one, check it out here! For this interview, we spoke with Emma van der Jagt, a teacher at Oak Learners wanting to share her experiences! Enjoy!
#### **When and Why Did You Get Into Your Field?**
(Emma van der Jagt’s response) – I started working with children when I was 15 years old. A large reason I began working with children was because I wanted to continue with the recreation and sports I enjoyed as I got older. These activities included camp, swimming, skating, hockey, etc. It was a really easy transition to becoming a camp counselor, swim instructor, and eventually, that led to running those programs and training staff. I also had a hard time in school and felt I could relate to children who may not feel as though they had a teacher who understood them or who could adapt to their learning styles. This is what led me to become an ECE to help children have a positive start to school! I love working with children and their families to find their voices as advocates for their learning as well as finding strategies and tools to help with everyday tasks.
#### **Give an example of how you see personalized learning making an immeasurable difference in the life of a child or their family**
(Emma van der Jagt’s response) – Personalized learning is important for all children as well as adults as we continue our learning journey throughout our lives. Being able to identify various learning styles and strategies as well as identifying specific goals and challenges is critical in a school setting. Learning is limitless and we can find so many ways to incorporate learning into play and everyday experiences. It is so important to expose children to many different opportunities to find their interests and dislikes, as well as to hear and experience many different opinions and feelings from their peers. This helps with the development of self-identification and self-confidence.
One of the most beautiful moments I hear about is when parents and their children sit down at the dinner table or have a long car ride and their children are beaming with excitement about something new they learned or accomplished. The more opportunities we provide for personalized learning, the more learning our children can share with us.
#### **Has there been a teacher who made a difference in your life? Tell us about it!**
(Emma van der Jagt’s response) – One of the teachers that made a difference in my life was my grade 1 teacher. After a less than enjoyable Kindergarten experience, she embraced me with open arms and focused on my strengths over my challenges. She also taught me how to knit which was a great strategy to use during moments when I wanted to fidget.
#### **What are the most important traits for someone in your job?**
(Emma van der Jagt’s response) – Finding joy in having a dynamic day, patience, being caring and nurturing, having a desire to learn every day, being adaptive to changing plans, enjoying challenges/problem solving, and having a sense of humour.
#### **What passions or hobbies do you have? Do any make their way into your job?**
(Emma van der Jagt’s response) – I love to play the ukulele and sing silly songs. There are so many amazing ways to bring learning and singing songs together. It is such a great feeling when our students can come out of their shells and be silly and belt out songs together.
I also love being outdoors and finding new ways to explore nature and our community. I get to spend time outside every day and see our environment through the eyes of children.
#### **What brings you happiness while working?**
(Emma van der Jagt’s response) – Being faced with challenges and working together to find solutions with an entire team! I love working with families, co-workers, and students to come up with strategies to create an enriching learning environment.
If you’re interested, Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
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**Categories:** Education, Our Team, Teaching
**Tags:** ece, educator interview, emma van der jagt, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, oak learners, oak learners teacher, private school, private schools, school, teacher, teacher interview, teacherprofile
---
### [Music Lessons - Oak Learners Class Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons-class-showcase/)
**Published:** March 15, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners is dedicated to inspiring minds through Arts Education and our Love of Music! We offer a supportive learning atmosphere, working with your child’s unique learning style to inspire their strengths and interests.
Private music lessons are available to learners of all ages from young to old in a variety of disciplines, including Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Drums, Percussion, and Composition.
**Content:**
## **Personalized Music Lessons at Oak Learners**
Oak Learners is dedicated to inspiring minds through Arts Education and our Love of Music! We offer a supportive learning atmosphere, working with your child’s unique learning style to inspire their strengths and interests.
Private music lessons are available to learners of all ages from young to old in a variety of disciplines, including Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Drums, Percussion and Composition. Students are placed with a teacher who is a professional in their field and who loves inspiring a love of music in their students. Our music lessons are unique and blend music theory with music that children will love to practice.
### **Subjects & Ages**
Available for all Ages: Preschool through Adult.
Musical Specialties include:
**Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Vocal, Drums, Percussion, Composition, Musical Theatre, Early Years Music Experience**
### **Scheduling**
Private Music Lessons are booked in 30-min sessions, at a mutually convenient time.
### **Fees**
- Single 30 Minute Lesson – $37.70
- Single 60 Minute Lesson – $61.50
Sessions are purchased per term and pricing is based on the average session being 30 minutes. Session credits will be added to a student’s account and deducted after each lesson.
Bulk pricing provides savings on lessons and ensures that you can keep your chosen date and time slot for as long as your lessons continue.
[To learn more about music classes and how to register, click here to view the music lessons page.](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/)
If you’re interested, Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, lessons, music, music class, Music Classes, music lessons, Oak Learners Music, Oak Learners Music Class, private school, private schools, school
---
### [Oak Learners Classroom Teacher Interview - Maggie Robertson](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-teacher-staff-interview/)
**Published:** March 13, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** At the heart of Oak Learners are the teachers that work with students every day to create an environment for the learners to excel with every project, task, and endeavor they complete. We wanted to interview some of our teachers to see their perspectives on their teaching field, get to know them better, and see what inspired them to become a teacher. The first interview we did is with Maggie Robertson, a teacher at Oak Learners wanting to share her experiences! Enjoy!
**Content:**
At the heart of Oak Learners are the teachers that work with students every day to create an environment for the learners to excel with every project, task, and endeavor they complete. We wanted to interview some of our teachers and showcase their perspectives on their teaching field, get to know them better, and see what inspired them to become a teacher.
The first interview we did is with Maggie Robertson, an elementary teacher at Oak Learners who started her journey at the school as a Eco Camp Counsellor in the summer of 2021. Enjoy!
###### **Q: When and why did you get into teaching?**
A: I officially got into my field in 2019 when I started my Bachelor of Education at Western University, however, I’ve always loved being in a teaching/facilitating position. While Oak Learners is my first professional teaching position (2021), I’ve taught dance classes since I was a teenager and I’ve been so lucky to turn that passion into a career.
###### **Q: Can you give an example of how you see personalized learning making an immeasurable difference in the life of a child or their family?**
A: “Personalized learning can look like a lot of things, from topics of interest for a student to the methods in which they take in that learning. I’m learning that there’s a balance between the two so that students can be exposed to a variety of learning methods AND topics that they might not have ever considered as well as getting their learning needs met.
I’ve seen this in my short time at Oak Learners specifically where we combined the Math curriculum with a very hands-on group project making a Little Mimico Model. Many of the students thrive in that hands-on environment which helped us deliver important measurement and shape skills as well as incorporate other aspects of learning such as community and teamwork. This combination helps provide students with an accepting environment to learn, create, and make positive memories associated with learning!”
###### **Q: Has there been a teacher who made a difference in your life?**
A: “Yes! I had a dance teacher during my high school years (who was coincidentally also a high school teacher, but at a different school than my own) who not only provided great dance instruction but was also a warm, welcoming, and accepting mentor figure for many of us in her care.
Her name is Sam Crosby and she still teaches high school to this day! I LOVE seeing what she and her students get up to in class through her social media. She really helped inspire me and continues to inspire me to be a teacher and an overall great human.”
###### **Q: What are the most important traits for someone in your job?**
A: “For me, it’s to be open-minded. That’s probably a cliche thing to say about any job, but I really believe that if you’re not an open-minded teacher then the job will be 10 times harder.
Every student is going to come in with a different story that is probably way different than your own so staying open-minded to their life experiences and taking time to understand them will help build a stronger relationship with them and help them stay more open to learning as well!”
###### **Q: What passions or hobbies do you have? Do any make their way into your job?**
A: “I’d say my biggest two are dance and reading right now and those definitely make their way into my job! I love when I get a chance to dance around with my students and as an elementary teacher right now, we definitely do a lot of reading.”
###### **Q: What challenges do you face and how do you overcome them?**
A: “My biggest challenge right now is work-life balance, especially given the pandemic! Something I’ve realized lately is just how important it is to have things to look forward to outside of work (whether you enjoy your job or not) and the pandemic has made having those things a lot more difficult. It’s a work in progress and I try to overcome it by sharing these challenges with close friends, family, coworkers, and even professional help to find that balance.”
###### **Q: What brings you happiness while working?**
A: “The people at my job! I love how supportive all my coworkers are and the students are so fun and sweet and having fun and sweet moments with them throughout the day brings me joy. :)”
If you’re interested, Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Mindfulness, Our Team, Parenting, School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, interview, oak learners interview, oak learners team interview, private school, private schools, school, teacher interview, team interview
---
### [Importance of Matching Students with the Right Teacher](https://oaklearners.ca/matching-students-with-right-teacher/)
**Published:** March 3, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The concept of teaching and learning matching is that it impacts learning in a way that encourages students to respond more positively to instructional methods while informing faculty about effective teaching practices. This encourages collaboration between the teacher and student which in turn reduces classroom management issues.
Recent research has shown that it is not as effective for a teacher to change their teaching preferences to suit the students in their classroom because they may not be as comfortable teaching in that manner.
**Content:**
Did you know that only 54% of Canadians aged 25 and up, hold college or university qualifications? (Statistics Canada 2016) This is lower than the United States estimated number of degree holders by the year 2025. The reason for the low graduation rates can be attributed to the poor implementation of student-centered learning and practices. Something of great interest among researchers is the relationship between student learning preferences and teaching styles. Ways that this is being studied in classrooms is by varying teaching, learning, and assessment techniques. However, not all strategies will work for all students, and trouble begins when there is a disconnect between a student’s learning style and the teacher’s teaching style. So, the main question is: would students be more successful if students were matched to their instructor’s teaching strengths?
Incompatibility between learning styles and teaching preferences is typically what leads to low student engagement, boredom, discouragement, poor test performance, low motivation, shattered self-esteem, and decisions to quit school or programs. This is a problem across all disciplines whether it be math, English, or science, some teachers and students will not be able to adapt to each other’s learning and teaching styles. The concept of teaching and learning matching is that it impacts learning in a way that encourages students to respond more positively to instructional methods while informing faculty about effective teaching practices. This encourages collaboration between the teacher and student which in turn reduces classroom management issues.
Recent research has shown that it is not as effective for a teacher to change their teaching preferences to suit the students in their classroom because they may not be as comfortable teaching in that manner. A researcher (Zeeb, 2004) stated that teachers teach the way they have learned because it is the way it makes the most sense in their minds so everyone else should be able to understand as well. As a teacher, this is a hard notion to overcome, and pushing an educator to change their methods could result in an awkward lesson. However, there is a clear relationship between student success and consideration of learning styles. Learners should be aware of their learning preferences and how to maximize their learning based on these preferences. Students must be self-aware of the support they need and must know how to self-advocate for the resources they feel they need to succeed. This in turn would lead to higher academic self-confidence leading to better success and graduation rates.
Currently, there are no technological systems that encourage student-teacher matching except for the internet which is unreliable as some students and teachers can leave bad reviews based on a short time frame. A system called Connect for Success is being developed to encourage educators, parents, and students to share their learning and teaching preferences to better be matched within classrooms. This technology is in its early stages.
However, at Oak Learners, we attempt to match students with teachers they can relate to. With a student-centered approach, students are encouraged to learn about their own learning styles and what supports are available, and what they need to succeed.
If you’re interested, Oak Learners has a great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Parenting, Private Tutoring, Programming, School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, finding the right teacher, matching students with the right teacher, private school, private schools, school, teachers for my child
---
### [Partner Showcase: Humber College](https://oaklearners.ca/humber-college-partner-showcase/)
**Published:** February 28, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners has teamed up with Humber College and various other colleges to gather talented students across Canada to work inside the school. We interviewed one intern student from Humber College that joined the Oak Learners team, Joshua, to speak more on what they have learned whilst working with Oak Learners, how their experience went, how Humber College saw the experience, and what takeaways they have from the internship with Oak Learners.
**Content:**
Oak Learners has teamed up with Humber College and various other colleges to gather talented students across Canada to work inside the school. We interviewed one intern student from Humber College that joined the Oak Learners team, Joshua, to speak more on what they have learned whilst working with Oak Learners, how their experience went, how Humber College saw the experience, and what takeaways they have from the internship with Oak Learners.
#### **Why did you choose Oak Learners as your internship with Humber College?**
Joshua’s Answer (Humber Intern):
“There were many reasons why I decided to start my internship with Oak Learners and Humber College. When originally deciding, there were many options that I had to decide from. When talking with the Oak Learners team, I saw a real passion for what they were accomplishing and what they wanted to achieve. Oak Learners gave me the opportunity to not only expand my knowledge with my field of profession, doing Digital Marketing for their school presence online but also joining an enthusiastic and joyful team presence.”
#### **How did your Oak Learners placement enrich your learning?**
Joshua’s Answer (Humber Intern):
“When starting with Oak Learners, my ideas with the website, social media, and everything else were widely accepted and taken into consideration instead of instantly being rejected or pushed to the side. This gave me great motivation to have ideas that may impact change inside the school’s digital presence. Not only this, but a lot of work I had started doing was my first time actually doing it in a work setting outside of school. This in turn, helped me with my writing, design, and creative process skills when doing my daily tasks.”
#### **What brought you happiness when working with Oak Learners?**
Joshua’s Answer (Humber Intern):
“Two things stand out to me in particular when thinking of this question. Firstly is the team environment that Oak Learners has. Whenever I have questions about anything, someone is always there to help me out. When I want to be openly honest about change with their digital presence, they embrace it and take everything into consideration. Team meetings happen every week to keep all staff in the same loop, and all accomplishments inside the school are congratulated and celebrated openly with everyone.
The second thing that comes to mind is the creative freedom I have when it comes to digital presence. When doing all design processes and copywriting, my ideas are fully embraced. I really enjoy trying new things from time to time and having the team is on-board with the work I am doing.”
#### **What did you think of the co-worker environment?**
Joshua’s Answer (Humber Intern):
“Within Oak Learners is a small, but very happy and encouraging team. Co-workers communicate with each other on a daily basis to keep on track of what is happening around the school. Workers help each other whenever needed, and are there to lift each other up. Team meetings in person are refreshing, and hearing what other co-workers are doing, even if it is unrelated to my work is interesting and engaging. The director of Oak Learners, Kelly Farrell, is always there to help out with any work, reviewing documents, or anything else you need her for 24/7, even though her daily schedule is crammed beyond any schedule I have ever seen!”
#### **How Will The Oak Learners Internship Benefit Your Career?**
Joshua’s Answer (Humber Intern):
“Oak Learners is the first place I have done Digital Marketing outside of my Humber College program, so this is a huge step for my career. The beginning of anyone’s career is exciting, curious, and explorative. Even the simplest Marketing tasks are a learning step for me, and the more I learn from Oak Learners, the more I can apply it to any position in Digital Marketing during my career. Doing blogs every week helps my creative planning and writing skills, doing designs and working with different software makes me more efficient, and getting familiar and proficient using these tools will not only make me a better marketer but a better team member and worker as well.”
#### **Any Final Thoughts or Comments?**
Joshua’s Answer (Humber Intern):
I’m excited to continue working with Oak Learners and expand my knowledge with Digital Marketing, further working with the team to help the school fulfill their goals, and accomplish my own goals I set within the company. I’m really grateful for Oak Learners and I am really glad I found them during my internship phases with Humber College!
---
At Oak Learners, our mandate includes helping all learners reach their potential through creativity, confidence, and community. This mandate goes beyond what we do for our students and includes supporting new teachers, interns, and youth on their path to success.
Since its inception, Oak Learners has consistently provided opportunities for students and interns to work alongside experienced professionals to develop new skills and expand their learning opportunities. In addition to providing work experience and mentorship, Oak Learners has also invested in professional development courses and certifications for our teachers and staff. In the past year, our teachers have participated in courses through the Red Cross, Learning Without Tears, the National Institute for Learning Development, and more. Several of our teachers have also been working towards Postgraduate Degrees and their experiences at Oak learners have formed a foundation of experiential learning to augment the theory they were learning in class.
Last summer, Oak Learners was honoured to receive the [Canada Summer Jobs Grant](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html) from the Government of Canada in order to employ amazing students to support our camp programming. This was a huge step for Oak Learners towards supporting our continuous professional development plans as well as a fantastic opportunity to bring new energy and excitement into our programming. We are grateful for the support of our local community and elected representatives as we continue to strive to bring more opportunities for personalized learning to our students.
We hope you enjoyed reading the interview we did as much as we did! If you are interested in schooling options, Oak Learners has a great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Partner Showcase, School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, humber, humber college, partner showcase, private school, private schools, school
---
### [Exploring colourful salads in Urban Farming & Cooking Class](https://oaklearners.ca/exploring-colourful-salads-in-urban-farming-cooking-class/)
**Published:** February 18, 2022
**Author:** Brittany Hall
**Content:**
*Exploring watermelon radish, colourful carrots and red kale,*
How many of your favourite colours can you see in this meal?! We loved making this rainbow salad in our urban farming and cooking class, and hope it delights your little one’s eyes at home! Check out our classes if you’re interested in guided age-appropriate cooking instruction every Saturday!
But first, the star of the show! Introducing colourful new foods prompts curiosity and interest, which can lower the anxiety of trying new foods. Asking specific questions about HOW something tastes, WHERE they taste it on their tongues, and HOW it brings out or covers other tastes prompts an open exploration. When your little one’s feel the one correct answer to “do you like it?” needs to be yes, it fuels their food anxiety further. To learn more about the five core flavour profiles and where they are located on your tongue with prompts, see our article: “The Power of Ketchup – your next great tool to expand your little one’s palates.”
So, what in the world is a watermelon radish, also known as shinrimei? This is an heirloom variety, which means the seeds were open-pollinated over time. Originating from the Chinese daikon radish, gardeners will select seeds from parent plants that have characteristics they like and want to continue, in this case it’s beautiful pink colour and mild taste. This process relies on natural pollination methods via insects or the wind.
They are also a member of the brassica or mustard family, just like turnips and arugula. Unlike other members of its family however, the watermelon radish will mellow in its “peppery” flavour as it gets older, making it the perfect snack to keep on hand! A versatile veg, you can roast them, snack on them raw with a little salt or hummus, pickle them, mash them, or enjoy them in a dish like this.
**Ingredients:**
- Watermelon Radishes – 1-2 (when purchasing, choose firm radishes that feel heavy for their size, they make have some remaining dirt, but they shouldn’t have blemishes)
- 1 bunch of carrots (we selected an heirloom bunch to further explore colour gradients and make our rainbow, but feel free to pick any you’d prefer)
- ½ a bunch of kale (we picked red for more colour, but any will do)
- Olive oil (2-3 tbs)
- Rice or white wine vinegar (1 tbs)
- Salt & pepper
- Maple syrup or honey (1 tbs)
**To top:**
- Slice of lemon (optional)
- Pumpkin seeds (optional)
**Supplies:**
- A cutting board and knife
- Washing bowls (or use the sink and faucet)
- A large mixing bowl
- A small vinaigrette mixing bowl
- Towel or paper towel
**Instructions**
The first step in any recipe:
Wash your hands! Cooking together is a great way to reinforce good hygiene habits. As we’re working with raw egg especially, it’s a good idea to tie all long hair into a bun or pony tail so no hands are accidentally touching their face as they work.
**Steps:**
1. Wash your watermelon radishes by gently scrubbing any dirt off, these do not need to be pealed. We like to take a bowl per child and fill them with shallow water, then race to see who can scrub their radish clean first!
2. Slicing Time! Either thinly slice the radish to reveal the beautiful colour gradient, or chop into watermelon-reminiscent slices. We like to do a few of both and examine the change in colour and texture then set aside to later add to the mixing bowl.
3. Kale time! After rinsing the leaves and using a paper towel or towel to pat off excess water, ask your child to tear smaller bits off of the main stem and toss them in the mixing bowl. These should be about an inch in size. The key to delicious kale is massaging the leaves. Add 1-2 tbs of olive oil depending on the quantity, roll up those sleeves, and start massaging all the leaves so they are evenly covered. Set the bowl aside and allow the leaves to sit while you prep the rest.
4. Time to chop! After washing, we sliced our carrots into small circle to see the colours change from the outside in, but you can also peel them into ribbons or smaller pieces based on preference.
5. Combine your carrots and watermelon radish slices to the kale mixing bowl and stir.
6. In a separate smaller bowl, mix one tbs of rice or white wine vinegar, one tbs of maple syrup or honey, salt, pepper, and one tbs of olive oil. Mix well.
7. Pour your fresh vinaigrette over the radish, kale and carrots in the large mixing bowl, and enjoy!
**Question prompts for exploratory discussion:**
- What colour do we think the inside will be?
- How small do you think they can be? (Answer: a golf ball)
- How large do you think they can grow (Answer: a softball)
- Where do you think they grow? Do we pick them like apples, or do we dig them up? HINT – what does the dirt we scrubbed off tell you?
- Do you think they like the heat or the cold? (Answer: they thrive in cold soil)
- What textures do you feel? Is there a crunch? Is it mushy? How do they feel combined in bites versus in separate bites?
How does it compare? Set aside a few taste testers to compare the raw vegetable to the finished product, what differences do we notice? What stays the same? Are any flavours or textures enhanced? Do any disappear?
- For Kale, explore the parts of the leak we can see
- Blade (scientific word Lamina: ) – the main leaf, not including the stems, veins and petiole. This is where the plant “Breathes” and where it “eats” when it takes in sunlight and turns it into food!
- Stem – supports the leaf (like how our skeleton supports us!)
- Petiole – holds the plant together and connects the stalk to the leaf
- Veins – moves water, minerals and energy through the plan, just like our veins move important things for us!
- Epidermis – the plant’s skin, this protects the leaf and sometimes secretes a waxy protective cuticle to keep it safe. Think of it as the winter coat that keeps the plant safe and warm!
**Nutritional Benefits & Facts**
- Watermelon Radish:
- Full of: vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, B vitamins, and fiber
- They are 89-95% water to help you stay hydrated!
- Carrots
- Originated from a Middle Eastern crop called Queen Anne’s Lace
- The cold converts some of the vegetable starches into sugars, making carrots even sweater after a light frost
- Full of: vitamin A (over 100% of your daily supply in just one serving), vitamin B6, vitamin K, and other nutrients.
- Kale
- Another brassica plant! Kale is also closely related to cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower
- There are more than 50 different varieties worldwide!
- Kale has been grown for over 2000 years
- Kale also likes the cold! Because the leaves have a waxy layer called the epidermis, it can grow in colder month
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**Categories:** Food, Healthy Living
**Tags:** activities, activity, colouful food, cooking, cooking class, exploration, food, food class, healthy living, salad, urban farming
---
### [Art Class (Ages 6+) - Oak Learners Class Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/art-class-showcase/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners is hosting an Art Class for ages 6 and up every Saturday from 12:45pm-1:30pm! If you're looking for an art class for your child, look no further! Our art teachers are passionate, enthusiastic, and knowledgable. Oak Learners provides a safe environment for the kids and allow them to experience the satisfaction that comes from guided self-expression. The focus of our art classes is exploring artistic skills, exploring creativity, and so much more!
**Content:**
Oak Learners is hosting an Art Class for ages 6 and up every Saturday from 12:45pm-1:30pm! If you’re looking for an art class for your child, look no further! Our art teachers are passionate, enthusiastic, and knowledgable. Oak Learners provides a safe environment for the kids and allow them to experience the satisfaction that comes from guided self-expression. The focus of our art classes is exploring artistic skills, exploring creativity, and so much more!
**What Will My Child Be Doing?**
Through art, we will doodle, paint, and create fun pieces in each class. Let’s unleash our creativity!
In this class, students will:
– Explore a variety of artistic mediums including Sketching, Painting, and sculpting
– Develop and refine artistic skills in a variety of styles and movements
– Develop an understanding of the principles of design
– Create artistic works using sensory inspiration, imagination, and inquiry
– Create artistic works that demonstrate personal and cultural contexts
– Communicate ideas and self-reflection through art-making
**Suggested Materials**:
Students may bring their own sketchbook if they have one.
All other materials will be provided by Oak Learners.
**Scheduling**: Saturdays, 12:45 to 1:30pm (45min)
**Fees**: $9 per class, paid by sessions
**Booking Link:** <https://oaklearners.ca/product/arts-crafts/>
You may enter classes in-between weeks, and book per week.
Winter Session C – January 8th – March 12th (10 weeks)
Spring Session D – March 26th – June 18th (11 weeks). No classes April 16 for Easter or May 28 for Victoria Day.
If you’re interested in signing your child up to Art Class (Ages 6+), [please check out the link here to book!](https://oaklearners.ca/product/arts-crafts/)
If you’re interested in anything else, Oak Learners has a great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
To keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OakLearners) or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oaklearners/)
Or, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.
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**Categories:** Activities, Arts & Crafts, Education, Mindfulness, Parenting, School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** art, art activity, art class, art education, arts and crafts, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, private school, private schools, school
---
### [The Power of Ketchup](https://oaklearners.ca/the-power-of-ketchup/)
**Published:** February 14, 2022
**Author:** Brittany Hall
**Excerpt:** There’s no shortage of ketchup varieties available, but no matter what brand name or homemade option you’re reaching for, all bottles provide a perfect introduction to the five core tastes; sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami.
**Content:**
*The Power of Ketchup – your next great tool to expand your little one’s palates*
There’s no shortage of ketchup varieties available, but no matter what brand name or homemade option you’re reaching for, all bottles provide a perfect introduction to the five core tastes; sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami.
Not only does this sensory powerhouse of a condiment add these 5 tastes to a multitude of foods, it more importantly provides the opportunity to teach kids about the language of taste. Being able to vocalize why they like or dislike something will empower them and give you both the tools to explore new foods in a less intimidating way.
# Ketchup – A food buddy to make new foods less intimidating
A child’s palate goes through several iterations in each stage of development. As a result, bitter and strong flavours can seem scary because they remind them of a previous experience which no longer aligns with their palate, because they’re seeing adults reluctant to plate these items, or because they’re intimidated to vocalize that a food is still not enjoyable and disappoint a parent. Having a “buddy food” that’s familiar and consistently provides a sweet flavour back-up to coat the new foods can be a helpful compromise. Framing new foods as an exciting thing to explore, and demonstrating how saying they don’t like something yet to keep the door open in future will help kids feel less boxed-in and expected to say they do enjoy it. When given the opportunity to say they only like the ketchup part, they’ll feel less pressured and are far more likely to engage openly in trying the new food.
If you’re worried about the sugar and sodium combo in ketchup, then making a homemade bottle with your child may be a fun addition to the food exploration! Take a can of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes, some vinegar, onion and garlic powder, salt and a dash of maple syrup and you’re on your way to a fun new recipe with your child. Customize with a dash of oregano, cayenne, mustard powder, all spice, or nutmeg, and designate your child as the head chef to make these decisions.
# A little history on how ketchup came to be:
Originating from the salty fish-based Chinese condiment kê-tsiap which was believed to be brought over by Vietnamese traders, ketchup evolved into several catsup recipes before becoming the tomato and vinegar-based condiment popularized today.
# Food exploration ideas & tips:
Take a food they’re already comfortable with and focus on expanding on the flavours and textures, rather than replacing. For example:
#### Whether they like roast potatoes, or a frozen bag of fries – chop up some carrots, rutabaga, or turnips and mix them into the same roasting pan. This will allow them see similarities in tastes they like, and give more specific feedback if there are tastes they don’t. Rather than communicating they don’t like a food, they’ll be able to focus in on the sensory experience they’re having with some foods that they don’t like, and hopefully some new foods they do! Is there a texture they don’t like? Do the turnips taste too nutty or do the carrots taste too sweet? Add some ketchup on the side and ask them to experiment with dipping each food in…Does it make it sweeter? Do they taste the salt more? Is one food more sour with ketchup than another? See below for a list of other prompts!
# Questions to engage them in their food:
Engage the 5 Core Tastes:
- Does it taste sweet?
- Does it taste sour?
- Does it taste bitter?
- Does it taste salty?
- Does it taste umami?
- Where do you taste it on your tongue?
- Do you taste more than one of these 5 core tastes?
- Does the taste change from first bite? Does flavour move across your tongue and become something different?
Engage the Texture:
- Is the food: hard, soft, crisp, moist, dry?
- How does one texture feel when mixed with another?
- Does the taste change when you follow it with a sip of your drink?
# A reminder – it takes patience to teach practice!
These questions and ideas are new to you both, so don’t be dismayed if there isn’t a lightbulb above their head the first time that you’re asking these questions! The practice of breaking up tastes and comparing them may take time, but repetition of questions during meals will encourage them to think more critically about their palate, and realize they have an open and accepting space to develop it.
They may not give you expansive answers the first few times, but what’s important is that you’re introducing these concepts and bringing attention to how taste and its language works. These new descriptors will have been simmering in their mind, and before you know it, they’ll be explaining what veggies and flavours they’re excited to try!
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**Categories:** Education, Food, Healthy Living, Mindfulness
**Tags:** activities, activity, cooking, cooking class, exploration, food, food class, healthy living, ketchup, urban farming
---
### [Eggplant Exploration](https://oaklearners.ca/eggplant-exploration/)
**Published:** February 4, 2022
**Author:** Brittany Hall
**Excerpt:** This or that? Exploring new foods with deeper questions around why one is tastier than another allows you the ability to prompt more descriptive answers when discussing food, rather than giving kids the intimidating “yes or no” options only.
**Content:**
*Eggplant Exploration – two recipes to introduce and explore eggplants!*
# Why comparing two recipes can help when exploring new foods:
This or that? Exploring new foods with deeper questions around why one is tastier than another allows you the ability to prompt more descriptive answers when discussing food, rather than giving kids the intimidating “yes or no” options only.
# \#1 Tip – The salt soak!
No matter what eggplant variety you’re using or recipe you’re embarking on, this tip is your best way to pull the bitterness from eggplant before you start cooking:
- Fill a bowl of warm water – you’ll want the eggplant submerged with just a few floating on the surface, so a small to mid-sized bowl will do
- Have your child add salt – you don’t need much, just enough to submerge the eggplants in (1-2 tbs depending on size of bowl and quantity of eggplant)
- Add eggplant (sliced into rounds or half-moons) and periodically mix so that all of them have time under the surface of the water (you can also turn a plate upside down and place it over the bowl to keep them underwater if needed). Let them soak for 30-40 minutes and then pat dry.
In addition to helping to remove bitterness, this process of brining the eggplant will help lock-in moisture so the eggplants skin stays intact on the grill.
# Introducing – the Asian Eggplant Variety!
A slenderer variety, this eggplant is less seedy and can cook to a less mushy consistency because of its size. Both recipes will work with any variety, but we recommend purchasing this option to try something new and have a more consistent size to grill and do the egg wash.
# The first step in any recipe:
Wash your hands! Cooking together is a great way to reinforce good hygiene habits. As we’re working with raw egg especially, it’s a good idea to tie all long hair into a bun or pony tail so no hands are accidentally touching their face as they work.
# Recipe 1: Breaded Eggplant
*Oven preheated to 350°F*
Ingredients:
- 1 Asian eggplant\*
- Half a cup of flour\*
- A quarter cup of grated parmesan cheese (can be omitted)\*
- 1 egg\*
- Salt
- 2 mixing bowls and a baking tray with parchment paper
\*one Asian eggplant makes 8-12 chips depending on the thickness of each round, feel free to double for larger portion.
Steps:
1. The egg break! Set a cloth or paper towel under the bowl and expect a little spillage if it’s their first time cracking an egg, but don’t be afraid to ask them to do this important task.
2. Mix the eggs and have them break up the yolk with a fork. The egg whites and yolks should be completely combined.
3. In a second mixing bowl, have them combine flour, salt, and parmesan.
4. Egg wash time! Have them dip each eggplant round/half-moon into the egg wash. Ensure both sides are coated and give the eggplant a moment to drip any excess into the egg bowl before moving to the flour bowl. Next, coat the egg bathed eggplant in the flour mixture (they can place each side in the flour, or try dropping it in the bowl and shaking it back and forth until evenly covered. Finally, lay on each slice on the pan.
5. Bake for 30 minutes – about halfway check on them and turn over to ensure both sides get crispy. Remove when they are crispy and golden (bake longer if needed as all ovens are a bit different).
# Recipe 2: Grilled Eggplant
Heat grill to medium-high or turn on panini press.
Ingredients:
- 1 Asian eggplant
- Olive oil
- Salt
- 1 mixing bowl or basting brush
Steps:
1. Lay the eggplant slices out and brush each with olive oil and sprinkle salt. If you don’t have a brush, you can add them to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and salt, then toss until evenly coated.
2. Place on the grill and let cook until grill marks appear – approximately 5 minutes
3. Flip over and grill the other side for another 5 minutes
4. Remove and serve!
# The set-up & question prompts:
Now time to set up your food exploration! Once the fun of cooking the 2 recipes is done, serve both and feel free to whip out some other condiments and sauces to experiment with flavours. From ketchup to tzatziki to mayonnaise, a glob of each will help them approach the food as something with many flavour possibilities and feedback opportunities. Try asking them about the 5 core flavours (salty, sweet, sour, umami and bitter) and where they taste these on their tongues, or about the texture differences, or the flavour combinations. Refrain from the limiting “do you like it” questions, and focus more on descriptive open-ended questions that will leave them free to say what they enjoy and free to say what they may not enjoy. Remember, food explorations like this are just as much about introducing new foods as they are about introducing the language of flavour, the science of cooking, and the relationship-building of everything all together!
# Eggplant health benefits and fun facts to share:
*Health Benefits:*
- High in fiber, folate, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K
- A top source of vitamin B6 which is important for your blood, brain and lots of tissues throughout the body. Just 75g provides a whole day’s supply (for the average adult).
- Antioxidants can be found in the purple skin
*Fun Facts:*
- They belong to the nightshade family and are closely related to potatoes and tomatoes
- They are actually fruits as they have seeds and grow from a flowering plant
- They grow mid-summer to fall and need high temperatures to grow, preferring a range of 21°C to 30°C
- This delicacy was enjoyed by the Emperors of China as early as 600 BC
- However, it is suspected they were found in India even earlier
- At one time, it was fashionable for women to purposely stain their teeth a gray-black and dye made from eggplant was primarily used
- In Australia, eggplant is called an aubergine and in South Asia and South Africa it is called a brinjal
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**Categories:** Food, Healthy Living
**Tags:** activities, activity, cooking, cooking class, eggplant, exploration, food, food class, healthy living, urban farming
---
### [Oak Learners Summer Camp 2022](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-early-bird-summer-camp-2022/)
**Published:** February 4, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners Summer Camp overview. Spots are filling up quickly for our Summer Camps and the time to act is now! We offer a unique summer camp experience designed to engage children and make them want to return year after year.
**Content:**
Oak Learners Summer Camp spots are filling up quickly! We offer a unique summer camp experience designed to engage children and make them want to return year after year.
**Creativity:** We encourage campers to be creative and explore various means of expression. We plan out a variety of activities including music and art to allow campers to ‘give it a go’.
**Mindfulness:** In addition to the engaging and busy camp activities, we plan in times where campers can take time to reflect and relax. Mindfulness activities include yoga, meditation, specific self-awareness activities and time to stop and think.
**STEAM:** Through Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math activities, campers will have the opportunity to develop their social skills, confidence and cognitive flexibility.
**Community:** Campers will spend as much time outdoors as possible. They will enjoy field trips that give them the opportunity to experience situations that they might not usually have the chance to.
Campers can explore natural surroundings and understand their part in nature and the local community.
#### **What To Expect at Arts & Adventures Camp**
At our Arts & Adventures Camp, campers will spend the day doing a variety of planned activities which are both indoors and outdoors. They will learn, explore their creative side, have fun and make new friends.
Activities are based on the weekly themes which have been carefully planned by our camp counselors. Campers will have the opportunity to spend time outside in the local community and try new activities. If you want your child to have a structured and enjoyable week, our Arts & Adventures Camp is the place to go.
Activities may include:
- Nature trails
- Arts and crafts creations
- Composing music
- Mindfulness events
- Sports and challenges
- Trip to local parks
- Team games and team building activities
- Science experiments
Campers will also have the opportunity to visit local splash pads and wading pools and you will be notified of “water days” to help pack accordingly.
#### **A Typical Day at Arts & Adventures Camp**
8:00-9:00 – Early Drop-Off Programming (add-on)
8:45 – 9:15 – Drop-off, welcome and arrival activities
9:15 – 10:00 – First activity e.g. artistic designs on the weekly theme
10:00 – 11:00 – Second activity e.g. music on the weekly theme
11:00 – 11:15 – AM Snack
11:15 – 12:15 – Third activity e.g. outdoor explorations
12:15 – 1:15 – LUNCH
1:15 – 1:45 – Mindfulness activity
1:45 – 3:00 – Fourth activity e.g. nature trail and games
3:00 – 3:30 – Reflections & celebrations
3:30 – 4:00 – Closing Activities & Dismissal
4:00-6:00 pm – Extended Day Programming (add-on)
#### **What To Expect at Eco Adventures Camp**
At our Eco Adventures Camp, campers will spend the **ENTIRE DAY OUTSIDE** exploring the local area and the beauty within it. They will experience learning in a different way, play outside and find out about the local community.
Campers will take trips to places such as the Humber River, Mimico Creek Trail, Humber Bay Shores and Mimico Waterfront. Campers will be fully outside and be regularly ‘on the move’.
Activities may include:
- Animal explorations
- Hiking
- Survival skills
- Mindfulness activities
- Nature trails
- Sketching sceneries
- Team games and team building activities
Campers will also have the opportunity to visit local splash pads and wading pools and you will be notified of “water days” to help pack accordingly.
With this being a fully outdoors camp, campers are strongly encouraged to pack lightly with everything they need for the whole day.
Our Eco Adventures Camp will only come indoors if it is necessary for campers and the counsellors safety. Counsellors will plan for ‘rainy days’ but may need to use an indoor location if there are extreme weather warnings.
#### **A Typical Day at Eco Adventure Camp**
8:00-9:00 – Early Drop-Off Programming (add-on)
8:45 – 9:15 – Drop-off, welcome and arrival activities
9:15 – 10:15 – First activity e.g. animal exploration and nature trail
10:15 – 10:45 – AM Snack & Minfulness
10:45 – 12:15 – Second activities e.g. hiking and artistic sketches
12:15 – 1:15 – LUNCH
1:15 – 1:45 – Team games
1:45 – 3:00 – Third activities e.g. survival skills and team building
3:00 – 3:30 – Reflections & celebrations
3:30 – 4:00 – Closing Activities & Dismissal
4:00-6:00 pm – Extended Day Programming (add-on)
**\*NEW\* Two Locations for Summer 2022!**
Royal York Campus – 394 Royal York Rd. (Royal York/Hay Ave)
Lakeshore Campus – 3003 Lakeshore Blvd W (Lakeshore/Ninth st)
Book today to guarantee your spot in the Oak Learners 2022 Summer Camp early bird! Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to book: <https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/>
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**Categories:** Camps, Outdoor Education, School Life
**Tags:** 2022 summer camp, early bird summer camp, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, oak learners summer camp, private school, private schools, school, summer camp
---
### [How To Keep Your Child Safe While On The Internet](https://oaklearners.ca/how-to-keep-your-child-safe-while-on-the-internet/)
**Published:** February 2, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The internet is a great place for younger kids to get extremely valuable resources and can be a great source of knowledge. However, there are parts of the internet that can be quite dangerous for younger kids to be. In this blog, we'll talk about some of the steps you can take including setting parental controls, monitoring your children, and keeping them safe on the internet.
**Content:**
The internet is a great place for younger kids to get extremely valuable resources and can be a great source of knowledge. They can read more about their favourite hobbies, gain more knowledge on certain topics in school, watch informative videos, staying in touch with family and friends and so much more. Although the internet can be a great place for learning and fun, there come risks as well.
Sadly, there are parts of the internet that can be quite dangerous for younger kids to be. Inappropriate content can be found just about anywhere nowadays, stalkers or generally people you wouldn’t want talking to your kids can be found on chatrooms or games, and many other things you would want your children to avoid. In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the steps you can take including setting parental controls, monitoring your children, and keeping them safe on the internet.
#### **Unmonitored Chat Rooms**
Chatrooms can be found basically around every corner on the internet. This can be through Discord, Skype, Facebook, WhatsApp, and so many more applications.
But does it stop there? There can be text and voice chats that you may not be aware of. Many online video games have voice chat functionalities where your children can openly speak to random strangers at any given moment whilst playing the game. In the case of my nephews, I have found them openly speaking to strangers on video games and being victims of bullying online. This can happen under any other circumstances outside of video games as well. Making sure you know if your child is speaking to anyone online, including strangers should be a conversation to have.
#### **Website Activity Monitoring**
This is an extremely easy step to take when your children are online. If they use a computer/laptop at home, you can look at your child’s browsing activity by simply opening the web browser and hitting control+h at the same time. This command opens up their browsing history, where you can see what websites they have gone on ever since they’ve had the computer. Having this knowledge and asking questions about what websites they use is critical to understanding what your children use the internet for.
#### **What Can You Do As a Parent?**
There are a variety of different things you can do as a parent to supervise your children’s activity and keep them safe online. Here are some things you can do right now to protect your children online:
- **Set parental controls** on their devices including iPads, phones, and computers. By accessing the parental controls settings, you can set how many hours you want your children on the device for every day, what apps or websites they can not access, communication limits, and many other things.
- **Place computers in open common areas** so you can easily monitor them when you’re around the house. This will discourage them from even doing things they know they shouldn’t, and you will have peace of mind.
- **Talk to your children about online dangers.** Having your children understand there can be some real dangers online and setting boundaries can keep your child informed. Telling your children they are not allowed to post pictures or send pictures of themselves to anyone, never giving out any information about themselves or their whereabouts, and especially never talking about meeting anybody in person.
- **If they do play online games, have them disable voice and text chats.** This one can be easily missed and a crucial step especially if they’re younger playing more mature games. People playing games online have zero filters and can talk to your children through voice, text, and harass them at any moment. In every online game, there are settings to disable all of these chats so they won’t be able to hear or see any of this chatter whilst playing the game.
If you are having trouble setting up any of these measures, remember, google is your friend! Searching these how-to-videos will help you place these measures on the devices. If this doesn’t help, search how-tos on youtube and there will be step-by-step guides on how to implement these changes.
#### **Alarming Statistics and Staying Mindful**
There are some [very alarming statistics](https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/protecting-children-online/facts-for-parents#facts) coming out of the U.S. that you should be aware of with regards to children’s online safety. Staying mindful of these statistics may help an incident from occurring.
- “Some 71% of parents stop supervising Internet use by their children after the age of 14, yet 72% of all Internet-related missing children cases involve children who are 15 years of age or older.”
- “Close to 62% of teens say their parents know little or nothing about the websites they visit.”
- “Only 52% of parents moderately supervise their children’s Internet use.”
- “An estimated 20% of parents do not supervise their children’s Internet use at all.”
With these statistics in mind, staying aware of your children’s online activity is something to be heavily considered when allowing them to freely be online. Please remember to stay safe and speak to your children about their online activity!
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** Child safety online, etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, How To Keep Your Child Safe While On The Internet, Keeping your child safe online, parental control, private school, private schools, school
---
### [Take a peek inside our Brussel Sprouts exploration!](https://oaklearners.ca/take-a-peek-inside-our-brussel-sprouts-exploration/)
**Published:** January 28, 2022
**Author:** Brittany Hall
**Excerpt:** We start every cooking and urban farming class with asking exploratory questions about our main vegetable of the day. For brussel sprouts, we were curious about if they grow from the inside-out, or the outside-in. We also tried to think of other vegetables that seem similar, and our students were right to think they were similar to cabbages as they are both members of the brassica family!
**Content:**
# Interested in our Urban Farming & Cooking Classes? Take a peek inside our Brussel Sprouts exploration!
# A typical class:
We start every cooking and urban farming class with asking exploratory questions about our main vegetable of the day. For brussel sprouts, we were curious about if they grow from the inside-out, or the outside-in. We also tried to think of other vegetables that seem similar, and our students were right to think they were similar to cabbages as they are both members of the brassica family!
Once we finish prepping our veggies and completing our recipe in class, we love to do a colouring page on our vegetable while we watch a short video on how it grows. We learn a lot of cool facts in class, but we always love seeing the growing process in action. Here’s the video we watched for brussel sprouts: [How do brussel sprouts grow?](https://youtu.be/R6MpZaEn0CM)
# The first step in any recipe:
Wash your hands! Cooking together is a great way to reinforce good hygiene habits. As well, so we don’t get any olive oil on our face or in our hair, we also find it helpful to tie all long hair into a bun or pony tail before we start cooking.
# The Recipe – Roasted Brussel Sprouts
*Heat oven or toaster oven to 425°F*
Ingredients:
- Brussel sprouts – each will be halved so whatever portion size you prefer
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Lemon slice, balsamic vinegar, parmesan
Steps:
1. Pull the exterior leaves from the brussel sprout – have your child take ownership of this step.
2. Pass to teacher/parent – halve the brussel sprouts along the centre of the core to keep it intact, then cut the bottom stem but not too close to the leaves.
3. Place halves in a mixing bowl and have your child drizzle olive oil over until evenly coated, then have them shake-in the salt and pepper.
4. Toss! Have them shake the bowl back and forth, or mix with a large spoon until everything is covered.
5. Place each halved brussel sprout on the baking pan and have the teacher/parent place this in the oven to roast for 15-25 minutes, checking on them and turning over halfway. The size you’ve selected will influence cooking time, so keep an eye on them in the final 10 minutes to ensure they are caramelized (roasted edges) but not burning (completely blackened leaves).
6. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
7. Optional: Add a lemon slice, shredded parmesan or a small dish of balsamic vinegar on the side for your child to explore these tastes of on a few…and serve!
*Tip:* When shopping for brussel sprouts you want to pick ones that are bright green, firm when gently squeezed, and with leaves intact. Try to pick those similar in size so they roast evenly and need similar cooking times.
# Questions & Prompts:
- How would they describe the flavour – we try to engage in the five core flavour profiles: salty, sweet, sour, umami and bitter
- Where are these tastes on their tongue? Do they change as time goes on?
- What vegetable tastes similar? Or are these completely new tastes?
- What’s the difference between the taste of the leaves vs the stalk?
- What is the texture like? Is it crispy, mushy, crunchy, hard, soft, moist, dry?
# Fun Facts and Health Benefits:
Fun Facts:
- They prefer to grow in the cold! A frost will actually make them sweeter!
- They grow on a 1-metre-tall stemmed parent plant and more grow as room is made. If the bottom leaves are removed, then more will develop and their leaves will attach as this parent plant grows larger.
- They can vary in colour from dark green to bluish green to purplish-red.
Health Benefits:
- They have more vitamin c than an orange.
- They have kaempferol and omega-3 fatty acids – both of which are a heart-healthy choice and prevent inflammation.
- They are high in fiber.
- They are high in beta carotene which your body turns into vitamin A as well as folate (a b vitamin).
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**Categories:** Food, Healthy Living
---
### [Strategies For Tackling Homework at Home](https://oaklearners.ca/strategies-for-tackling-homework/)
**Published:** January 22, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Homework at home is truly one of the first things children get tasked with when working outside of school. This defines their habits as the children grow up, and establishing good work habits early can significantly impact those habits progressively in their life.
**Content:**
Homework at home is truly one of the first things children get tasked with when working outside of school. This defines their habits as the children grow up, and establishing good work habits early can significantly impact those habits progressively in their life. Tasks such as homework are best accomplished when a routine is set in place. But what methods should you use to best utilize your homework time? Here are five strategies for tackling homework that may make homework productivity much better.
#### **1. Set a schedule for homework to be completed**
Before homework should even begin, setting a schedule to keep on top of all of their work and deadlines is crucial. Not only does this help them get into a routine, but it also gets them more motivated to check their agenda off. This timeframe can vary depending on parents’ schedule, the child’s pace of work, and also eating/break times. Create a plan for how long your child will need to work each night, and see what is best for both you and them. Depending on the work, this can be anywhere from 30 minutes up to multiple hours.
Having a conversation with your child about these schedules is also important. You want them to be excited and motivated to start these habits as well! Having a reward system may get them excited to start, helping them understand it’s a good thing rather than a daunting task.
#### **2. Set up a workstation for their homework**
Determine the best location for your child to dedicate their time every day to work. Make sure the workspace has supplies they may use such as pencils, pens, erasers, markers, rulers, scissors, paper, glue, tape, a dictionary, a calculator, sticky notes, and if needed graphing paper, a personal laptop/desktop, a mouse, and a keyboard.
If possible, make the workspace somewhere that won’t be used for other tasks such as playing games. Removing all distractions away from the workspace will help when the child gets temptations. Having this workspace alongside the schedule will further solidify in their mind that work needs to be completed.
#### **3. Remove distractions around them**
There are numerous amount of distractions especially at home that can hinder an ability to complete tasks on time. Whether the distractions may be technology related such as computer gaming, television, cell phones, it’s that time to keep them away from it and set them aside.
Distractions can also come in different manners such as thoughts of boredom, hunger, or anything that may come across a child’s mind to distract them. In these cases, it’s always a good idea to check in on the child, offer help and support when needed, and motivate them to finish their work. The main goal is to limit the number of distractions if possible so that your child can accomplish their work in a timely manner.
#### **4. Make use of an agenda and prioritize tasks**
When planning out tasks for homework, it is extremely key to make use of an agenda. Whether the school may provide it, or going to your local store and grabbing one, it can be a great habit to get your children doing. Agenda’s are a great organizational tool to help them stay focused on what tasks need to be done later in the day. This can also help the parent prioritize multiple tasks if they have more than one, and see what homework is due first and most importantly.
Aside from writing down daily tasks, it may also be a great place to keep notes for classes, writing down questions you may have for teachers, or even just writing out what classes you have during specific time slots.
#### **5. Offer help and** **review their homework**
Instead of completing the homework entirely for your child which can lead to very bad habits later in life, offer hints and clues here and there to steer your child in the right direction. Have them work independently, and pop into the room every once in a while to see if they have any questions, or if they’re stuck on something. After they finish their work, have a quick review to see if they have everything correct. If they may have missed something, kindly try to give them hints and see if they can figure out their mistakes.
Showing that you’re there and that you care will indefinitely reassure your child that they will be able to finish their work at the end of the day. In school they look to the teacher for guidance if necessary, at home they do the same with the parents. Being the role model and supportive figure is a major key to success when completing homework.
Oak Learners has a great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills and build on them with personalized study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with studying!
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, Home for kids, homework, Homework Strategies, Homework Strategies for Kids, private school, private schools, school, Strategies for Tackling Homework
---
### [4 Tips for 2022 New Years Resolution Planning](https://oaklearners.ca/new-years-resolution-planning/)
**Published:** January 1, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Happy 2022 New Year! It's that time again to start planning for your yearly resolutions! To start you off with some goals, or to just inspire you, here are 4 tips to get your New Year started.
**Content:**
Happy new year! It’s that time again, where we write the incorrect date on documents for the next month. It’s also a great opportunity to take the time to work on our goal-setting skills. Here at Oak Learners, we encourage students to constantly set new goals and work on their metacognitive skills so they can become effective and successful people, growing every day. So to get you started, here are four ideas to help you set your new year’s resolutions for 2022!
#### **1. Practice Mindfulness**
Saying the past few years have been stressful is an understatement. We understand that the world has been in a state of uncertainty for so long and sometimes it can be hard to find the calm within the storm. However, increasing mindfulness and reducing daily stresses and anxiety is proven to increase your focus, cognitive flexibility and help you build resilience towards new challenges. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this blog that we wrote this month titled [5 Mindfulness Activities for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/mindfulness-activities-for-kids/). A lot of these mindfulness activities not only apply to kids, and can be extremely helpful for beginning the mindfulness process.
#### **2. Be More Active**
Here is the beloved new year’s resolution everyone loves to mention, the dreaded goal we all set in January but never stick to. However, we are not suggesting setting the goal to lose weight! The Canadian Food Guide recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of activity a day while adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. That works out to about a 20-30 minute brisk walk a day. Being active only takes a small portion of your day and is shown to increase productivity and creativity while decreasing stress and other health complications.
#### **3. Get Better Sleep**
Sleep is our bodies’ charger and we need good quality sleep to feel healthy and rested. Although we seem to brag about our lack of sleep on a daily basis, not sleeping well can lead to many avoidable problems. Cleveland Clinic suggests poor quality sleep or lack of sleep leads to memory problems, relationship stress and can even lead to deeper health issues including heart issues, diabetes, and depression. Using a sleep tracker is a great way to track the amount of sleep you’re getting. Bedtime reminders on your phone are a great way to ensure that you start winding down at an appropriate time to get enough sleep in preparation for the next day. Moreover, if you can afford a smartwatch, many include a feature that allows you to monitor the quality of sleep you’re achieving in addition to the amount. Creating better sleep habits can lead to a great start to the new year.
#### **4. Focus on Learning**
Whether you’re a student or an adult, learning is the door to new opportunities. As a student, focusing only on the grades and not the learning process can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. While earning a great mark is rewarding in the moment if you put effort into the material you are learning it will pay off in the long run as you apply your knowledge in real-life situations. As an adult, learning a new skill can grow new hobbies and lead to new ways to destress.
We hope these ideas have inspired you to set new goals for the upcoming year. New year, new habits, same you! Share your new year’s resolutions with us on Instagram [@oaklearners](https://www.instagram.com/oaklearners)! Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, Happy New Year, New Year Blog, New Years, New Years Blog, New Years Resolution, private school, private schools, school
---
### [4 Tips for Overcoming Procrastination](https://oaklearners.ca/4-tips-for-overcoming-procrastination/)
**Published:** December 27, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Procrastinating is something everyone struggles with from time to time. Here are 4 tips to help with your procrastination!
**Content:**
Procrastination is a challenge students and adults alike face throughout their lives. At one point, we have all delayed, avoided, or procrastinated on issues that matter to us. However, during our most productive moments, as we temporarily stop procrastinating, we feel pleased and accomplished.
Procrastination is the act of delaying or putting off tasks until the last minute or past their deadline. Research suggests that procrastination is a form of self-regulation with an irrational delay of tasks despite knowing the consequences. It is most prevalent in students with a study published in the Psychological Bulletin reporting that 80% to 95% of college students procrastinate on daily tasks, those specifically related to homework and coursework.
According to behavioral psychology, humans procrastinate because of a phenomenon called “time inconsistency”, which refers to the tendency of the human brain to value immediate rewards more than future rewards. For example, young adults know that they should start saving for retirement in their 20s and 30s but the value they see in buying a new pair of shoes on boxing day is much higher compared to the $100 they would save for their 70-year-old selves.
Since we cannot rely on long-term consequences or rewards to motivate ourselves, we must find a way to place these future consequences in the present moment. Once we act and move beyond the procrastination period, the effort and energy we put into our work are less painful than the guilt and anxiety we had felt while procrastinating. Therefore, the problem is not doing the work, but rather starting the work. So, if we want to stop procrastinating, then we need to make it as easy as possible to get started and trust that motivation and momentum will come once the work has begun. With that being said… Here are a few ways to stop procrastinating right now!
#### **1. Make the rewards of taking action immediate**
If we are trying to motivate our current selves, then we must make the task more appealing, more actionable. It becomes easier to avoid procrastination if we make the benefits of the long-term choices more immediate. One of the ways of doing this is called temptation bundling. This was a concept founded by Katy Milkman at the University of Pennsylvania. The strategy asks that you bundle something good for you in the long run with something that will benefit you in the short term. Examples of temptation building are:
- Only watch YouTube videos while exercising
- Only get a pedicure while responding to emails
- Only watch your favorite Netflix series while doing household chores
#### **2. Eisenhower’s urgent principle**
This technique helps you plan your tasks ahead of time to avoid procrastinating. You first make a list of exactly five tasks you have or want to accomplish. Then you sort this list into important and urgent activities. Important activities are those that help you achieve your goals; however, urgent activities are those that accomplish other people’s goals. These urgent activities are the ones we typically focus on because the consequences of not completing the task are more immediate. You would start with a task that is important and urgent, then move on to a task that is important but not urgent, then not important but urgent, and lastly not important and not urgent. By forcing yourself to choose exactly six tasks, you are forced to make tough decisions requiring you to limit your ideas. Too many ideas can cause you to feel overwhelmed and fall back into a cycle of procrastination. Moreover, it requires you to accomplish a single task and research has shown that having fewer priorities and not multitasking leads to better work.
#### **3. Making tasks more achievable**
Since starting the task is often the hardest part to overcome, then reducing the size of the task is a way to combat procrastination. Breaking the task down into multiple smaller parts makes the task seem more achievable and appealing. For example, if you are trying to write an essay, then it would be helpful to say I’m going to write for periods of 15 minutes for three hours a day because you would feel the satisfaction and accomplishment of completing the task every 15 minutes. The faster you complete the task, the more productive you will feel, changing your attitude towards the day to one filled with effectiveness.
#### **4. Scheduling worry time**
Time is wasted worrying about all the tasks you must accomplish throughout the day. As anxiety floods our lives, we become less efficient and productive. This cognitive-behavioral therapy technique allows you to set aside time to work through the things you are worried about. The way this technique works is, you schedule some time at the same time every day to think about all the things you are worried about and must finish after this reflection period. This will become your ritual and as you continue to encounter worries throughout the day you write them down. Lastly, you think about ways to solve this worry.
We hope you found this short guide useful. Now go on and start feeling accomplished! “Each and every accomplishment starts with a decision to try.”
Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, private school, private schools, school
---
### [Discussing the Topic of Mental Health](https://oaklearners.ca/discussing-mental-health/)
**Published:** December 16, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** What size is your cup today? What will make your cup overflow? These are questions everyone can ask themselves when considering how they’re feeling on a daily basis. Mental health is an internal resource that helps us balance our feelings, how we cope with daily stresses and how we build resilience and grow from these experiences.
**Content:**
What size is your cup today? What will make your cup overflow? These are questions everyone can ask themselves when considering how they’re feeling on a daily basis. Mental health is an internal resource that helps us balance our feelings, how we cope with daily stresses and how we build resilience and grow from these experiences.
#### **Mental wellness consists of four components:**
Mental, emotional, social, and psychological, each play an important role in affecting our mental health. There are **five key points** of mental wellness:
1\. More than just the absence of mental illness. Someone may not have a mental illness but still have low mental health.
2\. It is an active process. We need to take steps to strengthen our resources, to work towards a flourishing mind state.
3\. Shifting from stigma to shared humanity. We need to be able to connect with each other, to have each other’s backs, and support one another.
4\. Promoting mental wellness before a crisis. It is important to take care of ourselves before we reach that breaking point.
5\. Mental health has a physical effect. We carry our emotions in our bodies and our bodies reflect and react to our emotions.
#### **The seven pillars of wellness:**
– Financial: Are you managing, budgeting your money within your means?
– Intellectual: Do you feel that you are challenging yourself, developing your own opinions?
– Social: Are you engaged with your community? Do you have a support system?
– Environmental: Do you feel like you are creating a sustainable environment for future generations?
– Emotional: Are you able to relax? Do you feel good about who you are? Can you share your emotional concerns with someone?
– Physical: Do you take care of your body? Do you eat healthily and exercise? Do you feel rested and refreshed?
– Spiritual: Do you have a purpose? Can you self-reflect? Can you care and advocate for others while being able to forgive and be compassionate?
Mental illnesses are disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behaviour that can lead to significant distress and impaired functioning. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines mental illness as a syndrome characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behaviour that reflects a dysfunction in several components of their mental functioning. They are typically associated with significant distress or disability in important daily activities. As a teacher, our role is not to diagnose. Diagnoses are not always necessary and should be taken with a grain of salt – it is an aspect of a person, not a whole person.
So how has your mental health been? Make sure to take care of yourself and talk to someone if you’re going through something. Speaking up about mental health can not only bring awareness to the issue but also begin the process of healing.
Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Education, Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, private school, private schools, school
---
### [Why Is Personalized Learning So Effective?](https://oaklearners.ca/personalized-learning-with-oak-learners/)
**Published:** November 16, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Personalized learning empowers students and teachers to take control of their learning experience. In a student-focused classroom, students learn at their own pace, whether they’re ahead of their learning curve or need a bit of extra time to work through certain subjects. Not only does personalized learning give tools for curriculum success, but it maximizes student engagement and interest.
**Content:**
Personalized learning empowers students and teachers to take control of their learning experience. In a student-focused classroom, students learn at their own pace, whether they’re ahead of their learning curve or need a bit of extra time to work through certain subjects. Not only does personalized learning give tools for curriculum success, but it maximizes student engagement and interest.
#### **What is Personalized Learning?**
Personalized learning is an assortment of educational approaches and uses of tools to address various learning needs, interests, confidence building, and helping the student achieve success in the classroom and beyond.
So what is the difference between personalized learning and regular classrooms?
- Smaller classroom sizes, which means longer education help with teachers
- Targeted instruction, focuses on what the student actually needs improvement on and further developing skills they currently possess
- To engage students by connecting their out-of-school and in-school lives
- Flexible scheduling around parent and student needs
- More time for the arts, and what the kids actually enjoy
#### **Why Implement Personalized Learning?**
Personalized learning is not a curriculum or a program but a different way to think about learning in the classroom that can further develop skills in the future.
“Studies have shown that a personalized learning approach yields better learning results. This approach elevates learning and provides content that is relevant, engaging, actionable, and memorable.” In a personalized learning environment, students get to take advantage of
1\. Student-Centered Classrooms
- Smaller classroom sizes which means more time getting help with anything the students needs
- Learning activities are curated for the students and connect to student interests
2\. Supportive and Positive Learning Experience
- Student-teacher relationships are greater and more trustable
- Students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and enthusiasm is promoted
3\. Recognition that all students learn differently
- Ensuring each student has the chance to maximize their potential for success
- Each student learns at different paces in different subjects, which gives ample time for a greater understanding and success
4\. Greater chance at succeeding with learning
- It’s proven that students that take extra steps for learning have a greater chance at success moving forward with their academic journey
- Not only do they improve their academic skills, but they also enjoy their learning experience more!
5\. Collaborative and Cooperative Learning Environment
- Students explore their own ideas with fellow classmates
- Working closely with teachers to help guide them on their educational journey
**So Why Does Personalized Learning Work?**
Students learn at their own unique pace, style, and have different areas of growth. Personalized learning challenges and encourages students to achieve the most they can and motivate them to step out of their comfort zone. Personalized learning is not one lesson taught to everyone in the classroom repeatedly like regular education. It instead focuses on customizing the learning experience to better the student’s needs, whether they’re struggling in certain areas, or just overall wanting to excel in other areas. Oak Learners, a private school focusing on personalized learning located in Etobicoke, highlights a lot of these key points. Creating a safe, positive, and caring environment where students are encouraged to discover their own interests, talents, and further develop them.
**What Does Oak Learners Offer?**
Oak Learners is a private school in Etobicoke, ON, that harnesses its sense of community and builds on students capabilities. Kelly Farrell, the principal of Oak Learners had this to say “When children feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves, they are more likely to work harder to achieve their best to support their role in the larger community.”
We offer great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students take advantage of personalized tutoring and fun activities such as STEM, music, dance, and so much more! If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Private Tutoring, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, oak learners, personalized learning, private school, private schools, school
---
### [Effective Musical Instrument Practice at Home](https://oaklearners.ca/musical-instrument-practice-at-home/)
**Published:** November 12, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Most people understand that the more practice on your instrument, the better you become. When it comes to habits, consistency is an important factor in making routines for practice. Some wonder how you can improve your practice habits without causing too much stress? Let’s look at six ways you can make better use of your time when practicing your musical instruments at home.
**Content:**
Most people understand that the more practice on your instrument, the better you become. When it comes to habits, consistency is an important factor in making routines for practice. Some wonder how you can improve your practice habits without causing too much stress? Let’s look at six ways you can make better use of your time when practicing your musical instruments at home.
#### **1. Create a Quiet Atmosphere**
- - - Getting in a place with no distractions, putting your phone down, focusing on playing or learning for a set amount of time
- Trying to avoid late-night playing to avoid annoying your roommates, parents, or whoever may not want
- Play with friends sometimes, they might have insightful input on playing, helps you practice
- Some schools have soundproof music rooms to play in
#### **2. Set a Goal Before Starting**
- - - Setting realistic goals for the week, and not overworking yourself
- Setting a time where you know you’ll be able to sit down and play and have a quiet environment
- Knowing what you’ll be doing in that allocated time slot. Will you be playing a certain song? Will you be working on something you’ve been struggling with?
#### **3. Warm-up Before Starting**
- - - Have a warm-up routine that best suits you
- Try to accomplish this warm-up before getting into your main goals for the day
- Try not to get upset at yourself if things aren’t going your way! Everyone has bad days, and that’s okay!
#### **4. Work on Issues That May Arise**
- - - If you’re struggling in certain areas, try to allocate some time to practice it
- Play with a friend and have them help you if needed
- Try not to get frustrated and keep a positive attitude
#### **5. Record Yourself Playing**
- - - Record yourself and play it back, you’ll get a better picture of how you’re actually playing
- Try to notice where you’re doing a good job and where you need improvement
- Share it with friends and see what they think!
#### **6. You Don’t Have to Play Everyday!**
- - - Don’t overwork yourself, if you don’t want to play one day, you don’t have to force yourself to play
- It’s okay to take a day off! Everyone gets burnt out from time to time and relaxing on those days is key
If you want to start your child on the journey to learning a new instrument or to hone their skills in an instrument they already know, Oak Learners has great options to learn new instruments. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of music ranging from the piano, violin, and much more! If you want more personalized one-on-one tutoring online or in-person sessions, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with your music learning and practice!
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**Categories:** Education, Music, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, music, musical instrument, musical instrument practice at home, musical practice, musical practice at home, private school, private schools, school
---
### [The Importance of Remembrance Day](https://oaklearners.ca/importance-of-remembrance-day/)
**Published:** November 10, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** On November 11th, we remember and commemorate all of those who fought and died in their line of duty to serve our country and keep peace.
**Content:**
On November 11th, we remember and commemorate all of those who fought and died in their line of duty to serve our country and keep peace. Originally called Armistice Day, it marks the day World War One concluded; on the 11th day of November, on the 11th month, at the 11th hour. The significance of this day is not only important to the soldiers that passed, but also the loved ones affected by war and losing those that they loved most.
#### **Why is it a poppy for Remembrance Day?**
First adopted in 1921, the poppy marks 100 years of symbolism for Remembrance Day in Canada. The poppy was first used as symbolism for remembrance day following the poem [“In Flanders Fields”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkKEynoTwp8), which was written by John McCrae in 1915. John McCrae served as a medical officer in the First World War and wrote the poem about the passing of his fellow soldier in the battlefield.
The poppy is a symbol of sleep and death, and poppies grew on the battlefield during the First World War in battle. Poppies are also worn on the left side near the heart.
#### **Why do we hold a 2-minute silence?**
The two-minute silence to pause and remember those who lost their lives and sacrificed themselves for the well-being of others and their country. It is a tradition on November 11th, where it is said that King George V declared “All locomotion should cease, so that, in perfect stillness, the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead.”
Typically, the two-minute silence commences after the trumpet song [“The Last Post”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McCDWYgVyps) is played. Usually the 2-minute silence is observed at 11am on November 11th.
On November 11th, Canadian’s should take a moment to reflect on the importance of the day and the freedom we have now. At Oak Learners, we will be remembering this day with our students, wearing our poppies, and reflecting.
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**Categories:** Education, Events, Mindfulness, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, Flanders Field, importance of remembrance, November 11, Poppy, private school, private schools, remembrance, remembrance day, school, The Last Post
---
### [Partner Showcase: Make Music Magical with Little Rebels and Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/make-music-magical-with-little-rebels-and-oak-learners/)
**Published:** November 2, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** If there’s one thing we love, it’s educational spaces that are totally aligned. The Little Rebels mandate and vision line up magically with the Oak Learners vision to inspire creativity, foster technique and encourage confidence.
**Content:**
If there’s one thing we love, it’s educational spaces that are totally aligned. The Little Rebels mandate and vision line up magically with the Oak Learners vision to inspire creativity, foster technique and encourage confidence.
Little Rebels classes are carefully crafted and specifically designed Development and Music programs for kids 2 months – 5 years to encourage cognitive learning and muscle development. Each 45 minute class includes a series of fun activities, new-fangled Broadway and Rock ‘n’ Roll songs, tactile object play, mirror time and tummy time and/or crawling and walking activities aimed at assisting these amazing tiny humans in reaching those milestone moments.
Not your typical music class or song circle – this is music for kids with a twist! Our classes get kiddos moving, grooving, and learning – independently! Little Rebels uses renditions of Broadway show tunes, rock ‘n’ roll, Motown jams, and a few kids classics. They integrate movement and props into our classes to make it fun for the whole family. All children learn differently, which is why we use several techniques, approaches, and teaching methods so that everyone can thrive in our classes.
Little Rebels believes that changing the world begins with our littlest citizens, and that is why we are committed to helping you raise kind, compassionate, and inclusive tiny humans.
### Little Rebels is now offering their unique classes in Etobicoke at Oak Learners. [Sign up today!](https://www.littlerebelsmusic.com/gta-classes)
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**Categories:** Announcements., Events, Healthy Living, Music, Partner Showcase, Programming
**Tags:** babies, dance, dancing, infants, movement, music, toddlers
---
### [5 Mindfulness Activities for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/mindfulness-activities-for-kids/)
**Published:** October 23, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Mindfulness is a human ability that allows one to be present and aware of their surroundings and their own being, allowing them to not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by the world that surrounds them. When you bring awareness to what you’re experiencing, through your emotions and thoughts, you are being mindful.
**Content:**
Mindfulness is a human ability that allows one to be present and aware of their surroundings and their own being, allowing them to not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by the world that surrounds them. When you bring awareness to what you’re experiencing, through your emotions and thoughts, you are being mindful. However, many humans don’t naturally behave this way. It can be hard when thoughts pop into our heads and they are coloured by what has happened in the past or what may happen in the future, even if it’s only a hypothetical situation. Working on being mindful can allow children and adults alike, to respond to challenges and stressful moments in a more thoughtful manner. Studies have shown that kids being mindful can improve their behaviour and focus. When kids have a negative experience in school, their motivation can decrease, making them feel defeated. Recognizing these negative thoughts and learning how to deal with them can help children stay focused and positive, bringing a sense of calm. With that being said here are 5 activities that can help improve mindfulness in kids.
#### **1. Heartbeat/Breathing Exercise**
Typically for this exercise, you will want to either go on a walk, run, or do some sort of activity for at least one minute to get your heart beating fast. Once you do this, get your child to put their fingers on the pulse for one minute and be in the present moment and mindful. Feel your heartbeat, count the number of beats, and pay attention to your body. This is a great way to start mindfulness and get your children to understand what it is.
#### **2. Mindful Walking**
Taking a walk already alleviates stress on its own, so what is mindful walking? Mindful walking is being aware and accepting of everything around you. Being aware of each breath you take, the noises around you, viewing the nature around you, and trying to be calm. Our minds can often wander everywhere when walking, so focusing on specific things around you, or focusing on your breathing is a great exercise to try. No phones or devices, just a calm environment in your body and around you.
#### **3. Mindful Eating**
Nowadays it’s very easy to get caught up in junk/fast food. Trying out healthier options and thinking about mindfulness when eating can do wonders for your body and health. So what is mindfulness eating? Mindful eating is focusing on specific senses while eating. How do you feel when eating your food? What does it taste like? Focusing on your body, not overeating, no distractions like phones or the television, just taking in the experience and keeping calm.
#### **4. Drawing/Colouring**
Mindful colouring/drawing focuses on how we choose and apply ideas, colouring, shapes, and lots more into a design to bring the child’s awareness into the present moment. Instead of focusing on the breath like typical mindfulness, you focus more on each stroke of drawing, the weight of the pencil, the different colours and how pressure changes the colour, and how you feel when it happens. Research has shown that mindful colouring decreases stress and anxiety levels and keeps the mind calm.
#### **5. Try Out A Mindfulness App!**
There is lots of content on mindfulness nowadays, and apps can be a good source to bundle them together. Although there are many to choose from, we suggest apps such as “Calm” and “Headspace”. These apps have both free and paid versions, so give the free versions a try and see how it works for you! Our kids use devices quite often and having them try these apps may be a great start for mindfulness.
Oak Learners has a great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** etobicoke, etobicoke lakeshore, etobicoke private school, etobicoke school, mindful, mindfulness, mindfulness activities for kids, mindfulness for kids, mindfulness for young children, mindfulness in families, private school, private schools, school
---
### [Virtual Games for Elementary School Students](https://oaklearners.ca/virtual-games-in-class/)
**Published:** October 18, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** There are a lot of virtual games that can be played in-class. Young students have thousands of games now a days, with easy access on the internet. There are many to choose from, with some being educational and some that aren't as much. We've compiled 5 educational and fun interactive games for young students to try out for themselves!
**Content:**
There are a lot of virtual games that can be played in-class. Young students have thousands of games now a days, with easy access on the internet. There are many to choose from, with some being educational and some that aren’t as much. We’ve compiled 5 educational and fun interactive games for young students to try out for themselves!
#### [1. Scratch (Coding for Young Students)](https://scratch.mit.edu/)
Scratch is a coding website that is targeted specifically at 8-16 year old students. It is an educational tool where young students can share games, animations, stories, and lots of other creations with people all across the globe. It gets children into the realm of coding and thinking critically, creatively, and collaboratively creating any type of code they please.
#### **2. Kahoot**
A favourite amongst students in recent years, Kahoot is a quiz game which can be on any subject the teacher or parent decides. Each student gets a question, and 4 answers where they must choose the single correct answer. The faster a question is answered, the more points each player gets. At the end of the quiz questions, the points are tallied up and a winner is chosen.
#### **3. Build a Story**
Build a story is where the teacher starts off the sentence with a random topic, but not complete. Then each student has to fill in 3 words – one sentence. Each student then does the same until the whole class has written 3 words or one sentence. Watch as each student has a little laugh at each sentence written until the story is complete. You can then title your story and read it all out to the class as they see their creation unfold.
#### **4. Scattergories**
Scattergories is a creative thinking based game for children 12 and up. The game has three rounds, and you begin each round by rolling a dice full of letters. When the dice is rolled, a letter is shown and students try to create answers based on the category and letter. For example, if the letter is F and the category is “TV Shows”, Friends would count as an answer. You have a time limit once the letter and category are revealed, and the most words in that time limit wins.
#### **5. Madlibs**
The game consists of multiple rounds. When a round is started, a sentence card is shown and read aloud. Then, the students choose word cards that they have from their hands to complete a sentence. When all students are finished, they read the full sentence out loud. They all then vote on each sentence, and whoever has the best or funniest sentence, wins the round. The game then continues and more sentences and words are drawn and picked until one student has won a certain number of rounds.
Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Activities, Educational Games, Programming, Teaching, Virtual Games
**Tags:** private school, school, school games, virtual, virtual class games, virtual games
---
### [World Mental Health Day 2021 | Making Mental Health a Priority](https://oaklearners.ca/world-mental-health-day/)
**Published:** October 11, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness and educating the young minds of this globe about mental health issues and maintaining mental health.
**Content:**
Happy World Mental Health Day from everyone at Oak Learners! Today is a day of raising awareness and educating the young minds of this globe about mental health issues and maintaining mental health.
Globally, there are 450 million people who suffer from mental health issues. Those with mental health conditions are at a higher risk of dying prematurely and suicide is the leading cause of death among teens and young adults aged 15 – 29 years old. Meanwhile, depression is the world’s leading cause of disability affecting 1 in 8 Canadians, with women being twice as likely as men to have a depressive episode. (WHO)
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is “Mental Health in an Unequal World”. The pandemic has been difficult for so many students, parents, and teachers alike. However, those with long-term health conditions, facing discrimination, or parenting alone need the most support. Addressing workplace stress, helping adolescents cope with stress in school, and supporting parents at home are of the highest priority at Oak Learners. The stigma associated with ill mental health creates a barrier that prevents those who need help from accessing care and treatment. We work together to raise awareness and create a safe space at our school, a place where everyone’s voice matters.
### **What Can We Do To Improve Mental Health?**
When you’re stuck in a loop of negative thoughts and energy, it can feel almost impossible to get out of it. But there are many things you can do to improve your mental health, including taking even the smallest steps to think more positively. No one can be positive all the time but here is a list of resources that can prove useful in helping to look after your own mental health!
#### **1. Stay Connected With Others**
Reach out to the ones that you trust, whether that may be your loved ones, close friends, or even talking to a therapist. Being open about your thoughts and emotions is a great first step to escaping any isolation and enclosed thoughts you may be having. Seeking professional opinions and thoughts into your life can also shine a new perspective on your situation. Not bottling up your emotions and keeping them to yourself can relieve some stress off your shoulders instantaneously.
#### **2. Find Fun Activities To Partake In**
Keeping your body and mind active can be a great method of alleviating stress. Activities such as working out, taking daily walks, riding a bicycle, and generally leading a healthy active life can release endorphins that can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Not only does this improve your mental health, but it also helps to keep your body happy and healthy!
#### **3. Try Mindfulness Activities**
If you’ve never tried mindfulness before, there are some great videos and apps to check out such as Headspace. Mindfulness is a type of meditation that, in a simple form, trains your attention to achieve calm concentration. Research has shown that mindfulness increases positive thoughts while decreasing anxiety and negative thoughts.
#### **4. Self-Care Improvement Is Key**
Negative mental health scenarios can be triggered in a variety of different ways. Despite there being an abundance of things that can drag us down, we must remember to take some time to care for ourselves. Finding something that destresses you can be so helpful, whether it be reading, walking, cooking, cleaning, or just taking some time to do nothing; doing something (or nothing) you enjoy can improve your daily mental health!
Today is an opportunity to talk about mental health with your children and those around you, to break the stigma, and to point out the importance of reaching out for help when struggling with a mental health issue. If you or someone you know is reaching out for support, please call the Toronto Distress Centre at 416-408-4357 or 408-HELP. Talking to someone can save a life.
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting, School Life
**Tags:** mental health, mindful, mindfulness, World Mental Health Day
---
### [Encourage Creativity and Self-Expression in Young Children](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-and-self-expression-in-young-children/)
**Published:** September 23, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The benefits of letting your children explore creativity and self-expression are quite clear. Their mental and personal growth will shine day to day the more they’re willing to express themselves. Here are 4 methods to help encourage creativity and self-expression in young children.
**Content:**
Encouraging creativity and self-expression in young children is a key developmental skill to have at an early age. There are simple ways to encourage these indoor and outdoor behaviors, using specific rooms and tools to guide them. Having rooms specifically to play music, having a drawing/playroom space with activity books and building blocks, and so much more. The benefits of letting your children explore creativity and self-expression are quite clear. Their mental and personal growth will shine day to day the more they’re willing to express themselves. Here are 4 methods to help encourage creativity and self-expression in young children.
#### **1. Drawing/Play Room**
Providing space and tools can get your children to be more enthusiastic about being creative. Having items such as whiteboards, coloring utensils, building blocks, and anything that gets their creative juices flowing is a must-have in a playroom! Asking about their creations or asking them what they plan on doing with certain items can get their thought process going as well. Encourage their behavior and thought processes. These activities may even occupy them for hours on end when the right station is set up. Give it a try and see how your children react to new activities and playroom items!
#### **2. Game Room with Creative Open World Games**
Minecraft is a great example of this. The game itself is meant to be creative, it is open-world, with no real direction for what to do in the game. You are put in a random field and have to figure out what to do next. Do you build a house and hideout for the night? Do you try to get some food to survive? Maybe you want to make a boat and go for a ride. The choice is solely up to you in Minecraft and the possibilities are endless. Although Minecraft is a great game for kids, there are many other educational games that can help with creative processes as well. [Check out this blog here to learn more about educational games for young students.](https://oaklearners.ca/educational-video-games-for-students/)
#### **3. Music & Dance Room**
Having your child tell you their favourite song, turning on the radio and playing it for them, and watching them bob their head or dance sporadically may be the best feeling for a parent to witness. Music brings out a lot of things in a child, excitement, happiness, willingness to let loose, and most importantly, creativity and self-expression. Having that time to play instruments with your kids, or listen to songs on the radio is a real time to see themselves be themselves.
#### **4. Exploration Outside**
Ever had your children draw chalk patterns on your driveway? Give it a try! It’s easy to wash and extremely fun for the children. Taking children on a walk and exploring different plants, trees, animals, lakes, rivers, and anything under the sun. There is always something to think about when walking and something to delve into when bringing your children out on an exploration.
Oak Learners has a great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in-person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Music, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** creativity, Encourage Creativity, Encourage Self-Expression, private school, school, Self-Expression, student, students, Young Children
---
### [5 Virtual Educational Video Games for Students](https://oaklearners.ca/educational-video-games-for-students/)
**Published:** September 13, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** There are a lot of educational video games out that can greatly benefit your children's learning experience, and feel a little bit less of a chore and more fun. Here are 5 educational video games that you should check out for your children.
**Content:**
There are a lot of educational video games out that can greatly benefit your children’s learning experience, and feel a little bit less of a chore and more fun. Here are 5 educational video games that you should check out for your children.
#### **1. PBS Kids Games (Online Website)**
PBS Kids Games website has a variety of different apps, mostly related to their PBS Kids shows. There’s categories such as storytelling games, space games, nature games, and lots more. If your child watches are PBS Kids shows, check and see if they have a game for that show! Your child might enjoy the game a lot more seeing familiar faces and get them more into educational games.
#### **2. Starfall Kids Games (Online Website)**
Starfall Kids Games website also has a variety of different games, including math games, art games, music games, and loads more. These games are more targeted for Kindergarten and Grades 1-3. There’s also seasonal games to check out such as a Halloween game.
#### **3. LeapFrog Leapster (Physical Device)**
LeapFrog has been around for decades, offering many varieties of leapfrog leapster devices across a large array of retail stores. This device is aimed towards kids 5-14 years old, with the focus of the games being math (multiplication, division, addition, subtraction), teaching the alphabet, animal facts, and lots of other things.
#### **4. Minecraft (Most Devices & Consoles)**
Although it might sound weird, Minecraft has a lot of educational benefits. It makes the children solve problems, collaborate, manage resources, and even helps with math problems, reading, writing and lots of others. Many schools are even implementing Minecraft in their curriculum, which gets the children excited, and more willing to learn.
#### **5. Portal 2 (PC)**
The portal series is an extremely creative game that implements a lot of collaboration and problem solving. It is a two player game that puts you in levels where you are greeted with a variety of problems that require two people to solve every time. Not only do you have to work with your partner, but you also have to do your part and solve the tasks.
Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Activities, Educational Games, Parenting, Resource Recommendations
**Tags:** Classroom Virtual Learning, Educational Games, Educational Video Games, Games for Kids, Video Games, Video Games for Kids, virtual learning
---
### [What's The Time, Mr. Wolf? Fun & Educational Games for Students](https://oaklearners.ca/whats-the-time-mr-wolf/)
**Published:** September 8, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** What Time is It, Mr.Wolf is a classic game that lots of teachers introduce to their students as a beginner game. There’s lots of games that are not only fun, but can be very educational to younger students at the same time. Today we’re going to get into 4 in-school games that we recommend or that you can even try at home with your children!
**Content:**
What Time is It, Mr.Wolf is a classic game that lots of teachers introduce to their students as a beginner game. There’s lots of games that are not only fun, but can be very educational to younger students at the same time. Today we’re going to get into 4 in-school games that we recommend or that you can even try at home with your children!
#### **1. What Time Is It, Mr Wolf?**
The wolf (person selected) who is telling the time has to stand at one end of the garden everyone else stands and waits at the other end of the garden.
The students must ask the wolf “What time is it Mr Wolf?” The wolf then proceeds to tell them a time. e.g. “It is 3 o Clock”, then the students take three steps towards the wolf.
This time telling tasks is then repeated until the wolf shouts “It’s dinner time”, then tries to catch one of the students running back to the place where they came from.
If a student is caught, they become the “wolf” and the procedure repeats.
#### **2. Please Mr.Crocodile, Can We Cross The River**
All of the students stand beside each other at one side of the room, facing the other side. The chosen “Mr.Crocodile” has to stand in the middle of the room.
The students yell, “Please Mr Crocodile may we cross the river? If not, why not, what’s your favourite colour?”
The chosen “Mr.Crocodile” has to then yell out one colour and any students wearing that colour are safe to walk through “Mr.Crocodile” to the opposite side of the room.
Once “safe” students have passed to the other side of the room, the students not wearing the colour chosen must try to run across to the safe area without being caught by Mr Crocodile.
Any player that gets caught by Mr.Crocodile becomes the Crocodile and the game repeats.
#### **3. Duck, Duck, Goose**
Put the students in a circle facing each other and have them sit down.
One student gets to be “It”, and slowly walks around the circle and taps on every other students shoulder saying they’re “Duck”.
Whenever the It player decides, they tap one player on the shoulder and yell “Goose!” – Then the student selected as “Goose” stands up and runs around the other players in the circle to catch It. If the It player gets around the circle and sits down before the Goose player tags them, they become the Goose.
If the Goose does tag It, the tagged student sits in the the middle of all the other students and Goose becomes It for the next round. The student remains It until a Goose is tagged to replace them.
#### **4. Four Square**
Four square is a 4 player game that includes a ball to play. Each student is put into a square that is divided into four quadrants.
The objective is for each student to eliminate each other, and this is done so by bouncing the ball back and forth at each others quadrants.
If a player hits a ball into another players quadrant, and it bounces out of the square, that player is eliminated. The player must deflect the ball back into any of the other three quadrants for them to be considered safe.
If a player is eliminated, they must leave the square until there is only one last player standing. Once there is one player standing, then the game resets and play can resume.
Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills including getting back into the groove for back to school. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Outside Activities, Teaching
**Tags:** Educational Games, games, Games for Kids, Games for Students, Games in Class, Mr. Wolf?, What's The Time, What's The Time Mr Wolf?
---
### [4 Things for the First Week of Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/first-day-back-to-school/)
**Published:** September 7, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** It is an exciting time for parents and students around Canada to begin their first days back to school. Bringing all of that excitement in, there are many things that should be considered when bringing your students back into the classroom, and here are 4 tips to help start off the school year!
**Content:**
#### **Welcome Back to School**
Whether you’re joining us through the [Oak Learners classes](https://oaklearners.ca/), or attending another school! It is an exciting time for parents and students around Canada to begin their first days back to school. Bringing all of that excitement in, there are many things that should be considered when bringing your students back into the classroom, and here are 4 tips to help start off the school year!
#### **1. Organize a Schedule and Agenda**
Setting up a schedule planner to organize your childs day is a great way to get them in the groove to start the school year off. Getting them motivated in anyway to get school work done ahead of time, or plan out tests in advance can greatly improve their success. As some schools provide you an agenda, using that would be a great example!
#### **2. Participate in First Day Activities & Ice Breakers**
Every class will typically have some sort of ice breaker to start their school year off. Participating in these activities, and getting to know your classmates, and your teachers can leave a great first impression. Being social and active in classroom environment can help motivate the students to feel more welcome, willing to put more effort and work in, and also have more success in the classroom.
#### **3. Talk to New Faces and Try to Participate in Classes**
Introducing yourself to new faces, reconnecting with old friends, and a bit of everything. On top of this, participating in classes as often as possible to get the best learning experience you can. Students will retain a lot more information when asking more questions, confirming knowledge they may understand, and actively being apart of every class.
#### **4. Try to Have Fun**
Although studying and working can be tough at times, remembering to always have fun when participating in activities. Sharing the happiness with other classmates and being overall positive in your classes can often influence other classmates to do the same.
Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills including getting back into the groove for back to school. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Education
**Tags:** alternative school, back to school, etobicoke, oak learners, parenting, private school, school, teaching
---
### [5 Must Know Test Tips for Young Students](https://oaklearners.ca/5-must-know-test-tips-for-young-students/)
**Published:** September 4, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Test tips are a great start to getting your children prepared for back to school time in the classrooms. Tests are a big part of students lives even throughout high school and university, so getting them in good study habits and test taking habits can greatly increase test scores and decrease stress levels. Here are 5 great test tips for younger students.
**Content:**
Test tips are a great start to getting your children prepared for back to school time in the classrooms. Tests are a big part of students lives even throughout high school and university, so getting them in good study habits and test taking habits can greatly increase test scores and decrease stress levels. Here are 5 great test tips for younger students.
#### **1. Plan Out Test Schedules**
Having an agenda full of your upcoming tests to fully prepare them is a great first step in planning. Making sure your children are up to date on their work and caught up with everything can create more independence, better work ethic, and overall not be rushed to finish anything. Allocating study times in their agendas is another great way to stay productive and on top of study habits.
#### **2. Prepare Example Questions That Will be on the Test**
Making example questions, or reviewing practice test sheets they may get from their teachers will further develop their understanding for the upcoming test. Going over everything that was previously gone over in class, and making habits to study after classes will greatly improve the chances of your child doing great in every class.
#### **3. Help Them Practice and Study**
Sit down with your children and go over some of the material they need to study. Sometimes motivation can even come from you sitting down and studying alongside them. Children can easily get off topic and distracted by themselves, and you helping them and understanding it yourself can greatly improve their quality of study time.
#### **4. Go Over Test Results and Review**
Sit down and look at what answers your children got right or wrong, and go over some of the questions they got wrong. Try to help them understand what they did wrong so that they’ll have a better understanding next time a similar question may come up (final tests, exams, etc.) Trying not to be judgmental and going through the test results will also reduce their stress levels going into future tests.
#### **5. Provide Rewards & Comfort**
Provide some sort of reward/comfort for your child when they do great or didn’t do so well. Having younger students motivated to excel in future tests is a great habit to start early. Even if rewards are just positive encouragement instead of gift giving, it’s a great thing to uplift your children when they do well.
Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills including developing great study habits. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Education, Private Tutoring, Teaching
**Tags:** 5 test tips, back to school, private school, school, test, test tips, tips
---
### [Why Students Should Use Technology in Classrooms](https://oaklearners.ca/technology-in-classrooms/)
**Published:** September 1, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** There are many reasons why students should use technology in classrooms. It is beneficial for not only learning, processing information, and also teaching. With the world adapting and technology becoming a large focal point in everyday life, it is taught more often than 10 years ago. Technology is used in almost every modern day business and experience with technology is crucial. Today we talk about 4 reasons why technology shouldn't be considered such a bad thing in schools.
**Content:**
There are many reasons why students should use technology in classrooms. It is beneficial for not only learning, processing information, and also teaching. With the world adapting and technology becoming a large focal point in everyday life, it is taught more often than 10 years ago. Technology is used in almost every modern day business and experience with technology is crucial. Today we talk about 4 reasons why technology shouldn’t be considered such a bad thing in schools.
#### **1. Accessibility**
Students can access an abundance of information on their browsers at any given moment. When used correctly, it not only promotes making individual decisions with what they research (exp, looking up ideas for projects and implementing ideas), but also makes their creative minds flow with ideas. It is also accommodating to different learning styles, with some students having the benefit of text to speech, and using other softwares.
#### **2. Prepares Students for the Workforce**
Statcan found that four-fifths or 80% of Canadian businesses use at least one type of communication technology. Preparing the students with technology at an early age can get them familiar, and experienced with computers and other devices. It can also increase workflow efficiency, and creates ideas that a student may not have thought about without the internet at hand.
#### **3. Makes Learning More Fun**
Sometimes students may see technology as the exciting parts of their classes, where they can take control of what they can draw, write, type, and research. Although this needs to be monitored to an extent and not taken advantage of, when used to benefit their learning it can be memorible learning experiences for the students.
#### **4. Connecting and Engaging with Classmates**
Technology makes collaborations for group projects immensely more simple and efficient. Not only can students communicate to each other via technology usage, but they can also see revisions live on work, and can edit anything at any moments time. This makes teamwork much more important, creating ideas and implementing them together. Even if you aren’t working together, showcasing what you’ve done to other classmates is extremely simple, which can make overall work experiences smooth and fun.
Oak Learners has great day school and tutoring options. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of skills including computer and technology classes. If you want personalized one on one tutoring online or in person sessions as well, Oak Learners offers [private tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)!
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**Categories:** Education, Teaching
**Tags:** learning, private school, school, technology, technology in class
---
### [5 Reasons Your Child Should Learn a New Language](https://oaklearners.ca/why-your-child-should-learn-new-languages/)
**Published:** August 27, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Children take in new information and find new things out everyday. Ensuring they receive all the information needed throughout their lives must start at a young age. Language learning is a direct reflection of a child's brain changing. In fact, during the first six years of life, a child's brain changes the most during language acquisition in comparison to any other cognitive ability that is also being acquired! So, here are 5 reasons why your child should learn a new language.
**Content:**
Children take in new information and find new things out everyday. Ensuring they receive all the information needed throughout their lives must start at a young age. Language learning is a direct reflection of a child’s brain changing. In fact, during the first six years of life, a child’s brain changes the most during language acquisition in comparison to any other cognitive ability that is also being acquired! So, here are 5 reasons why your child should learn a new language.
**1. Helps Grow Brain Power**
Young children are learning the world at a rapid pace and taking in new information everyday. As we grow older, our brain learns things at a much slower rate. The more information a child receives at a young age, the more impact it will have later in life. Studies have shown that individuals who are bilingual are better at multitasking, problem-solving, critical thinking, listening and many other cognitive abilities.
**2. It’s Easier to Learn a New Language as a Kid**
The earlier the better! Some studies have shown that even babies as old as a year old, who are exposed to multiple languages, show different cognitive patterns compared to single language learners. This doesn’t mean you need to start teaching them new languages this early, but certain papers have stated that becoming fluent in a new language before puberty is optimal.
**3. Helps Future Career Opportunities & Academic Achievement**
With more languages under their belt, the more job opportunities may arise. Although only 22% of the population speak French, many jobs see understanding French as a great asset and door opener for many positions and regions of Canada. This can apply for many other languages. Moreover, studies have also shown that top performers in classes tend to be those that are multilingual.
**4. Speak to More People/Understand Cultural Differences**
The more languages you understand, the more people you’re able to communicate with. This can make many activities more fun to a child, such as travelling to foreign countries, understanding different cultures and how they compare to their native country. Learning a new language opens a door to new information that they would not normally have access to or understand.
**5. Learning a New Language is a Fun and Healthy Hobby**
Not only will the child have fun learning about language and culture, but it’s a healthy hobby that gets the mind flowing with productive activities and ideas. To them, it might not feel like learning but rather discovering something completely brand new and exhilarating. If schools offer these language classes, they can communicate with other classmates learning the same language.
If you want to start your child on the journey to learning a new language or to hone their skills on a language they already know, Oak Learners has great options to learn new languages. You can check out the [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) where students learn all kinds of languages ranging from Spanish, French, Japanese, and much more! If you want more personalized one on one tutoring online or in person sessions, Oak Learners offers [private French tutoring here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)! Good luck with your language learning!
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**Categories:** Language Learning, Parenting
**Tags:** english, french, language learning, languages, learning, new language, study language
---
### [4 Reasons Why You Should Do Personalized Tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/personalized-tutoring-benefits/)
**Published:** August 17, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Tutoring is a great next step to further develop certain skills, areas of weakness, or getting ahead. Parents thinking about what type of tutoring to put their children in might find it difficult, with varying options across the internet and in schools. Today we are going to talk about tutoring and the benefits of personalized one on one tutoring, and how it can greatly improve learning experiences in students.
**Content:**
#### **4 Reasons Why You Should Do Personalized Tutoring – Growing your Skills with Oak Learners**
Tutoring is a great next step to further develop certain skills, areas of weakness, or getting ahead. Parents thinking about what type of tutoring to put their children in might find it difficult, with varying options across the internet and in schools. Today we are going to talk about tutoring and the benefits of personalized one on one tutoring, and how it can greatly improve learning experiences in students.
**1 . Teaching More Than A Lesson Plan**
In a typical classroom, one lesson plan is taught to every student in the class and they are expected to understand and learn based solely on one method. As for private tutoring, you can expect to find tutors working with the student to focus on problems they have. This includes getting further clarification on issues throughout the session and a tailored learning experience adjusted to your child’s needs.
**2 . Improves confidence and self-esteem**
Once learning gets difficult, students often give up and lose confidence with no additional help. With a private tutor, the student can begin experiencing better outcomes when starting to grasp ideas they never did before. Then, motivation can grow inside them, encouraging them to branch out and learn more.
**3 . Specific Pace Learning**
One of the greatest benefits of having a private tutor is that they will work at the pace that the student needs. Whether the student needs extra time on certain areas, or they understand a subject fully, the private tutor can adapt to their timeline. There is no time constraint on each subject (e.g. only 50 minutes per class, taught in a fast paced manner) and therefore alleviating stress on those that need to understand it a little slower.
**4 . Private Tutoring is Flexible & Convenient**
Private tutoring can work around the busy schedule of parents’ daily lives. This can also be useful when booking multiple sessions for your child, for example, when preparing for midterms or tests, then increasing or decreasing sessions as you see fit.
Private personalized tutoring can be beneficial to your child’s understanding of material and get them ahead with tailored personal tutoring sessions. At Oak Learners, we offer personal one on one tutoring sessions with certified Ontario teachers that specialize in Math, French, English, and Science!
If you’d like more details, or to [book a session](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/) (online or in person at our Etobicoke location) please visit [www.oaklearners.ca/tutoring](http://www.oaklearners.ca/tutoring).
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**Categories:** Education, Private Tutoring
**Tags:** education, etobicoke, oak learners, personalized tutoring, private tutoring, summer tutoring, tutoring
---
### [The 3C's for Classroom Happiness](https://oaklearners.ca/the-3cs-for-classroom-happiness/)
**Published:** August 16, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** We’re excited to announce that Kelly Farrell, Oak Learners director, is featured on the front page of the August 2021 issue of the Etobicoke Lakeshore Press!
**Content:**
Oak Learners has been serving the Etobicoke-Lakeshore community since 2016 and is a registered not-for-profit learning centre dedicated to improving the educational experience for children and families. The director, Kelly Farrell, is a strong advocate for systemic educational change and pushes towards personalized learning that actually addresses the strengths and needs of each and every child. Kelly founded Oak Learners on the belief that, “every child can succeed when they are given the opportunity to express their own creativity and showcase their strengths in a supportive and collaborative community.”
In the 5 years since its inception, Oak Learners has grown and adapted to the changing needs of the community and now features 5 main branches of programming: Day School, Tutoring, Camps, Online Classes, and Extracurricular Arts Programming. The learning centre that was once run by Kelly herself and a few part-time staff now includes 15 full-time teaching and support staff, almost 20 part-time educators in addition to 10 seasonal camp counsellors and support staff. This incredible growth for Oak Learners exemplifies the sheer need in our community for quality educational programming and support for families and students.
The three “C’s” that form the foundation of the Oak Learners philosophy are more than just a tagline with alliteration, they are the core beliefs that bring success to every student who passes through the doors. Every teacher at Oak Learners is committed to filling every single day with creativity and outside-the-box teaching and learning. Programs at Oak Learners are student-centred and promote student strengths as an important part of building their confidence and motivation to succeed.
## Creativity
Children are naturally inquisitive and creative learners and thrive in an environment where these natural inclinations can be nurtured and celebrated.
Many institutional educational settings are so focused on reaching “all” students that they often fail to reach “each” student. When a teacher assigns an art project, usually there is a final product that the students are expected to replicate. Unsurprisingly, every art project turns out differently, but unfortunately, only the ones closest to the example are praised and displayed. Oak Learners takes a completely different approach! It focuses instead on providing children with skills to perform tasks so that they can create a variety of different styles of artwork to demonstrate their skills while also celebrating the individual creativity of each piece.
Walking down the hallways of Oak Learners, one will see examples of children’s creativity adorning the walls and displayed for all to see. Each piece of artwork looks as unique as the children who created them. Director Kelly Farrell explains, “When children see their own artwork displayed on the walls of the school or on their parent’s refrigerator, it gives them a sense of pride in their work that comes from knowing their creativity and individuality are being celebrated and appreciated and this feeling gives them confidence in their own abilities and ideas.” Children at Oak Learners know that the more unique their projects are, the more they are celebrated and can often be heard begging for something they have created to be put on display.
Back to School season in September is a great time to encourage creativity, starting with back-to-school shopping. Children love building their back-to-school wardrobe and filling a new backpack with shiny new items. Kelly’s advice to parents is to let children use their accessories and clothing as the first way to express themselves. Let them decorate their backpack, choose their outfits and bask in the self-confidence created by being unique. When children bring home projects or artwork from school, hang it up! Designate a place in your house where you can display artwork on a clothesline or on the fridge or even in frames on the wall that get changed out each time something new comes home.
## Confidence
There is nothing as disheartening as the look on a child’s face when they encounter defeat or fail at something they worked so hard for. In contrast, the look of confidence or pride on your child’s face when they successfully complete a new challenge or accomplishment is one of the most heartwarming moments! Confidence is not something that comes naturally, but is something that must be continually nurtured and recognized. Confidence is also the driving power behind success and can often be the difference between children who want to take risks and try new things, and children who become complacent with maintaining the status quo. At Oak Learners, the teachers understand that in order to find success with academic endeavours, students must first believe that they can!
Kelly explains that when most parents first come to Oak Learners, “they tell me that they just want their child to be happy and confident in themselves.” She also reiterates that once there is confidence and positive self-awareness, success in everything else is possible. Kelly has heard from countless children who arrive for tutoring that they feel “hopeless” and that success in academics is “impossible”. The teachers at Oak Learners begin with each child by building a relationship of mutual respect and trust that is fostered through acknowledging the strengths of each child. Kelly says, “We begin by celebrating the strengths of each child because it is from their strengths that we can scaffold a support system for their needs. For example, if a child loves art and drawing but is struggling to learn to read and write, we begin each session with some form of art or drawing to recognize their existing skills before tackling the more challenging skills.” This approach sets the child up for success and establishes a positive rapport right from the start.
More and more research into education is showing that the strengths-first approach and a multi-disciplinary learning environment are significantly more successful at developing confident, adaptable and well-rounded students into their futures. The Reggio Emilia philosophy, which underlies the approach to teaching and learning at Oak Learners, begins with the premise that every single child is capable and competent and full of potential and ambitious desires. Students at Oak Learners are acknowledged first for their competencies and then supported in their future learning through those skills.
Parents and teachers are the most important people in making or breaking the confidence of their children and students. It all begins with the language used and daily practices of recognition and gratitude. At Oak Learners, Kelly and her teachers greet each child by thanking them for being there and bringing their best selves. At the end of each day, they sit with the students or campers to reflect on the day’s successes and help the children set goals for the next day. This practice helps children understand that entire days can’t be “good” or “bad”, but that there are always opportunities to acknowledge success and gratitude in each day.
## Community
A supportive community is irreplaceable to the education and success of children. As children grow, so does their community and their sense of belonging in their community. At Oak Learners, children are not just part of a “class” or a “school”, but part of a community where the roles of every community member are recognized and celebrated, including the children.
Kelly recognizes that, “when children feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves, they are more likely to work harder to achieve their best to support their role in the larger community.” This is exemplified every day in the atmosphere of Oak Learners, beginning with their location in the heart of Mimico Village and their commitment to outdoor education and learning outside in the community. Students and campers at Oak Learners feel recognized as important members of the community and want to continue to learn and grow to give back.
What the pandemic has taught us more than anything else is the importance of community. We have collectively learned to appreciate our neighbours, our small businesses and our families. As this community expands again while we recover from the pandemic, it is important for parents and teachers to continue to build an inclusive and welcoming community for all children and students.
## School Success for all Learners
This year, back to school may still look a little different, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing – it’s a wonderful opportunity to set new routines, new expectations and new practices of gratitude and recognition for our children. Let’s work together to continue to rebuild a better way of teaching and learning to set our children up for success in a continually changing world. Success comes with small steps, but always stems from the same 3 C’s: Creativity, Confidence and Community.
Find out more about how Oak Learners can support your family during the upcoming school year at www.oaklearners.ca. More programs and opportunities to get involved are opening all the time and you are encouraged to sign up for the Oak Learners newsletter for regular updates and news on how Oak Learners is reshaping education for the future.
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**Categories:** Education, Private Tutoring, Programming, School Life, Teaching
**Tags:** back to school, classroom, etobicoke, oak learners, private school, science class
---
### [Oak Learners named "Best Service Business" in the 2021 GEMS of Etobicoke-Lakeshore Awards](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-named-best-service-business-in-the-2021-gems-of-etobicoke-lakeshore-awards/)
**Published:** May 28, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The GEMS are small business and service organization awards that are presented each year by James Maloney, Minister of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. These awards celebrate the businesses, business owners and volunteers that go above and beyond for our community. The 2021 Awards were presented in a broadcast on Zoom on May 26, 2021.
**Content:**
The GEMS are small business and service organization awards that are presented each year by [James Maloney](https://jamesmaloney.libparl.ca/), Minister of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. These awards celebrate the businesses, business owners and volunteers that go above and beyond for our community. The 2021 Awards were presented in a broadcast on Zoom on May 26, 2021.
Community is at the heart of the mission of Oak Learners. Since [founding](https://oaklearners.ca/about/) Oak Learners, the mandate has always included adapting and responding to the changing needs of families in our community. Oak Learners has evolved from a grassroots passion project in 2015 to a not-for-profit team of over 40 equally passionate educators and administrators. Hundreds of children and their families have found enrichment and encouragement in the programs at Oak Learners, including our day school, tutoring programs and summer camps. Our unique offering is our alternative approach to personalized learning and integration with the Arts and creative expression. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of increasing [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-outside-the-forest-school-in-the-city/) for children, and Oak Learners has been able to stay open throughout the pandemic years to serve the Etobicoke-Lakeshore community.
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**Categories:** Announcements.
**Tags:** 2021, awards, etobicoke, gems of etobicoke-lakeshore, james maloney, kelly farrell, oak learners
---
### [Adapted Books](https://oaklearners.ca/adapted-books/)
**Published:** April 21, 2021
**Author:** Kim Anh Vo
**Content:**
“Literacy opens doors to understanding, empathy, critical thinking, and the capacity for lifelong learning” (Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, n.d.). Children’s books are typically 2D with plenty of pictures but may include interactive components such as textures, buttons that make noises or flaps. However, they are not always accessible and suitable for children with exceptionalities. Books should be adaptable according to each child’s strengths and developmental stage. The best part is that **adapted books** do just that!
In the Universal Design for Learning framework, removing or reducing barriers promotes inclusion and encourages representation, engagement, expression and action within the lesson (Golloher, 2018). This framework intends to provide and present alternatives based on students’ needs (Golloher, 2018).
Adapted books are modified to make children’s literature more accessible and easier to understand (Allen, 2018; Hutson-Nechkask, 2013). They are interactive, motivating and target various literacy skills and skill sets, making them excellent resources used in therapy and for all children, including children with exceptionalities (Allen 2018).
Pictures and text symbols paired with vocabulary terms provide additional visual support to develop and increase listening and vocabulary comprehension (Allen, 2018; Golloher, 2018; Thomas & Ross, 2017). For instance, children who may have difficulty processing linguistic information may comprehend language by using their abilities to recognize the pictures and words than to recall them (Thomas & Ross, 2017). Adaptations may also be made where children with higher functioning can access adapted books that consist of less visual supports (Allen, 2018).
Adapted books increase confidence and provide children with a sense of accomplishment because they must place and move pieces within a book (Allen, 2018). The repetition of moving parts in the book improves participation and retention of new information (Allen, 2018). Adapted books may focus on various specific areas such as colours, life skills or prepositional concepts (Allen, 2018).
Adapted books are customizable, inexpensive, and fun for everyone. You can even add materials that promote sensory! If you would like to adapt existing children’s books, make sure you have the original book available with the adapted book you have made. I have created a few adapted books that are printable or used online. Nothing beats being able to modify books according to our children’s needs and to see them thrive. I hope you enjoy these books as much as I do!
Download Printable Adapted Books: [I SPY](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1k-pfVzqdafNLTolq67IkZY1h5Xch5bZ0BF4yawi1H4A/edit?usp=sharing) & [Counting at the Farm](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Vr9xUblBD8frFodla7hQ5XFngAlVvqFZ-l9cdA15agc/edit?usp=sharing)
Computer-Friendly/Virtual Adapted Books: [Learning the ABCs](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10hvi3HLJ6Mgvp0sa9plwVX6jxyGJFRdTuSElUK0n8J8/edit?usp=sharing) & [Grouping Colours](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1yV3xM5f70IChh6jLxY8vs75TnLrWqfBhA9J9nEJ0bcQ/edit?usp=sharing)
**References**
Allen, S. (2018, June 11). Why You Should Be Using Adapted Books in Your Classroom. Retrieved from [Adapted books can vary with retention of new information](https://theautismhelper.com/what-are-adapted-books-and-how-why-should-i-use-them/%20target=).
Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation. (n.d.). Literacy Matters. Retrieved from <https://childrensliteracy.ca/Literacy-Matters>
Golloher, A. (2018). Adapted Shared Storybook Reading: A Study of Its Application for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Home Settings. *Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 33*(1), 35–46. <https://doi.org/10.1177/1088357616681281>
Hutson-Nechkash, P. (2013, July 23). SLP Corner: Adapted Books. Retrieved from <https://www.pediastaff.com/slp/slp-corner-adapted-books-15412>
### Thomas, D. & Ross, B. (2017). Promoting Reading Success: The Effects of an Adapted Book on Reading Comprehension. *J Commun Disorder Assist Technol., 1*, 1–11. <http://asterpublications.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Promoting-Reading-Success.pdf>
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Book Recommendations, Education
---
### [Language Learning: What’s Your Child’s Learning Style?](https://oaklearners.ca/language-learning-whats-your-childs-learning-style/)
**Published:** April 16, 2021
**Author:** Marziyeh Modjtehedi
**Excerpt:** Every child has their own way of retaining information through each of their senses. Before embarking on the language learning journey, it may be a good idea to figure out what your child’s learning style is. This can be done simply by observing their actions and interests.
**Content:**
Every child has their own way of retaining information through each of their senses. Before embarking on the language learning journey, it may be a good idea to figure out what your child’s learning style is. This can be done simply by observing their actions and interests.
### **Visual Learner**
Visual learners learn best by seeing.
##### **Tips/ activities:**
- Try to pair verbal instruction with writing, this allows your child to really retain what they have heard
- Use Picture Vocabulary – substitute words on flashcards for pictures
- Create mind maps, diagrams and drawings to explain a concept
- Read storybooks – with pictures!
- Watch videos, rather than listening to songs or audiobooks
- If listening to audiobooks, pair it with the written text for your child to follow along
### **Auditory/Verbal Learner**
Auditory/Verbal learners retain information by listening.
##### **Tips/activities:**
- Discussion – Have a conversation with your child
- Listen to audiobooks, music, podcasts
- Repeat words and phrases
- Teach others – your child can practice what they have learned by teaching their siblings or their stuffed animals
- Read out loud
- Record themselves talking and listen to it later
### **Kinesthetic Learner**
Kinesthetic learners absorb information by physically doing something, such as by incorporating hands-on experiences.
##### **Tips/ activities:**
- Felt letter boards
- Matching sensory bin
- Travel! Visit places where your target language is spoken so that your child is naturally immersed in a learning environment
- Create a scavenger hunt
- Practice vocabulary by tossing a beach ball with words written on it
Note: Although your child may lean towards a certain learning style, they aren’t limited to that one learning method.
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Language Learning, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** language, language learning, learning, learning languages
---
### [The Benefits of Weighted Blankets](https://oaklearners.ca/the-benefits-of-weighted-blankets/)
**Published:** April 15, 2021
**Author:** Tabitha Lynn
**Excerpt:** Sometimes when a child is feeling stressed or anxious, they just want a big hug, but at the same time they don’t want to be touched. So how can you help them? Have you ever heard of or tried weighted blankets? It feels like a comforting hug and can help a child feel secure.
**Content:**
Sometimes when a child is feeling stressed or anxious, they just want a big hug, but at the same time they don’t want to be touched. So how can you help them? Have you ever heard of or tried weighted blankets? It feels like a comforting hug and can help a child feel secure.
Weighted blankets have been shown to help children with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, and those who have difficulty sleeping. When a child is stressed or anxious the pressure added by weighted blankets can help reduce their heart rate helping them find their calm zone.
There are a couple different ways you can incorporate a weighted blanket, depending on the needs of the child. Children who have chronic anxiety or a sleep disorder may benefit from using one every night for bed.
Other children may find it useful to use it in small time frames during the day to help them work through their stress and anxiety.
Having a weighted blanket available in a classroom’s calming zone may help reduce the length of time a child spends there as the blanket helps lower their heart rate.
### When picking a weighted blanket keep in mind the if should be 5 – 10% of the child’s body weight (not recommended for infants, toddlers or children with sleep apnea).
---
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting
**Tags:** mindfulness
---
### [Arts & Crafts: Paper Pinwheels](https://oaklearners.ca/arts-crafts-paper-pinwheels/)
**Published:** April 15, 2021
**Author:** Kim Anh Vo
**Excerpt:** Have you ever seen tall towers that look like fans? Those are called, windmills (or wind turbines)! Windmills are large structures that use wind to produce electricity. Similar to windmills, today, we will make paper pinwheels. If it is a windy day, you can bring it outside to see it in action!
**Content:**
Have you ever seen tall towers that look like fans? Those are called, windmills (or wind turbines)! Windmills are large structures that use wind to produce electricity. Similar to windmills, today, we will make paper pinwheels. If it is a windy day, you can bring it outside to see it in action!
**Materials**
- 6×6 Cardstock (or Construction Paper)
- A Brass Fastener
- Single Hole Puncher
- Markers
- A Straw
- Scissors
**Video Instructions**
**Extend the Activity!**
To extend the activity, compare utilizing different materials such as aluminum foil to make the windmills. You can ask questions about wind, “What is wind? What causes it? How does it occur?” This promotes critical thinking and may interest your child to look more into it!
### Have fun making your own paper pinwheels!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
---
### [The Benefits of Yoga](https://oaklearners.ca/the-benefits-of-yoga/)
**Published:** April 15, 2021
**Author:** Tabitha Lynn
**Excerpt:** Yoga is an exercise that includes movement of the body into specific poses combined with slow deep breathing. It is a healthy and active way to relax your body and mind, but the list of benefits goes far beyond relaxation.
**Content:**
Yoga is an exercise that includes movement of the body into specific poses combined with slow deep breathing. It is a healthy and active way to relax your body and mind, but the list of benefits goes far beyond relaxation.
### The Benefits of Yoga are:
- Build self-awareness
- Improve circulation
- Improve digestion
- Reduce risk of injury during sporting activities
- Improve balance
- Improve joint stability and mobility
- Improve strength
- Improve posture
- Improve endurance
- Improve flexibility
- Reduce anxiety
Breathing is an important aspect of yoga. When you are first starting out the main focus should be practicing slowing down your breathing. Find a quiet space, sit with your legs crossed, back straight with your hands resting in your lap. I find that closing my eyes helps me feel a sense of calm. Take a slow deep breath in through your nose for a count of 3, then slowly release that breath through your mouth for a count of 3. Repeat this for several breathes. As you progress with your yoga practice try increasing the count of your inhale and exhale, the slow breathes help slow the heart rate, calming the body and mind.
Here is a video of a few beginner poses you can try at home.
[https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Yoga\_Trim.mp4](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Yoga_Trim.mp4)
---
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting
**Tags:** mindfulness, yoga
---
### [Coping with Grief and Loss](https://oaklearners.ca/coping-with-grief-and-loss/)
**Published:** April 14, 2021
**Author:** Tabitha Lynn
**Excerpt:** Grief and loss are a natural part of life, so why do most adults try to hide it from children? I understand it is not an easy subject to discuss with children, but they are more capable of handling it than most adults give them credit for. Children are very resilient and very intuitive, even when we hide the truth, they can usually sense something has happen.
**Content:**
Grief and loss are a natural part of life, so why do most adults try to hide it from children? I understand it is not an easy subject to discuss with children, but they are more capable of handling it than most adults give them credit for. Children are very resilient and very intuitive, even when we hide the truth, they can usually sense something has happen.
Their first experience with death may be the death of a pet. Instead of trying to replace that pet with a duplicate, be honest with your child. Allow them to grieve, cry, be sad, or angry. Support your child through the experience by sharing happy memories of the pet, read books to them about loss, and/or have a small ceremony to say goodbye to their pet. Saying goodbye and having a ceremony allows the child to have closure and begin to heal.
Similarly, when a friend or family member passes, reassure the child its okay to cry, its okay to be sad, and its ok to miss them. Share pictures and memories of their loved ones and allow them to say goodbye. Some cultures and/or families believe children should not attend funerals, such as my own growing up. This can leave the child with unresolved grief and make it difficult for them to heal. Give the child the option on if they would like to attend or not, remember they are more capable and resilient than we give them credit for. Even if the child chooses not to attend, have a small ceremony at home so they are able to cry their tears and say their goodbyes.
Here are a few books that I have found that helps my children through the grief, loss, and healing process.
---
To purchase more kid’s books check out [Scholastic Books](https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/search?cgid=root&navFilterId=supplies-cec-ca&navFilterValue=Club%20Shop&eml=CRC/e/20200525////VALUEPACKS_TEACHERS_28863///crc/////&ET_CID=DM240996&ET_RID=1339458908)
Use the code RC127307
Your books will be shipped directly to your home. Every purchase helps build our school library and provide new learning materials for our classroom. Thank you!
For more book recommendation posts check out our [blog archives](https://oaklearners.ca/book-recommendations/).
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**Categories:** Book Recommendations, Healthy Living, Parenting
---
### [Benefits of Meditation](https://oaklearners.ca/benefits-of-meditation/)
**Published:** April 14, 2021
**Author:** Tabitha Lynn
**Excerpt:** The world is an unfamiliar place right now causing stress and anxiety to rise in everyone, including our children. Finding time and ways to reduce these is imperative to our children mental health. Meditation has many benefits to improve overall health and well-being.
**Content:**
The world is an unfamiliar place right now causing stress and anxiety to rise in everyone, including our children. Finding time and ways to reduce these is imperative to our children mental health. Meditation has many benefits to improve overall health and well-being.
### Proven benefits of meditation are:
- help improve brain function, allowing our brains to be open to new learning opportunities.
- improve sleep
- reduce stress
- increase your attention span (needed for online learning)
- help you appreciate life more
- improve immunity
Meditation does not have to be long or complicated, it only takes a few minutes a day. You can their use an app such as Serenity or create your own. When creating your own you can personalize the setting and take the children on a calming adventure through a guided meditation. The guided meditation can be different every time, talk to the child(ren) and find out where their calm happy place is and guide them there. Remind them to take slow deep breaths, in through their nose and out through their mouth during the guided meditation. Talk in a calm, soothing, and quiet tone. Make sure the adventure is a peaceful one, the goal is to slow the mind and not increase the heart rate.
Here is a example of a guided meditation:
[https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Guided-Meditation\_Trim.mp4](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Guided-Meditation_Trim.mp4)
---
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting
**Tags:** meditation, mindfulness
---
### [Incorporating Physical Activity During Online Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/incorporating-physical-activity-during-online-learning/)
**Published:** April 14, 2021
**Author:** Tabitha Lynn
**Excerpt:** Have you ever noticed that after a long day at work, staring at a computer all physical activity day you feel cranky, sometimes your body feels stiff, or you have a headache? Well, the same thing happens with our children but it usually doesn’t require a full day of screen time to cause these negative effects.
**Content:**
Have you ever noticed that after a long day at work, staring at a computer all day you feel cranky, sometimes your body feels stiff, or you have a headache? Well, the same thing happens with our children but it usually doesn’t require a full day of screen time to cause these negative effects. With Covid-19 forcing our children into virtual learning they are exposed to way too much screen time and it’s impacting their mental and physical health.
Now more than ever we need to be proactive in getting our children moving. During online classes children are in front of the screen for 6-7 hours a day, 5 times a week. Take every possible moment to create movement breaks and provide children with a minimum of 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The daily minimum required by the Ontario curriculum is only 20 minutes but in school there is more opportunities to get up and get moving during lunch and recesses. We need to recreate these breaks at home, during recesses have children go outside and play as they would at school, let them run, jump, and enjoy the fresh air. During lunch, go for a nice walk in the neighbourhood, if they have siblings play a game of tag, anything to get the heart rate up and their muscles moving. If you do not have an outdoor space or the weather doesn’t permit outdoor activities try some indoor movement activities such as yoga (mini yoga class video posted in another blog post).
At the end of the school day find a decent size space, indoor or outdoor, to do 20 minutes of movement activities. You and your child(ren) can take turns picking an exercise, such knee highs, jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups (push-ups off a wall for younger children), butt kicks, sprints, and so much more.
Staying active helps calm the mind and body and allows children to take a brain break from online learning.
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DPA-2.mp4>
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DPA.mp4>
---
For more healthy living posts visit our [Healthy Living Blog Posts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Outside Activities, Parenting
---
### [Effects of Covid-19 on Children’s Social Connections](https://oaklearners.ca/effects-of-covid-19-on-childrens-social-connections/)
**Published:** April 14, 2021
**Author:** Tabitha Lynn
**Excerpt:** Covid-19 is wreaking havoc all over the world, this virus is deadly in more ways than one. Being a mother of four, the death I am referring to is the death of my children’s social connections with family and friends.
**Content:**
Covid-19 is wreaking havoc all over the world, this virus is deadly in more ways than one. Being a mother of four, the death I am referring to is the death of my children’s social connections with family and friends.
These back-and-forth lockdowns are leaving our children feeling lost, alone, and scared. One of the first instincts a child has is to bond and socialize and this pandemic has them in constant fear of getting close to people or giving their grandparents a hug or a kiss. The sadness I see on my children’s faces when I tell them they, once again will not be able to return to school or that we still cannot go visit our family breaks my heart.
So how can we restore even a slight resemblance of the world they use to know?
Connect with your child’s teacher and ask them to contact your child’s class mates asking parents if they would like their child to be included in weekly virtual meeting.
Talk with family and friends and try to set-up weekly video chats. During these chats you can discuss what board games you each have at home, even if you don’t have matching games you can modify some rules to make it work or better yet, you can create your own board games and play it together.
Charades is a fun and easy game that can be played with little to no materials needed. Even through they may be in front of a screen, charades can get them up and moving while getting that social connection with someone they may be missing. You can create weekly themes, such as superheroes, cartoon characters, movies, or sports.
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/charades.mp4>
An alternative to charades could be a quick draw game, in many digital meeting apps you are able to draw directly of the screen for your family and/or friends to see and guess.
Organize a scavenger hunt, make it common household items that most families would have. Depending on the age and/or capabilities of the children have them search for certain colours or shapes instead of specific items.
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Scavenger-hunt.mp4>
Some other activities you could do together are freeze dance, improv night, card games, cooking, or arts and crafts.
The main idea is to try to recreate the social interactions you would have with your family and friends. We have to adapt to our “new” world while maintaining our social connections in any way possible.
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/improv.mp4>
---
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Parenting
---
### [The Forgotten Senses](https://oaklearners.ca/the-forgotten-senses/)
**Published:** April 13, 2021
**Author:** Tabitha Lynn
**Content:**
We all know about the 5 senses, touch, taste, smell, sound, sight, but did you know there are actually 2 more very important forgotten senses? These are the vestibular and proprioception senses. Those are some big words, but what do they mean?
Let’s find out!
Think about the vestibular system as the control centre in the brain that controls motion, head, position, and spatial reasoning. This system helps keep us balanced, keeps our head and body stable during movement and helps us maintain our posture. When this system is not functioning properly or not at all it may appear that a child has completely zoned out or may seem hyper or constantly moving. These children have found that they need to move in order to feel balanced. It is actually harder to balance while seated or standing still than it is when you are physically moving.
The proprioception is the sense that allows the body to locate movements and actions without thinking about it. This includes the ability to walk or kick a ball without looking at your feet or being able to touch your nose when your eyes are closed. When children can’t sense a body part, they may lose focus on the task at hand. Once they locate the body part, they may tap their foot or tap the desk with their hand in order to regain focus and keep track of that body part. When the proprioception sense is misfiring children may start to chew what is available to them, such as clothing, hair, pencil, or finger nails. They may also rock in their chair to the point of falling off.
To learn more please watch the video’s on vestibular and proprioception here: [Brain Highways](https://brainhighwaysglobal.com/)
How can we help them when sitting and focusing is required?
Here are a couple of examples you can use at home or in school to help children with these senses.
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WhatsApp-Video-2021-03-30-at-9.14.29-AM-2.mp4>
Here we have added an elastic band to the bottom of the chair, this allows the child to get a sense of moving and helps keep the balanced while seated.
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WhatsApp-Video-2021-03-30-at-9.14.29-AM-4.mp4>
Here we have a fidget cube, this helps the child focus their attention on the task at hand while not losing track of the sensation of their hands.
 
Providing the child with something appropriate to chew allows them to satisfy their sensory needs without fear of punishment.
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WhatsApp-Video-2021-03-30-at-9.14.28-AM.mp4>
Here we have a fidget snake, this helps the child focus their attention on the task at hand while not losing track of the sensation of their hands.
<https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WhatsApp-Video-2021-03-30-at-9.14.29-AM-1.mp4>
This chair is specifically designed for children who need to move to feel a sense of balance, it allows the child to move and reduces the chances of falling off the chair.
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Teaching
---
### [Arts & Crafts: Paper Plate Dinosaurs](https://oaklearners.ca/arts-crafts-paper-plate-dinosaurs/)
**Published:** April 8, 2021
**Author:** Kim Anh Vo
**Excerpt:** ROARR! Dinosaurs are so popular amongst children, and who can blame them! They may like them so much that they become so knowledgeable about dinosaurs that many adults may not be aware of. With their fascination with dinosaurs, what is better than being able to make their own by simply using recyclable items such as a paper plate and cardboard toilet paper rolls?! The great thing about this activity is you can make any dinosaur your child prefers, but today, we will be making the Brontosaurus!
**Content:**
ROARR! Dinosaurs are so popular amongst children, and who can blame them! They may like them so much that they become so knowledgeable about dinosaurs that many adults may not be aware of. With their fascination with dinosaurs, what is better than being able to make their own by simply using recyclable items such as a paper plate and cardboard toilet paper rolls?! The great thing about this activity is you can make any dinosaur your child prefers, but today, we will be making the Brontosaurus!
**Materials**
- 2 Toilet Paper rolls
- A Paper Plate
- Tempera Paint
- Cotton Balls
- Scissors
- Glue (and, or Stapler)
- Cardstock (or Construction Paper)
- Black marker
- Googly eyes (optional)
**Video Instructions**
**Extend the Activity!**
To extend the activity, you can continue to use recyclable materials to make the natural habitat of the dinosaur(s)! You can also learn more about dinosaurs together with your children through documentaries, videos or books.
##### Happy Dinosaur Making!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
---
### [Arts & Crafts: Catapult!](https://oaklearners.ca/arts-crafts-catapult/)
**Published:** April 8, 2021
**Author:** Kim Anh Vo
**Excerpt:** CATAAPUULTT! Did you know you can make a simple catapult out of popsicle sticks? This is an awesome STEM craft project for children of all ages. This fun crafty project focuses on math, physics and engineering. The force, distance, accuracy can all be challenged with the catapult.
**Content:**
CATAAPUULTT! Did you know you can make a simple catapult out of popsicle sticks? This is an awesome STEM craft project for children of all ages. This fun crafty project focuses on math, physics and engineering. The force, distance, accuracy can all be challenged with the catapult.
**Materials**
- 9 Jumbo Popsicle Sticks (normal popsicles work fine too)
- 5-6 Rubber bands
- 1 Plastic spoon
**Instructions**
1. Take seven popsicle sticks and tie a rubber band tightly on each end.
2. Take one popsicle stick and the plastic spoon. Secure the spoon at the end of the popsicle stick with a few rubber bands.
3. Take the last popsicle stick and the one with the spoon and tie it together with a rubber band at the end.
4. Take the 7-popsicle stick bundle and place it in-between the two popsicle sticks.
**Extend the Activity!**
To extend the activity, you can place a container or basket at a distance. Take pompoms or roll up small balls of paper and try to shoot them into the basket! Use different objects (maybe avoid rocks unless you are outside the house!) and compare the weight differences. You can even make it a fun competition to see who can get as many in the basket within a time limit or build towers with blocks and Legos and try to knock them down using the catapult.
##### Happy Catapult making!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts, STEAM
---
### [Extracurricular Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/extracurricular-activities/)
**Published:** April 5, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Content:**
Outside of the classroom Oak Learners also offers extracurricular activities for children to participate in. Extracurricular activities provide children with the opportunity of incorporating **fun** into learning while still following the school curriculum. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? I am sure all children would agree, as this gives them the **opportunity** to have fun and explore the world in which they live in while learning at the same time! So, what do these extracurricular activities involve? They include awesome field trips, activities that take place within Oak Learners community and spending time in the **outdoors**! With this being said all of these activities are incorporating the curriculum, it is the best of both worlds! The staff at Oak Learners include times for the children to engage in free play but also create games for the children. The staff explain the rules of the game they will be participating in but always ensure the children have fun while **enhancing** their social skills within group play.
*“Adding FUN to learning creates the best educational experience possible”*
-Tamara L. Chilver
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**Categories:** Music
---
### [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/teaching/)
**Published:** April 5, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Content:**
At Oak Learners, children receive the opportunity of **individualized learning.** This involves incorporating the curriculum in each child’s learning while also **supporting** the IEP of the child. The teachers at Oak Learners ensure that they adapt each learning activity to best suit the needs and learning style of each individual child! A parent from Oak Learners mentioned that they see a significant **improvement** in their child’s skills since they have attended this private school. This parent also mentioned how easy it was to follow along and understand their child’s report card that they received from Oak Learners. It was easy to understand as the language that was used within was very reader appropriate and did not use any terms that were hard to understand the meaning behind them. The skills, gaps and achievements their child had made were clearly highlighted throughout the report card. It also mentioned the strategies that were used along the way to get to the progress that they have made though out the year and how they will continue to keep making to enhance **academic success**! At Oak Learners the teachers prioritize building **positive connections** with all students along with help the students to make connections to the materials they are using while learning. It is mentioned that the teachers connect with the students by “their learning styles, interests and challenges”. This provides children with a learning environment that promotes their success at Oak Learners!
*“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery”*
-Mark Van Doren
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**Categories:** Teaching
---
### [3 Reasons Why Children Combine Languages When They Speak](https://oaklearners.ca/3-reasons-why-children-combine-languages-when-they-speak/)
**Published:** April 3, 2021
**Author:** Marziyeh Modjtehedi
**Excerpt:** Have you ever spoken with someone and just couldn’t find the right words to express yourself? You searched and searched your brain for the right word, but just couldn’t think of anything? If you’re multilingual, you probably know what I’m talking about.
**Content:**
Have you ever spoken with someone and just couldn’t find the right words to express yourself? You searched and searched your brain for the right word, but just couldn’t think of anything? If you’re multilingual, you probably know what I’m talking about.
Combining languages is when a person uses words from multiple languages to form a sentence. These sentences can often look like this: I ate les fraises today à l’école.
When children mix languages together, parents often think that the child is confused or that they are being overwhelmed with an influx of languages. But that may not entirely be the case.
Here are three reasons why children mix languages:
#### **1. Lack of Vocabulary**
Sometimes children borrow words from other languages when they can’t think of a word in the language that they are speaking. This is a sign that they may still be developing vocabulary and need more practice or exposure. The more they know, the less alternating they need to do.
#### **2. Efficiency**
Another reason for language mixing is that our brains try to find the quickest way to communicate. Children will use their brainpower to find all the best words in all the languages they know to get their message across in the best way possible.
So, it is easier for them to say the first word that comes to their minds in their primary language than to take a few extra seconds to think of the appropriate word in their second language.
Some may think of this as laziness while others will say that it’s just a child being efficient.
#### **3. Language Competence**
It is very common for languages to lack words or not have their equivalent in another language. When a word or expression doesn’t exist in a language, a child may switch to another in order to better express themselves. This would be considered high language competence.
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Language Learning, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** bilingual, ELL, language, language learning, learning languages, second language learners
---
### [Arts & Crafts: Tape Resist Art](https://oaklearners.ca/arts-crafts-tape-resist-art/)
**Published:** March 25, 2021
**Author:** Kim Anh Vo
**Excerpt:** The beauty of art is that there are no limits. It unleashes our imagination and creativity!
Art is used in many ways, such as for therapy, to express ourselves or our thoughts.
Tape Resist art challenges children to use different colours and create their designs with the tape. The best part is seeing what it looks like once they remove the tape!
**Content:**
The beauty of art is that there are no limits. It unleashes our imagination and creativity!
Art is used in many ways, such as for therapy, to express ourselves or our thoughts.
Tape Resist art challenges children to use different colours and create their designs with the tape. The best part is seeing what it looks like once they remove the tape!
### Tape Resist Art Materials
- Canvas or Cardboard
- Painter’s Tape or Low-tack Masking tape
- Acrylic Paint
- Paintbrushes
- Paint Palette, or some plastic surface to place paint on.
- Scissors (Optional to cut tape)
*Note:* Acrylic paint works best on a canvas. However, you can use **tempera paint**, but it can drip down as it is more fluid.
**TIP:** If you are using acrylic paint, make sure you add a little bit of water (1-2 drops) to each colour to make it easier to paint on the canvas.
### **Instructions**
1. Place the tape on the canvas. It can be random, spell out a name or form a design. If your child is old enough, let them place the tape themselves!
2. Take the paintbrush and paint.
3. Afterward, set the canvas aside to dry.
4. When the painting is completely dry, carefully peel off all the tape. *Ta-da!* Your masterpiece is done, and it looks great!
### **Extend the Activity!**
Many young children love to play with water. You can extend the activity by filling the sink with warm water and soap and get your children to wash their hands while cleaning the brushes and paint palette! The water will likely change when they wash their hands.
You may also want to try using different materials to paint, such as sponges, raw materials, fruit, Q-tips or their fingers. You can also use other size tapes or try mugs and bowls instead of canvas and cardboard!
Happy Painting!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
**Tags:** art, art activity, art class, art education, art therapy, arts and crafts, craft, creative activity, diy, kids, paint, painting, video
---
### [The Importance of Local Libraries in Building Literacy](https://oaklearners.ca/the-importance-of-local-libraries-in-building-literacy/)
**Published:** March 22, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
*[Etobicoke Lake Shore](https://etobicokelakeshorepress.com/) Press – March 2021*
Learning to love reading can be one of the most important gifts we give to our children. Yet, all too often, the arduous process of learning to read can dampen a child’s desire to want to read for pleasure. For many parents, the past year of virtual learning has provided a spotlight onto children’s learning and highlighted for many how much work actually goes into learning to read.
The skill of reading can be broken down into multiple different skills, many of which need to be acquired in a certain order when children are learning to read. First, they need to develop the sounds of oral language, which includes understanding the phonological building blocks that make up sounds, which eventually make up words, which eventually make up sentences. Once children start learning their “A-B-C’s”, they start learning that the written squiggles and lines and circles that we use on paper actually represent the sounds that we speak and they begin to also learn that these letters represent a specific set of sounds that can be combined in seemingly infinite combinations to spell words. It’s a lot of learning condensed into a few short years!
This “code” of learning to read and write is not something that comes easily for most children and more and more research is uncovering how important it is to not skip steps and push children ahead. The most important assistance any parent can give a child who is learning to read is patience and access to fun and interesting reading materials.
The good news is that there are so many ways to find new reading materials locally without spending a dime!
- **[Little Free Libraries](https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/)** – on your neighbourhood walks, make a habit to visit Little Free Libraries on your block and check for new books each time! You never know what will spark a child’s interest in a book!
- **[Local Public Libraries](https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/)** – every child values their first library card! Take advantage of your library card to provide endless access to new books for your child.
- **Free Book Banks** – Local organizations like [LAMP Early ON](https://lampchc.org/programs-services/community-health-programs/earlyon-child-and-family-services/) are providing free books to children under 5 with registration. Check out [LAMP on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/LAMPCHEALTHC/) for more information!
- **Neighborhood Book Swaps** – as it gets warmer, connect with your neighbors to organize weekly or monthly book swaps where children can exchange books with friends.
Don’t worry too much about finding levelled readers for your child. Instead, find books that will spark their imagination, interest and engagement. Any book that makes a child’s eyes light up is the best book for that child!
If you are looking for more ways to support your child’s reading or fill in gaps in their skill acquisition, [contact Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/contact/%22) to learn more about our personalized and unique approach to teaching literacy.
---
To purchase more kid’s books check out [Scholastic Books](https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/search?cgid=root&navFilterId=supplies-cec-ca&navFilterValue=Club%20Shop&eml=CRC/e/20200525////VALUEPACKS_TEACHERS_28863///crc/////&ET_CID=DM240996&ET_RID=1339458908)
Use the code RC127307
Your books will be shipped directly to your home. Every purchase helps build our school library and provide new learning materials for our classroom. Thank you!
For more book recommendation posts check out our [blog archives](https://oaklearners.ca/book-recommendations/).
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**Categories:** Book Recommendations, Education
**Tags:** learning literacy, literacy
---
### [Language Learning: Engaging Older Children With Games](https://oaklearners.ca/language-learning-engaging-older-children-with-games/)
**Published:** March 19, 2021
**Author:** Marziyeh Modjtehedi
**Excerpt:** Here are some common games that require minimal materials and can be played while learning any language. These games are typically for older children but can be modified based on a child’s understanding and level of competency. They can also be easily adapted for children to play online.
**Content:**
Learning a language can sometimes seem very boring and tiring for children, but why not add fun to learning?
Here are some common games that require minimal materials and can be played while learning any language. These games are typically for older children but can be modified based on a child’s understanding and level of competency. They can also be easily adapted for children to play online.
#### **Twenty Questions**
Twenty Questions is a game that can help improve an individual’s oral communication, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.
**How to Play:** One person thinks of a word, and the rest of the players collectively get to ask 20 yes or no questions in the target language. The player that guesses the word, gets to go next.
#### **Pictionary**
Pictionary can help improve vocabulary and speaking skills.
**How to play:** Write a list of words on individual pieces of paper and place them in a hat or box. Split players into two groups. Group one will choose one player to draw first, while the remaining group members have to guess what they are drawing in the target language. A time limit can be placed for each group to make it more competitive. Once the word has been guessed, it is group two’s turn.
#### **Word Jumble**
This game will help with spelling, writing, and learning word order
**How to play:** This game requires a little bit of preparation ahead of time. You will start off by writing sentences on coloured sheets of paper or with a coloured marker as each sentence should be in a different colour. Once you have written the sentences down, you will cut them up so that one word is written on each piece of paper. Place the papers in separate bags or cups.
The number of sentences depends on the number of players. Players can play individually, in pairs or in teams.
To play, each team will receive their own cup of words and will have to rearrange them to create the original sentences in as little time as possible. You can set a time limit depending on the child’s age or level of understanding of the target language.
#### **Charades**
This game improves vocabulary and speaking skills.
**How to play:** Start off by writing words in the desired language on individual pieces of paper and place them in a hat. To make this game easier, words can be based on a chosen theme.
Split players into two teams and decide which one goes first. The first player in the team will pick out a paper and will have to act out whatever is written. If a sentence is written, the player can indicate with their fingers, how many words there are. You may set a time limit, if the team guesses the word within the time limit, they get a point. If they do not guess correctly, they lose a point.
#### **Hangman**
This game helps with spelling.
**How to play:** Think of a word or phrase, and instead of writing the word down, replace each letter of the with dashes. Children have to guess the word or phrase by suggesting individual letters. If they guess the correct letter, write it in its place. If they suggest an incorrect letter, write it on the side and start drawing a hangman. Each incorrect letter equals one body part. If they guess the word before the man is drawn, they win, if the man is drawn before they guess the word/phrase, they lose.
---
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**Categories:** Education, Language Learning
**Tags:** at home learning, games, hands, hands-on learning, language games, languages, learnign literacy, learning games, learning language, literacy games
---
### ["Butterfly Hug" Technique](https://oaklearners.ca/butterfly-hug-method/)
**Published:** March 19, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Life events and our daily stressors can have the potential to create a situation in which our emotions become a destructive form of anxiety. These destructive emotions include but are not limited to a racing heart, obsessive thinking and, inability to breathe.
The “Butterfly Hug” method was introduced to help lighten these emotions. This method is a therapeutic intervention to help relax and calm these rapidly destructive emotions.
**Content:**
### Life events and our daily stressors can have the potential to create a situation in which our emotions become a destructive form of anxiety. These destructive emotions include but are not limited to a racing heart, obsessive thinking and, inability to breathe.
The “Butterfly Hug” method was introduced to help lighten these emotions. This method is a therapeutic intervention to help relax and calm these rapidly destructive emotions.
### Here’s an instruction guide for the “Butterfly Hug” technique, to be read as a script with children while practicing relaxation techniques.
“Cross your arms over your chest, so that the tip of the middle finger from each hand is placed below the clavicle or the collarbone and the other fingers and hands cover the area that is located under the connection between the collarbone and the shoulder and the collarbone and sternum or breastbone.
Hands and fingers must be as vertical as possible so that the fingers point toward the neck and not toward the arms.
If you wish, you can interlock your thumbs to form the butterfly’s body and the extension of your
other fingers outward will form the Butterfly’s wings.
Your eyes can be closed, or partially closed, looking toward the tip of your nose.
Next, you alternate the movement of your hands, like the flapping wings of a butterfly. Let your hands move freely. You can breathe slowly and deeply (abdominal breathing), while you observe what is going through your mind and body such as thoughts, images, sounds, odors, feelings, and physical sensation without changing, pushing your thoughts away, or judging.
You can pretend as though what you are observing is like clouds passing by.” (Lucina Artigas and Ignacio Jarero, 2014).
This takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is known to calm down nerves. Previously, clinicians have also used this method with children and adults alike that have gone through traumatic events. While this method is used for easing these negative emotions, it is not and should not be a consistent coping mechanism and if the child or the parent are experiencing frequent anxiety and panic attacks, it is advised to visit a doctor/therapist.
---
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness
**Tags:** breathing, butterfly hug, calm, meditation, mindfulness, relaxation
---
### [Arts & Crafts: Origami Jumping Frogs](https://oaklearners.ca/arts-crafts-origami-jumping-frogs/)
**Published:** March 18, 2021
**Author:** Kim Anh Vo
**Excerpt:** Origami, the art of folding a piece of paper and giving it life by turning it into anything; a bear, a plane, or a jumping frog! Folding origami requires diligence and accuracy while following the instructions. This activity will challenge children to think and find solutions to fold the paper accordingly and into its form. Origami may sharpen the children’s imagination and memory by creating the desired shape and channeling their creativity. Today, we will make origami jumping frogs!
**Content:**
Origami, the art of folding a piece of paper and giving it life by turning it into anything; a bear, a plane, or a jumping frog! Folding origami requires diligence and accuracy while following the instructions. This activity will challenge children to think and find solutions to fold the paper accordingly and into its form. Origami may sharpen the children’s imagination and memory by creating the desired shape and channeling their creativity. Today, we will make origami jumping frogs!
**Materials**
- Construction paper (any paper works fine)
- Scissors
- A black ink pen
- Markers
- Googly eyes (optional)
**Video Instructions**
**Extend the Activity!**
You can engage in conversation by asking what happens if the children adjust the pressure with their fingertip. Using different paper types, such as cardstock, lined paper to fold the origami jumping frogs, is another great way to extend the activity. Different weights of paper can affect how high they jump! A friendly competition can also be conducted to see whose frog can jump the furthest. 😊
##### Enjoy making Origami Jumping Frogs!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
**Tags:** art, art activity, art education, art therapy, craft, creative activity, diy, frog origami, origami, paper art, paper folding, video, video tutorial
---
### [🍀 St. Patricks Day Leprechaun Trap STEM Activity! 🍀](https://oaklearners.ca/🍀-st-patricks-day-leprechaun-trap-activity-🍀/)
**Published:** March 17, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY! 🍀
St Patrick’s Day is here! What better way to celebrate than to make your very own Leprechaun TRAP?!
**Content:**
HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY! 🍀
St Patrick’s Day is here! What better way to celebrate than to make your very own Leprechaun TRAP?!
You will need the following:
- Construction paper
- Pipe Cleaners
- Lucky Charms/Gold Chocolate
- Stickers
- Glue
- Shamrocks: You can use shamrock stickers or draw your own on glitter paper.
### **Catch a Leprechaun!**
**Bait**: Lucky charms or gold coins are the perfect bait for your leprechaun!
**A ladder**: You can build a ladder using green pipe cleaners or Lego. You can even use popsicle sticks and paint them green!
**A trapping mechanism** (Where your leprechaun will be trapped): You can create a hole for your leprechaun to fall into or you can use a jar or a door to trap them!
**Lastly, Decorations**: You can use green construction paper, green glitter and even a rainbow to bring some colour into your leprechaun trap!
Finally! You can build your leprechaun trap! There are so many different ways that you can get creative with this activity and regardless of the bait you use, surely, the leprechaun will be caught by you!
Here’s an example of my favourite method to catch a leprechaun below:
And here’s another idea:
For reference, this idea was inspired by [thebestideasforkids. ](https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/leprechaun-traps/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=595313034_22472546_205046)
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts, STEAM
**Tags:** activity, at home learning, diy, holiday activity, inquiry learning, leprechaun, lucky charms, march, project based learning, special days, st patricks day, stem, stem challenge
---
### [Student Experience at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/student-experience/)
**Published:** March 16, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Content:**
Oak Learners provides a learning environment for children that allows them to feel welcomed by the caring and loving teachers that are a part of the [Oak Learners team](https://oaklearners.ca/ourteam/)! The teachers always create lesson plans that are adaptable and individualized, so they are able to meet the needs of each individual child.
A parent had said that it is such a great feeling as a parent to know that your child is excited and happy about going to school each day! This parent’s son had mentioned that his teachers are very supportive of his learning and get excited when he makes progress! This allows her son to always stay motivated when it comes to learning because he knows that his learning needs will always be supported when necessary by the teachers at Oak Learners. It was stated by this parent that “He loves the environment of the school, all the staff, the students, his experiences there all while learning”.
This is a feeling that parents want their child to feel while they are at school so that there are never any worries about them not being supported. Oak Learners is able to provide the support needed towards children and families while also making them feel as if they are appreciated within!
“Every child deserves a champion — An adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be”
~Rita Pierson
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**Categories:** Announcements.
---
### [Oak Online: Unique virtual programming to support at-home learning](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-online/)
**Published:** March 16, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Excerpt:** The goal of Oak Online is to foster learning by utilizing an “authentic skill-based curriculum”. Oak Online teachers always ensure they are supportive of the curiosities that children display while exploring the world they live in and this is done by conducting experiences virtually that are student-centered.
**Content:**
u003cimg class=u0022aligncenter size-large wp-image-24438u0022 src=u0022https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/oak-online-1-1024×183.pngu0022 alt=u0022Oak Online Virtual Classesu0022 width=u00221024u0022 height=u0022183u0022 /u003ernrnOak Learners offers a u003ca href=u0022http://www.oaklearners.ca/oakonlineu0022u003evirtual learning platformu003c/au003e to support children’s learning within the comfort of their own homes.rnrnThe goal of u003ca href=u0022http://www.oaklearners.ca/oakonlineu0022u003eu003cstrongu003eOak Onlineu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e is to foster learning by utilizing an “authentic skill-based curriculum”. Oak Online teachers always ensure they are supportive of the curiosities that children display while exploring the world they live in and this is done by conducting experiences virtually that are u003cstrongu003estudent-centeredu003c/strongu003e.rnrnOak Online is provided through an online platform called Zoom! The online classrooms include the opportunity for one-on one support, group work, interactive experiences with peers, Art experiences, Yoga and meditation, STEM Enrichment, Music and Movement as well as private tutoring! Oak Online has a schedule to outline the activities that happen at the time designated for each day of the week from Monday through Friday along with the age group that it is designed for. They also provide a detailed description of each of the classes offered to see if they suit the interests of your child.rnrnA parent mentioned that, “In a time of so much uncertainty, it has been wonderful to see a school press forward and embrace the change. Thank you to Oak Learners for helping keep my 7u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e grade educated during these unprecedented times.”rnrnLearn more at u003ca href=u0022http://www.oaklearners.ca/oakonlineu0022u003ewww.oaklearners.ca/oakonlineu003c/au003e
[Visit Oak Online](https://oaklearners.ca/oakonline/)
u003chr /u003ennu003cpu003eFor more educational posts visit our u003ca href=u0022https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/u0022u003eEducational Posts Pageu003c/au003eu003c/pu003ennu003cpu003eTo keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on u003ca href=u0022https://www.facebook.com/OakLearnersu0022 target=u0022\_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eFacebooku003c/au003e or u003ca href=u0022www.instagram.com/oaklearners/u0022 target=u0022\_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eInstagramu003c/au003eu003c/pu003ennu003cpu003eOr, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.u003c/pu003e
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**Categories:** Programming
---
### [Summer Camps at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camps/)
**Published:** March 16, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Excerpt:** While engaged in outdoor play, Oak Learners provides children with risky play opportunities. Children need to engage in risky play as it enhances children’s development by developing independence and confidence within themselves. STEAM is delivered through the summer camp at Oak Learners to help children enhance their social skills along with confidence and their cognitive abilities.
**Content:**
Oak Learners provides [summer camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summer) that incorporate STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math activities) for children between the ages of 4 through 12. Children the opportunity to learn while engaging in the outdoors, what a great combination!
While engaged in outdoor play, Oak Learners provides children with risky play opportunities. Children need to engage in risky play as it enhances children’s development by developing independence and confidence within themselves. STEAM is delivered through the summer camp at Oak Learners to help children enhance their social skills along with confidence and their cognitive abilities.
A parent had mentioned that “My son attended his first camp last week at Oak Learners. To say he loved it would be an understatement. They built a fun soap volcano, saw caterpillars and watched them eat and grow, and even managed a visit to a splash pad. They did many arts and crafts projects which are now displayed at home. Thank you to Oak Learners for a great week!” (Gillian R.).
The children spend a majority of the time outside while at the summer camps and go on field trips that take place within the community that will allow them to explore the world in which they live! Mental health is very much supported within the summer camps by allowing the children to participate in self-care activities that focus on mindfulness. This allows them to have the time to relax and focus on themselves!
“At camp, kids try new things, build confidence, and become leaders”
~Campexpo
[Check Out Our Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summer/)
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
To keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OakLearners) or [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
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**Categories:** Camps, Music
---
### [How to Teach Your Child a Language You Don’t Speak](https://oaklearners.ca/how-to-teach-your-child-a-language-you-dont-speak/)
**Published:** March 11, 2021
**Author:** Marziyeh Modjtehedi
**Excerpt:** As we all know, one of the best ways for a child to learn a language is if they are surrounded by people who speak the desired language. However, as we are meeting people less often and aren’t currently travelling, being in an environment where your child can be exposed to various languages isn’t easy. It would be great if the child’s home could be the centre for language learning. But what do you do if you’re monolingual and want your child to be bilingual?
**Content:**
As we all know, one of the best ways for a child to learn a language is if they are surrounded by people who speak the desired language. However, as we are meeting people less often and aren’t currently travelling, being in an environment where your child can be exposed to various languages isn’t easy. It would be great if the child’s home could be the centre for language learning. But what do you do if you’re monolingual and want your child to be bilingual?
#### **Start Early!**
As mentioned in the [previous post](https://oaklearners.ca/2021/03/05/5-reasons-why-you-should-teach-your-child-a-new-language/), the earlier your child is exposed to a language, the faster they will absorb it. This means that there is less work required on the parent to teach the language and less on the child to learn, especially if you aren’t already fluent in the chosen language.
Remember, it is never too late to learn a language!
#### **Videos & Music**
Check out YouTube videos online for your child’s favourite TV shows. Many shows have been translated into multiple languages. Listening to the dialogue in your chosen language can help your child hear the native accent of the speaker and will help them understand the language better. Language learning does require communication; however, listening and understanding are important steps to being able to speak.
#### **Join Social Groups**
I’m sure that there are many parents just like you looking to teach their children a second language. Try finding like-minded people in your area or online, such as Facebook groups. You can learn new tips from other parents and find playmates who speak the language for your child to associate with.
If there’s nothing in your area, create your own group!
#### **Language Lessons**
If learning the target language then teaching it to your child isn’t an option for you, online language classes may be the way to go. There are many free sites that offer language lessons online for children and families.
Also, [hiring a tutor](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/), or enrolling your child in child care or a school that instructs in your target language can be beneficial to cater to your child’s individual needs and provide them with the education necessary to reach fluency.
#### **Conversations**
Realistically, a child needs to be speaking a language frequently in order to achieve fluency. It’s helpful to have one person in a child’s life who speaks the target language. It might be a good idea for you as the parent to learn the language a little bit so that you and your child can engage in conversations. And you’ll notice that you’ll end up learning quite a lot along with them.
Regardless of the path you decide to take, consistency is key. Children need to practice continuously in order to gain familiarity with the language and be confident with their progress.
Good luck and happy learning!
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Language Learning, Parenting
**Tags:** bilingual, language learning, languages, learning, learning language, parenting, second language
---
### [Arts & Crafts: Sensory Bottles](https://oaklearners.ca/arts-crafts-sensory-bottles/)
**Published:** March 11, 2021
**Author:** Kim Anh Vo
**Excerpt:** Sensory bottles are fantastic tools that can help calm a child because of the sensory input it provides by looking at the items inside flow or feeling the bottle’s weight. Children may expand and work on their language and social skills by communicating with others and describing their play experience. It is a great way for children to discover, be curious and explore sensory!
**Content:**
Sensory bottles are fantastic tools that can help calm a child because of the sensory input it provides by looking at the items inside flow or feeling the bottle’s weight. Children may expand and work on their language and social skills by communicating with others and describing their play experience. It is a great way for children to discover, be curious and explore sensory!
**Materials**
- A Plastic Bottle (with an opening wide enough to place items in)
- Pompoms with a variety of sizes
- Glitter and, or Confetti (optional)
- Elmer’s Clear Glue (266 mL)
- Warm water
- Glue Gun
- Glue Stick
- Food Colouring (optional)
**Instructions**
1. Pour the warm water halfway into the bottle.
2. Add the clear glue where the sensory bottle becomes only 1/3 empty.
3. Add the pompoms and glitter/confetti inside.
4. Put the lid on the bottle and make sure it is closed tightly. Shake everything together!
5. After, add the clear glue to the brim and shake.
*Note:* The more glue you put inside, the slower the items will flow!
### Sealing the Sensory Bottle
***Important:*** Please ensure that an adult or someone who knows how to use a hot glue gun is present to help in this step.
Using the hot glue gun, spread the glue around the neck of the bottle. Quickly place the lid on the bottle and close it tightly! This will prevent the bottle from leaking when it is being shaken. To ensure it is extra secure, wrap duct tape around the bottom of the lid.
**Extend the Activity!**
You can experience different liquids such as cooking/baby oil and water, hair gel and water, and engage in conversation by comparing how they differ from glue and water or hair gel. You could also create various themed sensory bottles related to your children’s interests, such as ocean creatures or dinosaurs.
If you do not have water bottles, you can also try making sensory squishy bags with a Ziploc bag, hair gel, glitter and food colouring. Please make sure you use duct tape to completely secure the bag (all four sides) from exploding when you squeeze it!
Happy Sensory Bottle Making!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
**Tags:** art, art activity, art education, art therapy, craft, creative activity, diy, mental health, minduflness, occupational therapy, sensory, sensory bottle, therapy, video
---
### [Helping Children Understand Their Emotions with Mood Cards](https://oaklearners.ca/helping-children-understand-their-emotions-with-mood-cards/)
**Published:** March 10, 2021
**Author:** Tabitha Lynn
**Excerpt:** Moods and emotions can be big feelings that even some adults have trouble understanding so we cannot expect children to be masters of theirs. There are many ways in which we can help children understand what they are feelings, such as role modeling, through pretend play, and mood cards. In this blog we will be focusing on mood cards, what they are and how to use them.
**Content:**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210310_160347-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210309_131347.jpg?ssl=1)
Moods and emotions can be big feelings that even some adults have trouble understanding so we cannot expect children to be masters of theirs. There are many ways in which we can help children understand what they are feeling, such as role modeling, through pretend play, and mood cards. In this blog we will be focusing on mood cards, what they are and how to use them.
## What are Mood Cards?
Mood cards are just what they sound like, cards with different moods on them. They can be purchased or made with or without the child. When looking at a purchased set of mood cards, such as themoodcards by Andrea Harrn, you will the name of the mood with a picture and a brief description on the front and some tips on how to understand the mood on the back.
If you decide to make your own mood cards, I would suggest to have the child(ren) help in the process. You can ask the child to draw a picture of how their feel/look when they are happy, sad, excited, angry, and so on. Depending on their capabilities they can write the name or you could help them write it. Then have a conversation about some things that cause these moods and what helps them get out of bad moods. Write these tips on the back of their drawing.
## Ways to Use Mood Cards
Whether you chose to purchase or make your cards have the cards display them where the child will see and have access to them. There are different ways these cards can be used, depending on the age and capabilities of the child.
For younger children or children with a limited understand of moods and emotions you want to start of by helping them understand what they are feeling. For example, when the child is upset you can ask them to pick the card that matches how they are feeling. Once they have picked the card ask the child how they body feeling while in this mood (are they muscles tight, does their stomach hurt). By asking the child to describe how their body is feeling makes them start and think about it and can help them recognize when they are getting upset in the future. Ask the child what caused them to be in this mood and how they think they can change their mood. When you allow the child the opportunity to come up with their own solution it teaches them that they can be in control of their own moods and emotions. Depending on how upset the child is, this may not be possible for them to complete right away. In this case, allow the child to calm down before asking them to pick a card.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210310_104423.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/1-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/4-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
For older children or children who have a good understanding of their feelings you can try some different strategies with the mood cards. When they are not in a good mood you can ask them to pick the mood card that matched how they are feeling and then pick a second card. The second card is the for the mood they would like to get to. Similar to the younger children, you will ask questions like why and how long they have felt this way. Then you will ask them how they can change their mood it the second card. Ask them how you can help them if they are having a difficult time changing their mood. Make sure they understand it is ok to have feeling that are sad, angry, and/or negative, but that we cannot let the negative feelings take over and consume us.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210309_131243-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210309_131303-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210309_131313-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210309_131326-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
---
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting, Teaching
---
### [Tornado in a Jar Experiment](https://oaklearners.ca/tornado-in-a-jar-experiment/)
**Published:** March 9, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Excerpt:** The tornado in a jar experiment is a great way to teach kids about weather conditions such as tornados and safety measures for nature related events.
**Content:**
The tornado in a jar experiment is a great way to [teach kids about weather conditions such as tornados](https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/tornado#:~:text=A%20tornado%20is%20often%20a,last%20less%20than%2010%20minutes.) and safety measures for nature related events.
**Materials you will need:**
- Glass jar (Mason Jar or a Pickle Jar, just needs to have a lid!)
- Water
- Blue food colouring (3-5 drops)
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of dish soap (clear or blue)
- Measuring Spoons
### Tornado in a Jar Experiment Steps:
1. Fill the jar almost to the rim with cold water.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of clear or blue liquid soap to the jar of water.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the jar.
4. Add 3-5 drops of blue food colouring if you wish.
5. Put the lid back on the jar very tightly.
6. Shake the jar.
Now you can watch the tornado spin in a safe place for your observation.
---
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**Categories:** Activities, STEAM
---
### [Walking Water Experiment](https://oaklearners.ca/walking-water-experiment/)
**Published:** March 9, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Excerpt:** The walking water experiment is a fun way to learn about colours and absorbency. Play around with the mixing, the paper towel lengths, cup sizes, water levels, and see what you can make happen.
**Content:**
The walking water experiment is a fun way to learn about colours and absorbency. Play around with the mixing, the paper towel lengths, cup sizes, water levels, and see what you can make happen.
**Materials you will need:**
- Water
- 7 cups
- 2 spoons
- Red, yellow and blue food colouring
- 6 pieces of paper towel
## How to do the experiment:
1. Line the cups up in a row and fill each one with water.
2. Then add 5 drops of red food colouring to the first and 7th cups.
3. Add 5 drops of yellow food colouring to the 3rd cup.
4. Add 5 drops of blue food colouring to the 5th cup.
5. Take a half sheet of paper towel and fold it length wise twice.
6. Trim off some length so that when the paper towel is bent of the sides of 2 cups it doesn’t stick up too far into the air.
7. Place a paper towel from cup 1 to cup 2. Another from cup 2 to cup 3. Another from cup 3 to cup 4. And so on until the end of the last paper towel is sitting in cup 7.
Now you watch. It’s fascinating to see the results.
---
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**Categories:** Activities, STEAM
---
### [How Oak Learners makes supporting children a top priority - every day!](https://oaklearners.ca/how-oak-learners-makes-supporting-children-a-top-priority/)
**Published:** March 9, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Excerpt:** The teachers work well with families by continually listening with open ears to concerns or inquiries parents may have regarding their children. Oak Learners is always open to suggestions families come to them about concerning the school in general or about their own children.
**Content:**
The following interview with a parent whose children attend Oak Learners provided insights on how the school works admirably with families: from accommodating the needs of every individual child to tackling any problems thrown in their direction.
The teachers work well with families by continually listening with open ears to concerns or inquiries parents may have regarding their children. Oak Learners is always open to suggestions families come to them about concerning the school in general or about their own children.
The staff always ensures they listen to families’ concerns although, they always have a response and a solution but do not always go in the direction that families are looking for. Furthermore, the responses given are always consistent with their philosophy.
Oak learners always ensure they offer accessibility to allow families the opportunity of making an appointment to talk or catching up at the end of each day. This reassures that families know that if any issues arise, it will be tackled very quickly. With the issues that come up being resolved Oak Learners also provides families to have the flexibility to produce their own solutions.
Oak Learners communicates well with families in the sense that they come up with a “refreshing” list of problems their child may be experiencing but also provide them with their solutions to help support. Oak Learners works to provide families with the reassurance that the needs of all children are their number one priority!
“*Encourage and support your kids because children are apt to live up to what you believe of them”*
~Lady Bird Johnson
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**Categories:** Music
**Tags:** interview, oak learners, parent perspective, support for learning, teacher, video
---
### [5 Reasons Why You Should Teach Your Child a New Language](https://oaklearners.ca/5-reasons-why-you-should-teach-your-child-a-new-language/)
**Published:** March 5, 2021
**Author:** Marziyeh Modjtehedi
**Content:**
Contrary to popular belief, learning multiple languages simultaneously doesn’t cause a language delay and is shown to have many benefits. In fact, children’s brains are able to absorb a second language effortlessly from the ages of 0-3 since their brains are more flexible and adaptable.
Although bilingual children may use words from two languages in one sentence in the beginning, they eventually learn how to separate the two. Fear not! This is all a normal part of language learning!
**Here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Teach Your Child a New Language:**
**1. Boosts Academic Achievement**
According to research, children who learn a second language are more likely to do better in school as they have better writing, reading, math skills and a richer vocabulary. By learning a new language, not only do you understand your primary language better, but it is also easier to learn a third language.
**2. Improves Cognitive Development**
By embarking on a journey to learn a new language, children develop “cognitive flexibility” as they have to mentally switch from one language to the other and decide which one to use. This mental workout strengthens children’s cognitive muscles and makes them more skilled at multi-tasking, concentrating, planning and most importantly, problem-solving.
**3. Fosters Creative Thinking**
Many studies have shown that bilingual children have a larger capacity to think outside of the box. Since some words and expressions don’t exist in other languages, children are forced to find translations of words in one language and convert it to the other. This mental game allows a child to develop unique thinking skills.
**4. More Opportunities**
In today’s globalized society, children who know more than one language will be exposed to numerous opportunities in University/College as well as throughout their professional careers. Children will be able to reach and influence a larger audience through the power of language.
**5. Building Family Bonds**
Beginning the language learning process early with your children allows you to create an environment where you can bond with your family while learning a language together. Why not come together and make it a family project?
Also, learning a second language can allow your children to strengthen ties with family members who may not speak English, and will develop a connection with their culture.
Your child will broaden their understanding of the world through empathy for different races, religions and ethnicities as they will be able to create a connection to people from different parts of the world.
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** bilingual, conversation, language, learning, learning language, second language
---
### [Space STEAM DIY: Moon Rocks](https://oaklearners.ca/space-steam-diy-moon-rocks/)
**Published:** February 28, 2021
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** With NASA’s landing on Mars on February 18th we have been enjoying a couple of space themed weeks of lessons and activities.
This week we decided to make some really cool moon rocks!
This is a really easy and enjoyable hands on activity for kids of all ages.
**Content:**
### With [NASA’s landing on Mars on February 18th](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUqsH5y1j1M) we have been enjoying a couple of space themed weeks of lessons and activities.
# This week we decided to make some really cool moon rocks!
### This is a really easy and enjoyable hands on activity for kids of all ages.
To make moon rocks you will need: - One full box of baking soda
- ½ cup of water
- 2 drops of red food colouring
- 2 drops of green food colouring
- A container container big enough for mixing
- A spoon for mixing
- Optional: you can add sparkles for some added fun!
Instructions:
Pour the box of baking soda into the plastic container, add the red and green food colouring to the water then mix the water mixture and the baking soda together.
If the mixture is too wet just add more baking soda.
Once it’s mixed, split it up between the kids and let them mold their moon rocks. You can have them mold them on plates, in containers, or in tin foil baking trays.
Then put them all in the freezer overnight.
Once they’ve been molded and frozen you get to do the second step.
## Activity Part 2:
Using small droppers let the kids drop vinegar on their moon rock creations and watch them sizzle.
Baking soda and vinegar reactions never get old and the droppers help with fine motor skills.
Enjoy the experiment!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts, STEAM
---
### [Arts & Crafts: Slime, Slime, Slime!](https://oaklearners.ca/arts-crafts-slime-slime-slime/)
**Published:** February 25, 2021
**Author:** Kim Anh Vo
**Excerpt:** Slime is a fun sensory activity that promotes motor and cognitive development. Children are engaged in science and mathematics by adding and mixing ingredients and seeing how it all turns into slime. Also, what makes a better way to relieve anxiety or stress than to be able to squeeze a hand full of slime?!
**Content:**
Slime is a fun sensory activity that promotes motor and cognitive development. Children are engaged in science and mathematics by adding and mixing ingredients and seeing how it all turns into slime. Also, what makes a better way to relieve anxiety or stress than to be able to squeeze a hand full of slime?!
### Slime Materials
- 2 bowls (a medium and small size)
- 3 Popsicle Sticks
- Food Colouring
- 1 tsp of Baking Soda
- 2-½ small bowls of Foaming Face/Hand Wash Soap
- 1 cup of Elmer’s Liquid Glue
- 1 tbsp Contact Lens Cleaning Solution
\* Glitter, beads, or alternative small loose parts can be used to give the slime texture!
**Instructions**
1. In the medium bowl, add the glue and a few drops of food colouring. Use the popsicle stick to mix it well!
2. Using the small bowl, add the foaming face/hand wash soap into the medium bowl. With a new popsicle stick, continue to mix well. You can add more food colouring if you would like.
\*Add the loose parts if you would like to add texture to your slime and mix well.
3. Wipe the small bowl with a towel then add the baking soda and contact lens solution. Using a new popsicle stick, mix it well.
4. Add the baking soda and contact solution mix into the medium bowl. Continue to mix!
5. If you still find it is more liquidy and, or sticky, add more contact solution.
6. Use your hands to stretch and knead the slime to your desired consistency.
*Note:* The slime can be kept in a tightly sealed container and played with for up to 2 days. **When playing with slime, please avoid carpeted areas.**
**Extend the Activity!**
If the children made the slime without loose parts, you could still give it to them to see what they will create! Loose parts can consist of recyclable items such as shredded paper and plastic bottle caps or googly eyes, sticks and beads. Another fun way is to add lettered beads in the slime and get the children to search for them in the slime to spell out their name or words of your choice!
Happy Slime Making!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
**Tags:** art, art activity, art education, art therapy, craft, creative activity, diy, hands on activity, make slime, messy art, paint, sensory activity, slime, video
---
### [Arts & Crafts: Blow Painting with Straws](https://oaklearners.ca/arts-crafts-blow-painting-with-straws/)
**Published:** February 25, 2021
**Author:** Kim Anh Vo
**Excerpt:** Blow painting with straws is a fun activity for children because it provides excellent opportunities to experiment with colour and different ways to paint other than using a paintbrush.
**Content:**
Blow painting with straws is a fun activity for children because it provides excellent opportunities to experiment with colour and different ways to paint other than using a paintbrush. The best part is that this abstract art can be interpreted and turned into anything!
**Materials**
- Straws
- Watercolour Paint\*
- A Safety pin
- Paper (cardstock, construction paper, or watercolour)
- Spoons or Droppers
- Cups
- A tray (optional)
\*Tempera paint or watered-down food colouring works too!
**Straw Preparation**
Before you begin the activity, take the safety pin and poke a hole in the straws. By doing this, it will prevent children from sucking up the paint into their mouths by accident!
**Instructions**
1. Mix the watercolour paint with water. This will allow the paint to flow easily when being blown on the paper.
**TIP:** Use less water so the paint is more pigmented. 😊
1. Use the spoon and release a few drops onto the paper.
2. Take the straw and blow air through it to move the paint around!
**Extend the Activity!**
You can engage in conversation with your child by discussing what happens when specific colours mix or what happens if they change the angle of the straw. You can also experiment with different types of paint!
Happy Painting!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
**Tags:** art, art activity, art education, art therapy, blow painting, craft, creative activity, diy, elementary, kindergarten, mindfulness, paint, preschool, straws, teaching art, video
---
### [Progressive Muscle Relaxation](https://oaklearners.ca/progressive-muscle-relaxation/)
**Published:** February 25, 2021
**Author:** Tabitha Lynn
**Excerpt:** Children have just as much stress, frustration, and/or anxiety as most adults but are not able to understand or control it in the moment. During moments of stress and anxiety children tend to tense up certain muscle groups unknowingly and have a challenging time relaxing them. This can lead to the children being in a state of high anxiety for longer periods of time.
**Content:**
Children have just as much stress, frustration, and/or anxiety as most adults but are not able to understand or control it in the moment. During moments of stress and anxiety children tend to tense up certain muscle groups unknowingly and have a challenging time relaxing them. This can lead to the children being in a state of high anxiety for longer periods of time.
Progressive muscle relaxation is a tool that can be used to help teach the child how to recognize when their muscles are tense and when and how to relax them. The idea behind progressive muscle relaxation is to train the brain to relax when they start to tense up. For this to work effectively it must be practiced while in a calm state. Here are some examples of how to practice progressive relaxation with older children or adults and with younger children or children with exceptionalities:
## Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Older Children/Adults
With older children or adults progressive muscle relaxation should be practiced on a regular basis. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can have the child sitting back or laying down. The speaker must use a calm and quiet tone while going through the script (they are many scripts available online or you can create your own). Start off by doing a few deep slow breathes. Ask the child to breathe in through their nose (you can ask them to smell the flower) then have them release that breathe through their mouth (or blow out the candle). Once they breathing is slow and calm, we will start with the muscles. The goal is to have the child focus on one muscle group at a time. For example, start by asking the child to pretend they have lemons in their hands and ask them to squeeze the lemons. Have them squeeze the lemons for 2-3 deep breathes than have them relax their hands. Move on to another muscle group such as the lower arms, upper arms, legs, face, and mid-section. Finally, have them tense they entire body for 2-3 deep breathes before fully relaxing. You can finish off by a small guided mediation in a place that they find calm.
After the child has practiced this in a calm state for several weeks you can transition it to times of stress. During stress moments the entire script is not needed, focus on the areas that tend up for that particle child. Ask them to tighten that area, such as the hands or face, take a couple deep breathes and release the tension.
## Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Younger Children or Children with Exceptionalities
With younger children the process is slightly different, as they may not be able to tense all muscle groups on command or are still learning the areas of their bodies. You can still start off by asking them to smell the flowers and blow out the candles to slow their breathing down and use a soft calm tone. Instead of asking them to make their muscles tight, you will ask them to gently squeeze the area with their hands. For the hands, you can actually give them something to squeeze, such as a stress ball. You will model all the movements for the child until they then that areas on their own. As with the process with the older child, after several weeks of practice in a calm state you can start using this in stressful states. You can ask the child to squeeze the area that feels tight to them or that appears tense to you depending on the child’s understanding.
---
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting
---
### [Outdoor Learning at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/outdoor-learning-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** February 23, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Excerpt:** Children need the opportunity to get up and move throughout the day rather than sitting at their desks for long periods of time, and Oak Learners can provide just that! Giving children the opportunity to be outside of the classroom environment is important as it allows them to be more open to learning and loving it. Incorporating outdoor learning could make the world of a difference for children and enhancing their learning.
**Content:**
At Oak Learners a big part of their curriculum is implemented in the outdoors outside of the typical classroom environment.
Children need the opportunity to get up and move throughout the day rather than sitting at their desks for long periods of time, and Oak Learners can provide just that! Giving children the opportunity to be outside of the classroom environment is important as it allows them to be more open to learning and loving it. Incorporating outdoor learning could make the world of a difference for children and enhancing their learning.
So, what does the outdoor learning at Oak Learners involve?
The teachers create purposeful experiences for the children with part of the lesson within the classroom along with the outdoor portion. For example, they were doing a project based on the election and completed the work they needed to do inside such as the math aspect which integrated the use of graphs and how they can collect the data that is needed. During English, they worked on different ways they could ask questions or approach people. After they went outside with their clipboards to complete the election experience. This consisted of all the children working together to work on each individual strengths to decide who does what portion of the experience.
This learning experience allowed the children to have an equal portion of the lesson inside with the opportunity to be outdoors. This was done by combining what they can do academically within the classroom and then they go outside to put it into practice!
“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” – Kay Redfield Jamison
[Visit Oak Outside](https://oaklearners.ca/oakoutside/)
---
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**Categories:** Music
---
### [How Oak Learners Supports Children Within the Classroom!](https://oaklearners.ca/how-oak-learners-supports-children-within-the-classroom/)
**Published:** February 23, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Content:**
Oak Learners is not a normal school, it is an extraordinary private school that provides children with a learning environment that lives beyond the four walls of a classroom. As a parent, you always want the absolute best for your children and to find the school that best suits the needs of your child. During an interview with a parent of children that attend Oak Learners, it was mentioned that when searching for a school that was perfect for her children, schools had said that they do not deal with certain behaviours that may be seen within the classroom. As a parent that is not something you would want to hear, as they will not feel as if their child will be supported within the classroom in every aspect. At Oak Learners they offer an **individual approach** to learning which allows children to work on different skill sets while setting goals to meet their unique needs. Oak Learners promotes **positive learning experiences** that use the children’s strengths to work on the areas of weakness. Support is always available as Oak learners **prioritizes mental health** and **social emotional learning** as this is part of their core curriculum for the children. This is a huge priority for Oak Learners for the reason that this is one of the key component’s children can receive for academic success. Additionally, Oak Learners provides children with the skills they need to become more independent in the areas of self-care. A mom of children who attend Oak Learners had noticed that her children were able to get dressed, prepare parts of their own meals, attend to needs of personal hygiene since these things are fostered within the classroom environment.
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**Categories:** Education
---
### [Outdoor Activities: Paint the Snow!](https://oaklearners.ca/paint-snow/)
**Published:** February 21, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
We have been getting a lot of snow the past couple of weeks and this particular activity looked like so much fun to me!
All you need is a bin filled with snow and some paint or markers! With the use of paint brushes, sponges, and any other crafty tools to use, the white snow can be turned into beautiful colours and allow the children to experience a sensory and hands-on activity.
It would also be nice to explore how the textures of paint and snow work together and how long a painted image will last on the snow!!
Creating different scenarios to play and paint/draw according to it is another idea to have fun with this activity! (See image below.)
Check out more[ outdoor activities](https://www.momlifemadeeasy.com/indoor-toddler-games/) children can enjoy at the comfort of their home!
Enjoy!
---
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**Categories:** Outside Activities
**Tags:** art, at home learning, creative kids activities, diy, outdoor education, outside art, paint snow, painting, snow
---
### [Games for Virtual Learning: For Teachers and Caregivers of Children (3-12yrs)](https://oaklearners.ca/games-for-virtual-learning-for-teachers-and-caregivers-of-children/)
**Published:** February 5, 2021
**Author:** Emma Van der Jagt
**Excerpt:** As a camp counsellor turned Kindergarten teacher, I use “back pocket games” to build a variety of skills and maximize engagement for my students. Staying active and connected is one of the best ways to focus on ours and our children’s mental health, but has been harder to do while staying home.
**Content:**
As a camp counsellor turned Kindergarten teacher, I use “back pocket games” to build a variety of skills and maximize engagement for my students. Staying active and connected is one of the best ways to focus on ours and our children’s mental health, but has been harder to do while staying home. In an age of virtual learning, family visits, playdates, etc. It is important to quickly adapt and to allow our creativity to flow. The following is a list of adaptations for some fun and easy games to play for varying ages. All of these games have been adapted to be played virtually. Feel free to try these out with your students or young learners at home or even the next time family or friends want to participate in a video call.
### Games for Virtual Learning:
---
## **Pictionary** (ages 3+)
Pictionary is a classic drawing game that is fun for all ages!
***Materials***: Paper, writing tools OR a digital whiteboard (Zoom has this feature built in)
***How to Play**:* One person is the “artist” while the other individual or group becomes the “guessers.” The artist has one minute to draw whatever they choose using no words. Once the minute is up the group takes turns guessing what the drawing is. Each person in the group takes turns being the drawer. You can even add a theme if you want i.e.: Disney characters, 3D shapes, outer space etc.
***Tips***: Depending on the ages you are playing with you may want to have a list of pre-determined things to draw.
***Skills**:* Fine motor development, turn-taking, following instructions, critical thinking, verbal and non-verbal communication.
---
## **What time is it Mr. Wolf** (ages 4+)
A fun time telling game involving physical activity! Bonus: a great game if you are learning about telling time!
***Materials**:* none!
***How to Play**:* Decide on who is going to be the wolf. Go over the numbers on a clock and explain the wolf can choose any number between 1-12. The group asks “what time is it Mr./Mrs. Wolf.” The wolf announces the number they have chosen. The group does jumping jacks based on the number. This continues until the wolf announces “LUNCHTIME.” Once lunchtime is announced the group has to hide out of view from their camera. If you are the last one to hide out of the wolfs view you become the wolf next. Turning your video off does not count, you must hide with your video still on. Find an example below.
*Group: “What time is it Mr. Wolf!?”*
*Mr. Wolf: “4 o’clock!”*
*Group: \*4 jumping jacks\* “what time is it Mr. Wolf!?” etc.*
***Tips**:* Make sure you have your video chat in gallery mode so that you can see everyone. Change up the wolf to follow a fun theme. For example Mr. Snowman.
***Skills**:* Turn taking, following instructions, introduction to telling time, gross motor development, co-operative play, etc.
---
## **Build-a-Car** (ages 4+)
Build-a-Car is a spin on the classic but outdated game “Hangman.” You can choose anything you’d like to draw so long as it can be made of parts. I also use robot, person and train regularly.
***Materials**:* Paper, writing tools OR a digital whiteboard (Zoom has this feature built in)
***How to Play**:* One person decides on a word and draws a line for each letter in the word. Each person takes turns guessing a letter. If the letter is not in the word cross it out and move on to the next player. If the letter belongs in the word, add it and then everyone playing can draw one part to their car. Take turns between choosing the word and guessing the word.
***Tips**:* Write the alphabet on a separate sheet for those who are just becoming familiar with their letters. You can also use pre-determined words or themes to help if it’s hard to come up with words.
---
## **Red Light, Green Light** (ages 3+)
Red Light, Green Light is a great way to add physical activity into your routine and can easily be adapted to the abilities of those playing as well as can follow many different themes.
***Materials**:* none! Bonus: You can spice things up by adding a fun way to display the colours as you call them out.
***How to Play**:* One person is chosen to be the “traffic controller.” The “traffic controller” has the choice to call out red light, yellow light or red light. If green light is called out then the group needs to do a cardio exercise until a new colour is called out (i.e.: running on the spot, jumping jacks, spinning.) If yellow light is called the group has to do their chosen move in slow motion until another colour is called out. If red light is called the group has to stop and strike a pose until another colour is called out. Take turns being the traffic controller vs a participant.
***Tips**:* Having a visual cue for the traffic light colour can make this extra fun and also make it more accessible. You can also change this up based on different themes/curriculums.
---
## **Wax Museum** (ages 5+)
Wax museum is a camp classic which challenges the participants to stay as still as a wax figure when the security guard comes by.
***Materials**:* none!
***How to Play**:* One person is the “Security Guard.” The security guard closes their eyes and counts to 10. The group has 10 seconds to get into a pose and stay as still as possible. Then the security guard opens their eyes and looks at each person on the screen. If the security guard catches someone moving then they are out for the duration of the game but can have a chance to be the security guard in the next round. You can also just end the round as soon as one person is caught. Take turns being the security guard or a participant in the wax museum.
***Tips**:* Ensure your video chat is in gallery mode so that you can see everyone at once. This is also easy to adapt to other themes.
---
## **Simon Says** (ages 3+)
A fun an easy game for everyone!
***Materials**:* none!
***How to Play**:* One person is the leader and calls out the actions. Everyone else must follow the leader and do the action, but only when **Simon says**. For example, **Simon says**, touch your toes. If you do the action without the leader saying **Simon says** first, then you are out of the game.
***Tips**:* change up the names or themes if you want.
---
## **Alphabet Fitness** (ages 3+)
Fitness fun for all ages!
***Materials**:* none!
***How to Play**:* Choose a movement that starts with the letters of the alphabet starting at A. For example, A= arm stretches B= balance on one foot C= calf raises.
---
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**Categories:** Activities, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** camp games, classroom, classroom games, games, online game, parenting, play date, social skills, teachers, teaching, virtual learning, virtual social
---
### [Screen Time: Scary or Necessary?](https://oaklearners.ca/screen-time-scary-or-necessary/)
**Published:** February 2, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
If you’re like me, you have likely spent your child’s early years making extraordinary efforts to limit screen time and avoid the 80’s “TV Babysitter”. Yet, here we are in 2021 faced with the necessity of doing almost everything in our days on a screen. No longer do we just receive entertainment through a screen, but we are also working on a screen, our children go to school on a screen, we talk to family and friends through a screen and even do most of our shopping on a screen. At this point, we are all asking the same question – How much screen time is too much?
The answer is another question – Is the screen time Active or Passive engagement?
Passive screen time would be the traditional zombie TV mode. We turn off our brains and let the characters on the screen show and tell us how to feel, when to laugh and when to act surprised. This type of screen time should be limited for everyone, children and parents alike!
Active screen time is where the brain is actively engaged in a specific activity or task and the screen becomes the tool rather than the function. This can include some interactive games, learning activities and some forms of online learning. When children are actively thinking, answering, learning and questioning, the screen itself is almost entirely irrelevant.
The goal of learning should be to develop critical thinking skills, questioning skills, research and reporting skills and collaboration. All of these skills can be facilitated through online learning – the difference is active or passive engagement.
So, the next time you start panicking because your child has spent all day on a screen and wants to play more computer games, ask yourself one question before saying yes or no – “Is the screen time active or passive?”
For active screen time options that are engaging, with small groups and tons of interaction, consider Oak Online virtual classes, designed by real teachers to engage, enhance and enrich every child’s online learning experience. Visit <https://oaklearners.ca/oakonline/> to learn more.
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**Categories:** Parenting
**Tags:** children, family, internet, internet safety, online learning, parenting, screen time, virtual learning
---
### [Promoting Community Involvement & Volunteering from Home](https://oaklearners.ca/beyond-your-bubble-promoting-community-involvement-volunteering-from-home/)
**Published:** January 18, 2021
**Author:** Julia Taylor
**Content:**
One of the most consistent messages we’ve heard throughout this pandemic is to stay at home, but what can we do when “home” starts to feel like a lonely place? One solution is to encourage children and youth to get involved with community service and volunteering projects. Community engagement gives students the chance to make meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.
As challenging as the past few months have been, I have noticed that the students who attend Oak Learners for day school, drop-in classes and tutoring are becoming more aware of how their actions can positively affect their community. They know that small actions (like wearing a face covering or properly washing their hands) can make a big difference. Introducing students to community project ideas and volunteering opportunities can help nurture their sense of social responsibility, in addition to developing other important skills like communication and organization.
So, how can we teach students to be part of a community when we are constantly social distancing from family, friends, and neighbours? With the help of technology and some creativity, students of any ability, age, or income can be involved in community projects and volunteering while staying safe.
### Share Talents
Everyone has a talent or interest that can contribute to their community. Start chatting with kids about what their strengths and interests are, and how they can use their hobbies and talents to help out different people. Here are some ideas of activities that students can do to get involved:
- Make a playlist of songs for a friend or family member or neighbours: find songs that remind students of their loved ones or introduce them to their new favourite songs!
- Make or write a “Wish You Were Here!” postcard: you don’t need to travel to send a postcard! Students can find a postcard from their hometown and write a nice message to someone that they wish they could spend more time with. They could also do a “reverse” postcard in which children or teens write about a place they want to travel to in the future. If students are creative, then they can make their own, and also enjoy some of the other [Oak Learners crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/). After the postcard is complete, drop or mail it off- that lucky person will be thrilled to get some mail that isn’t a bill!
- Students can record a video of their hobby to share with extended family, friends or neighbours: some possibilities are recording singing, dancing, playing music, reciting a poem or short story, a pretend cooking show (accompanied with a recipe!) or performing a short play or magic show.
- Set up a “Reading Buddy” Zoom to help other students practice reading
- Interview a grandparent or elderly community member about their life’s story and write a biography.
- Offer to practice speaking English or other languages with fellow language learners.
### Community Projects
Try out some of these community activities in your neighbourhood:
- Organize a seasonal decoration event for the neighbourhood; encourage neighbours to design and hang up decorations in their windows and doors (like Easter eggs, snowflakes, etc.) and stroll around the neighbourhood enjoying everyone’s artwork. This event could easily be turned into a scavenger hunt for younger kids- challenge them to see how many decorations they can spot!
- Similar to an “Earth Hour”, organize an “Unplugged Evening” event in which people of the same household turn off their electronic devices and do an activity together. Send out posters explaining fun screen-free activities like making a meal together, playing board games or reading stories.
- Even simple things like shoveling snow, raking leaves and mowing lawns can make a huge difference in a neighbourhood!
### Volunteering
Despite all the disruptions of the pandemic, there are still ways that people can volunteer locally and globally. Chat with students about which organizations they are interested in supporting or learning about and how often they would like to volunteer. Even short term commitments can make a big impact.
### Canadian Opportunities
- “[Sending Sunshine](https://www.sendingsunshine.ca/)”: Children can write letters and make artwork letters for seniors and mail them to this Mississauga-based organization
- High school students can look for opportunities to fulfill their community service hours by using <https://volunteer.ca/index.php> and <https://www.sparkontario.ca/>
### International Opportunities
- Elementary school students can develop their vocabulary and practice their times tables while donating rice through the United Nations by play games on “[Free Rice](https://freerice.com/categories/english-vocabulary)”
- Students can choose from a variety of “social impact games that serve as critical tools in humanitarian and educational efforts” on the “[Games for Change](https://www.gamesforchange.org/)” website
- Volunteer proofreaders, translators and transcribers are all welcome to volunteer with “[Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/)”
- Older students can be inspired to join or create their own community projects by checking out the campaigns from <https://www.dosomething.org/us>
### Start a Discussion
Some of the first steps of nurturing an interest in community service and volunteering is to help children and youth become informed. Talking about current events is one way to gauge what your child is interested in. CBC Kids is a great place to start because these newspaper articles help kids understand current events and complex issues, like the Black Lives Matter organization and movement. CBC Kids also offers games, videos and contests.
- CBC News Kids “[What Canadian Kids Should Know About Black Lives Matter](https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-what-canadian-kids-should-know-about-blacklivesmatter)”
Some of these topics are sensitive, and no one expects you to be an expert, but opening up the floor to talk and learn about social justice will equip students with inclusive vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. For more resources about social justice and equity (that don’t involve screen time!), check out these links:
- “[Strong Nations](https://www.strongnations.com/)”: A First Nations, Metis & Inuit bookstore based in Nanaimo, British Columbia
- “[Second Story Press](https://secondstorypress.ca/)”: Feminist-inspired books for children & adults based in Toronto, Ontario.
- “[A Different Booklist](https://www.adifferentbooklist.com/)”: Black owned bookstore based in Toronto offering a selection of books for adults and kids by authors from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities
- “[Glad Day Bookshop](https://www.gladdaybookshop.com/)”: The world’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop located in Toronto, Ontario
- [The Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s List of Disability](http://www.bookcentre.ca/files/Disabilities%20List%202015_rev.pdf)-Themed Books for Kids and Teens
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Resource Recommendations, Teaching
**Tags:** children, community, family, giving, helping, lessons, parenting, school, teaching, volunteer
---
### [5 Tips to help make Virtual Learning a more positive experience](https://oaklearners.ca/5-tips-to-help-make-virtual-learning-a-more-positive-experience-for-the-whole-family/)
**Published:** January 11, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Having the whole family at home and trying to engage with virtual learning and work activities can be beyond frustrating. Keep in mind the following tips to help make the most of your at-home learning experience and help encourage more independent learning skills from your child.
**Content:**
Having the whole family at home and trying to engage with virtual learning and work activities can be beyond frustrating and complicated to figure out how to juggle it all!
Keep in mind the following tips to help make the most of your at-home learning experience and help encourage more independent learning skills from your child:
1. **Set up a dedicated workspace** **for your child** with few distractions and preferably a headset with a mic. This helps keep their focus on the sounds of the classroom and the teacher’s voice and the headset microphone helps eliminate background noises so we can hear the children better.
2. **Eliminate as much background noise** **as possible**! Keep in mind that if you are working or listening to music in the same room your child is in “school” – the whole class can hear you! If possible, set your child up in a separate room from anyone else who is working online.
3. **Let them move their bodies**! Little bodies need to move so we often encourage kids to stand, sit, lie, jump, fidget or doodle during online classes. If this ever becomes a hindrance to their participation, we will let you know, but otherwise, we have found that children are more likely to participate when they can move freely.
4. **Keep some snacks on-hand**. Just like at school, it’s great for kids to regularly fill their brains with water and healthy snacks. Keeping these nearby their desk setup will help curb cravings and minimize reasons for them to get up and wander during class.
5. **Be a partner in your child’s learning**. It can be very frustrating for students of all ages (even high school) to be trying to participate in an online class. When they want to ask a question, they may not get called on, or they may not ever get a chance to share their ideas. This is where parents can be a valuable partner in their child’s learning. Be available to answer their questions or listen to their ideas that were sparked from the class. This can help provide the important feedback loop to promote further learning and critical thinking skills.
Most importantly, remember that your child’s and your family’s mental health takes priority over everything else right now. Reduce the expectations to do everything and focus on setting everyone up for success.
### For some fun virtual learning check out [Oak Online](https://oaklearners.ca/oakonline/)
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Private Tutoring, Teaching
**Tags:** at home learning, education, homeschool, lockdown, mental health, online learning, pandemic, virtual learning
---
### [Support Local, Support Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/support-local-support-learning/)
**Published:** December 15, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
*First published in the [Etobicoke-Lakeshore Magazine](https://etobicokelakeshorepress.com/magazine), November Edition*
The Pandemic has taught us to value many local resources we may previously have taken for granted. We have been forced to shop local, eat local and enjoy the hidden gems in our community. These experiences have also provided a great opportunity to pass these lessons on to our children. Here are 3 ways to bring local gems into learning at home…
1\. Exploring new local educational resources and curricular program providers (like [Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca)). Many of these establishments are run by members of the community and provide a tailored learning experience for children both online and in small pods.
2\. Make mealtime special by picking up meal kits from local restaurants (ie. [Revolver Pizza](https://www.revolverpizzaco.com/), or [Mooring Eats](https://www.mooringeats.com/menu)) that you can make together as a family. Many local restaurants are using kits as an affordable way to stay afloat during these times. Kids can learn about Math through measurements and quantities, they learn about Literacy through reading recipes and menus and they naturally learn about nutrition and meal planning by experiencing new dishes.
3\. Local scavenger hunts are a great way to teach children about local geography and history. Our students at Oak Learners love games where they can map landmarks in the community and discover new ways to get places. [Word games](https://oaklearners.ca/2020/08/08/outdoor-learning-sound-walk-adventures/) with store signs and street signs are a fun way to make local errands more exciting too.
The lessons that 2020 has provided will be everlasting if we take time to listen and learn together.
---
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Parenting
**Tags:** etobicoke lakeshore, mimico, shop local
---
### [Popsicle Stick Snowflake Ornaments](https://oaklearners.ca/popsicle-stick-snowflake-ornaments/)
**Published:** December 15, 2020
**Author:** Brittany Ashmeade
**Content:**
The holiday season is here and what better way to enjoy it than creating beautiful crafts for you and your family. Whether you are decorating your trees or simply decorating your homes, Popsicle Stick Snowflake Ornaments are a great holiday staple for all ages.
### Materials Needed for Popsicle Stick Snowflake Ornaments:
Popsicle sticks
Paint (optional) – can opt for coloured popsicle sticks
Stickers
Ribbon
Rhinestones or glitter
Glue gun Steps:
1\. Gather four popsicle sticks and using your hot glue gun, glue them together in the shape of a snowflake.
2\. Cut a strand of ribbon and glue it to the back of your snowflake for hanging.
3\. Paint your popsicle sticks with the colour of your choosing. Allow paint to dry for a few hours.
4\. Using your rhinestones, glitter and/or stickers, feel free to decorate your snowflake however you’d like. If you have additional art materials, have fun with it!
Happy crafting everyone!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
---
### [Dance Fitness!](https://oaklearners.ca/dance-week/)
**Published:** November 26, 2020
**Author:** Brittany Ashmeade
**Excerpt:** Fitness doesn’t stop at sports and going to the gym.
**Content:**
Fitness doesn’t stop at sports and going to the gym. This week our online students learned all about dance and how dance keeps us active! Dance is a form of fitness that helps our students have fun, improve their coordination and build their growing muscles. Some dance fun we incorporated this week included: Simon Says with a dance spin! & The famous Freeze Dance (<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UcZWXvgMZE>)
 
Take a look at the Dance Word Search we created and see how fast you can find all of the words. Click this link to begin <https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/1652448/dance-word-search/>.
---
For more activity stories and Oak Learners fun check us out on [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
Looking for more fun activity blog posts then check out our [Activities Archives](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/)
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**Categories:** Programming, Teaching
**Tags:** dance, fitness, online classroom, online teaching, teaching, virtual learning
---
### [Raised Salt Painting](https://oaklearners.ca/raised-salt-painting-activity/)
**Published:** November 17, 2020
**Author:** Brittany Ashmeade
**Excerpt:** Art is a very important part of learning and creative expression. This raised salt painting activity is a great DIY activity to try at home!
**Content:**
Art is a very important part of learning and creative expression. This raised salt painting activity is a great DIY activity to try at home!
Materials needed:
- Card stock
- Wet glue (Elmers is a good option)
- Table salt
- Water colours
- Paint brushes
Steps:
1. Squeeze your glue design on your card stock.
2. Sprinkle your design with salt until the glue is thoroughly covered.
3. Dip your paintbrush into your liquid watercolour paint and gently touch the salt covered glue lines.
4. Watch the paint “magically” travel in both directions!
5. Let dry thoroughly! (Note: This may take a few days)
Have fun painting!
---
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For more fun Arts & Crafts find us on [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/) too.
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
**Tags:** activity, art, children, classroom, elementary, kindergarten, painting, preschool
---
### [Learning Healthy Living In "Fun With Fitness" Class](https://oaklearners.ca/fun-with-fitness-and-healthy-living/)
**Published:** October 29, 2020
**Author:** Brittany Ashmeade
**Content:**
Last week our “Fun with Fitness” class emphasized the importance of healthy living. Our virtual lesson highlighted that healthy foods are fundamental to a healthy lifestyle and we need to be aware of the five special food groups in order to grow big and strong and get all of our nutrients.
Using our special food pyramid below, courtesy of <https://happylearning.tv/en/> , we were able to discuss sweets, identify dairy foods, grains, protein rich foods and sort between different fruits and vegetables through various activities.
[Happy Learning TV](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8eJxPzmvTb12v7LlZUJcLQ) is a great educational resource with videos and games to complement youth education. See below for some of the fun learning activities we’ve created and completed this week.
Sorting activities are a great way for students to differentiate between items based on their differences and similarities. It’s as easy as creating a table with different categories to sort between. We chose fruits and veggies!
Virtual bingo activities keep our students engaged and give them the opportunity to learn while having fun. We used our own personalized dice generator to make a food related dice option. See <https://rollthedice.online> to create your own personalized dice! You can find several bingo sheets online or create your own at <https://bingobaker.com>.
Happy learning everyone!
---
For more healthy living posts visit our [Healthy Living Blog Posts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
To keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OakLearners) or [Instagram](//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”)
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Teaching
**Tags:** active, children, eating healthy, elementary, fitness, health class, healthy living, kindergarten, online learning, parenting
---
### [COVID-19 Survival Guide For Teens](https://oaklearners.ca/covid-19-survival-guide-for-teens/)
**Published:** October 15, 2020
**Author:** Brittany Ashmeade
**Content:**
u003cpu003eAs we all know, adjusting to life in a pandemic can be difficult. For teenagers, this can be especially difficult as summer events were cancelled and many students missed out on exciting milestones. These days, excitement and fun is hard to come by and social distancing doesn’t make it any easier. Teens are feeling depressed, bored and missing time spent with friends. As we ride the second wave of COVID-19, it’s time to get creative and surf the web. Parents need to keep their teens occupied and reduce their anxieties that come with our new normal.u003c/pu003ennHere are some great ideas for teenagers to make the most of their time at home:nu003culu003en tu003cliu003eCreate vision boards or collages of things they are looking forward to post pandemicu003c/liu003en tu003cliu003eStart a journal to express themselves and their feelings dailyu003c/liu003en tu003cliu003eCoordinate Zoom game nights with friendsu003c/liu003en tu003cliu003eStart a virtual book club or engage in a book exchangeu003c/liu003en tu003cliu003eCoordinate Netflix Parties with your favourite moviesu003c/liu003en tu003cliu003eEnroll in a free online class and learn a new skill (ex. Music or painting basics)u003c/liu003en tu003cliu003eDiscover new recipes online and practice cooking dinner for the familyu003c/liu003en tu003cliu003eResearch upcoming online paint nightsu003c/liu003en tu003cliu003eResearch virtual tours that align with their interestsu003c/liu003en tu003cliu003eDiscover online mindfulness meditation classesu003c/liu003enu003c/ulu003enIt can be hard to reduce screen time for teenagers so why not turn a negative into a positive and make the most of screen time. There are many ideas floating on the World Wide Web and this is just a starting point of some great methods to make COVID a little more tolerable. Just because we’re spending most of our time indoors doesn’t mean the fun has to end.nnFor online field trips to explore you can check out our u003ca href=u0022https://oaklearners.ca/virtual-field-trips/u0022u003eVirtual Field Trips archive pageu003c/au003e.nnu003chr /u003ennu003cpu003eFor more healthy living posts visit our u003ca href=u0022https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/u0022u003eHealthy Living Blog Postsu003c/au003eu003c/pu003ennu003cpu003eTo keep up with new blog posts you can follow us on u003ca href=u0022https://www.facebook.com/OakLearnersu0022 target=u0022\_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eFacebooku003c/au003e or u003ca href=u0022//www.instagram.com/oaklearners/”u0022 target=u0022”\_blank”u0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eInstagramu003c/au003eu003c/pu003ennu003cpu003eFor more fun Fitness Activities find us on u003ca href=u0022https://www.pinterest.ca/oaklearners/u0022 target=u0022\_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ePinterestu003c/au003e too.u003c/pu003ennu003cpu003eOr, sign up for our newsletter below for school updates.u003c/pu003e
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Parenting
**Tags:** covid, covid-19, healthy living, high school, mental health, middle school, screen time, strategies, teenagers, teens, youth
---
### [Learning Music in COVID Times](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-music-in-covid-times/)
**Published:** October 9, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Music Education is essential and should be available to all individuals. In most of our schools, it is a subject/elective that students could opt for in the higher grades. To most individuals, an ideal environment to learn music or a musical instrument is a classroom or a music studio. However, given the current situation, learning music in a classroom seems to be in the far future.
**Content:**
Music Education is essential and should be available to all individuals. In most of our schools, it is a subject/elective that students could opt for in the higher grades. To most individuals, an ideal environment to learn music or a musical instrument is a classroom or a music studio. However, given the current situation, learning music in a classroom seems to be in the far future.
The past few months have been out of the ordinary, to say the least. We find ourselves in a situation where education has moved to online platforms. Now for some, that might spell the end of learning music. However, this can be avoided since a lot of developments in technology have been made by music schools themselves and other websites/app creators to create an online platform so that individuals can continue their music education. Technology allows the teacher to provide supplementary materials that can help support these students. Some of these methods can take the form of online conferences, instructional videos, and the ability for students to upload performances and receive feedback. Creating videos of one’s performances helps in feedback from the teacher, as well as, closely watching the performance to make improvements in certain areas that might be required.
Here are a few advantages of learning music online that should be considered:
1. **Convenience** – You never have to leave your home to…wear a mask! Basic requirements such as a computer, stable internet connection, your musical instrument and you are good to go!
2. **Recorded Classes –** Most online classes conducted today, have the option to record parts of the lesson or the entire lesson. This allows students to watch these lessons anytime to improve their skills on their instrument and listen to feedback and tips from their teacher as and when they need it.
3. **Reduced costs –** Online lessons cost less as compared to on-site. Travel costs are cut when you do not have to commute to your music class. Although books are essential while learning, a variety of available online resources such as e-books, instructional videos, performances, etc. contribute towards your savings.
To conclude, do not let the pandemic stop you from doing what you love! There are plenty of resources and ways to learn/continue to learn music online. Pick up your instrument and develop your musical knowledge and skills! Happy learning!
For a way to make your own instruments check out our post: [Making Music At Home: Make Your Own Instruments](https://oaklearners.ca/2020/07/01/making-music-at-home-make-your-own-instruments/) and for digital music fun learn about [Chrome Music Lab in our blog post on it](https://oaklearners.ca/2020/07/02/making-music-online-chrome-music-lab-and-more/).
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Music, Private Tutoring, Teaching
**Tags:** covid, music, music class, music education, online learning, virutal classroom
---
### [The Importance of Children’s Physical Activity During a Pandemic](https://oaklearners.ca/remembering-the-importance-of-childrens-physical-activity-during-a-pandemic/)
**Published:** October 7, 2020
**Author:** Brittany Ashmeade
**Excerpt:** With the recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have switched to online learning. Due to the pandemic, children are spending more time at home and lacking the physical activity facilitated through recess and gym class when they were physically attending school. It is important for parents to find ways to incorporate physical activity at home and prioritize healthy living. In doing so, families can reduce the risk of childhood obesity and reduce the stress and anxiety experienced during these unprecedented times.
**Content:**
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/why-should-kids-run.jpg?ssl=1 "why-should-kids-run")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5327972D-7625-47F4-8F94-11D4F0478D6E.jpeg?ssl=1 "5327972D-7625-47F4-8F94-11D4F0478D6E")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/i1080x475.jpg?ssl=1 "i1080x475")
With the recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have switched to online learning. Due to the pandemic, children are spending more time at home and lacking the physical activity facilitated through recess and gym class when they were physically attending school. It is important for parents to find ways to incorporate physical activity at home and prioritize healthy living. In doing so, families can reduce the risk of childhood obesity and reduce the stress and anxiety experienced during these unprecedented times.
So let’s talk exercise!
Exercise is a method of physical activity to boost physical health and in turn improve mental health. During the course of exercise, the release of endorphins is stimulated which are the feel good neurotransmitters that relax us and boost our positivity. Physical activity from jumping, hopping or skipping can help boost a child’s energy, prevent weight gain, improve motor skills and improve cognitive functioning for better learning.
As the days get colder and the sun sets earlier, outdoor play may be minimal but online videos, [like the Bear Hunt activity](https://oaklearners.ca/fun-fitness-dance-activity/), and virtual classes can be a great benefit to increase fun and fitness while children are learning from home.
Youtube is a great resource for virtual fun and fitness. Consider exploring the [Little Sports Youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIwFB4ciFi5ZCIu-VlwaOg) for virtual fitness content for kids as well as Popsugar Fitness for family routines.
Other useful fitness ideas to consider include: setting up dance parties, yoga sessions, walks with the family before or after dinner, distributing household chores or creating a scavenger hunt in the house. An added bonus is spending time whipping up healthy snacks during lunch and snack time that kids can enjoy and help make. See [Kidspot](https://www.kidspot.com.au/kitchen/galleries/12-fun-healthy-snacks-kids-can-make-themselves/9wx4ksre?page=5) for some healthy, yummy, kid friendly recipes.
---
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities
**Tags:** activities, fitness, health
---
### [Some Tips & Tricks to Transform Challenging Behaviour](https://oaklearners.ca/some-tips-tricks-to-transform-challenging-behaviour/)
**Published:** September 16, 2020
**Author:** Gina Britnell
**Content:**
It is clear that routine and a consistent schedule is helpful and healthy for kids. However as parents and educators can tell you, we can’t always stick to the same pace or keep our usual routines. As we have seen during the pandemic, life can certainly throw its curveballs and we aren’t always ready to swing. We have to be flexible and this can be particularly difficult for our children. No doubt with the huge changes that have crashed into our lives, this has been a difficult transition, even more so for kids and having to cope with these changes can develop into some challenging behaviours. Here are some strategies and techniques to add to your toolkit when working through melt-downs and trying to troubleshoot through behaviour management.
### Find a Focus Challenge!
Interrupt the behaviour instead of reasoning – when the meltdown begins and a child is lost in a wave of emotion, often trying to use logic won’t work. Temporarily ignore the behaviour to pivot a child’s attention. Use a focus challenge – this can be a means to allow your child to de-escalate. For example: “Let’s play a quick game! Do you think you can beat me? Can you point out three things that are blue? Find two soft things! How many cars can you count? How fast can you run on the spot for 10 seconds? Can you hop on one leg more than once?”.
If a child is unable and disinterested to engage in these types of prompts, consider creating a “Brain Break” bank with them, a series of motivating activities, tailored to their interests. It could be colouring, Lego, an I Spy book, a dot-to-dot picture, listening to a favourite song etc. Ideally a Brain Break will be something low key and of a short duration). It is recommended to avoid technology or a favourite app as this can quickly turn into a battle for more screen time. Remember this isn’t a surrender of behaviour, rather a pause. Once a child has had a chance to stop and think and break from their strong emotional response, it is likely they can be calm enough to have a conversation about what went wrong and how to work together to find a solution.
### Positivity Now!
Show you care and see if you can combat the negativity with positive praise and offer your child the chance to ‘turn it around’. Put the behaviour into question, not the kid in question.“That behaviour is not like you. I know you usually make the kind or appropriate choice. How can I help?”. Demonstrating that you have gratitude for a child when they are making good choices builds connection and an expectation of behaviour. Consider using the moment to be a way to practice empathy.Try to see if you are able to relate to your child with a past experience of your own. “I had a hard time yesterday too when…it didn’t feel nice when”. Then flip the script. “How do you think I feel right now when this is happening? How do you think we can make this right? Let’s try this!”. Being able to stay calm and collected yourself as a guide through behaviour or a ‘facilitator let your child guide the next steps is a gift that will serve you both through tough moments. Remember praise is also an important part of the conversation after a solution has been found.
### Reframe a task or the behaviour.
As mentioned focus challenges and brain breaks are a great way to hit pause and prevent behaviours from escalating. However another way is to reframe the situation. Can a bedroom clean-up conflict easily be converted into a game? Get out the timer and find the fun! Or maybe take the behaviour out of the house and try to put it in another context. Children love to be helpers. Consider using roles like ‘team, teammate, coach”. “Are we sticking to the team plan? It’s important as a part of the team, we all follow the rules.How do you think we should lead the team?” Try alternating between the roles of ‘coach’ and ‘teammate’. Is it possible to turn a disappointment or problem into a win? Also never hurts to use future incentives to help shut down behaviour in its tracks.
### Divert.
If you have lost your child to their emotions, see if you can reel them back in by doing something unexpected and light-hearted, start singing a familiar song. Make a funny face, do a silly dance or turn the light on and off. Sometimes the unanticipated can allow a child to switch gears and as we all know, a good sense of humour can help offset bad energy.
### Do a Quick Snack or Nap Check!
The day goes by fast and whether your child has been away at school, daycare, or romping around the house, you may have not had a chance to be totally on top of their eating or sleeping schedule. A snack or nap check can prove vital to allowing a kid to have the much needed energy to self-regulate.Even a designated quiet space to let a child go off to, play with fidget tools and a calming atmosphere can do wonders.
### Sometimes a Child just needs to be SEEN
If you’ve already asked if your kiddo wants to talk about what’s wrong and they refuse, ask if they would like to draw or write out what is upsetting them. Have them try putting these feelings in a letter! If they are too upset or not yet writing, offer yourself to scribe this note and your child might just feel seen and important enough to go along and get their feelings out.
### Step Out and Someone Else Step In
A partner, co-parent, another educator, sibling or another caring adult in your child’s life can be the miracle worker you’re looking for. Raising and working with children is not for the faint of heart and the energy output can be exhausting. It is okay to recognize when you may be burnt out and it is the time to ask another caring adult to step in. Sometimes a neutral third party can be the best problem-solver. A fresh face might just be the antidote called for and give both you and your child a chance to move on and start anew.
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Teaching
---
### [The Importance of “Green Classrooms” During a Pandemic](https://oaklearners.ca/the-importance-of-green-classrooms-during-a-pandemic/)
**Published:** September 13, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Daily outdoor lessons in green spaces has the potential to boost focus, confidence and self-regulation in young children, thereby setting them up for greater academic and social-emotional success.
**Content:**
With a pandemic still very much a part of our current reality, many teachers, parents and caregivers are struggling to make sure that children experience enrichment beyond the scope of online learning. A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that daily outdoor lessons in green spaces has the potential to boost focus, confidence and self-regulation in young children, thereby setting them up for greater academic and social-emotional success.
“Self-regulation is a foundational element for learning in school. If a child has good self-regulation, they’re able to regulate their emotions, physical movements, and attention which in turn helps them to stay on task, inhibit impulses, and learn without disrupting peers,” says Andrea Faber Taylor, teaching assistant professor in the Department of Crop Science at Illinois and co-author of the Journal of Environmental Psychology study. Taylor’s research shows that students who receive daily lessons outdoors in green spaces had greater self-regulation than those who had infrequent learning experiences outside the classroom. Ultimately, Taylor believes that time in “green classrooms” benefits students by providing respite from the fatigue of constantly working to pay attention in the traditional school environment.
“As adults, we don’t see \[elementary school\] as work. But these kids are constantly negotiating peer relationships, figuring out whose space they’re in and how close is too close, how much touching is too much, all those things. Not to mention staying on task, attending to the rules of the classroom, the physical space, the teacher’s instructions, and so forth,” Taylor says. She believes that moving into green spaces will provide them the opportunity to rest and recover because it’s less draining that being surrounded by the four walls in a classroom. These ideas come from a larger body of research showing that humans, including adults, rest and recover faster in green spaces than we do in urban spaces. Only now, we are applying it to “green classrooms”. Green spaces most likely matter because the more often children go outside, the less “attentional fatigue” has a chance to build up between outings. It may also be that these students develop a greater comfort level with being in and navigating natural elements. In other words, nature is no longer a novel thing, but children can let their guard down and relax in the outdoor spaces.
Given the vast amount of research on the topic, it stands to reason that schools should invest in “green classrooms” and outdoor curricula, particularly for elementary school children during critical periods of self-regulation development. In addition, because these face-to-face meetings are outside, it allows for more distance between peers, so everyone is able to learn in a safe environment. With these points in mind, it is important to consider that these strategies for academic success do not solely need to be implemented in the classroom, especially now.
Parents could also be doing outdoor activities with their children at home. Want to go a nature walk? Do it! How about listing adjectives that describe a tree in your neighborhood? Now would be a great time to write that poem about a butterfly.
The possibilities are endless.
---
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## Oak Outside
Outdoor education programming from Oak Learners.
[Learn more](https://oaklearners.ca/oakoutside)
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**Categories:** Education, Outdoor Education
**Tags:** covid19, education, exploration, inquiry learning, junior scientist, learning, mimico, nature, nature education, new toronto, online learning, outdoor classroom, outdoor education, outdoor learning, outdoors, outside, pandemic
---
### [Online Resources for Learning Science at Home](https://oaklearners.ca/engaging-curious-minds-online-resources-for-learning-science-at-home/)
**Published:** September 6, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Excerpt:** The science resources below all feature exciting ways for students to explore science topics within the curriculum and beyond. Learning about interesting topics in science is also a great way to encourage students to practice reading and writing at the same time.
**Content:**
Science is an exciting subject for students of all ages, as kids get to learn about the world around us in a way that is applicable to them. The science resources below all feature exciting ways for students to explore science topics within the curriculum and beyond. Learning about interesting topics in science is also a great way to encourage students to practice reading and writing at the same time. In addition, these activities will likely spark curiosity and development of important skills such as problem-solving and inquiry. Have fun exploring these virtual resources!
### Science Kids
[This website](https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/) has lots of exciting science material, and is the source for our popular science facts of the day in our Oak Online science classes! From outer space to under the sea animals, students can engage with a variety of activities independently or with adult support. There are instructions for hands-on science experiments, science fair project ideas, links to science games and videos, and even lesson plans and resources for teachers.
### National Geographic Kids
This [National Geographic website](https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/), made specifically for kids, has many informative videos and interactive activities for young scientists! There is an entire section dedicated to animals with fun facts about all of the creatures you can think of (even prehistoric animals!). There are also games and quizzes that will spark students’ curiosity and help them practice interdisciplinary skills in a fun way. [The Funny-Fill In game](https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/funny-fill-in/) is very popular with our Oak Online students, and is essentially a digital library of silly science-related mad libs (great for reading and writing practice)!
### Kids Science Challenge
[This website](http://www.kidsciencechallenge.com/) has interactive virtual experiments, science videos, and even a section dedicated to information about science careers! There is also a super fun virtual science scavenger hunt that will encourage students to find symbols all around the website in order to learn new things and complete a quiz.
### EdHeads
For older elementary and high school students, [EdHeads](https://edheads.org/) has a variety of interactive science games that are geared towards students from grades 5-12+. Students can follow along in exciting simulations such as shadowing a technician while they fix machines or following two scientists as they create a company for a new nanoparticle. There are a variety of free games available, as well as a more extensive selection when you sign up for a membership. The great thing about these games is that they demonstrate how science is valuable and applicable in the real world, which may inspire students to get more involved in science in the future!
### Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
[The National Zoo website](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/educational-activities-you-can-do-home) has a variety of engaging resources, including an extremely thorough animal search engine where students can learn about almost any animal of their choosing! The education section of the website has a variety of at-home activities including animal web cams, videos, conservation crafts, and self-guided modules. There are a variety of resources for K-12 students, as well as resources for teachers.
### Let’s Talk Science
This Canadian website has a useful [Educational Resources section](https://letstalkscience.ca/) which offers a large selection of at-home science resources including detailed career profiles, fun hands-on activities, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) videos. The website also has a useful tool where you can search for resources based on provincial curriculum, course, and even specific grade level!
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Private Tutoring, Resource Recommendations
---
### [Positive Practice: Give Me A High Five!](https://oaklearners.ca/give-me-a-high-five/)
**Published:** September 1, 2020
**Author:** Nina Semchyshyn
**Content:**
Why do we give high fives? Simply, the “high five” is a gesture that encourages a positive outcome! It is like a mini celebration. We give high fives when we are proud of someone, when we complete a task, or just generally, passing along a “good feeling.”
It is important in life to learn how to be our own cheerleaders and be proud of ourselves for what we have accomplished. So let’s make our own, personal high five!
What you need:
- Construction paper/coloured paper
- Scissors
- Glue/tape
- Markers
**Step 1:** Take a piece of construction paper and trace your hand with a marker.
**Step 2:** Cut out your hand print.
**Step 3:** Here you can be creative and choose any colours of paper and make shapes to glue to your hand! Here is an example:
**Step 4:**In the palm of your hand, write out “High 5!”
**Step 5:** On each finger of your hand, write words that are encouraging to YOU! Words that make you feel good and decorate your hand however you like! You can use designs using different coloured markers, be creative! Here is an example:
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
---
### [Secret Message Gondola Game](https://oaklearners.ca/secret-message-gondola-game/)
**Published:** September 1, 2020
**Author:** Nina Semchyshyn
**Excerpt:** Gondola system (Inspired by Science Projects for Kids)
Science Projects for Kids created an idea that you can make a gondola operation system that you can pass messages from one person to another!
**Content:**
### **Part 1:**
Gondola system (Inspired by Science Projects for Kids)
Science Projects for Kids created an idea that you can make a gondola operation system that you can pass messages from one person to another!
What you need:
- 2 Ziploc sandwich bags
- 2 chairs
- Yarn
- Scissors
- 4 Clothespins, clips or paper clips
- Paper
- Pencils
**Step 1:** Gather your materials!
**Step 2:** Place two chairs back to back about three feet apart to set up your gondola system!
**Step 3:** Cut a piece of yarn that is long enough to loop around the two chairs. Tie the ends of the yarn together and make sure that it is tight! (If the yarn sags pull the chairs away from each other until the yarn is tight.)
**Step 4:** Use two clothespins to attach the top of one ziplock bag to one string, and another to the other string.
### **Part 2:** Secret message game prep
**Step 1:** Have each player cut 10 pieces of paper for themselves, large enough to write a small message!
**Step 2:** Now, have each player position themselves on either chair.
**Step 3:** Practice moving the ziploc bags from one chair to the other by each pulling on the string that they will be receiving their partners message from.
**Step 4:** Once you have gotten your partner’s bag, unpin the ziploc bag, and attach the bag onto the other string.
### **Part 3:** Secret Game!
**Step 1:** Think of a message that you want to send to your friend and draw images in a line instead of words!
Ex. Perhaps you want to say: “The sun is setting and I am happy!”
You could then draw:
**Step 2:** Once you are done drawing your image, put your paper in the bag, clip it to the string and pull the other string to get your partner’s bag!
**Step 3:** Unhook your partner’s bag, guess what your partner’s message is, write it down, place it in the bag and send it off again!
**Step 4:** Read out loud what your partner guessed and share what your original message was!
You will laugh at what the possible guesses will be!
**Step 5:** Get ready for another round!
Be creative and have fun!
\*This game can be adapted! You can draw a picture and have your partner guess what it is!\*
---
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**Categories:** Activities
---
### [Daily Math Practice: Online Resources and At Home Ideas](https://oaklearners.ca/daily-math-practice-resources/)
**Published:** August 25, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Excerpt:** As students start heading back to school, whether in person or virtual, you may be looking for some fun ways to encourage math practice! The resources below all have fun and free options for students of all ages to learn and practice their math skills.
**Content:**
As students start heading back to school, whether in person or virtual, you may be looking for some fun ways to encourage math practice! The resources below all have fun and free options for students of all ages to learn and practice their math skills.
**Cool Math 4 Kids**
[This website](https://www.coolmath4kids.com/) has many interactive and engaging games for students to practice math skills. These virtual games are so fun that students will look forward to learning! There are categories of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions so that students can choose specific skills to work on too. For students who may be used to using manipulatives at school, such as pattern blocks or base ten blocks, this website also has a [virtual option](https://www.coolmath4kids.com/manipulatives) that is great for practice at home.
**Math Playground**
[Math playground](https://www.mathplayground.com/) has a variety of free math games for students from grades 1-6. On top of many games, they also have a Story Math section and educational math videos so that students can learn in different formats that suit their learning style.
**IXL**
[IXL](https://ca.ixl.com/math/) has learning resources for students from kindergarten all the way to grade 12, and everything is grouped by subject and specific skills so that it is easy to find practice opportunities for whatever topic students are learning about! The math section includes a comprehensive list of curriculum topics, and students can see a timer as well as a score telling them how they are doing on a particular topic.
**Sumdog**
Sumdog is very popular with our junior students at Oak Learners! There is an option to make a free account to track your progress with a variety of games and questions, or students can play math games as a guest with no log-in required. Students earn coins for answering questions which is a great incentive to practice, and games are again divided into categories such as multiplication, division, and telling time.[Here](https://www.sumdog.com/city_container?target=city) is the link to play as a guest, or you can create a free parent or teacher account [here](https://mail.sumdog.com/p/5IUG-FR/sign-up-free).
**Ideas for Real Life Learning**
In addition to using online resources, there are many ways that students can be encouraged to practice math throughout their daily lives! Here are some ideas to integrate math practice into everyday activities:
- **Play board games!** Games that include counting, such as Snakes and Ladders, or dice games like Yahtzee, encourage students to count and even add multiple numbers. A great way to practice counting and adding while having fun!
- **What time is it?** Encourage students to answer this question independently by reading a digital or analogue clock! Reading a digital clock will help with number recognition for younger students and reading an analogue clock is a valuable skill for students to practice as well.
- **Have a shape scavenger hunt**. Purposeful learning can be integrated into fun games such as I-spy by looking for shapes in the world around us! For example, you could shift the rules of I-spy to use the phrase “I spy something shaped like a \_\_\_\_\_\_” or you could create a shape scavenger hunt checklist and try to find something shaped like a square, a triangle, a rectangle, and a circle in your home or while outdoors.
- **Baking!** While helping with baking or cooking, students can learn important life skills while practicing their math too. Reading fractions from a recipe and even adding fractions (e.g. using a ½ cup measuring cup to get 1.5 cups of flour) is a great way to practice math. Other fun kid-friendly activities that involve measuring include making play-dough (see our recipe here!) or science experiments.
- **Managing Money.** If you are buying something (for example ordering food or picking something up from the store), have students help you calculate the total cost of your purchase! This is a great way to connect math skills to real life that will be very useful as students get older.
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Private Tutoring, Resource Recommendations
---
### [Hands-on Fun: Simple At-Home Experiments for Young Scientists!](https://oaklearners.ca/hands-on-fun-simple-at-home-experiments-for-young-scientists/)
**Published:** August 4, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Content:**
Simple at-home science experiments are a fun way to learn about the world around us through hands-on activities. Completing these experiments at home will allow students to practice following instructions and problem-solving, and they will be excited to find out what happens! The experiments below also require minimal materials that are safe for kids, so students of all ages can try these experiments independently or with minimal adult support.
### Experiment #1: Moving Colours
#### Materials:
paper towel, scissors, coloured and washable marker, glass cup, water, pencil or pen, elastic
#### Steps: 
1. Cut a rectangle out of paper towel.
2. Draw a line at the bottom of your rectangle using a coloured marker.
3. Attach the rectangle to a pencil using an elastic.
4. Fill a clear glass with a little bit of water.
5. Balance the pencil on top of the glass so that the paper towel is touching the water a little bit at the bottom.
Watch [this video](https://youtu.be/pEuQ8Qzg5sY) to see what happens or for clarification of instructions!
#### Why it Works:
The water moves up the paper towel due to capillary action. This means the water can move against gravity because of cohesion (water molecules sticking to other water molecules) and adhesion (water molecules sticking to paper towel molecules). [Click here](https://kids.kiddle.co/Capillary_action) to learn more about capillary action!
### Experiment #2: Floating Paperclips
#### Materials:
clear bowl or container, water, paperclips (2)
#### Steps:
1. Fill a large bowl with water.
2. Drop a paperclip into the water. Does it float or sink? 
3. Bend the paper clip and drop it in the water. Did it float or sink?
4. Let’s try to make the paper clip float! Try balancing the regular paper clip on the bent paper clip and then gently placing the regular paper clip on the water. (Watch the [video here for a demonstration!](https://youtu.be/Uqsc1MA62h8))
5. Extension: Have fun testing out other objects! First, gather some small objects and make a hypothesis (an educated guess) about whether each object will float or sink. For example, will an eraser float or sink? Will a bottle cap float or sink? Then, test it out and see what happens!
#### Why it Works:
Using the bent paper clip to rest the other paper clip on the water increases the tension on the surface of the water. Surface tension means that the water molecules at the top of the water (directly underneath the paperclip) pull in towards each other, which means that the paperclip does not fall. [Click here](https://kids.kiddle.co/Surface_tension) to read more about surface tension!
### Experiment #3: Magic Arrows
#### Materials:
paper, marker, clear glass (should be slightly curved), water
#### Steps: 
1. Fill a glass with water.
2. Draw two arrows on a piece of paper. Draw one at the top of the paper and one at the bottom (like picture).
3. Hold the piece of paper above and behind the glass of water and slowly move it down while looking through the water. Is the bottom arrow different from the top arrow? If it is not different, try holding the paper further back.
[Watch the video ](https://youtu.be/20sLQlBmMqA)to follow along or if you need help!
You can also try this with words – [watch the video here](https://youtu.be/T6iVcFLoc6M) for an example! Write a letter backwards and put it behind the water to reveal what it is! You can also try writing words backwards as well.
#### Why it Works:
The arrows or words are inverted when you look through the water due to refraction. Refraction is the bending of light. In this case, light rays are bending at an angle as they move through the water and towards your eye. [Click here](https://kids.kiddle.co/Refraction#:~:text=Refraction%20is%20the%20change%20in,medium%20to%20a%20different%20medium.) to learn more about refraction!
---
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**Categories:** STEAM
**Tags:** activity, elementary, experiments, kindergarten, learn at home, parents, science, science at home, teaching
---
### [Games and Activities for Road Trips](https://oaklearners.ca/games-and-activities-for-road-trips/)
**Published:** July 14, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Content:**
Summer is in full swing, and for many families, it means that more time is spent travelling in the car. Some may be driving to family cottages, while others might be going on camping trips. No matter where you are driving, you will likely hear the phrase “Are we there yet?” at least a dozen times throughout the ride. Luckily, we have a solution; we have assembled a list of engaging games and activities that are perfect for road trips! These games will make the time fly by, while also encouraging your children to learn and think imaginatively.
#### Family Trivia
This activity requires an element of preparation but it is totally worth it! The idea here is to ask and answer fun trivia questions in the car. Before the road trip, create a list of trivia questions on your phone or tablet. Many websites already have extensive lists of trivia questions and answers available. Select interesting topics like movies, underwater animals, space, and world records. Once you are on the road, an older child or an adult who is not driving can read the questions out loud, and the other passengers can guess the answers! Everyone is bound to learn something new and it will definitely make the ride feel shorter!
#### Collaborative Storytelling
This is the perfect activity to inspire kids to be creative and imaginative! The goal of the activity is to come up with a story collaboratively, with each person adding one line at a time. The first person will say “Once upon a time” and will begin the story. The next person will add a sentence about a character or the setting, and this will continue. The story you create can be as short or as long as you would like. This game could be played for ten minutes or for an hour! For an extra challenge, try adding one word at a time instead of a full sentence. Each person says a single word, and once enough people have spoken, you will create a complete sentence!
#### Guess that Song/Sound
This game will surely be a family favourite, especially among kids who love music and animals! The rules of the game are simple: play part of a song or an animal sound, and see if your kids can guess that sound! Younger kids will love trying to figure out which animal is making each noise. For older kids, you could make a playlist of their all-time favourite songs. Only play a short snippet of each song (maybe the intro or an instrumental part) and see if they are able to name the artist and the title! If you do not want to use a device to play, simple hum the songs or make the sounds yourself!
#### 20 Questions
This is a classic game that can be played and enjoyed by both kids and adults. One person must think of an object, animal or character. The other people who are playing will then be able to ask 20 “yes or no” questions. By asking these questions, the guessers will try to figure out what the other person is thinking of. The aim is to figure out the correct word before all of the guesses have been used up! You can build an educational component into this game by focusing on certain topics. For example, you could encourage your kids to think and ask questions about geography by selecting a particular city or country!
#### Categories
To begin this game, one person must select a category and a letter. Some examples of open-ended categories are animals, foods, names and activities. Once an individual has selected their category and letter, each person in the car must think of a word that fits into that category and begins with that particular letter. Everyone will then go around in a circle, sharing their words with one another. The catch is that no two people can say the same word; if someone says your idea out loud you *must* think of another word. If you are up for a challenge, try playing a speed round of this game. The rules remain the same but players are eliminated if they hesitate or do not think of a word quickly enough!
#### Count 10
This game is simple but it will bring out any child or adult’s competitive spirit. To play, the first person starts at the number one and says 1, 2 or 3 numbers. In other words, the first person could say “one,” “one, two,” or “one, two, three.” The next person continues wherever the first person left off. Again, they have the choice of saying 1, 2 or 3 numbers. This carries on until someone reaches the number ten. Whoever says “ten” is eliminated, and the other players re-start from one. You can change the game up by making another number the elimination number. You could even count all the way up to 50 or 100! “Count 10” encourages players to think strategically and mathematically, and it is fun for kids of all ages!
---
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**Categories:** Activities, Parenting
---
### [How to Make a Stress Ball: Only 2 Ingredients!](https://oaklearners.ca/how-to-make-a-stress-ball-only-2-ingredients/)
**Published:** July 13, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Excerpt:** Stress balls are fun to squeeze and play with, and also offer an opportunity for students to engage with their senses, regulate their emotions, and increase their focus and concentration while doing school work or other activities. Watch the video or follow the steps below to make a stress ball!
**Content:**
Stress balls are fun to squeeze and play with, and also offer an opportunity for students to engage with their senses, regulate their emotions, and increase their focus and concentration while doing school work or other activities. Watch the video or follow the steps below to make a stress ball!
### Materials to Make a Stress Ball
- Flour
- Spoon
- Funnel
- Balloon
### Steps:
1. Stretch the opening of the balloon over the bottom of the funnel. Make sure it is completely over the narrow part of the funnel.
2. Use the spoon to pour flour into the top of the funnel so that it moves down into the balloon. You could have a sibling or family member hold the bottom of the funnel while you do this to ensure minimal flour spillage.
3. Continue filling the balloon with flour until it is almost full. If the flour gets stuck in the narrow part of the funnel, you can use the back of your spoon or something narrow like a pencil or straw to push the flour down into the balloon.
4. Once your balloon is full, gently remove the top from the funnel. Do this part slowly to minimize spilling.
5. Tie your balloon. This part can be tricky so you may need support from someone at home.
6. Have fun squeezing your stress ball! You can also use a permanent marker to draw a design or silly face on your ball, or even attach some yarn to the top to make hair like the picture above!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts, Mindfulness
---
### [Summer Fun: How to Make Your Own Bubbles!](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-fun-how-to-make-your-own-bubbles/)
**Published:** July 4, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Excerpt:** Bubbles are a fun summer activity for people of all ages! Follow the steps below to make your own homemade bubble recipe.
**Content:**
Bubbles are a fun summer activity for people of all ages! Follow the steps below to make your own homemade bubble recipe.
### Materials 
- Water (2 cups)
- Dish soap (½ cup)
- Glycerin (or corn syrup or honey)
- Glycerin and honey: 3 tablespoons
- If you use corn syrup: ¼ cup
- Measuring cups
- Large bowl or container to hold your bubble solution
- Large spoon for mixing
- Bubble blowers
- Make your own with things you have at home
- E.g. use a spatula with holes in it to hold the bubbles
- Use pipe cleaners to create a circle or another round closed shape, attach the pipe cleaners to a stick or something long such as a pencil, popsicle stick, or chopstick
\*\*If you don’t have honey, glycerin, or corn syrup, you can try using sugar in your bubble mixture. You could also try using only dish soap and water, but the bubbles may not last as long (the added ingredients such as corn syrup or glycerine are what make the bubbles last).
### Steps to Follow
Step 1: Pour 2 cups of water into a bowl. You can also use any large container that you want to keep your bubbles in. If you use a container with a lid, you can mix your ingredients in the container and then keep it in the container to save for another day.
Step 2: Pour ½ cup of dish soap into the bowl and mix it with the water using a large spoon.
Step 3: Pour the glycerin (3 tablespoons) into the bowl (or 3 tablespoons of honey or ¼ cup of corn syrup). I used honey and it worked well!
Step 4: Mix all ingredients together with your spoon.
Step 5 (Optional): You can add food colours or sparkles to make your bubbles more colourful, but be careful as this may create a mess when the bubbles pop!
Step 6: Time to blow bubbles! You may wish to blow your bubbles outside if possible to avoid making a mess, but they will work just we well inside! Use your bubble wands (or a homemade version) to blow bubbles. If your bubble wand is larger, you can also transfer some of the bubble solution into a baking tray so that it is easier to fill the wand.
### Fun Things to Do With Your Bubbles!
- Try and catch a bubble on whatever you are using as a bubble blower!
- Try and count all your bubbles before they pop or drift away!
- See who can blow a bubble that goes the highest in the sky
- Use a timer to see who’s bubble lasts the longer
- Have one person blow bubbles and have another person try and pop them as fast as they can
- You could incorporate blowing bubbles into an obstacle course ([see our blog post here](https://oaklearners.ca/stay-active-at-home-create-your-own-obstacle-course/) on tips for creating your own obstacle course!)
- For a fun indoor bubble-related activity: Try [this Poppin’ Bubbles dance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdBlXPWM8AI) from Go Noodle!
---
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**Categories:** Activities, Outdoor Education
**Tags:** oak outside, outdoor education, outdoors, outside learning
---
### [Drawing Outdoors: Creative Chalk Activities for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/drawing-outdoors-creative-chalk-activities-for-kids/)
**Published:** July 3, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Excerpt:** Chalk is a summer staple in many family households. It is inexpensive, easy to use, and it takes children away from their devices for a while. For some parents, though, drawing time ends far too quickly. Their children doodle a couple of things before complaining that they are “tired” or “bored.” If you have faced this problem in the past, you came to the right place! We have created a list of unique and fun chalk activities that will keep your little ones entertained all summer long!
**Content:**
Chalk is a summer staple in many family households. It is inexpensive, easy to use, and it takes children away from their devices for a while. For some parents, though, drawing time ends far too quickly. Their children doodle a couple of things before complaining that they are “tired” or “bored.” If you have faced this problem in the past, you came to the right place! We have created a list of unique and fun chalk activities that will keep your little ones entertained all summer long!
### Chalk Mural
Encourage your child to create a “chalk mural” rather than small, individual drawings. A chalk mural is a series of related drawings that fill up a large space (a few squares on the sidewalk, a section of the driveway, etc.). You could begin by looking at some photos of murals created by professional artists! If your child still isn’t sure where to start, brainstorm some ideas and themes together. For example, maybe they could make an animal mural with drawings of all of their favourite creatures in the forest or jungle! You can also use this activity to promote cooperation and collaboration; if your child has cousins over or wants to play with their siblings, try to get everyone on board!
### Alphabet Board
To prepare for this activity, divide your driveway (or another open drawing area) into 26 squares. Have your child write one letter of the alphabet in each square, or do this for them if they are not writing yet. Then, challenge your child to fill each square with a drawing. The image they draw should be of something that begins with the letter in the square. For example, if they are drawing in the “C” square, they might choose to draw a cupcake, cat or caterpillar. This activity can be split up over a period of time. For instance, your child could work on 4 letters a day for several days. It is an awesome activity because it involves both creativity and literacy skills, and the end result is a personalized visual dictionary!
### Starting Point
This is a game you can play with a pencil and paper, but it works just as well with chalk! Draw something small on your driveway or another chalk-friendly surface. Tell your child that this is their “strating point” and encourage them to make a drawing that incorperates your image. This works particularily well if you draw something abstract like a squiggle, but it’s also fine to draw an animal, shape or character. The purpose of this activity is to motivate children to think outside of the box. By building off of an initial “starting point” they need to think imaginatevly, creating their own story or narrative. This activity is especially engaging for kids who “never know what to draw” because the first step is the parent’s responsibility. Once your child’s drawing is complete you can make up a story together. You could also ask them to explain why your initial image inspired their larger drawing.
### Pictionary
Sometimes, all you need to do is play a classic game of pictionary! You can follow the traditional rules when playing the game with chalk. Ask your child to draw something and try to guess what it is before the timer (on your phone or another device) runs out. Then, switch roles, and have your child guess what you are drawing. It may seem simple, but adding a “challenge” component can make drawing with chalk more interesting and enjoyable. In order to make the game more engaging, you could brainstorm unique categories, like superheroes or amusement park rides!
### Scavenger Hunt
Design an exciting scavenger hunt for your child! Use chalk to write the names of objects you would like them to look for. A few ideas to start with are something small, something green, a branch, a rock and a toy. Instead of collecting the items once they find them, your child will draw them using chalk! By the end of the scavenger hunt they should have drawings beside all of the words you wrote down. This game is extra fun when played in pairs or groups of siblings, becase each child can attempt to draw something different for every category. In other words, if you have three children, they can all draw a different object for “something green.” Just be pepared… once the kids undersand how to play they will be designing chalk scavenger hunts for you!
### Draw to Music
On a sunny day, it’s so nice to sit outside and listen to some music with your family. With this activity, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon while also keeping your kids occupied! Ask them to divide their outdoor drawing area into several sections (the number of sections depends upon the number of songs you play). Then, tell your children to use one section per song, drawing based upon how the song sounds and makes them feel. Prompt them to use different lines, colours and shapes for each song. For example, if you play an upbeat song, they may choose to draw the sun using warm colours like orange and yellow! This activity encourages creative freedom and gives children the chance to make art without worrying whether or not their drawing is realistic.
### Where’s Waldo?
This activity is inspired by the *Where’s Waldo* books and character. To begin, ask your child to draw a specific scene. They should select a setting, like the mall, the beach or the park, and draw it with as much detail as possible. Once their drawing is complete, ask them to hide a character somewhere within the scene. Their character could be Waldo, or it could be another imaginary character they come up with. As the parent, your challenge will be to locate their character within the scene. Kids will love trying to stump their parents, and additional characters or elements can be added to make the game more challenging. This activity is awesome because it develops imagination and creatvitiy and can last an entire afternoon, especially if your child decides to create multiple scenes!
### Chalk Obstacle Course
Obstacle courses are a favourite activity among many children. Chalk is the perfect material to use because it allows for endless themes and creative designs. Collaborate with your child to draw a chalk obstacle course on your driveway or sidewalk. You can even incorperate a drawing component into the course itself! For instance, once you reach a certain step, you could be required to write or draw something in order to continue the course. There are so many possibilities when it comes to drawing with chalk, which means that this activity can be reused again and again. Julia made an [amazing post](https://oaklearners.ca/staying-active-at-home-create-your-own-obstacle-course/) about obstacle courses today, so be sure to check that out for more specific ideas!
---
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**Categories:** Outdoor Education, Outside Activities
**Tags:** art, family, oak outside, outdoor education, outdoors, outside learning, parenting
---
### [Colour with your Kids this Canada Day!](https://oaklearners.ca/colour-with-your-kids-this-canada-day/)
**Published:** July 1, 2020
**Author:** Jasmine Brioux
**Content:**
If you and your kids are feeling creative this Canada Day, we have the perfect activity to recommend. This year, CBC has released a colouring book created by artists from all over the country. Each page of the book was designed by a local artist, and is representative of the province or territory in which they live. The colouring book is completely free and is available to download as a PDF via [this link. ](https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6960058/CBCs-Great-Canadian-Colouring-Book.pdf)It is an awesome activity for children and adults alike! After all, you may want to colour by the water at your cottage, or to de-stress after a busy day of family gatherings.
This colouring book is a great resource that can (and should!) be used well beyond Canada Day. It introduces colourers to a variety of incredible Canadian artists and different styles of art. For example, Penny Heather created the New Brunswick colouring page and describes her style as fantasy realism (CBC Communications). You can view her online gallery and read more about her on [her website.](https://www.pennyheatherart.com/) Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse created the Newfoundland and Labrador page of the book. He incorporates the Mi’kmaq Star and Mi’kmaq Petroglyphs into this piece and many of his other paintings (CBC Communications). Gosee has even created his own colouring book “Colouring Mi’kma’ki” which is available to purchase via [his website.](http://marcusgosse.ca/index.html) We suggest taking a look at this [CBC article](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/community/great-canadian-colouring-book-1.5627151) to learn more about all of the artists who contributed to the “Great Canadian Colouring Book.” There are additional links provided in the article, which allow you to visit more of the artists’ websites.
CBC recommends printing the colouring book using your printer’s black and white settings. They are encouraging everyone to use #cbcmycanadaday when sharing completed colouring pages on social media. Happy colouring!
**Source:** “Colour your way across Canada with CBC,” CBC Communications, with submissions by Penny Heather and Marcus Gosse.
---
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**Categories:** Activities
---
### [Making Music at Home: Make Your Own Instruments!](https://oaklearners.ca/making-music-at-home-make-your-own-instruments/)
**Published:** July 1, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Excerpt:** Music is fun to listen to and learn about, but even more fun to create! Although you may not have an instrument at home, there are so many fun ways you can bring music into your life. Read on to learn how to make your own musical instruments.
**Content:**
Music is fun to listen to and learn about, but even more fun to create! Although you may not have an instrument at home, there are so many fun ways you can bring music into your life. Read on to learn how to make your own musical instruments.
### Balloon Drum
This drum will make a super cool sound and you only need two things to make it! Follow the video above or the directions below to make your own drum.
##### Materials:
- Plastic cup or bucket
- Balloon
- Scissors
##### Steps:
1. Cut the thin part of the balloon off using the scissors (see video for demonstration).
2. Stretch the big piece of the balloon you have left over the top of the plastic cup. This can be tricky so you may want to get help from a parent or family member. One person can hold the plastic container steady while the other person stretches the balloon over the top of the cup.
3. Make sure the balloon is stretched flat for the best effect!
4. Have fun playing your drum! What different sounds can you make?
### Shaker
There are many things you can use from home to make a homemade shaker!
##### Materials:
- Empty container that closes or has a lid (e.g. empty plastic water-bottle, plastic container with lid, empty can with lid)
- Small objects to put in container (e.g. small rocks, dried rice, small sticks broken into pieces)
##### Steps:
1. Fill your container with your small objects. Your container should be 3/4 full or less so that the objects can move when you shake it.
2. Close the lid and make sure it is secure (tape if needed!)
3. Shake your container and explore different sounds you can make! What happens if you shake it super fast? What if you shake it super slow? Can you sing a song with your shaker?
### Homemade Kazoo!
You can use this kazoo to make new sounds using your voice!
##### Materials:
- Cardboard tube (e.g. empty toilet paper roll or paper towel roll)
- Wax paper (I used parchment paper because I didn’t have wax paper but if you have wax paper it may work better!)
- Scissors
- Elastic bands
- Stickers, paint, or markers to decorate your instrument (optional)
##### Steps:
1. Cut a square from your wax paper (I used about 8cm x 8cm but it just needs to fit over the top of the toilet paper roll with some extra so that you can secure it)
2. Place the wax paper over one end of your toilet paper roll and use an elastic band to secure it.
3. Try making a sound with your kazoo! Sing into the open end or make a funny sound.
4. Decorate your kazoo if you would like. You could use stickers, markers, or even paint.
5. You can also try experimenting with different sounds by poking small holes in your kazoo with scissors or a sharp pencil (you can ask an adult for support). Try covering or uncovering the small holes with your fingers while you make a sound. Does it make the sounds change?
6. Have fun experimenting with your kazoo! Try making sounds of different pitches. Does the paper vibrate differently when you make a high sound compared to a low sound? What about a loud sound compared to a quiet sound?
## Have fun making music at home! You could use your instruments to sing familiar songs, or even write your own!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts, Music
---
### [How to Make a Homemade Hologram!](https://oaklearners.ca/how-to-make-a-homemade-hologram/)
**Published:** June 28, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Content:**
Have you ever gone to see a 3D Movie at a movie theatre? The images pop out from the screen and it almost looks like the characters are right in front of you! Holograms are just like some of the 3D images you might see at the movie theatre, but you don’t need special 3D glasses to view them.
Holograms are used in many different ways and in many different places! Holograms can be used to make 3D images of things that are usually very small (like small parts in the human body) so that scientists can study them. Holograms can also be used to market products or to create 3D images of popular characters from TV and books.
[Here is an example of holograms from Nickelodeon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJTLsCyAHBs) just like the one’s you can make with Emma’s video. [This](https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/hologram/399502) is also a good article from Britannica Kids that provides a basic overview of the science behind another way of creating a hologram. You can change the reading level for the article from kids to student or scholar depending on your interest and age group. Have fun creating and learning about holograms!
### Homemade Hologram Materials:
- Clear plastic
- Template (print out at home from[ here](http://cafundo.tv/diyhologram/diyhologram_sheet_cafundo.pdf))
- \*\*There is a mobile template and a tablet template so make sure you print the correct one for the device you are using
- \*\*you must have enough plastic to cover the entire template so the mobile version may work better if you don’t have a lot of plastic
- Tablet or smartphone
- Scissors
- Tape (clear)
- Sharpie
- Ruler
Note: The clear plastic needs to be somewhat sturdy (Emma recommends cutting the clear plastic from the display window of a toy box such as one that a doll or action figure might come in). Unfortunately, plastic bags and plastic wrap don’t work as they are not sturdy enough. And don’t forget, you must have enough plastic to cover the entire template that you are using!
**How to Make Your Holographic Pyramid:**
Step 1: Print out the template and gather materials. Make sure your phone or tablet is charged!
Step 2: Put the plastic over the paper template so that it covers the entire template. Tape down the plastic on the paper so that the plastic doesn’t move around as you are tracing the lines.
Step 3: Use your Sharpie and ruler to trace the lines from the template onto the plastic. You should trace both the solid lines and the dotted lines BUT if you would like to try it without the dotted lines you can, it just might be a little harder to know where to fold. If you do use the dotted lines, they will probably show up in your hologram as you can see in Emma’s video.
Step 4: Cut out the shape you just traced onto your plastic by cutting along the solid lines.
Step 5: Fold along each dotted line. Make sure you fold right along the line and press down hard so that the folds stay!
Step 6: The small flap that you folded will be the spot where you tape your pyramid together. Fold the flap inwards and tape along the edge so that your pyramid stays together. Make sure you don’t use too much tape otherwise it might block your view when you are watching the hologram. Additionally, try to make sure the bottom of your pyramid is flat so that it can balance on the phone/tablet screen. Yay! You completed the pyramid!
## How to View A Hologram with your Pyramid!
Step 1: Once you have taped your pyramid, find a hologram video on your phone or tablet. There are many on YouTube or you can follow the links in the next section below from Emma!
Step 2: Place your phone on a table and place the holographic pyramid in the centre of your screen.
Step 3: Ensure that you are looking at the pyramid from below (you should be looking slightly upwards on an angle in order to view the hologram). Press play and watch your creation come to life!
Step 4: Try moving to a darker room or adjusting the light if it is difficult to see your hologram.
Have fun exploring different holograms!!
**Links to Holograms that you can Project**
Variety:[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y60mf…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y60mfBvXCj8)
Minecraft:[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQHAu…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQHAuabOCS8)
Frozen:[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oUZc…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oUZcJLexz0)
Animals: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PrmL…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PrmL%E2%80%A6)
---
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**Categories:** Activities, Arts & Crafts
---
### [Hands-on Fun: How to Make a Sensory Bin at Home!](https://oaklearners.ca/hands-on-fun-how-to-make-a-sensory-bin-at-home/)
**Published:** June 26, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Content:**
A sensory bin is a great hands-on activity to do at home that is fun, educational, and allows you to get a little messy! Watch the video below from Oak Learners teacher Emma or follow the instructions below to create your own sensory bin using flour and water.
### Sensory Bin Materials:
- A large bin
- Flour
- Water
- Things to put in your bin (toys, measuring cups, spoons, cookie cutters)
**Steps:**
1. Pour some flour into your bin. There is no set amount so this can depend on how much flour you have at home or how big your bin or container is. If you’d like, you can use measuring cups to keep track of how much flour you are using and to practice your fractions.
2. Explore what the flour feels like and use some of your toys with the flour. Does it feel soft? Sticky? Can you draw your name in the flour?
3. Add some water to your bin and mix it with the flour. Again, there is no set amount and you can use measuring cups to measure how much you are adding.
4. Explore what the flour and water mixture feels like. You can also try adding even more flour or even more water and see how it changes the consistency of the dough.
5. Have fun playing with your sensory bin!
**Fun Activities to Try with your Sensory Bin**
- Play treasure hunt! Have an adult hide a few small toys within your sensory dough. See if you can find all the objects! Students can also hide objects for siblings or adults to find.
- Make a sensory dough “sand castle” for your toys!
- Play pretend and make some food! You could make pancakes, cookies, or anything you’d like!
- Try to make animals with your dough! Can you make a snake? What about a fish?
- Try and draw or make shapes with your sensory dough. Try to make a circle, a square, and a triangle.
If you don’t have a lot of flour, you can also make a water sensory bin and have fun pouring the water using cups, sending the water through a funnel, or using a spray bottle to spray the water.
---
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**Categories:** Activities, Arts & Crafts
---
### [Making Online Learning Fun: Games for Students of All Ages!](https://oaklearners.ca/making-online-learning-fun-games-for-students-of-all-ages/)
**Published:** June 23, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Content:**
Online learning is definitely a big adjustment from being in the classroom with students, and it may seem hard to connect in the same way when you can’t physically be together. The games below will help keep students engaged and having fun during online lessons so that they can enjoy connecting with their teachers and peers online.
**Guess that Sound!**
This game is very simple but is lots of fun and can be geared to kids of all ages and levels! Essentially, you will play or make a sound and the students will then guess what the sound is. There are many pre-made videos that include a variety of sounds, and even some themed videos (such as this [Guess the Animal video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd6wZHUDCUg)). You can also make the sound yourself or make your own playlist of different sounds. This can be geared to different levels by either giving students choices or allowing them to guess independently. For example, you could play the sound of a pig and then ask “Do you think that was a pig or a bird?” Older students may also enjoy playing Guess that Song where you play a snippet of a song and they have to guess what it is!
**Alphabet List Activity**
This activity can be used as a short and simple game or can be extended over multiple lessons. First, choose a letter of the alphabet, and then explain that you are going to try to come up with as many words as you can that start with that letter. A goal can be set for number of words (e.g. “Let’s find 10 words that start with B”) or you could set a timer (e.g. “I am going to set a timer for 5 minutes, let’s see how many words we can find that start with H”). This can be extended over multiple lessons by having a letter of the day each day and then making your way through the alphabet. It can also be used with groups of any size as students can take turns so that each person gets to name one word.
**Sing-a-long Spinner**
Music is a great way to connect with students over Zoom, and there are many ways to make music at home whether it is by singing, clapping, or using household objects as a drum! One fun and interactive way to choose songs is by creating a virtual spinner that students can see when you share your screen. [Here is an example](https://wheeldecide.com/index.php?c1=Swimming+Song+&c2=Elephants+Have+Wrinkles&c3=Old+MacDonald+Had+a+Farm+&c4=Baby+Car+&c5=Tony+Chestnut+&c6=If+You%27re+Happy+and+You+Know+It+&c7=HELLO+song+&c8=Wheels+on+the+Bus+&c9=Down+By+the+Bay+&c10=Itsy+Bitsy+Spider+&c11=Shake+your+Sillies+Out+&c12=Alphabet+Song+&t=What+Song+Should+We+Sing%3F+&time=5) of a simple spinner that I made, but you can easily adapt the choices on the spinner to include the favourite songs of your students! A similar spinner could also work for virtual dance parties, which are a fun way for kids to get active.
**Indoor Scavenger Hunt**
This game allows students to get moving and can again be tailored to any age group! First, choose a category and tell students to find something from that category. The category can be created based on the level of students. For example, you could tell students to find something red in their home, to find something they use to cook, or to find one of their favourite toys. This can also turn into a show and share activity which will give students a chance to share their object and their ideas with others! If students are unsure of what to say about their object, teachers can also prompt with questions to help support oral communication (e.g. “What do you use this object for?” “Do you use your object everyday or only sometimes?” “What do you like about this toy?”). The scavenger hunt can also be made more complex for older kids by giving students a list of things to find and trying to see who can find the most things from the list or who can find the objects the fastest.
**Pictionary**
A simplified version of this popular board game can be played using the white board feature on Zoom. First, you can draw a picture and have students guess what it is. You can also give a specific theme or category to help students guess. Students can take turns guessing and take turns drawing as well if interested!
**Mad-Libs**
This classic game works for students of all ages and is great for Zoom as students can take turns coming up with words so that not everyone is talking at once! You can find free story templates online [here](https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/topics/science/madlibs.html) and fun Mad Libs printable activities [here](http://www.madlibs.com/printables/). The templates have blanks with certain prompts under them (e.g. an adjective or a number) and once the blanks are filled, you can read out the silly story that the class created. You can either print out the paper and then fill it out during the class by hand, or you can screen share the document on Zoom and have students help fill in words and/or read out the story as well. There are also Mad Libs with many different themes so they can be easily tied to whatever your students are learning about.
---
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**Categories:** Education, Teaching
---
### [How to Make Play-Dough: Only 2 Ingredients!](https://oaklearners.ca/how-to-make-play-dough-only-2-ingredients/)
**Published:** June 15, 2020
**Author:** Julia Hess
**Content:**
Slime and play-dough recipes are super fun and this recipe is great to use because you only need 2 ingredients that you likely already have at home! This is also a fun activity to do with students of all ages with varying levels of parent support. Read the instructions and/or watch the video below to follow along.
### Play-dough Ingredients and Materials:
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup)
- Conditioner (1/4 cup)
- Mixing Bowl
- Large spoon
- Measuring cups
- Glitter (optional)
**Steps:**
1. Measure 1/2 cup of cornstarch and pour it into the mixing bowl.
2. Measure 1/4 cup of conditioner and pour it into the mixing bowl.
3. Mix the cornstarch and conditioner using a large spoon. Mix until the ingredients stick together.
4. After mixing with a spoon, you can use your hands to make sure your dough is mixed together and not too sticky or crumbly.
5. You can add glitter to your dough if you would like!
6. Wash your hands, clean up, and play with your dough!
Tip: If the play-dough is too crumbly, you can add more conditioner. If the play-dough is too sticky, you can add more cornstarch. The consistency of your dough may be more like slime or play-dough depending on the conditioner you use. Mine ended up as very soft play-dough!
**Process Tips**
Hands-on activities are a great way for students to practice reading, following instructions, and problem-solving, and also allow them to be creative with what they make! Here are some ways that students can contribute at different levels:
1. Have students read out instructions.
2. Have students write steps on paper so that they can practice writing and the steps are easier to follow while you make the play dough.
3. Have students count while they stir (e.g. Let’s stir for 10 seconds!)
4. Ask Questions that encourage exploration (e.g. “What do you think the dough will feel like?” or “What colour do you think the dough will be?”)
5. If the play-dough is too crumbly or too sticky, prompt the student to brainstorm ideas of what to do (e.g. “What do you think we could add to make the dough less crumbly?”)
6. For older students: if you want more or less dough, you can use a different amount of cornstarch and students can help figure out how much conditioner is needed. The cornstarch to conditioner ratio should be 2:1. For example, if you use 1 cup of corn starch you will need 1/2 cup of conditioner.
**Creativity Challenge!**
After your dough is done… can you?
- Make the first letter of your name with your dough
- Make a summer snowman
- Create an animal with your dough
- Create a super long snake
- Create the number of your age with your dough (e.g. 6 for 6 years old)
 
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
---
### [Arts & Crafts: Celery Stamped Napkins!](https://oaklearners.ca/spring-craft-celery-stamped-napkins/)
**Published:** June 14, 2020
**Author:** Nina Semchyshyn
**Content:**
Spring is in the air, friends! Let’s bring some of those flowers inside so we can welcome this warm-weathered season into our homes with celery stamps!
**What you need:**
- Fabric or acrylic paint
- Sponge
- White paper or cloth napkin
- A bunch of celery
- Paper plate
- Knife (to be used by an adult or with assistance by an adult for the student)
**Step 1:**
Gather your materials!
**Step 2:**
Cut off the stems of a celery bunch. You’ll be left with the root of the celery and a few individual celery pieces.
**Step 3:**
Squeeze out some colours of paint onto a paper plate. (Use any colours that make you think of Spring!)
**Step 4:**
(Cover your work surface with some material so that the paint does not bleed through) Lay out your napkins on your work surface!
**Step 5:**
Use your sponge to apply paint to your celery!
The bottom of the root can be used as the flower.
The bottom of the stem can be used as leaves.
**Step 6:**
Stamp your napkins to create your flowers, let it dry and then you are done!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
---
### [Tie-Dye Effect Painting with Markers](https://oaklearners.ca/tie-dye-effect-painting-with-markers/)
**Published:** April 27, 2020
**Author:** Lauren St Denis
**Content:**
While tie-dye effect painting can be hard using dyes and elastics, especially if you want a specific design, this method gives you more control and is a lot of fun to experiment with.
### What do you need to create a Tie-Dye Effect with permanent markers?
- Cotton or canvas fabric (t-shirt, canvas shoes, pencil case, I used a rag!)
- permanent markers, as many colours as you want
- Isopropyl alcohol
- an eye-dropper or a straw
### How to create your “Tie-Dye”:
1\. Hold down your fabric so its flat, you can tape it or ask for help.
2\. Colour or draw shapes over as much of the fabric as you want.
3\. Once you feel like your done lay it on a flat surface. (I recommend doing this part outside or on a plastic table cloth because the permanent ink may soak through).
4\. Use the eye dropper or straw to dribble the alcohol onto what you draw/coloured.
5\. Watch it spread and mix together!
6\. Let it dry!
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
**Tags:** activity, art, colour theory, colours, drawing, handson learning, painting, tie dye
---
### [A Parent's Guide to Google Classroom](https://oaklearners.ca/a-parents-guide-to-google-classroom/)
**Published:** April 26, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Firstly, I want to COMMEND all parents and guardians for being amazing and stepping into this new digital world of emergency distance learning. This has not been an easy process, and I want to begin by saying a sincerest THANK YOU for all that you are doing for your child! I want to remind you that this is EMERGENCY REMOTE LEARNING, not simply online learning, and what you are doing is great.
Many teachers are opting to use the Google Classroom platform to continue learning.
Here are 5 tips to surviving Google Classroom.
1- You can access Google Classroom at this link: [classroom.google.com](classroom.google.com).
2- The “Classwork” tab will house all your students activities. Click on each activity to see exactly what they need to do for that task. You will have to go back to that page and click SUBMIT or TURN in for the teacher to mark it as complete and give feedback.
3- The “People” tab shows all the educators and students that have access to the page.
4- The “Stream” tab is full of announcements that the teacher or students may post to or share.
5- You CAN use your ipad or apple device for Google Classroom. If you would like to do this make sure you have the following apps downloaded- Google Classroom. Google Slides, Google Docs, Google Sheets. Those are the typical apps students have been using these days.
I hope this helps you with the beginning of your journey! Below are some further learning for you.
**How to Sign in with Your Child’s Unique School Email:** <https://support.google.com/families/answer/7685480?hl=en>
### **Download Guides from Google for Education**
#### [Guardian’s Guides to Google Classroom](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/guardians_guide_to_classroom_march_2020.pdf)
#### [Guardian’s Directory to Google Tools](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/guardians_guide_directory_april2020.pdf)
#### [Guardian’s Guides to GSuite](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/guardians_guide_to_g_suite_for_education_april_2020.pdf)
### A Parent’s Guide to Google Classroom
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Resource Recommendations
**Tags:** distance education, google classroom, gsuite, online learning, parent guide, parents, teaching
---
### [Let's Get Crafty with Toilet Paper Rolls](https://oaklearners.ca/lets-get-crafty-with-toilet-paper-rolls/)
**Published:** April 24, 2020
**Author:** Nina Semchyshyn
**Excerpt:** Crafty ways to use those extra toilet paper rolls with activities appropriate for children of all ages.
**Content:**
Let’s use some materials we can find at home for crafts!
### Toilet paper rolls!
Follow these ideas to make some toys and objects we can use at home!
### 1**. Kaleidescope toys:**
1. Start by cutting up pieces of tissue paper into small shapes or collecting coloured beads. (This is a great opportunity to talk about shapes and colours and sorting – all Math!)
2. Cut out a black circle the same diameter as the toilet paper rolls and punch a hole in the middle of the circle. Tape the black circle to one end of the toilet paper roll.
3. Cut out a plastic circle the same diameter as the TP tube from any recyclable plastic container (like from fruit).
4. Tape the plastic circle to the other end of the TP tube. Cover it with glue and place little pieces of tissue paper on the outside of it. You can also decorate the tube with tissue paper now!
Children will love looking through the kaleidescope and seeing the world through colours!
### **2. Marble games!**
Take 6 empty toilet paper rolls and cut a rectangle into each one. You can choose how many you want to make!
Then find a round object that can roll into each one.
This could be a marble, a small ball, a round rock… whatever you find!
### **3. Seed starters:**
Take your toiler paper rolls and:
1. Fill with soil
2. Gather seed to place inside
3. Plant them outside and water them every day to grow your plant
### **4. Eye Spy Binculars:**
Children of all ages love to play games with binoculars! You can play some fabulous games of Eye Spy, or pretend to be Bird Watchers at the park. Imagine you are an explorer, wandering through the jungle in your own backyard! The opportunities of a child’s imagination are endless!
1. After either cutting your paper towel roll in half, or using 2 toilet paper rolls, begin to decorate using the markers/crayons/paint/stickers.
2. After decorating, use your hole punch and make 2 holes- one on the outside of each roll.
3. Cut a piece of string long enough to go over your child’s head comfortably & tie the string to either hole.
4. Glue the two rolls together by attaching them in the middle. (now would be the perfect time to use a clothes pins to hold them together!)
5. Ensure you glue over the seam as well, to insure they stay together once dry.
---
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts
**Tags:** binoculars, covid19, craft, diy, earth day, eco craft, eye spy, kaleidescope, kindergarten, marble game, plants, preschool, recycled craft, seed starter, toilet paper, toilet rolls, tp roll
---
### [Make an "Idea Bag" with Lauren!](https://oaklearners.ca/make-an-idea-bag-with-lauren/)
**Published:** April 23, 2020
**Author:** Lauren St Denis
**Excerpt:** Finished product: IDEA BAG! You can either put reminders of fun things or things you are thankful for or things you find that remind you of special times. You could even draw pictures or write yourself notes of things you want to make.
**Content:**
### **Finished product: IDEA BAG!**
You can either put reminders of fun things or things you are thankful for or things you find that remind you of special times in your idea bag. You could even draw pictures or write yourself notes of things you want to make.
I put reminders of things to do when I’m bored, and ideas for fun things to do in the future.
Tell me what you put in your bag and send pictures!
So far for things to do at home I have:
- fill a page with doodles of an animal
- see how many jumping jacks I can do in 2 minutes
- make jewellery
- make things out of clay
- jump rope
In the future I want to:
- Go to the ROM
- Have a picnic in a park
### **Create & Decorate your Idea Bag!**
Decorate your Idea Bag any way you like – it’s yours!
- a paper gift bag or a brown bag
- markers/crayons/pencil crayons
- stickers
- glue
- scissors
- ribbon
- any odds and ends like magazine clippings, tin foil, tissue paper, gift wrap, shapes, anything that can be glued to paper!
**One Thing I did with the Ribbon:**
- tie one end at the base of the handle, and put a dab of glue and wrap it around adding glue as you go.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/what-you-need-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/finish-1-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ribbon-step-1-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ribbon-finish-scaled.jpg?ssl=1)
---
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**Categories:** Activities, Arts & Crafts
**Tags:** activities, craft, crafting, creativity, diy, eco craft, idea bag, lauren, mindfulness, toilet paper, tp roll
---
### [Childhood Anxiety: 5 Key Strategies to Help Children Cope](https://oaklearners.ca/childhood-anxiety-5-key-strategies-to-help-children-and-teens-cope/)
**Published:** April 18, 2020
**Author:** Rebecca Reid
**Excerpt:** Willow OT recaps the Childhood Anxiety: 5 Key Strategies to help children and teens cope - a webinar offered by the
Institute of Child Psychology.
**Content:**
# [**Willow OT**](https://oaklearners.ca/willow-occupational-therapy-at-oak-learners/) recaps the *Childhood Anxiety: 5 Key Strategies to help children and teens cope webinar* offered by the Institute of Child Psychology
## What is Anxiety?
“A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease , typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” This can look a variety of different ways such as:
- Panic Attacks
- Separation Anxiety
- Trouble Sleeping
- Tantrums
- Hyperactivity
- Aggression
- Avoidance of situations or things that cause fear
- Repeating/racing thoughts
- Physical complaints (tummy aches, bed wetting, headaches, tense muscles, etc.)
- Poor concentration
The word anxiety has a bad connotation in our society. The truth is that anxiety, in moderate amounts, is designed to protect us from danger, and can enhance performance and wellbeing .
For instance, think about your job. If you did not have a small amount of anxiety about paying your bills, having money to provide food for your family, you might not work as hard to perform.
We don’t need to help our children get rid of anxiety, we want to teach them that anxiety can be a helper and keep us safe, and that we have the tools to deal with anxiety when it gets too big and scary.
## Understanding our Brain
Let’s take a quick tour of the brain so we can understand the brain on anxiety! In our brain we have the limbic system . This is a section of the brain that makes us anxious (let’s call it the EMOTIONAL BRAIN). This is the part of the brain that experiences the environment and will match what is happening to a stressful memory and then starts the threat response (ex: if your child had a scary experience with a dog and then saw a dog, the emotional brain remembers that memory and tells you to fight, flight, freeze or collapse).
The prefrontal cortex is our THINKING BRAIN, which we use for problem solving and important functions. Our thinking brain is still growing until we are 30 years old, so often the thinking brain is not able to rationalize with our anxiety, or understand if you are trying to talk them through their anxiety.
## How to Help?
So if you can’t verbally reason with your child in an anxious state, what can you do?
- Check-in on yourself. In order to fully focus our attention on caring for our children, we first need to make sure that we are able to cope and manage our own anxiety.
- Make sure that we are building a relationship with our children based on empathy and not sympathy (see the link below for the difference). This will allow children to feel that they can explore their world so they can grow, but that they will be supported emotionally when things get tough.
- [Brene Brown’s video on Empathy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw)
- When a child is feeling heavy emotions, we want to be empathetic; even if we don’t understand their stress/anxiety we need to connect, validate their emotions and let them know it is ok to feel. Help them label their emotion (ex: I see you’re worried about school) and label the feelings in their body (ex: I can see you’re breathing fast and your muscles are tense right now, I can see you’re getting nervous). This will help show them you understand they are having a hard time, and as you give them permission for their emotions,
it will help them talk to you about what they are feeling. This is when you can bring in the strategies that you and your child have worked on and set in place.
## 5 Key Strategies
Let’s talk about some of the tools the webinar highlights for anxiety. The number one message we like to share as Occupational Therapists, is that it is important to work on these tools with your child when they are CALM. Give them the chance to learn and practice with you when they are in a good frame of mind, so that when they need the tools they have practiced them.
## 1. Learning Together
When your child is calm, talk about anxiety and what it might feel like. Talk about the physiological symptoms (heart rate, upset stomach, dizziness, sweating or shaking) and provide reassurance that they are all okay reactions to be having, even if they might seem scary.
Youtube has lots of videos to help you out with teaching your child or teen (we added some links below).
- [Hand model of the brain on anxiety for kids (ages 3+) ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_dxnYhdyuY)
- [A Guide to Anxiety for Kids](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfSbWc3O_5M)
- [A Guide to Anxiety for Teens](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpolpKTWrp4)
## 2. Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing is the quickest way to help calm down during a fight or flight response, but for it to work we need to breathe for more than 10 breaths! This can be hard for children so do it with them!
Youtube has lots of videos to help you out with teaching your child or teen (we added some links below).
- [Belly breathing information](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xQJ2O4b5TM)
- [Balloon Breathing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PcCmxEW5WA)
- [Square Breathing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFdZXwE6fRE)
## 3. Using The Body To Calm
Stress can create physiological effects. So, sometimes changing the way we physically engage our bodies can help to manage our anxiety and stress.
Exercise helps turn off stress hormones and can help us feel calmer. Movements like jumping, walking or running, stretching or load-based can all help. They work by tricking the brain into thinking it has having a “fight” response and trigger the stress response to cease.
Physical contact like hugging, massages or deep pressure can help alleviate stress. In addition to providing a sense of social support, physical touch can actually help to release hormones associated with triggering our “relaxation response”. , However this might not be the case for all individuals. Touch and physical contact can actually be adverse to some and his technique is not appropriate.
## 4. Work With the Thinking Brain
After you have tried working with the body and the breath, try to bring the child to use their thinking brain to work through stress . Use these following prompts to help children break up negative thought patterns that can occur during stressful episodes.
Have them tell you 5 calming things or 5 nice things they see
Use the 5,4,3,2,1 Grounding technique
i. Name 5 things you see around you
ii. Name 4 things you can touch
iii. Name 3 things you can hear
iv. Name 2 things you can smell
v. Name one thing you can taste
Children have anxiety and stress just like the rest of us, and it is not your job as a parent to stop that or “take away their stress”, but you can listen to them, validate their anxiety, and help give them the tools to cope with and work through their anxiety.
Need help or want to find out more about helping your child or teenager cope with anxiety or stress please don’t hesitate to [get in touch with Willow OT](https://oaklearners.ca/willow-occupational-therapy-at-oak-learners/) to see if we can help!
[willowot.com](https://willowot.com/)
<info@willowot.com>
[647-633-6515](tel:647-633-6515)
Summary & Blog post by:
Kristina Marchiori
OT Reg . (Ont.), MSc (OT), BSc
(Kinesiology) Occupational Therapist
For full access to the webinar sign up for your link here: <https://instituteofchildpsychology.easywebinar.live/registration-2>
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**Categories:** Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Parenting, Resource Recommendations
**Tags:** anxiety, children, coping strategies, covid-19, education, mental health, occupational therapy, parenting, teaching, teens
---
### [7 Strategies every parent can use to support their child’s at-home learning](https://oaklearners.ca/7-strategies-every-parent-can-use-to-support-their-childs-at-home-learning/)
**Published:** April 9, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
At-home learning can be a huge change from the daily grind of regular school but it’s not impossible to adjust and make the most of the experience.
With the global pandemic of COVID-19 shutting down schools, support systems and businesses around the world, many parents have been put in the position of having to assume new roles with their children, including teaching and enforcing daily curriculum provided by teachers.
Children have also been asked to adapt to this “new normal” without very much understanding of what is happening in the world and without knowing when they will be able to return to school or see their friends again. When you pile this new workload onto the existing stress and uncertainty in our world, it can be a very overwhelming task for even the most seasoned parents and teachers.
This traumatic experience can make even the simplest of academic tasks excessively daunting. Not only are children and parents being asked to adapt to emergency online learning systems, they also have to learn new technologies and be able to access information faster than ever before. It’s no wonder emotional warning bells are going off for children and parents alike!
**Teaching Resilience**
Nevertheless, it is important to press on and to teach children about resilience and perseverance. This is a wonderful gift of time to be able to work with your child one-on-one and learn how to best support them in their learning journeys. Contrary to popular belief, most children don’t need support with the actual academics – they need support with the invisible skills that make the academics possible. In the world of education and neuroscience, these skills are known as [Executive Functioning](https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/executive-functioning-issues/what-is-executive-function) skills.
Executive Functioning skills are [core capabilities that every adult uses](https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/deep-dives/adult-capabilities/) to manage life, work, and parenting effectively. These include, but are not limited to: planning, focus, self-control, awareness, and flexibility. Children are not born with these skills, but rather they are born with the [capacity to learn these skills](https://www.edutopia.org/article/helping-students-develop-executive-function-skills). In our busy lives of the 21st century, parents and teachers often forget that many children (especially those with any learning exceptionality, including ADHD, ASD, and Giftedness) need explicit teaching to be able to learn and apply these skills. Here are seven simple strategies to help teach these skills and set your children up for success.
**Strategies to Set Students up for Success**
**1. Be patient and compassionate**. Reassure your children that it’s entirely normal to be overwhelmed and upset with these changes. Remind them that everyone is having to adapt and that this isn’t “easy” for anyone. Often, children just need to have their feelings acknowledged as part of the emotional regulation process. When they feel safe and supported, it will be much easier to tackle more challenging tasks, like homework or household chores.
**2. Set clear expectations**. Everyone performs better when they have clear expectations. These expectations may not be coming in clearly from every school and every teacher, so help your child determine what the expectations are for work completion and quality of work. Set expectations for the amount of time spent on work before access to video games or TV is given. Also set expectations for how this time will be monitored. Is the child self-monitoring, or are you (the parent) sitting with them the whole time. It may seem like a lot to have to monitor, but I promise that an hour of devoted attention will earn you several more hours of uninterrupted work time for yourself later. It’s a good trade-off!
**3. Establish environmental supports**, like schedules, checklists and clear workspaces for your child. As they say, “Well begun is half done”, we need to teach our children how to set up their workspace and plan their tasks. Once there is a checklist or schedule to follow and a workspace free from distractions and with all the necessities for completing work, then the work itself becomes significantly less daunting. When it comes to creating a schedule or list for your child, ask them to be part off the creation. Each of us has very different needs when it comes to schedules, so it’s very important to ask your child how THEY need to see the information so it makes sense. Some children like charts and some like lots of pictures. Some like checkmarks for completed items and some like stickers. Personalize it so your child will actually want to keep using that system.
**4. Use metacognition techniques and modeling** to help children learn how to recognize what they need and where to look for support. This might look like a parent offering a statement like “It looks like you might need a pencil to start this activity. I don’t see a pencil on the table. Where might we look for a pencil?”. Very often, this simple form of [modelling self-talk](https://www.edutopia.org/article/helping-students-develop-executive-function-skills) helps children develop the self-awareness and self-starting skills that many of us take for granted. It also works much better than barking “go get a pencil” which usually just leads to tears and shut-downs.
**5. Establish external reminders for time**. Use a large clock on the wall, or digital alarm clock nearby to help your child keep track of passing time. Set goals for time limits for academic tasks, chores and breaks to help children learn about the value of passing time. It’s so easy to get lost in a video game or TV show when we don’t “see” the minutes passing, but a simple visual reminder can help cue children into self-regulating their time on various tasks. A phone time or kitchen timer is an excellent way to help give audible reminders when it’s time for a break or when it’s time to get back to work.
**6. Switch it up.** Build frequent breaks into your daily routine and allow for these breaks to be free from high expectations. Allow time for children to hit “reset” on their brains and their emotions, especially when engaging in highly cognitive tasks like homework. In [studies of teachers and students](https://www.edutopia.org/article/research-tested-benefits-breaks), results have shown that frequent, short, “Brain Breaks” are very effective at increasing student focus and productivity. These same studies have shown that working in 10-minute lesson “chunks” is often much more effective than asking children to listen or work for 30-minute stretches. Now, once a child has gotten into an activity, it is also just as important to let them work on it until they feel like they are finished, so don’t cut the activity short just because the timer goes off. When the timer goes off in my classroom, I always ask students if they are ready to be done or if they want to keep going. Often, they ask to keep going, in which case, I will set the timer for another 10 minutes before we take a break. This is also an effective strategy to help them learn to self-monitor their own progress and level of work quality.
**7. Create a reward system**. Parents are often wary of using external rewards to motivate their child’s behaviours, but any teacher will tell you – “bribes” work! Rewards can take many forms, and often what children are really looking for in a [reward or motivation system](https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/behaviour/encouraging-good-behaviour/reward-charts) is the recognition that they have achieved something. Many teachers have a “Prize Bin” in their classroom, and parents might have a “Treasure Box” at home that a child can choose something from when they’ve done something above and beyond the basic expectations. Or perhaps they have to collect a certain number of checkmarks, smiley faces or stickers on their reward chart before they can “cash in” for a prize. Some parents and teachers get really creative and even create “Class money” or use Monopoly money to create a commerce reward system that also teaches children about financial literacy while reinforcing that hard work really does “pay off”. Regardless of concrete prizes, continue to regularly offer pep talks to your children and teach them positive self-talk to help build intrinsic motivation to work hard and continue learning and improving their skill set.
In the end, we can all think back to a memory of time spent with our parents, or time spent learning something new through an immersive experience, but not many people can remember how they learned how to do homework. For many, it can be a really frustrating memory!
What you want your children to hold on to during the work-from-home days is the way that being at home makes them feel. Nurture their mental health before enforcing academic standards. What we know about the brain is that no brain functions well under chronic stress and trauma. So take away the stress, go slow, and have fun!
---
Want to take the “teaching” load off yourself as a parent? Sign up for [online personalized tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/product/online-private-tutoring/) with Oak Learners and one of our experienced teachers will help coach your child through their online workload with customized plans and strategies! [Learn more… ](https://oaklearners.ca/product/online-private-tutoring/)
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** adhd, alternative school, anxiety, ASD, class, education, executive function, families, family, homeschool, homework, homework help, learning, oak learners, online learning, parenting, private school, skills, teachers, tutoring, youth
---
### [Learning About Germs on Little Hands](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-about-germs-on-little-hands/)
**Published:** April 8, 2020
**Author:** Doran Reed
**Content:**
It’s a great time to teach kids about germs and how proper handwashing can ensure all of those little microbes get washed down the drain. Talking about ways to take control of the spread of germs and viruses can help children feel less vulnerable when outbreaks occur.
### Supplies needed to Explore Germs on Little Hands:
- White or light coloured bowl
- Dish Soap
- Pepper/Tea bag/Glitter (you can pick which one you want to use)
- Water
**Step by Step:**
1. Fill your bowl with water- doesn’t have to be super full, just enough to stick your fingers in the top
2. Open your tea/glitter/pepper and sprinkle some into your bowl on top of the water
3. Use your index finger and dip it into the bowl of water- make sure you show the particles that have stuck to your finger and talk about them as if they were real germs
4. Wipe away any excess off your hands
5. Begin to wash your hands- make sure your hands have lots of suds
6. Without wiping your hands, stick your index finger in the bowl again (the pepper should move away from the soap)
7. Explain that germs don’t like soap and water and the importance of washing hands
---
For more healthy living posts visit our [Healthy Living Blog Posts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
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**Categories:** Healthy Living
**Tags:** activity, children, coronavirus, covid19, germs, handson learning, handwashing, preschool
---
### [Bridging the Gap with Virtual Classrooms and Online Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/bridging-the-gap-with-virtual-classrooms-and-online-learning/)
**Published:** April 2, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
[](https://oaklearners.ca/oakonline)
COVID-19 has shut down school buildings around the world, but the teaching and learning goes on for students of Oak Learners.
Children are naturally good at learning – it’s what they do from the moment they are born! Children learn language, culture, social norms, and knowledge from everyone around them. For most children, learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings or when schools close for summer vacation. Most children are intensely curious and, given the right environment, will dive into the exploration of new knowledge!
Oak Learners has always been ahead of the curve in educational practice and when the education world prepared to pivot towards online and inquiry-based learning, Oak Learners was already there. [Oak Online](https://oaklearners.ca/oakonline/) is our Virtual Learning platform, providing Day School, Academic Tutoring, Music Lessons, Yoga Classes and Inquiry based courses online and in real-time.
**Inquiry-Based Learning as the best model of education**
In 2013, the [Ontario Ministry of Education](http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/inspire/research/CBS_InquiryBased.pdf) recognized that inquiry-based learning offers “promise in supporting students to become thoughtful, motivated, collaborative and innovative learners capable of engaging in their own inquiries and thriving in a world of constant change”. Oak Learners brings together the latest research and access to online support systems to provide a unique opportunity for children and their families. Our project-based and personalized approach to learning addresses the immediate need for changes in education in Ontario.
The Ontario Ministry of Education has also recognized the “substantial and important connections between creativity, high academic achievement, economic and social entrepreneurialism, leadership, and problem solving” in its [21st Century Competencies](http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/memos/feb2014/QuickFactsWinter2014.pdf) discussion document and yet, 40% of schools have no music teacher or specialist teachers in other arts areas and many [elementary teachers report that they are not equipped](https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/72203/1/Humayun_Anza_201606_MT_MTRP.pdf) to deal with rising mental health concerns in their classrooms. As such, there has been a growing need to find new ways to provide learning opportunities, enrichment courses and opportunities for success for students in Ontario.
Online Learning provides more flexibility for schools and students to access specialists and classes outside of the typical academic selections. Online learning is one way for students to access new courses and a variety of teachers to expand their learning experience and develop important connections between academic achievment and real-world applications.
**Progressive and Flexible Learning for the 21st Century**
Oak Learners has been offering flexibility to families since 2015. Parents collaborate with educators and support workers to create an individualized learning plan, delivered in a safe, nurturing and creative environment. The progressive, interdisciplinary approach to programming engages students in the learning process and supports them in developing essential skills in 21st century competencies, including resiliency, goal setting, collaboration, technology and creativity.
Recognizing the need for increased support for students who experience difficulty in the school system, Oak Learners brings together experienced and energetic educators to provide an enriched and supportive learning environment for their students. Key benefits of the boutique-style classrooms at Oak Learners include daily mindfulness practices and inquiry-based curriculum with full arts-integration. Low student-teacher ratios allow teachers to be completely involved in each stage of student learning and to build stronger and more supportive relationships among peers. With more support and teacher involvement, students are more motivated to succeed and become more involved in their own education, setting them up for future successes.
The move to online learning provides a unique opportunity for teachers to further individualize learning and present material to each student in a way that is accessible and engaging. It is forcing everyone to think outside of the 4-walls of the classroom and find new ways to present curriculum to today’s students. At Oak Learners, we can’t wait to see where this new adventure leads!
---
[](https://oaklearners.ca/oakonline)
---
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**Categories:** Education, Private Tutoring, Programming, Teaching
**Tags:** 21st century learning, alternative school, anxiety, children, class, community, creativity, education, mental health, oak learners, oak online, online learning, ontario, private school, reggio emilia, school
---
### [Teaching Young Children about Community Activism and Awareness](https://oaklearners.ca/teaching-young-children-about-community-activism-and-awareness/)
**Published:** March 10, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Special days of recognition are celebrated in our communities throughout the year and these present unique opportunities to have profound and enlightening conversations with the young people in our lives. Some of these days could include [International Women’s Day](https://www.internationalwomensday.com/) (Mar 8), [Earth Day](https://www.earthday.org/history/) (Apr 23), [World Ocean’s Day](http://www.worldoceansday.ca/) (June 8), [International Day of Peace](https://internationaldayofpeace.org/) (Sep 21), or it could be sparked by a local or global issue that is currently being featured in the news that sparks activism.
Over the past couple of years, many youth have emerged as vocal and effective activists for a multitude of important causes. It often surprises many when young people speak out passionately about political and environmental issues since these have culturally and historically not been areas that children were every privy to or talked to about and yet these children are having more success in drawing the attention of governments around the world.
**The Power of Connectivity**
What is completely ironic is that the same social media and instant access to information and communication technologies that we attribute to rising anxieties in our youth has also contributed to the huge rise in student activism and waves of change in our society. Young people around the world are learning to harness the power of the internet for positive change in a world that belongs to THEIR future.
All of the sudden, young people have instant access to information, opinions and a global audience who will listen and encourage them. They are realizing that the social systems in place today are the same systems born of the Industrial Revolution and that the world is not adapting to changing times at a fast enough pace to bring out the right kind of change we need to face the challenges of the 21st century. As a result, the same impatience that has parents worried for their child’s future becomes a powerful impulse for action and change.
**The Impact of Important Conversations**
It’s easy to let these conversations rise over the heads of the children or brush off their questions with watered down answers. But, what if we stopped for a moment, just a moment, and answered their questions with truth, honesty and transparency?
Children of all ages find inspiration in the stories of the achievements of others. Even fairy tales of old feature elements of good prevailing over evil. The difficult issues that face our children today are just modern versions of dragons and epic battles. We need to shape these stories in ways that our children will understand the issues and want to take a stand on the side of virtue and help make our world a better place for THEIR future.
**Where to Start**
1. Start with finding out what issues are important to your child. Listen to their questions and observe what topics interest them when others are talking. Take your cues from them and they will let you know how much information is enough and when they need to know more to understand something.
2. Let them ask questions. Asking and answering questions is the most important way to help children understand the world around them. Consider the “Scientific Method” – it all starts with a question and a hypothesis, then you do some research and perform an experiment before you draw conclusions. The hypothesis is important too! Ask your child what they already know – I guarantee you that their insight and powerful observations will blow you away!
3. Give your child honest, but age-appropriate answers to their questions. Children always know when they are being brushed off and they are so ingenuitive that they will seek the answers elsewhere. As a parent, you have the perfect opportunity to be able to help your child form their opinions about important issues in the way you present the facts to them. It’s important to start simple and only add more detail as they as more questions.
4. Ask your child questions! It goes both ways – the more you ask your child what they understand about an issue, the more you help them form new questions and hypotheses about these new ideas.
---
You may also like [Demystifying Headlines: How to Talk to Kids About the News](https://oaklearners.ca/2020/02/05/demystifying-headlines-how-to-talk-to-kids-about-the-news/)
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Teaching
**Tags:** activism, awareness, climate change, community, connectivitiy, constructivism, conversations with chidlren, difficult topics. asking questions, education, news, parenting, social media, student activists, talk to children, world issues
---
### [Students at Oak Learners talk to CBC The National about Coronavirus in the News](https://oaklearners.ca/students-at-oak-learners-talk-to-cbc-the-national-about-coronavirus-in-the-news/)
**Published:** February 5, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
This week, Oak Learners hosted Andrew Chang and his team from [CBC News: The National](https://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/talking-to-kids-about-coronavirus-outbreak-1.5453833) to film a segment about what children are hearing and thinking about the current issues surrounding the [Coronavirus](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019) outbreak.
Current students of our [day school](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) as well as PA Day Camp participants joined Director Kelly Farrell in a special interview with Andrew Chang and a group discussion asking and answering questions about the causes and effects of the Coronavirus.
Kelly spoke with CBC about how parents and teachers need to always be aware of the effect of new stories on our children and take the opportunity on a regular basis to keep conversations open while providing age-appropriate factual information, keeping the focus on the facts, not fear. Children in particular have the worst opportunity to receive the whole story; rather they pick up bits and pieces of new clips and adult conversations. Graphic photographs flash across screens and appear frequently across social media and children are often left with more questions than answers.
Students from the Oak Learners community spoke to CBC about how misinformation was causing wild rumours and even discrimination at their schools and how researching and asking questions helped diffuse the fear and uncertainty they felt when listening to the news and schoolyard rumours.
Watch the entire segment below and read more about “[How to Talk to Kids about the News” HERE](https://oaklearners.ca/demystifying-headlines-how-to-talk-to-kids-about-the-news/).
---
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**Categories:** Education, Parenting, Student Showcase
**Tags:** andrew chang, cbc news, coronavirus in the news, critical thinking, education, oak learners, private schools, students, talking to kids about the news, the national cbc
---
### [2nd Annual Lakeshore Moms Shoebox Project Supply Drive](https://oaklearners.ca/2nd-annual-lakeshore-moms-shoebox-project-supply-drive/)
**Published:** December 14, 2019
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Local Moms donate over $7500 in supplies and 149 showboxes in the 2nd Annual Lakeshore Moms Shoebox Project Supply Drive as well as over 1000 pieces of menstrual products for the Twelve Donations project.
**Content:**
*Local Moms donate over $7500 in supplies and 149 showboxes in the 2nd Annual Lakeshore Moms Shoebox Project Supply Drive as well as over 1000 pieces of menstrual products for the Twelve Donations project.*
Early in November, Kelly Bullock, a resident of Lakeshore Village in South Etobicoke and Founder of [Inclusive Story Time](http://instagram.com/inclusivestorytime), began rallying the members of a local Facebook Group, [Lakeshore Moms](https://www.facebook.com/groups/lakeshorebabies), to begin collecting donations for the annual [Shoebox Project](http://www.shoeboxproject.com/) supply drive.
**Supporting the Shoebox Project**
Almost 100 members of Lakeshore Moms came together to collect items, wrap, and fill 149 shoeboxes for The Shoebox Project. On December 8, 2019, over 30 of these moms got together for a wrapping and stuffing event! They spent hours sorting, wrapping, stuffing and writing heartfelt cards for the intended recipients of the shoeboxes. The resulting total of 149 boxes was almost triple the number of shoeboxes from last year’s event!
[Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/) is an invaluable part of our success by providing the space to wrap and assemble the boxes and allowing members of our group to connect which each other while doing good for our community. Oak Learners is also a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching and enhancing the education of children and their families through Academic and Arts-based programming.
The shoeboxes were picked up by the Shoebox Project GTA West on December 12 and divulged that he majority of the Lakeshore Moms Shoeboxes will stay in the local community to furnish the ENTIRE Women’s Habitat Christmas Party. It is extremely special to know that local moms are helping local women (also many of them moms!) have a special Christmas.
There is still an over 500 box shortfall for the GTA West chapter of the Shoebox project. The rising cost of living in the city of Toronto is making it difficult for women to stay in their homes. As a community, have so much capacity to do more next year and the Lakeshore Moms are committed to making this an annual project for the group to continue to support even more local women have a special Christmas.
**Supporting Twelve Donations**
Members of the Lakeshore Moms group also donated menstrual supplies for [Twelve Donations](http://www.twelvedonations.org), a very unique organization that delivers menstrual products (pads, tampons, cups) to shelters all over Toronto. Part of their mission is to close the gap on a $3,000,000 shortfall for menstrual hygiene products for menstruators in Toronto shelters. Lakeshore Moms were able to collect 1,043 pieces of menstrual supplies. This may sound like a lot of menstrual products, but it is only enough to supply one large shelter in the city for one month.
Additional donations of hotel toiletries/samples were donated to [The Period Purse Project](https://www.theperiodpurse.com/). Two large bags of products were donated to help their initiative in delivering hygienic supplies throughout the year to local shelters.
**Diversity in Support for Women**
The Lakeshore Moms Facebook Group is passionate about diversity and acceptance. The supported projects are researched to ensure that the support is also going towards organizations that acknowledge and support the LGBTQ community and other diverse populations in our city.
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**Categories:** Events
**Tags:** community, etobicoke, homeless, lakeshore
---
### [Oak Learners director nominated for the 2020 Mompreneur Awards](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-director-nominated-for-the-2020-mompreneur-awards/)
**Published:** December 11, 2019
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners Founder and Director, Kelly Farrell, is in the running for the 2020 Mompreneur Awards! Kelly has a passion for providing children with a unique and alternative learning environment.
**Content:**
u003cpu003eOak Learners Founder and Director, Kelly Farrell, is in the running for the 2020 u003ca href=u0022https://themompreneur.com/award/?entry\_id=186574806u0022 target=u0022\_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopener noreferreru0022u003eMompreneur Awardsu003c/au003e! Kelly has a passion for providing children with a unique and alternative learning environment. Since it’s inception, Oak Learners has served over 400 families and offers a constantly expanding suite of programs.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003ca href=u0022https://themompreneur.com/regional-chapters/members/kellyfarrell/u0022u003eKelly Farrellu003c/au003e is the Founder and Director of Oak Learners. She is dedicated to supporting learners of all ages and abilities reach their goals and love the learning journey. Kelly’s philosophy of education is based in the understanding that every child has the capacity to excel and succeed when they are given the tools and taught the skills to help them on their journey.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eKelly is an OCT Certified teacher and has worked in classrooms and alternative learning environments since 1996 and as a certified teacher since 2004, working with students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Kelly has a passion for empowering students to develop confidence through building on their strengths to support their difficulties, particularly those with learning exceptionalities, including Learning Differences, ASD, social emotional needs, and anxiety. Kelly subscribes to the tenants of Montessori, Reggio-Emilia and Constructivist methods of teaching and is always looking for ways to bring these strategies into the 21st Century through technology and environmental education.u003c/pu003enu003cdiv class=u0022field\_11 field\_business-category required-field visibility-public field\_type\_selectboxu0022u003enu003cpu003eSpecifically, Kelly is in the running for the Mompreneur Momentum award which honours Non-Profit or Charity Organizations run by women accross Canada!u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eLearn more about our director, Kelly and u003ca href=u0022https://oaklearners.ca/ourteam/u0022u003eOur Teamu003c/au003e here.u003c/pu003enu003c/divu003en
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**Categories:** Announcements., Events, School Life
**Tags:** award, kelly farrell, mompreneur, nomination, oak learners, success
---
### [Oak Learners Kindergarten Teacher Nominated for ECE of the Year by HiMama](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-kindergarten-teacher-nominated-for-ece-of-the-year-by-himama/)
**Published:** December 9, 2019
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners' Kindergarten teacher and Camp Director, Emma Van der Jagt was nominated for ECE of the Year on HiMama.com.
**Content:**
Recently, our Kindergarten teacher and Camp Director, Emma Van der Jagt was nominated for ECE of the Year on [HiMama.com](https://www.himama.com/award?entry_id=186340219). Her passion and dedication brings so much positive energy to each and every day at Oak Learners.
Emma has been a resourceful and lively addition to our teaching team, bringing her passion for differentiated learning and a hands-on approach to early learning. Her dedication to her students impressed all of us every day!
At Oak Learners, we have always made a point to celebrate our amazing staff. We have seen many talented and special teachers come through our doors to work with the children and families in our community. Each teacher and team member bring unique talents and experience, but most importantly, they bring passion. All of our staff share our vision and passion for personalized education and “outsdie the box” learning.
Read more about Emma and [Our Team here](https://oaklearners.ca/ourteam/).
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**Categories:** Announcements., Events, School Life
**Tags:** award, ece, emma van der jagt, himama, kindergarten, nomination, oak learners
---
### [Mimico Tulip Festival 2019 and the Oak Learners Tulip](https://oaklearners.ca/mimico-tulip-festival-2019-and-the-oak-learners-tulip/)
**Published:** June 1, 2019
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
May 28, 2019 marked the 17th Annual[Mimico Tulip Festival](https://mimicotulipfestival.ca/). This was the fourth year that Oak Learners had the honour of participating in the festival and the second year that our students participated in the Mimico Village Street Art Project. The Street Art project has 24 4-ft tulips painted by local schools and erected along Royal York Rd in Mimico Village.
This year, the tulip painted by Oak Learners students was designed by our Art Instructor, Amanda Bhikha. Amanda has been working at a Child and Youth Worker and Art Instructor at Oak Learners since 2018. She also founded her own successful design business, [Ravinzangel](https://ravinzangel.ca/), through which she sells clothing and products featuring her own art and designs.
The theme of the 2019 Tulip Street Art Project was “Friendship and Community”. The Oak Learners’ tulip was painted as an oak tree. The roots of the tree are grounded in the rainbow representation of the diverse community at Oak Learners. Our members come from many different backgrounds, from different parts of Canada and around the world. The tree grows with a solid core and the trunk of the tree bears a representation of a yoga figure in “Tree Pose”, her body emanating the colours of the 7 chakras. She represents how a strong foundation in self-awareness and grounding helps us grow stronger, not only as individuals, but as a community. Following the tree upwards, it’s full leaves are warmed by a glistening sun at the top of the tulip. Growing on the branches of the tree, and sprinkling to the ground are acorns. Each acorn was individually painted by students at Oak Learners. They represent the planting and potential of each and every one of them as they make their way into the world, bringing with them the lessons and strength they have gained through being a part of our community.
The 2019 Painted Tulips can be seen from May 2019 through September 2019, along Royal York Rd, south of Evans Ave.
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**Categories:** Events
---
### [This is your brain on music](https://oaklearners.ca/this-is-your-brain-on-music/)
**Published:** November 5, 2018
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Neuroeducation is playing a key role in the future of education, where the curriculum is based not just on teaching subjects but on preparing brains for learning. Research over the past several years has strongly identified links between language and music within the brain.
**Content:**
Neuroeducation is playing a key role in the future of education, where the curriculum is based not just on teaching subjects but on preparing brains for learning. Research over the past several years has strongly identified links between language and music within the brain.
Music instruction, in particular, can directly impact and improve a child’s ability to learn. Learning music through intensive and repeated exercises can actually prepare a child’s brain for learning by increasing higher cognitive functions such as attention, focus, memory, and problem-solving.
A child’s ability to learn and process language is also greatly improved by preparing the brain to learn through learning music. Several studies have used updates in neuroscience and brain scanning to identify the effects of music education on the brain in people of all ages. In children, music lessons were shown to stimulate neural pathways in the left hemisphere, where language development is known to take place.
It is important to note the difference between passive listening to music and music education. This is a huge leap from the once-popular Baby Einstein videos, which were thought to passively affect a child’s brain development through exposure to classical music. Research has shown that passive listening to classical music can have an increased effect on productivity on repetitive tasks, but does not in any way have the same effect on the brain as learning to play or compose music.
Schools should be using this research to enhance the early education of children; instead of playing classical music and hoping that it will improve a child’s cognitive functioning, teachers could be teaching mini-lessons on music before or during language classes. Music education should be just as important as time spent on Math and Literacy.
Music can easily be incorporated into many curriculum areas. Research has also shown (and I’m sure many of you can relate) that music and songs can also dramatically improve our ability to memorize information. By actively engaging and including students in the creative process of writing songs, for example, or choreographing dances to describe scientific concepts or turning points in history, teachers can positively improve the cognitive functioning of their students, and thus, their ability to learn.
---
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**Categories:** Education, Music
**Tags:** arts education, education, music, music education, music lessons, neuroscience
---
### [Kindness is Worthy](https://oaklearners.ca/kindness-is-worthy/)
**Published:** August 24, 2018
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
### ***Every small act of kindness matters and has the potential to make a huge impact in the lives of others.***
---
During our final week of summer camp, our theme was “Be The Change”. Students were inspired to share kindness with their friends and family and even through helping out in their community.
We had a special guest, Gaby Mammone, who visited our students on August 24, 2018 to share her message of kindness. In Gaby’s “Kindness is Worthy” interactive workshop, students learned the importance of doing small acts of kindness and how every small act can make a big difference for someone else.
Join us on September 30th from 11am-2pm to paint “Kindness Rocks” with Gaby Mammone and Oak Learners to be shared with a local children’s charity to share our messages of inspiration and kindness.
---
**About the Speaker:**
Gaby Mammone is a Social Entrepreneur, Inclusivity Ambassador and Kindness Advocate. As an International Keynote Speaker, Gaby has inspired audiences to believe that we are all here to give and help each other. Recognized as a leader in the charity and not for profit sectors. She promotes diversity and is part of a kindness movement called ‘Be Aware Be Kind’. Gaby’s presentations are filled with encouragement, inspiration and humour.
For more information about Gaby Mammone please visit:
[www.gabymammone.ca](http://www.gabymammone.ca/)
[www.kindprojects.ca](http://www.kindprojects.ca/)
[Www.facebook.com/gabymammone](http://www.facebook.com/gabymammone)
[Www.instagram.com/gabymammone](http://www.instagram.com/gabymammone)
[Www.twitter.com/gabymammone](http://www.twitter.com/gabymammone)
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**Categories:** Events, School Life
**Tags:** Gaby-Mammone-keynote-speaker-Gabriella-Mammone-workshop-kids-Kindness-workshops-Toronto-Mississauga-trainer-schools
---
### [Supporting Teacher Development is the Key to Student Success](https://oaklearners.ca/supporting-teacher-development-is-the-key-to-student-success/)
**Published:** August 6, 2018
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Hon. James Maloney visits Oak Learners Summer 2018
*We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”* ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
At Oak Learners, our mandate includes helping all learners reach their potential through creativity, confidence and community. This mandate goes beyond what we do for our students and includes supporting new teachers, interns and youth on their path to success.
Since its inception, Oak Learners has consistently provided opportunities for students and interns to work alongside experienced professionals to develop new skills and expand their learning opportunities. In addition to providing work experience and mentorship, Oak Learners has also invested in professional development courses and certifications for our teachers and staff. In the past year, our teachers have participated in courses through the Red Cross, Learning Without Tears, the National Institute for Learning Development, and more. Several of our teachers have also been working towards Postgraduate Degrees and their experiences at Oak learners have formed a foundation of experiential learning to augment the theory they were learning in class.
This summer, Oak Learners was honoured to receive the [Canada Summer Jobs Grant](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html) from the Government of Canada in order to employ 2 amazing students to support our camp programming. This was a huge step for Oak Learners towards supporting our continuous professional development plans as well as a fantastic opportunity to bring new energy and excitement into our programming. We are grateful for the support of our local community and elected representatives as we continue to strive to bring more opportunities for personalized learning to our students.
### **Meet our Staff in their own Words**
***Emma Vella***
Emma has been working as a Camp Counselor at Oak Learners since 2016. She graduated with Honours from Father John Redmond with an Arts Diploma in Drama. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Western Ontario with an interest in International Development. Her work with children has solidified her passion to make a difference in the world and we are so excited to see what this amazing young woman accomplishes in the coming years!
Reflecting on her experiences at Oak Learners, Emma shared that she valued the importance of teamwork and communication. “As a result of working at Oak Learners, I have learned how to effectively work and communicate with people whether it be with the children, their parents or my fellow co-workers. As an employee here, you truly understand the importance of communication, which is pivotal to any career path.”
***Lucia Mormille***
This was Lucia’s first summer at Oak Learners. A local Mimico resident, Lucia was familiar with the needs of our families and the unique opportunity that Oak Learners offers. She is working towards completing her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Toronto and hopes to pursue a Masters of Education in the coming years. We are thrilled to have added Lucia to our summer camp and tutoring team at Oak Learners and are looking forward to supporting her journey in education.
In her own words, Lucia reflected that, “Oak learners has given me the opportunity to gain experience working within a teaching environment. In addition to the welcoming atmosphere, Oak learners has helped me achieve new skills that will support me in my future studies, where I aim to graduate with my Masters in Teaching. Upon entering an inclusive educational space, I have been able to network with other educators and be introduced to progressive teaching strategies.”
***Teresa Mormille, H.BA, M.Ed., OCT***
Teresa has worked as an educator at Oak Learners since 2017 and in other diverse educational settings since 2014; teaching children from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Teresa graduated from her Honours Bachelor Of Arts at the University of Toronto in 2016, double majoring in English and Social Sciences. A recent graduate from the Masters of Education program at OISE in 2018, specializing in the Intermediate/ Senior divisions, Teresa understands that every child learns differently and she enjoys personalizing her lessons to keep her students progressing and confident. Her research focused on curriculum support in Toronto high-schools for students who have experienced grief trauma.
When asked about how Oak Learners supported her journey as an educator, she stated, “I was able to apply my theoretical knowledge from my master’s program in supporting diverse learners, and work closely with a team of individuals with interdisciplinary knowledge. Oak Learner’s holistic approach aligned with my master’s research, in fully supporting diverse learners. Oak Learners is where I was able to fully put my theoretical knowledge into practice, and further my inquiry in the teaching and learning relationship.”
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**Categories:** Education, School Life
**Tags:** canada summer job grant, etobicoke, graduates, james maloney, oak learners, private school, professional development, summer camp, summer job, teachers, youth interns
---
### [Oak Learners is Bridging the Gap for Ontario Students through Arts and Mindfulness based Elementary Education](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-is-bridging-the-gap-for-ontario-students-through-arts-and-mindfulness-based-elementary-education/)
**Published:** July 5, 2018
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Anxiety levels are up and test scores are down. Ontario students are experiencing record levels of stress, anxiety and suicidal rates are higher than ever before, but students are still under daily pressure to perform to meet provincial standards.
**Content:**
### Oak Learners is Bridging the Gap for Ontario Students through Arts and Mindfulness-based Elementary Education
Anxiety levels are up and test scores are down. Ontario students are experiencing record levels of stress, anxiety and suicidal rates are higher than ever before, but students are still under daily pressure to perform to meet provincial standards.
[Experts agree](https://peopleforeducation.ca/report/2018-annual-report-on-schools-the-new-basics-for-public-education/#chapter1) that now is the time for early intervention strategies, including introducing self-regulation techniques to children, expanding support for Arts programs in schools, and empowering teachers to recognize and support children with mental health concerns.
Oak Learners brings together the latest research and access to community support systems to provide a unique opportunity for children and their families experiencing difficulties in the current school system. Our project-based and personalized approach to learning addresses the immediate need for changes in education in Ontario.
**Rising Mental Health Concerns in Ontario Students**
Recent studies on Ontario students have shown that mental health concerns are reaching critical levels with one-third of students found to have moderate to severe symptoms. The [Ontario Ministry of Education reports](http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/reports/SupportingMinds.pdf) that at least 20% of children and youth have mental health concerns, including anxiety problems, behaviour problems (including ADHD and conduct disorder), mood problems (e.g., depressive disorders), and substance use problems.
Since 2013, there has been a [10% increase](http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/about_camh/newsroom/news_releases_media_advisories_and_backgrounders/current_year/Pages/One-third-of-Ontario-students-report-elevated-psychological-distress.aspx) in the number of students in need of mental health services while [less than 25%](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/number-of-ontario-teens-with-psychological-distress-rising-at-alarming-rate/article31042541/) of those in need are actually receiving the support. Studies also show that seventy per cent of adult mental illness begins in childhood which points to how [many children are slipping through the cracks](http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/kids-poverty-and-mental-health-anxiety-a-growing-problem-1.2542001).
[Without early treatment](http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/reports/SupportingMinds.pdf), children experience failure in school attendance, academic achievement and miss out on developing important social and learning skills. Anxiety, in particular, [causes changes in the brain-body system](https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/72203/1/Humayun_Anza_201606_MT_MTRP.pdf) that actually inhibit students’ ability to learn.
The Ontario Ministry of Education has recognized the “substantial and important connections between creativity, high academic achievement, economic and social entrepreneurialism, leadership, and problem solving” in its [21st Century Competencies](http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/memos/feb2014/QuickFactsWinter2014.pdf) discussion document and yet, 40% of schools have no music teacher or specialist teachers in other arts areas and many [elementary teachers report that they are not equipped](https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/72203/1/Humayun_Anza_201606_MT_MTRP.pdf) to deal with rising mental health concerns in their classrooms.
**Bridging the Gap for all students**
Recognizing the need for increased support for students experience difficulty in the school system, Oak Learners brings together experienced and energetic educators to provide an enriched and supportive learning environment for their students.
While acknowledging the importance of ensuring our students are meeting or exceeding the Ontario Curriculum, Oak Learners provides an enhanced alternative education program which draws from the educational philosophies of[ Montessori](http://www.ourkids.net/montessori-education-philosophy.php),[ Waldorf](https://waldorfeducation.org/waldorf_education),[ Enki](http://www.enkieducation.org),[ Homeschooling](http://ontariohomeschool.org/homeschooling-faq),[ Unschooling](http://www.unschooling.ca/) and[ Constructivism](http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/). Our program is enriched through the Arts, outdoor exploration and through encouraging the natural curiosity of our learners.
Our [**alternative day school**](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) program is intended to provide a personalized and enriched approach to each child’s school journey. Students may attend for one, two or five days per week and participate in programs that will support their challenges or enhance their strengths. For part-time students, we work together with the family to design a program that complements the rest of their school week.
Oak Learners has been offering flexibility to families since 2015. Parents collaborate with educators and support workers to create an individualized learning plan, delivered in a safe, nurturing and creative environment. The progressive, interdisciplinary approach to programming engages students in the learning process and supports them in developing essential skills in 21st century competencies, including resiliency, goal setting, collaboration, technology and creativity.
Key benefits of the boutique-style classrooms at Oak Learners include daily mindfulness practices and inquiry-based curriculum with full arts-integration. Low student-teacher ratios allow teachers to be completely involved in each stage of student learning and to build stronger and more supportive relationships among peers. With more support and teacher involvement, students are more motivated to succeed and become more involved in their own education, setting them up for future successes.
**The Many Benefits of Mindfulness in the Classroom**
[Mindfulness practices](http://time.com/1556/the-mindful-revolution/) have been creeping into [classrooms ](https://www.todaysparent.com/family/mindfulness-for-kids-learning-emotional-regulation-in-school/)and major corporations, including [Google](http://www.businessinsider.com/search-inside-yourself-googles-life-changing-mindfulness-course-2014-8), across North America in recent years, with astounding success rates in [reducing stress](http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/mindfulness-meditation-may-ease-anxiety-mental-stress-201401086967) and anxiety while also increasing productivity and test-performance.
At Oak Learners, mindfulness techniques are introduced to children from a young age, through which they are taught to recognize different feelings in their body, both emotionally and physically, which help to increase self-awareness and resilience habits.
**Inquiry-Based Learning as the best model of education**
In 2013, the [Ontario Ministry of Education](http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/inspire/research/CBS_InquiryBased.pdf) recognized that inquiry-based learning offers “promise in supporting students to become thoughtful, motivated, collaborative and innovative learners capable of engaging in their own inquiries and thriving in a world of constant change”.
Students work together with teacher-mentors at Oak Learners to investigate the world around them while honing academic and learning skills to build a solid educational foundation for lifelong learning.
**Creativity & Arts are Integral to 21st Century Education**
When Arts Education is integrated across the curriculum, students benefit from a highly enriched learning opportunity. A 2013 report from [People for Education](http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/arts.pdf) examined the importance of Arts in Education, stating that “arts education can help children develop critical higher-level skills, including creativity, problem-solving, communication, self-discipline, tolerance and critical thinking”.
Students as Oak Learners have the opportunities to learn from professional musicians, artists and creative professionals in a variety of disciplines, thus expanding their appreciation for the diversity of opportunities open to them.
---
*<Originally published on July 5, 2018>*
[View Our Alternative Day School](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
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**Categories:** Education, Music
**Tags:** adhd, anxiety, bridge the gap, education, etobicoke, independent school, inquiry, learning disability, montessori, ontario, ontario school, private school, schools, toronto
---
### [How hatching ducklings cultivated a rich learning opportunity](https://oaklearners.ca/inquiry-in-the-classroom-how-hatching-ducklings-cultivated-a-rich-learning-opportunity-for-our-students/)
**Published:** June 27, 2018
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
*How do some eggs hatch when others don’t? Why are eggs different colours? Can I have a duck as a pet? Why do ducks have feathers? Where do ducks live in the winter?*
These are a few of the questions our students asked when we presented them with an incubator full of duck eggs one day as a provocation to our Inquiry Unit on Animal Life Cycles. The inquiry model of learning allows for children of different ages and abilities to access information at their own pace while developing important 21st skills for lifelong self-directed learning. Our cross-curricular exploration began with “Hatching Duck Eggs” and developed into hatching Butterflies. These units demonstrate how our students and teachers at Oak Learners utilize the inquiry model, aligning our teaching and learning around this experience while also connecting to Ontario Curriculum skill-based development.
### **Personalized Learning**
What is absolutely fascinating is how the same topic can be adapted to be age-appropriate for all students within a multi-grade classroom; this is where an inquiry-based model really shines. Students direct their own lines of inquiry and follow their own paths of research to answer questions developed with the guidance of a teacher-mentor. This teacher has an idea of which skills students are working on development and can help guide the inquiry to enhance the learning process for each student in a very personalized way. This method also reduces student apathy, because each child is actively engaged in the learning process and is allowed to really take control of the depth and breadth of their learning. Personalized inquiry also leads to better information retention and higher-order skill development regardless of the age of the child.
### **Cross-Curricular Activities**
It would be impossible to have ducklings in the classroom and try to have children complete math sheets. Their attention would constantly be drawn away, and the level of engagement in learning a new math unit would be exceedingly low. This is where cross-curricular planning becomes a must-have. In our classrooms, math became very hands on while still focused on developing new understanding. We learned about reading graphs and tables of information. Applied math activities involved creating our own graphs and analyzing the numbers. Older students examined data on probability when looking at hatch rates and explored concepts in algebra when looking at population data. Our youngest students counted and added and subtract the ducks, learning to manipulate numbers and tell “number stories” in a real-world application.
Language Arts activities surrounded reading and writing fictional stories about animals. We learned about differentiating fact and fiction. Children were also encouraged to observe the real ducks to enhance the description in their stories. Research reports and non-fiction writing also played an important role. Information was organized and categorized to help the students communicate their findings and observations about the ducks.
### **Rich Learning**
The experience of hatching ducks was an irreplaceable learning opportunity for everyone in our community. Many teachers and parents and even passersby remarked at how much they learned through observing the ducklings grow and through the information collected and shared by the children. Several parents also remarked on how they remembered a similar experience from their own childhood – underlining for us the importance of experiential opportunities to enhance student learning and information retention. Through experiences such as this, children are able to construct their own understanding of the world around them and build stronger neuro-pathways in their brains to be used for acquiring and consolidating new information later along their learning journey.
---
## See our 2021 Duck Hatching Videos here:
---
### **Unit outline for Multi-Grade Classrooms**
**Theme**: Living Things in the Environment
**Inquiry Skills:** Connections, observations, predictions.
**Central Ideas:**
K ~ Living things go through changes and adaptations in their lifetime.
Gr. 1-3 ~ Living things have specific needs that exist in their habitats
Gr. 4-6 ~ All living things are interconnected
**Lines of Inquiry:**
K ~ How do ducks change from egg to adult? What needs to ducks have in their environment to help them adapt to their lifecycle changes?
Gr. 1-3 ~ What do living things need to survive? How do habitats serve the needs of living things? How do living things adapt to changes in their environment?
Gr. 4-6 ~ How do living things adapt and change? How are living things connected within a habitat? How do changes in the environment affect living things?
---
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**Categories:** Education, School Life
**Tags:** ducklings, elementary school, etobicoke, experiential education, hands on, inquiry based, living things, montessori, oak learners, personalized learning, private school, reggio emilia, toronto
---
### [The Importance of Teaching Kids Mental Monologues](https://oaklearners.ca/the-importance-of-teaching-kids-mental-monologues/)
**Published:** April 16, 2018
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/canstockphoto24585473.jpg?ssl=1)
Written by: Kelly Letros – Behaviour Therapist
During spring break, I was enthused to spend my week with children who had registered for a week-long camp program. Daily, they were running to and fro through the corridors of the centre, from one pre-planned activity to another. It was delightful to hear them squealing and giggling (for the most part!)
Things usually run smoothly for camp facilitators and educators who have worked tirelessly to program a fun-filled and engaging week. I say usually because there is always that dreaded period of time between planned activities that things seem to go awry. It is actually predictable.
We call them TRANSITIONS, and they are a bad, bad word for educators and child care workers everywhere. During these transitions, which can range from 1min to 10min, children seem to lose their minds. They get antsy, skittish, they seem dazed and confused that there are moments or lapses in their days where nothing may be going on or happening. To entertain themselves, they start taunting, teasing, running mad circles, scaling walls like superheroes all in a frenzied circus display of madness because the alternative for them is very, VERY scary. They cannot sit still in silence with nothingness in front of them.
So how did children become be so intolerant of a few moments of nothingness? Perhaps we are to blame.
I see, in some schools, transitions being rushed, teachers being urged by directors to plan activities back to back with no gaps to prevent the dreaded upcoming transition. But, is this the right thing to do? I feel, we are truly reinforcing their inability to deal with the empty and unstructured moments life dishes us. Inevitably, these children are going to be required to sit for tests in high school and family engagements where they are required to be a quiet observer. Imagine a child becoming frenzied at a funeral? They need to learn how to occupy their own minds in times when life is not structured. They must develop the skill to have healthy mental monologues in their minds to fill these gaps in time. If we keep quickening the pace of our transitions in schools just to avoid our kids from going bananas, we are really doing a disservice to them.
With our culture’s addiction to images and stimuli via “on-demand entertainment”, how are kids suppose to cope with the media-free moments of life? Now, this is a skill we surely have a responsibility to teach them! We should be prompting them to exercise their minds in these moments. By teaching them how to occupy themselves, they can, in turn, help themselves to self-regulate in moments of boredom in healthy ways.
Remember, decades ago, we did not have the same battle as the one which digital media has placed before our kids today. We had no choice but to learn how to count sheep, or white cars passing by our car on long trips. We played hangman on notepads in the back seats of cars. We developed the necessary brain power to take life’s transitions, such as car or subway rides, and pass time quietly in our heads. We all, no doubt, employed a whole bunch of weird and wacky goodness to deal with moments when what lay before us in life seemed dull. We learned how to be silent with grace and our kids need to acquire this very same skill. We can take these memories of what we did to pass time years ago and hand them down to the next generation.
The skill your child learns from sharing these fond memories with them may provide them with a necessary skill for navigating many upcoming moments in their life.
---
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**Categories:** Education, Healthy Living, Mindfulness
**Tags:** bored, children, games, mindfulness, parenting, passtimes, teaching
---
### [Learning Styles and Student Differentiation](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-styles-student-differentiation/)
**Published:** December 20, 2017
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** As parents and educators, it is imperative that we recognize these unique learning styles in our children and allow them opportunities to engage in their learning through equally unique modes.
**Content:**
### Unique Learning Styles
Howard Gardner coined the term Multiple Intelligences first in 1983 to describe the evident fact that there are many different ways that people learn. Some people learn from listening, some from watching and others from doing. People also have different ways to express what they have learned: verbally, kinesthetically, artistically, etc.
As parents and educators, it is imperative that we recognize these unique learning styles in our children and allow them opportunities to engage in their learning through equally unique modes.
### Differentiation
Differentiation is a popular term frequently used in educational circles to mean several different things. For some it can mean that lessons need to be different for each student, for others it just means to acknowledge students’ differences.
If we begin with the premise that all students are inherently unique and have different interests, learning styles, strengths and experiences, then it follows that they will require different instructional strategies to help them reach their potential as learners and beyond.
The most common strategies of differentiating learning in a classroom are:
- Varied groupings of students
- Alternate activities for teaching or assessment
- Providing students more time for completion of activities
- Providing choice for students to allow them to engage with their learning constructively
### Developing Individual Intelligences in the Classroom
While it is important to allow students choices over how they learn and present their learning, it is equally important that they are exposed to all modes of learning to balance out their skills. It is impractical to present new material to students in only one way, and it is just as impractical to allow them to always choose an “easy” way of presenting their learning.
Below are some ways teachers seek to incorporate different learning modes in their classroom. For parents, this chart can be helpful when advocating for your child’s learning as well as when helping them with homework and studying skills.
| **Learner Type** | **Teaching and Learning Ideas** |
|---|---|
| **Verbal / Linguistic** | - Language! - Provide opportunities for reading, writing and verbal responses. - Make connections between concepts using linguistic clues and word origins. |
| **Mathematical / Logical** | - Using charts! - Asking students to summarize information using charts and lists. - Incorporating mathematics into other curriculum areas (it’s always possible!) - Activities that follow the Scientific Method. |
| **Musical** | - Songs! - Memorize key terms using songs. - Ask students to change the words to a familiar song to make it about the concept being taught. |
| **Visual / Spatial** | - Images and Graphic Organizers for new concepts! - Give students graphic organizers to summarize and present information. - Infographics are a great way to have students present their learning–many online tools are available to make awesome infographics. |
| **Bodily / Kinesthetic** | - Hands-on! - Provide opportunities for students to get up and stretch frequently. - Give hands-on activities for learning–making dioramas, building models, cutting and pasting to match key terms with definitions. |
| **Interpersonal** | - Group work! Mix and match students with different strength and provide opportunities for them all to share. - Discussions! |
| **Intrapersonal** | - Reflect! - Ask students to reflect on their own learning, even just as a quick 2 minute activity–they can use such reflections to get to know themselves better as learners and to discover what they do well and what they find difficult. |
| **Naturalist** | - Explore the world around us! - Use nature and environmental examples when possible and make connections to the world. - Provide opportunities to work outdoors. |
### References:
- [Howard Gardner](https://www.multipleintelligencesoasis.org/a-beginners-guide-to-mi)
- [Multiple Intelligences](https://www.multipleintelligencesoasis.org/resources)
Adapted from an original article by Kelly Farrell, published by [Dialogue Online](http://www.ourkids.net/school/diversity-series-learning-styles-special-needs-differentiation), 2014.
---
For more educational posts visit our [Educational Posts Page](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
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**Categories:** Education, Music, Private Tutoring
**Tags:** academics, children, differentiation, learning, miundulness, multiple intelligences, oak learners, students, tutoring
---
### [Ease back into Back-to-School: Mindfulness Workshops to ease the mind](https://oaklearners.ca/ease-back-into-back-to-school-mindfulness-workshops-to-ease-the-mind/)
**Published:** August 25, 2017
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Anxiety is one of the fastest growing concerns among school-aged children and youth in the school system these days. Many teachers and parents agree that children are under increasing pressure to perform in the classroom to keep up with standardized curriculum, all while having their time spent outside or in Art-based programming reduced.
Oak Learners believes in proactively addressing the issue by providing a nurturing environment for children to access learning at their own pace and integrating mindfulness practice into everything we do. The result is happier, healthier and more functional children and families.
This year, join us for a whole week of pre-back-to-school workshops designed to ease the mind into the school mindset. Daily Yoga and Mindfulness practice, combined with Creative Arts workshops give children control over their emotions and skills to help with sleep, studying and emotional regulation throughout the school year.
To register for these Back-To-School classes, please call 416-820-5233 or email info@oaklearners.ca
[](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Back-to-School-Workshop-Schedules.pdf)
[VIEW Back to School Workshop Schedules PDF](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Back-to-School-Workshop-Schedules.pdf)
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**Categories:** Events, Programming
**Tags:** anxiety, back to school, children, meditation, mindfulness, parents, school, stress, teachers, workshops, yoga
---
### [Bridge the Gap with Summer Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/bridge-the-gap-with-summer-learning/)
**Published:** June 25, 2017
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Children are naturally good at learning – it’s what they do from the moment they are born! Children learn language, culture, social norms, and knowledge from everyone around them. For most children, learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings or when schools close for summer vacation. Most children are intensely curious and, given the right environment, will dive into the exploration of new knowledge!
At Oak Learners, we understand that school breaks are a fantastic time for family vacations and summer adventures which is why we have designed summer programming to bridge the learning gap while embracing the summer season! At Oak Learners our [Academic Skill Boosters](https://oaklearners.ca/shop/) to provide regular practice in the areas of literacy and mathematics with the support of a Certified Teacher throughout the summer months. Students may also opt to take private music lessons during the summer months as well as Art and Mindfulness workshops.
Above all, Summer Break should be fun and a time for children to explore their natural curiosities. Summer Camps encourage this natural exploration and through themed learning and carefully structured interdisciplinary programming. [Day Camps at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/summer/) see children spending the majority of their day engaged in outside-the-box learning activities. They may go on a nature walk which turns into a scientific scavenger hunt, building observational, map reading and navigation skills. Arts programming at our camps also includes lessons in music, art and performance, promoting collaboration and creative expression among our campers.
**5 Creative Ways to Support Learning at Home During the Summer**
1. *Make Learning Fun*! Activities such as baking, shopping or creating a lemonade stand are fantastic ways to ‘hide’ math in your summer fun. Encourage children to participate in measuring recipes or budgeting for shopping trips. [Car rides](https://oaklearners.ca/games-and-activities-for-road-trips/) are also fantastic opportunities to improve mental math and literacy skills: counting cars of different colours, monitoring the time elapsed or time left in a trip, or even reading billboard signs are alternatives to the ever-popular alphabet game, played by reading licence plates.
2. Summer Reading Clubs are great ways to encourage children to read for pleasure and explore new books over the summer months. Visit your local Toronto Public Library to participate in their [Summer Reading](http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/reading-club/) incentive program, which includes a special notebook to track books that children have read and the opportunity to meet regularly with librarians to share what they have read and ask for advice on new books.
3. Board Games are fantastic ways to bring the family together on a rainy day or summer evening. [Hidden benefits of card games](https://www.wsj.com/articles/benefits-of-a-family-card-game-1428444818) and board games are plentiful: children learn to take turns, read instructions or game cards, counting and mental math skills, strategy and problem-solving, critical thinking, improved memory, and so much more!
4. Nature Walks can quickly become Science Investigations or [Scavenger Hunts](http://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/printable-summer-scavenger-hunt-for-the-senses) for children of all ages. Encourage children to be mindful of their surroundings, listening to the changing sights and sounds throughout each stage of the summer season. Track animal prints, conduct research on birds in your neighbourhood, learn about edible plants or grow a vegetable garden in your backyard.
5. Have fun! The most important aspect of learning should be having fun. When children are happy and relaxed, they are more likely to excel in activities and build successful relationships. Fun looks different for each child, so take your cues from them and encourage summer as a time to explore each child’s individual interests and curiosities. A summer of learning for fun can set them up with motivation for a very successful school year and plenty of memorable experiences to share with friends when they return to class in September.
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**Categories:** Camps, Events, Programming
---
### [Oak Learners is Moving! We're expanding!](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-is-moving-were-expanding/)
**Published:** June 16, 2017
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
It is with great pride that we share our exciting news with you!
Oak Learners is now a fully registered not-for-profit organization, enabling us to provide increased support and expanding programming to the vibrant families in and around our neighbourhood.
We believe every child, no matter their ability and/or disability is capable and will be successful when they belong to a supportive and inclusive educational community, our mission; to inspire creativity, foster technique and encourage confidence.
With effect from September 2017, Oak Learners will be operating a full-time and part-time alternative day school through which we work with each child’s unique learning style to enrich their strengths and support their challenges. After school enrichment in the areas of arts, music, academics and mindfulness will continue and have been expanded to include art and music therapy. Registration for September 2017 is now open and ongoing.
With this expansion, comes the need for more space. Oak Learners is relocating on July 1st, remaining in the heart of Mimico Village, to 394 Royal York Road, a mere half-block away (steps to San Remo’s – likely to our Parents delight!), this much larger and brighter space gives us the opportunity to increase our day-time and after school classes.
We hope you will join us at our **Open House** on Saturday, July 8th from 2 – 4 pm and get to know how we are growing to service you better.
Mindfulness and self-expression remain at the heart of our Centre, as well as the core belief that *‘it takes a village’*!
For more information please call us at 416 820 5233 or send an email to <info@oaklearners.ca>
---
[](https://oaklearners.ca/summer/) For information about our **Summer Camps**, [click HERE](https://oaklearners.ca/summer/).
For information about our part-time and full-time **day school**, opening September 2017, [click HERE](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/).
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**Categories:** Announcements., Events
**Tags:** announcement, etobicoke, mimico, music lessons, oak learners, private school, summer camps, summer tutoring, tutoring
---
### [Bridge the Gap at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/bridge-the-gap-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** January 17, 2017
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
At Oak Learners we understand that every child learns differently and we love that!
Each of the founding partners at Oak Learners have experienced the trials of parenting a child who needs something “more” than what is traditionally offered by both public and private educational institutions. We have strived to create an alternative learning environment that encourages individuality, curiosity and creativity through unique learning opportunities.
While acknowledging the importance of ensuring our students are meeting or exceeding the Ontario Curriculum, Oak Learners provides an enhanced alternative education program which draws from the educational philosophies of [Montessori](http://www.ourkids.net/montessori-education-philosophy.php), [Waldorf](https://waldorfeducation.org/waldorf_education), [Enki](http://www.enkieducation.org), [Homeschooling](http://ontariohomeschool.org/homeschooling-faq), [Unschooling ](http://www.unschooling.ca/)and [Constructivism](http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/). Our program is enriched through the Arts, outdoor exploration and through encouraging the natural curiosity of our learners. We believe in a [wholistic ](https://www.homeopathycanada.com/blog/wholistic-vs-holistic)approach to growth, taking into consideration the whole body, person, or unit, the mind, body and spirit, emphasizing the importance of the whole as well as the interdependence of its parts.
Our new [**Bridge the Gap**](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/) program is intended to supplement an existing school program, including homeschooling. Students attend Bridge the Gap for one, two or three days per week and participate in programs that will support their challenges or enhance their strengths. During the intake process, our Educational Consultants work together with the student, their family and teachers to design an individual program that complements the rest of their school week.
Additional programs which ‘Bridge the Gap’ include our Kindergarten Readiness program for preschoolers who will be attending a JK classroom next fall, our Kindergarten Enrichment program for JK or SK children who enjoy challenges and want to reach beyond the walls of their classrooms.
Oak Learners also facilitates ‘Life Skills’ classes for students with special needs to build independence and self-reliance through immersive life experiences such as meal preparation, public transit navigation, and leadership opportunities.
To learn more about [Bridge the Gap](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/), email us at <info@oaklearners.ca> or call 416-820-5233.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
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**Categories:** Education, Programming
**Tags:** alternative school, bridge the gap, children, diversity, education, enrichment, etobicoke, homeschooling, individual programs, kindergarten, learning, mimico, mississauga, montessori, parenting, programs, spoecial needs, support, toronto, unschooling, waldorf
---
### [Mindfulness through Artistic Expression at Oak Learners!](https://oaklearners.ca/mindfulness-through-artistic-expression-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** November 10, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Oak Learners Mindfulness programs are inclusive of the whole person, mind, body and spirit, promoting a calm, focused, alert, aware and creative state of mind contributing directly to the development of cognitive, performance and executive functioning skills.
Think outside the colouring books! Mindfulness [art activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/) have been growing in popularity recently, but the therapeutic benefits of art go beyond colouring books. [Research has shown](https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/arts-and-health/201401/doodling-your-way-more-mindful-life) that deliberate doodling as well as sensory based [art activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/) can improve focus, problem solving and encourage clarity of thinking.
Oak Learners now offers a 1:1 mentoring program encouraging children to explore self-awareness and self-expression through artistic exploration. Oak Learners’ teachers work with children to explore emotions and therapeutic coping strategies for reducing stress and anxiety, increased focus and attention and overall improved mental health.
We also offer a group class which explores a wide variety of Mindful Art techniques through projects exploring self-expression and creativity. Enrollment is open and continuous.
Register by completing our [Contact Form](https://oaklearners.ca/contact/) or call 416-820-5233 for more information.
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**Categories:** Events, Programming
**Tags:** art, art class, art therapy, mimico, mindful art, miundulness, oak learners, stress reduction
---
### [Augie and Me: A Book Review by Yusuf, an Oak Learners student](https://oaklearners.ca/augie-and-me-a-book-review/)
**Published:** August 23, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
The book *Augie and Me* by R.J Palacio is a sequel to the book *Wonder*. The book *Wonder* is about a boy named August Pullman, who is in 5th grade. This boy has a severe facial deformity and has been home-schooled for his whole life. He is heading to 5th grade and his mom cannot homeschool him any more because the work is getting harder and harder. During the year, he learns the challenges of meeting new friends and dealing with bullies.
Following in the same style as *Wonder*, Auggie and Me (the next book in the series) shows 3 different perspectives from 3 different supporting characters in Augie’s life.
The first section is about a boy named Julian. Julian was the main antagonist in *Wonder*. During the year, he was pretty mean to Augie. For instance, Julian put mean, threatening notes in Augie’s locker and was frequently talking behind his back. During the story, the reader learns how Julian reacted to what he did to August. He learns that his actions do not necessarily define his personality.
The second section is about Augie’s first and best friend, Christopher. In *Wonder*, Christopher is mentioned a lot but doesn’t make too many appearances. This is because he moved a few years before the book *Wonder* took place. He lives about a 3 hour drive away from where August lives. This story informs about what is going on in Christopher’s life and his past with August.
The third and last section is about Charlotte, one of August’s friends from school. Charlotte wasn’t a main character in *Wonder*, yet made many appearances and was one of the people who showed August around his new school. This is the most exciting chapter because Charlotte learns more about herself and others. Charlotte is not popular at all. Some people even think she is a goody two shoes. But, throughout this story, she learns the meaning of friendship and who her real friends are.
*Augie and Me* was a quick page turner that kept me engaged and left me wanting more! When reading this book I thought about real life experiences that happened to me and related them to the story. This book was very inspiring and is especially good for students who are moving on to new schools. I encourage students or adults who are moving on to new jobs/schools to read *Wonder* and *Augie and Me*.
---
To purchase more kid’s books check out [Scholastic Books](https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/en/search?cgid=root&navFilterId=supplies-cec-ca&navFilterValue=Club%20Shop&eml=CRC/e/20200525////VALUEPACKS_TEACHERS_28863///crc/////&ET_CID=DM240996&ET_RID=1339458908)
Use the code RC127307
Your books will be shipped directly to your home. Every purchase helps build our school library and provide new learning materials for our classroom. Thank you!
For more book recommendation posts check out our [blog archives](https://oaklearners.ca/book-recommendations/).
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**Categories:** Book Recommendations, Student Showcase
---
### [How Neurodivergent & Neurotypical Kids Learn Together](https://oaklearners.ca/mixed-neurodivergent-neurotypical-learning-groups/)
**Published:** May 4, 2026
**Author:** Daniela Urbina
**Content:**
# How Mixed Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Groups Learn From Each Other
Walk into Oak on any given day and you’ll see this:
One child is quietly drawing every tiny detail of a tree.
Another is talking a mile a minute about Minecraft.
Someone else is pacing while thinking, or using headphones when the room gets loud.
Different brains. Same community.
At Oak, that mix isn’t a problem to fix. It’s part of what makes the group *work*. When we talk about neurodiversity, we’re talking about **a way of describing differences in how people’s brains work**, not who they are at their core. Children are children first—neurodiversity is just one more category we can use to understand and support them. \[1\]\[2\]\[3\]
## **1. What do we mean by “neurodivergent”?**
In simple terms:
- **Children who are neurodivergent** include children with autism, ADHD, learning differences, and other ways of processing the world.
- **Children who are neurotypical** are those whose brains roughly match what school and society usually expect.
Both groups bring strengths *and* challenges. For example, recent studies with adults with autism and adults with ADHD show that many strongly identify with strengths like:
- deep focus on topics they love,
- creativity and original ideas,
- humour, spontaneity, and curiosity. \[1\]\[2\]\[4\]
The key message from this research is clear: when people use their strengths on purpose, they tend to report better well-being, confidence, and quality of life. \[1\] \[2\]
That lines up beautifully with Oak’s philosophy of seeing each learner as capable and unique, not as a list of “deficits.”
## **2. How mixed groups help children with neurodevelopmental differences**
In a big, traditional classroom, children with autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental differences can feel like they’re “the odd one out.”
In a small Oak group—often 6:1 or close—things feel different:
- There’s room to pace, fidget, doodle, or ask lots of questions.
- Teachers actually have time to learn a child’s patterns: “She needs a quiet start.” “He does better if he knows what’s coming next.”
- Hands-on, creative, and nature-based activities mean kids aren’t only judged on how still and quiet they can be.
Research on strengths-based programs for adolescents with autism shows that when their interests and abilities are treated as *assets*, they tend to show better self-esteem, sense of belonging, and social confidence over time. \[3\]
Newer “neuroinclusive school” models also suggest we should adapt the **environment**—lighting, noise, routines, expectations—so children with neurodevelopmental differences can join in more comfortably, instead of constantly asking them to “just try harder.”\[5\]
That’s very Oak: adjust the space and plan, not the child’s personality.
## **3. How mixed groups help neurotypical children**
Here’s the lovely twist: this isn’t just good for children with neurodevelopmental differences. It’s good for everyone.
In mixed groups, neurotypical children get daily practice in:
- **Empathy** – learning that loud isn’t fun for everybody and that some children need headphones or breaks.
- **Flexibility** – changing game rules so a friend who hates running can still join; using visuals so everyone can follow.
- **Appreciation of difference –** noticing that the “quiet kid” has incredible ideas, or that the child who finds writing hard can build the best structures.
Studies on strengths in people with autism show that people with and without autism actually share many strengths—things like kindness, persistence, and curiosity—but may express them differently. \[1\] When children grow up seeing that up close, “different” starts to feel normal, not scary.
They learn, early on, that:
“My way isn’t the only way—and my friend’s brain does cool things mine doesn’t.”
That’s a pretty powerful life skill.
## **4. How Oak puts “different, not less” into everyday practice**
None of this is theoretical at Oak—it’s in the daily details. For example:
- **Small classes** mean teachers can tweak activities: giving movement breaks, offering quieter roles in group games, or using visual schedules.
- **Nature time** (walks, forts, and sit-spots under trees) gives children who find social situations intense a calmer backdrop to connect side-by-side, not always face-to-face.
- **Creative options** (art, music, building, drama) let children show who they are in ways that don’t depend on speed, handwriting, or being good at “whole-class talking.”
Research on neuroinclusive schools suggests that when environments are calmer, more predictable, and genuinely celebrate neurodiversity, both children with neurodevelopmental differences and neurotypical children show better participation and well-being. \[5\]
That’s really what Oak is aiming for:
- not a “special” space for some children and a “regular” space for others,
- but one shared space where **different kinds of minds can actually learn from each other**.
## **5. For families wondering, “Will my child fit here?”**
If your child has autism, ADHD, or another neurodevelopmental difference, you might be thinking:
“Will they be accepted for who they are, not constantly asked to mask?”
If your child is neurotypical, you might wonder:
“Will they still be challenged and supported in this kind of mixed group?”
The picture coming out of strengths-based and neuroinclusive research is hopeful: when we focus on what children *can* do, adapt environments thoughtfully, and bring different kinds of minds together, everyone wins. \[1\]\[2\]\[3\]\[5\]
At Oak, that looks like:
- kids who flap, pace, or info-dump being seen as part of the group,
- kids who are more typical learning to be better listeners, helpers, and friends.
- and all of them getting the message:
“You don’t have to be the same to belong here.”
Different, not less—and better together.
## **References**
1. Taylor, E. C., Livingston, L. A., Clutterbuck, R. A., Callan, M. J., & Shah, P. (2023). Psychological strengths and well-being: Strengths use predicts quality of life, well-being, and mental health in autism. *Autism, 27*(6), 1826–1839. <https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221146440>
2. Hargitai, L. D., et al. (2025). The role of psychological strengths in positive life outcomes in adults with ADHD. *Frontiers in Psychology.* Advance online publication. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1398079>
3. Lee, E. A. L., Scott, M., Black, M. H., D’Arcy, E., Tan, T., Sheehy, L., Bölte, S., & Girdler, S. (2024). “He sees his autism as a strength, not a deficit now”: A repeated cross-sectional study investigating the impact of strengths-based programs on autistic adolescents. *Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54*(5), 1656–1671. <https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05881-9>
4. SciTechDaily. (2025, October 7). *ADHD isn’t just a deficit: New study reveals powerful psychological strengths.* Summary of Hargitai et al. (2025). Retrieved from SciTechDaily website.
Rajotte, E., Grandisson, M., Couture, M. M., Desmarais, C., Chrétien-Vincent, M., Godin, J., & Thomas, N. (2025). A neuroinclusive school model: Focus on the school, not on the child. *Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 18*(2), 281–299. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2024.2341643
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**Categories:** Education
---
### [Summer Camp for Shy & Anxious Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-shy-anxious-kids/)
**Published:** April 28, 2026
**Author:** Daniela Urbina
**Content:**
# ****
# **Friendships Under the Trees: How Summer Camp Supports Shy or Anxious Kids**
You know that feeling when you *want* your child to have friends and fun in the summer…
But you also secretly worry they’ll spend the first three days hiding behind the counselor or asking when they can go home.
A lot of Oak families are here for exactly that reason. Their kids are bright, kind, and just a *little* (or very) shy, sensitive, or anxious in big groups.
Good news: the right kind of summer camp doesn’t ignore that temperament—it’s actually one of the best places to gently stretch it.
## **1. Why camp can feel easier than school for shy or anxious kids**
School can feel like a lot: big classes, fast transitions, loud hallways, and a social world that moves at lightning speed.
A small, nature-based camp like Oak’s changes the rules of the game:
- **Fewer kids, more space.** An 8:1 ratio means your child isn’t trying to track 25 names and faces at once.
- **More movement, less pressure.** Activities are hands-on and playful, not “perform on the spot.”
- **Nature built in.** Being outdoors—under trees, by the lake, or in the park—gives many kids’ nervous systems a break from constant noise and screens.
Recent research on nature camps for children with psychological needs found that even a one-week immersive nature camp could *boost well-being and social connectedness*, especially for kids who struggle in typical settings. \[1\]
So if school feels like a marathon for your child, camp can be more like a slow hike with snacks and friends.
## **2. Tiny brave steps, not giant leaps**
Shy or anxious kids don’t usually thrive on “Go make three new friends right now.”
They do better with things like:
- “Can you help me carry this rope for our game?”
- “Do you want to be on my team to build this fort?”
- “Who wants to be the leader of the walk?”
Camp is full of these small, low-pressure social moments.
A 2024 study of a youth camp found that, in less than two weeks, campers showed increases in **empathy, emotional self-control, optimism, and self-esteem and** felt more ready to contribute to their group. \[2\] What made the difference? Not just the activities, but the **supportive group leaders** who created a safe social climate.
At Oak, that looks like:
- Counselors who learn names quickly and keep an eye out for the quiet kid on the edge.
- Games where there are many ways to join in (helper, timekeeper, holder-of-the-clipboard) instead of one spotlight position.
- Team challenges where success depends on everyone, not just the loudest voice.
For a shy child, those tiny “I did it” moments add up.
## **3. Nature as a gentle social buffer**
For anxious kids, “Let’s talk” across a table can feel intense.
“Let’s look for cool bugs by the tree” feels… a lot easier.
Being outside naturally gives children:
- **Side-by-side interaction** instead of face-to-face staring contests.
- Things to talk about that aren’t themselves (“Look at this leaf!”).
- Sensory input (wind, birds, leaves, water) that can calm the stress system rather than rev it up.
A large review of children’s “nature connectedness” found that feeling connected to nature is linked with **better emotional well-being and life satisfaction.** \[5\] Another recent camp study with urban children showed a positive trend toward improved mood and social connection after a week of nature-based camp, especially for kids with psychological challenges. \[1\]
In other words, friendships **are often easier to grow under trees than under fluorescent lights.**
## **4. Practicing “belonging” in a smaller pond**
Belonging is a huge protective factor for mental health. Long-term research shows that young people who feel they *belong* in their school community tend to have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression later on. \[4\]
Camp can act like a “belonging practice space”:
- The group is smaller and easier to read.
- The day has predictable rituals—morning circles, snack times, and closing games.
- Kids see the same faces for a whole week, doing shared silly things (inside jokes are social glue).
A 2025 review of adventure and outdoor education programs found consistent benefits for **peer support, relationship skills, independence, and resilience**—all core ingredients that help shy or anxious kids feel safer in groups. \[3\]
At Oak, that might look like:
- A camper who starts the week whispering to staff and ends the week teaching a new game.
- A child who usually avoids group work volunteering to be “the one who explains our fort design.”
- Two quiet kids becoming “stick-collecting partners” and carrying that friendship into the school year.
## **5. So… is camp right for my child?**
No two children are the same, but camp can be especially helpful if your child:
- Wants friends, but finds big groups exhausting
- Warms up slowly in new environments
- Feels more relaxed outside than inside
- Comes alive with hands-on, creative, or nature-based activities
In a small, caring, nature-rich setting like Oak’s camps, shy or anxious kids don’t have to become “the life of the party.”
They just need enough safety and support to:
- Try one new thing.
- Talk to one new person,
- And discover that friendship can start quietly—under a tree, on a log, or over a shared joke about muddy shoes.
That kind of experience doesn’t just make a good week. It nudges their confidence forward for the rest of the year.
## **References**
1. Nagi, S., Kempe, S., Barriault, S., Masri, L., Dyyat, S., Muhl, C., Bennett, S., & Racine, N. (2025). Into the wild: A mixed-methods pilot study of the mental health benefits of a nature summer camp for urban children with psychological needs. *BMC Public Health, 25*, 647. <https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21847-9>
2. Kirchhoff, E., Keller, R., & Blanc, B. (2024). Empowering young people—the impact of camp experiences on personal resources, well-being, and community building. *Frontiers in Psychology, 15*, 1348050. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1348050>
3. A. Ghani, R. B., Lau, P. W. C., Lu, N., Zhou, P., & Wang, J. J. (2025). Investigating the impact of adventure education on children’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development: A mixed method systematic review. *PLOS ONE, 20*(6), e0327181. <https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327181>
4. Allen, K.-A., Greenwood, C. J., Sciberras, E., et al. (2024). Adolescent school belonging and mental health outcomes in young adulthood: Findings from a multi-wave prospective cohort study. *School Mental Health.* <https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-023-09626-6>
5. Arola, T., Aulake, M., Ott, A., Lindholm, M., Kouvonen, P., Virtanen, P., & Paloniemi, R. (2023). The impacts of nature connectedness on children’s well-being: Systematic literature review. *Journal of Environmental Psychology, 85*, 101913. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101913>
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**Categories:** Education
---
### [Oak Summer Camp: Creativity, Confidence & Community](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-summer-camp-creativity-confidence-community/)
**Published:** March 27, 2026
**Author:** Daniela Urbina
**Content:**
# 
# **Summer Camp as an Extension of Oak**
**Creativity, Confidence, and Community in Action**
If you’ve ever watched your child come home from Oak with muddy shoes, glitter on their sleeves, and three new story ideas… summer camp at Oak is basically that energy on “extended play.”
Oak’s camps aren’t a separate universe from the school—they’re an **extension** of the same things families love during the year:
**Creativity. Confidence. Community.**
Just with more sunshine, more water bottles, and slightly more volume.
Below is how that looks in practice—and what recent research says about why it matters.
## **1. Creativity that doesn’t clock out for summer**
During the school year, Oak learners create through art, music, nature projects, story writing, and building. Summer camp keeps that creative muscle active, just with more time and fewer formal “outcomes.”
Kids might:
- Make cardboard cities in the shade,
- Paint with mud and found natural materials.
- Invent camp songs and silly skits.
- Build forts that turn into entire imaginary worlds.
Studies on arts-inclusive and creative programs in childhood show that when kids regularly engage in art, music, and making, they tend to show **better mood, more confidence, and greater engagement with learning**—especially when the focus is on process, not perfection. \[1\]\[2\]\[3\]
In other words, all that “just crafting” is actually your child practicing:
- Expressing emotions.
- Trying out ideas.
- Seeing themselves as someone who can make things happen.
## **2. Confidence in small, real-world doses**
Oak’s summer camps are built on the same small-group philosophy as the school: **low ratios, familiar routines, and big feelings welcome**.
That means more chances for your child to:
- Try a new activity with gentle support.
- Lead a game, explain a rule, or present a creation.
- Navigate a small disagreement and repair it with help.
Recent research on camps and outdoor/adventure programs shows that these kinds of experiences can boost **self-esteem, self-efficacy (“I can do this”), and emotional self-control** in just a week or two of camp \[4\]\[5\]\[6\]. Kids don’t need huge, dramatic “bravery moments”; lots of tiny risks—sharing an idea, joining a group, trying a new skill—add up.
At Oak, staff are very intentional about this. You’ll hear things like
- “Do you want to *try* going first? I’ll stand right beside you.”
- “Let’s think of three ways you could solve this problem.”
- “You looked nervous, but you did it anyway. That’s brave.”
Those moments land. They travel home in your child’s body language and stories long after camp is over.
## **3. Community that feels like a little village**
One of the most powerful things camp can offer is a sense of **“these are my people.”**
Because Oak groups are small and consistent, campers get to:
- See the *same faces* day after day,
- Build group traditions and inside jokes.
- Feel known by name, interests, and quirks—not just as “one of the kids.”
A 2024 camp study found that supportive, caring leaders and a strong group climate were linked with increases in **empathy, optimism, and feeling able to contribute to the community** in young campers. \[4\] Other large-scale research with teens shows that feeling like you belong—at school or in structured programs—is associated with **better mental health years down the line.** \[7\]
Summer is a great time to practice that sense of belonging in a lower-pressure setting:
- No grades
- More play
- Lots of time outside
- Space to reinvent yourself a little
For shy, anxious, or sensitive kids, that smaller pond can make a big difference.
## **4. The Oak “secret sauce”: nature + creativity + care**
If you zoom out, Oak’s camps keep returning to the same ingredients:
- **Nature** – parks, lakeshore walks, outdoor games, forest-school style exploration
- **Creativity** – art, music, building, stories, performances
- **Relationships** – warm staff, small groups, real attention
- **Choice and play** – structured plans with room to follow children’s ideas
Recent reviews of nature-based and adventure-style programs show that this mix supports **well-being, social skills, resilience, and life satisfaction** in children and youth. \[5\]\[6\]\[8\] That’s exactly the “extended Oak” experience: the same values as the school, stretched into long summer days.
So when you sign up for an Oak camp, you’re not just booking “a week of fun.”
You’re giving your child:
- Extra practice being creative and courageous.
- More reps in feeling part of a community,
- A long, warm reminder that they are capable, interesting, and deeply welcome—exactly the things Oak works to nurture all year.
## **References**
1. Birrell, L., Cavanagh, A., Kornfeld, R., & Brown, S. (2024). The impact of arts-inclusive programs on young children’s mental health and wellbeing: A rapid review. *Early Child Development and Care*. Advance online publication. <https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2024.2319032>
2. Moula, Z., Palmer, K., & Walshe, N. (2022). A systematic review of arts-based interventions delivered to children and young people in nature or outdoor spaces: The impact on connection to nature, health and wellbeing. *Frontiers in Psychology, 13*, 858781. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.858781>
3. Keyes, H., Gradidge, S., Forwood, S. E., et al. (2024). Creating arts and crafting positively predicts subjective wellbeing. *Frontiers in Public Health, 12*, 1417997. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1417997>
4. Kirchhoff, E., Keller, R., & Blanc, B. (2024). Empowering young people—The impact of camp experiences on personal resources, well-being, and community building. *Frontiers in Psychology, 15*, 1348050. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1348050>
5. Vasilaki, M.-M., Zafeiroudi, A., Tsartsapakis, I., et al. (2025). Learning in nature: A systematic review and meta-analysis of outdoor recreation’s role in youth development. *Education Sciences, 15*(3), 332. <https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030332>
6. A. Ghani, R. B., Lau, P. W. C., Lu, N., Zhou, P., & Wang, J. J. (2025). Investigating the impact of adventure education on children’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development: A mixed method systematic review. *PLOS ONE, 20*(6), e0327181. <https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327181>
7. Allen, K.-A., Greenwood, C. J., Sciberras, E., et al. (2024). Adolescent school belonging and mental health outcomes in young adulthood: Findings from a multi-wave prospective cohort study. *School Mental Health*. <https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-023-09626-6>
8. Nagi, S., Kempe, S., Barriault, S., et al. (2025). Into the wild: A mixed-methods pilot study of the mental health benefits of a nature summer camp for urban children with psychological needs. *BMC Public Health, 25*, 647. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21847-9
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**Categories:** Education
---
### [School Leadership](https://oaklearners.ca/school-leadership/)
**Published:** April 5, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Content:**
Problems are always having the potential to rise to the surface, having a **solution** to that problem is always reassuring. With that being said the staff at Oak Learners make sure to address and solve problems that emerge always in a timely manner as well as in a suitable way. Imagine being given a solution that best fits your child’s **individual needs,** that is what Oak Learners provides to all of their students! Not only does Oak Learners provide the best solution for each child they also make sure that it is approached in a **positive** manner and that it is the absolute greatest way of solving that specific problem. The staff at Oak Learners prioritize having **open-communication** with the children’s parents at the end of each day. This allows parents to hear what their child accomplished throughout the day or even just to be informed about how their child’s day was. The staff like to notify parents if their child was hurt at all throughout the day along with what happened!
*“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other”*
-John F Kennedy
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**Categories:** Programming
---
### [Nutritious Meals for Busy Families](https://oaklearners.ca/nutritious-meals-for-busy-families/)
**Published:** November 15, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Life is hectic! Meal planning, shopping, cooking and even finding time to eat together can be challenging. We worry or feel guilty if we don’t provide all the food groups, or if our children won’t eat them, never have time to read the food labels when shopping (although we wish we did), and would love to eat together but often don’t.
Here’s a few tips to help make it a little easier.
- The #1 key to making life easier is planning. Through planning you can develop a system that makes purchasing, preparing and participating easier. Here’s a link to a review of seven online meal and menu planning tools that might help: <http://www.thekitchn.com/5-online-meal-and-menu-planning-tools-169221>
- Consider on-line shopping and food delivery, there are plenty of providers, including ‘organic’. ([Active Organix](https://oaklearners.ca/active-organix-now-at-oak-learners/) can be picked up weekly at Oak Learners!)
- Keep it Simple! There’s no need to invent new recipes. I find [pinterest.com](http://pinterest.com) a lifesaver – a few of my favourite searches are:
–[quick and healthy meals](https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=quick%20and%20healthy%20meals&rs=typed&term_meta%5B%5D=quick%20and%20healthy%20meals%7Ctyped)
–[one pot wonders](https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=one%20pot%20wonders&rs=typed&term_meta%5B%5D=one%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=pot%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=wonders%7Ctyped) (reducing the clean-up is a definite plus)
–[slow cooker recipes](https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=slow%20cooker%20recipes&rs=typed&term_meta%5B%5D=slow%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=cooker%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=recipes%7Ctyped) (giving me loads of ideas for hiding vegetables for my picky eater)
–[healthy smoothies](https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=healthy%20smoothies&rs=typed&term_meta%5B%5D=healthy%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=smoothies%7Ctyped) (my breakfast and snack life-savers, I keep one in a cooler for my Son at pick up time)
- Consider preparing ‘freezer meals’ – there are loads of ideas on [Pinterest ](http://pinterest.com)or Google
- Consider partially prepared starters – I love [mitchellssoupco.com ](http://mitchellssoupco.com)
- Have healthy, nutritious food on hand in your car to keep the hunger and temptation to dive into a drive at bay until meal time.
- Prepare doubles batches of food when you are less rushed so you can cook once and eat twice.
- Be kind to yourself. The family meal doesn’t have to be ‘dinner’, breakfast or lunch may work better sometimes.
- Be flexible. A family meal doesn’t have to be at the ‘table’, spending time together and eating healthy nutritious food can happen anywhere.
- Eating out, or take-out can be nutritious, healthy and so much easier, just make healthy choices that satisfy a a balance of the four basic food groups.
What are your go-to healthy meal ideas for your family?
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**Categories:** Food, Healthy Living
**Tags:** active organix, family, family dinners, food, healthy, healthy living, holistic, meal prep, nutrition, oak learners, organic, pinterest
---
### [2022-23 Diversity Unit: North America](https://oaklearners.ca/diversity-unit-north-america/)
**Published:** March 26, 2023
**Author:** Arlen Atanasiu
**Excerpt:** Students in our class each chose one spirit animal or First Nations image to paint. Following a “paint by colour” template, the children painted with traditional native American colours (black, red and blue) to form an image.
**Content:**
Our unit on diversity after the winter break helped us understand the importance of celebrating and embracing cultural diversity! Along with reading books about different celebrations and recognizing the important events in our calendar (including Black History month, Carnival, Mardi gras, Chinese New Year), we each chose some activities related to a particular part of the world.
This project is the Collaborative Totem Pole Painting & Teepee, where we learned about some North American traditions.
Students in our class each chose one spirit animal or First Nations image to paint. Following a “paint by colour” template, the children painted with traditional native American colours (black, red and blue) to form an image. Once each peer completed their image, we hung each canvas on top of each other to form a totem pole!
During this process, we learned the spelling and name of each colour used. Using thick and thin brushes, we used our fine motor skills to stay within the lines to form the picture. Additionally, we discussed spirit animals and traditional Native American symbols used within different tribes.
We watched videos and read books about how teepees are constructed and the symbols that each one is adorned with. We decided to collaborate as a class and construct our own teepee focusing primarily on the painting and decorating process of the teepee exterior.
This was a lot of fun and hands on learning! With lots of questions and ways to explore, we enjoyed learning about these different traditions.
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**Categories:** School Life
**Tags:** cross curricular learning, kindergarten, north america, oak learners, project based learning, reggio inspired
---
### [2022-23 Diversity Unit: Snorkeling in the Bahamas](https://oaklearners.ca/diversity-unit-snorkeling/)
**Published:** March 26, 2022
**Author:** Arlen Atanasiu
**Excerpt:** Through watching a mini documentary on the Bahamas, our students grew interested in the world’s oceans! We asked as series of questions to guide their learning and launch us into a cross-curriuclar study.
**Content:**
Through watching a mini documentary on the Bahamas, our students grew interested in the world’s oceans! We asked as series of questions to guide their learning including:
- What lives in the ocean?
- What might be at the bottom of the ocean?
- What would we need to do to see fish in the ocean? How would we breathe?
- How do fish breathe?
- What colors make up the colors of the ocean?
- Some parts of the ocean are darker and some are lighter. Why?
Beyond our discussion, students learned more through a painting/pasting art based activity. The students developed an understanding about the colours that make up the world’s oceans and how people look at fish under water.
Next, the lesson included shades of color and how one primary color could become a “shade” through adding black or white. Students also learned that humans need oxygen to breathe, and as a class we learned why we hold our breath under the water! From there, we discovered that humans can visit fish in the ocean through using scuba gear or snorkeling masks and breathing tubes. To allow us to breathe underwater in the paintings, we created snorkeling masks and a breathing tube to include in our pictures!
The students had lots of fun exploring the ocean and making a mutli-media project to include some of the details they learned.
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**Categories:** School Life
**Tags:** bahamas, cross curricular learning, inquiry based learning, kindergarten, oak learners, reggio inspired
---
### [Summer Camp 2021 Success for Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-2021-success-for-oak-learners/)
**Published:** August 18, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** With 2021 Summer Camps fully booked and even a waitlist being created, you could say this year was a great achievement and success for all staff and members at Oak Learners. Parents and children were excited to return back to yearly Summer Camp and connecting again with their fellow peers and camp counsellors.
**Content:**
### **Success of Summer Camp Programs with Oak Learners in 2021**
With 2021 [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summer/) fully booked and even a waitlist being created, you could say this year was a great achievement and success for all staff and members at Oak Learners. Parents and children were excited to return back to yearly Summer Camp and connecting again with their fellow peers and camp counsellors.
COVID-19 heavily impacted the lives of many children in school as it was a tough time to connect with friends and family. Bringing camps back into the summers of youths shined a light on everyone and made life feel a little bit more normal.
As there are two different camps, kids had different options to choose from:
**Eco Adventures Camp** involves outdoor activities that are led by experienced outdoor educators. Some of these activities include exploring the local beauty our community has to offer such as trips to Humber River, Mimico Creek Trail, Humber Bay Shores, and Mimico Waterfront. Don’t forget about daily activities such as mindfulness exercises, bug and wildlife exploring, hiking, and outdoor survival skills. Not only that, but each week includes one or two visits to a local splash pad or wading pools (aka “Water Days”).
**Arts & Adventures Camp** involves mindfulness activities, outdoor adventure trips to local parks or nature trails with time to work on STEAM (Science – Technology – Engineering – Arts – Math) activities throughout the day. Moreover, weekly excursions to planned local destinations foster experiential learning and increase the understanding of the elements that have been learned throughout each week. On top of that, weekly local splash pad or wading pool visits (aka “Water Days”).
Both camps include weekly visits to a local splash pad or wading pools (aka “Water Days”) and to end each day, campers participate in a daily reflection about their memories on the day. They learn to share successes, set new goals when reflecting on challenges, and being a part of mindfulness exercises.
We can’t wait to see the turnout for 2022 Summer Camps! You can expect to get updates regarding the camps near December time at [www.oaklearners.ca/summer](http://www.oaklearners.ca/summer). We hope to see everyone next year and expect to increase capacity to accommodate any newcomers to Oak Learners!
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**Categories:** Camps, Education, Programming, School Life
**Tags:** outdoor learning, summer, summer camp, summer camp 2022, summer camps
---
### [The Oak Learners Eco Adventures Summer Camp 2022](https://oaklearners.ca/the-oak-learners-eco-adventures-summer-camp-2022/)
**Published:** August 25, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Oak Learners had another amazing summer! Our Eco Adventures Camp focused on themed activities, and most importantly, the entire day spent outside! The children have a ratio of 6:1 with their counselors, for a more hands-on experience. We focus on team building, exploration and what our local community has to offer!
Our key activities this summer, and some of the major highlights for our campers were day’s spent running around the fields in the bright sun, skipping rocks on Lake Ontario, and climbing on the playgrounds by the water! The Oak Learners Eco Adventure Camp is a place where children can learn more about the beautiful world we live in, develop an appreciation for other living things and make not only summer long, but lifelong friendships.
### *Week 1 Celebrating Canada*
The first week at the Eco Adventure’s camp focused on a Celebrating Canada and all it has to offer. This included exploring the bodies of water in the vicinity of our campuses. The Humber River provided an ecosystem of fresh water creatures, along with land animals using the river as their source of water. The kids saw people kayaking down the river, ducks swimming along the shore, and even saw two blue jays. The perfect way to celebrate Canada by spending the whole day appreciating its unique environments!
### *Week 2 Amazing Animals*
The second week was Amazing Animals, and with our city being near large masses of water, there were a lot of options for where to explore. We went to High Park, and not only saw an abundance of adorable dogs being walked, but saw many different species of birds, and nests they had made! We gave the kids a chance to use our professional camera to capture some of the nature they saw, and take photos of their camp friends!
### *Week 3 Space Sciences*
Our third week was Space Sciences! We expanded from the boundaries of Earth and taught the kids about the different planets in the Eco-System. Our counselors guided the children with an art project. We assigned planets, and gave the children a color scheme for each planet in the solar system. We then added our stars, and used rocks and glitter to mimic the milky ways. It was a beautiful, educational project, that was done lake front, where we could see the moon still setting from the night before!
### *Week 4 Let the Games Begin*
Our fourth week was Let the Games Begin, in honor of the Commonwealth Games. Our counselors taught the kids different sports and their rules each day. It was a week of great sleep for those kids, after running around, playing all day! They also taught the kids facts about each country that was famous for the sport. For example, we had an England themed day, where the kids were taught football (soccer)!
### *Week 5 Nature and Experiments*
Our fifth week was focused on Nature and Experiments. We encouraged the kids to use scraps they found on the ground, and not destroy any plants or trees. With scrap leaves and twigs, we created a Canadian flag from fallen maple leaves. It was a great week, growing an appreciation for our community, and learning how to use what is has to offer in a safe and respectful way.
### *Week 6 Love Our City*
Our sixth week was Love Our City, and in honor of our great skyline, the counselors brought supplies out, and from the view at the Lakeshore of the CN Tower, the kids designed the CN Tower our of pipe cleaners. A fun activity and a beautiful view!
### *Week 7 Bugs and Butterflies*
The Bugs and Butterflies week brought out the goofy designs! We had kids walking around in pipe cleaner antennas and looking amazing while doing so! It also helped that the flowers attracted some beautiful butterflies for the kids to look at. We even had one land on one of our camper’s shoulders! A memory they all will have forever. Here is an example of some of the great art the kids created!
### *Week 8 We Are the Future*
Finally, in our last week, we wanted to let the kids know how important they are, with a We Are the Future theme. The kids started off the week by writing their future selves a note! This is a *time capsule* style project, where the kids wrote a note about their feelings at their age, what they want to be when they grow up, and even drew how they look. These notes were given to their parents, to give to their kids in a few years’ time, and see how many of their goals were met!
Eco Adventures Camp focuses on expanding horizons, and encouraging them to try new things in a safe and happy environment. Being unplugged and involved in the outdoors allowed for the kids to learn in a hands-on manner. Oak Learners, no matter the circumstance, focuses on the children being in charge of their well-being and their actions, and teaching them that they are their own person. We can’t wait for the school year start, and for another exciting summer to come in 2023! We thank every family that participated in our camp this summer, and we hope to see you again next year, because your kids truly made a difference in our Oak community.
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**Categories:** Camps, Education, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities, School Life
---
### [Oak Learners Arts and Adventures Summer Camp 2022](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-arts-and-adventures-summer-camp-2022/)
**Published:** August 25, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
The Oak Learner’s summer didn’t stop at the [Eco Adventures Camp](https://oaklearners.ca/the-oak-learners-eco-adventures-summer-camp-2022/)! We also had our Arts and Adventures Camp running for 8 weeks in Summer 2022. The Arts and Adventures Camp focuses on an indoor and outdoor summer. Following themed weeks, the campers are able to spend time in the local community and try new activities. The goal is a structured and enjoyable week, for every week of camp!
Oak Learners is a place with a strong focus on community. Being located in the small community of Mimico, Oak takes advantage of the surrounding facilities, including parks, pools, splash pads, and locally owned stores and companies. The camp counselors perfect a balance between outdoor and indoor learning, in an attempt to keep the children mentally and physically stimulated at all times. We also encourage adventures and breaking your own boundaries for the children, so that they can grow and thrive in a safe environment.
### Week 1 Celebrate Canada
Week 1 of the Arts and Adventures Camp was a Celebrate Canada theme. The counsellors took inspiration from the Canadian flag, and encouraged a more abstract, creative spin on it for one of the activities. The campers were able to paint the flag in any way that they felt expressed their creativity the best. We also explored the local park and appreciated the beautiful summer weather that Toronto had to offer us; the perfect way to Celebrate Canada!
### Week 2 Amazing Animals
Week 2 of the Arts and Adventures Camp was the theme Amazing Animals. This week had a creative approach to it! The kids were able to paint, color, draw, and cut out their own puppets. They chose their animals and designed them how they wanted. It just so happened, everyone had an underwater animal theme, and they were able to put on an ocean themed puppet show for all of our counsellors and staff to enjoy. It was a great moment emphasizing team work and community, and really impacted all of the staff at Oak Learners.
### Week 3 Space Sciences
Week 3 of the Arts and Adventures Camp was the theme Space Sciences. This week was all about extraterrestrial life! The kids created goofy looking aliens and space ships out of Popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners. They were even lucky enough that one of our counsellors came up with a story to go with the creations the kids provided.
### Week 4 Let the Games Begin
Week 4 of the Arts and Adventures Camp was Let the Games Begin, in honor of the Commonwealth Games. The kids had an education centered week, with lots of reading up on the different countries participating in the Commonwealth Games. The Mimico Library became a regular spot for them to enrich their brains, and appreciate the quiet of the summer.
### Week 5 Nature and Experiments
Week 5 of the Arts and Adventures Camp was Nature and Experiments week. This week focused on learning how to treat our environment. The Lakeshore was full of sea glass which forms from the water naturally deteriorating glass leftover from bottles, and other human products. The camp safely collected the worn down glass, with soft edges, and created a tree out of the brown and green bits that they found. Cleaning the environment, while also getting creative!
### Week 6 Love Our City
Week 6 of the Arts and Adventures Camp was Love Our City. For this week, the counsellors decided to give back to the community that had been housing all of their fun for the summer. In an attempt to show their love to the city, the campers gloved up, and collected the garbage in the local parks that they were visiting throughout the week. They collected almost 3 bags of garbage every day, and were taught the valuable lesson of the recycling system in the city of Toronto. They also made CN Tower cut out designs in the freshly cleaned park!
### Week 7 Bugs and Butterflies
Week 7 of the Arts and Adventures Camp was Bugs and Butterflies. Nature did all the work for this week, as there were so many butterflies on the wild flowers. The group would enjoy the beauty of the creatures, and also go back to Oak and attempt to mimic the beautiful designs they saw on the wings. The art was extra colorful this week!
 
### Week 8 We Are the Future
The final week of the Arts and Adventures Camp was We Are the Future! To encourage and strengthen confidence in the kids this week was about showing them what they’ve got! They were instructed to redesign Hillside Park in a way that they thought was a more productive use of the space. They came up with some amazing ideas that would really make a beautiful park for the community. Hopefully they hold on to those ideas and make that park a reality one day!
There is nothing as truly beautiful as a child’s mind. Oak Learners is about encouraging that beauty to flourish. Instilling confidence, creativity, community, and drive are some of the many goals of Oak Learners. We strive for our campers to know they are their own people, and are strong in their own choices and decisions. The Arts and Adventures Camp exposed the amazing depth of all of your children’s minds, and we really were changed by all the ideas, inquiries and conversations that the campers brought this year. Thank you all for your participation in Summer Camp 2022, and we hope to see you for more fun next year!
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**Categories:** Arts & Crafts, Camps, Education, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities
---
### [Oak Learners and LEGS - A Perfect Match!](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-and-legs-a-perfect-match/)
**Published:** October 8, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Oak Learners is proud to have developed a partnership with long-time members of LEGS (*Lakeshore Environmental Gardening Society*), a local community-based gardening organization, that provides outdoor education and stewardship enrichment programs for our students! This school year, our students at both the Royal York and Lakeshore campuses will be participating in workshops that focus on the following explorations: 1) Seasons (i.e., cycles, renewable energy, hibernations and chemistry); 2) Flora in the Fall (i.e., biophilia, nutrition, energy storage and power of the Sun); 3) Fauna in the Fall (i.e., seasonal vs. annual cycles and animal behaviour) and 4) North American Nature Stories and Sustainability. We are so excited to have this partnership and to engage in these wonderful learning opportunities!
The mission of LEGS is to “grow the community one plant at a time”, while focusing on sharing resources and knowledge about sustainability; this lies at the heart of everything that they do. They warmly welcome all community members, both green and brown thumbs, into their garden spaces, meetings and events.
The *Lakeshore Environmental Gardening Society* has two events upcoming events:
**Community Garden Blessing and Drumming Circle**
- When: October 15th @ 10:00 am
- Where: 191 New Toronto Street (Community Garden at Daily Bread Food Bank)
**Tea Fundraiser for LEGS (October – December)**
- - Where: Various locations and online
- What: Locally grown organic tea blends for fall and winter gift giving ($5 per package)
- **LEGS Tea Blends (2022)**
- - “Secret Garden” Tea (lemon balm, spearmint, anise hyssop, lavender, calendula)
- “Down Memory Lane” Tea (apple mint, sage, lavender, blue cornflower)
- “Sweet Dreams” Tea (chamomile, apple mint, lemon balm, lemongrass)
Parents, community friends and tea lovers, if you are interested in ordering any of the blends, you can do so by emailing legsetobicoke@gmail.com and sending an e-transfer with your order to <legstreasurer@gmail.com>.
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**Categories:** Activities, Education, Events, Healthy Living, Mindfulness, Outdoor Education, Outside Activities, Programming, Resource Recommendations
---
### [Oak Learners and the Community](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-and-the-community/)
**Published:** April 16, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Content:**
Oak Learners provide their students with the opportunity of adventuring within the community. They visit places within the community such as parks close to the school, the library and they go down by the waterfront! This is a great opportunity for children to explore the community to see what it has to offer and what life is like in the city. Being in the outdoors allows children to explore nature while also keeping their mind relaxed and at ease! This time could allow for a much-needed break which will support children’s overall well-being! Oak Learners is always providing children with a wide variety of activities for them to participate in and feel safe while doing it!
*“Nature is* *a* *tool* *to* *get* *children* *to* *experience* *not* *just* *the* *wider world, but themselves”*
~Stephen Moss
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**Categories:** Music
---
### [Music & Mindfulness Workshops in August](https://oaklearners.ca/music-mindfulness-workshops-in-august/)
**Published:** August 8, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
*“In today’s rush, we all think too much — seek too much — want too much — and forget about the joy of just being*.” ~Eckhart Tolle
The human body functions at its peak when the mind and body work together to achieve calmness and synchronicity. That feeling you get when you listen to your favourite band takes you take you away to a happy place, matched only by the calmness of mind and flow created by mindfulness training through meditation.
Meditation involves slowing down long enough to acknowledge the variety of thoughts flowing through your mind at any given time to allow you to feel a calmness of mind. It is about learning how to listen, to reflect and to learn how to act with intention.
Why a Music & Mindfulness Workshop?
Our lives are busy, and children’s days are often filled with the hustle and bustle of school, camps, activities and family activities. Sometimes, this leads to a child experiencing anxiety, difficulties falling asleep or even problems at school. The Oak Learners Music & Mindfulness Workshop was created with your child in mind.
Oak Learner’s programs have been successful in helping children:
1. Calm their anxiety and find their confidence
2. Identify and unlearn fears.
3. Increase their Intuition and focus
Our unique workshop combines music and mindfulness in a fun and unobtrusive way. The free, introductory workshop is designed for children aged 4-10 and will be held on 3 consecutive Thursdays in August. Reserve your spot ahead of time by calling 416-820-5233.
**Dates:**
August 11 (FULL)
August 18 (5 spots available)
August 25 (10 spots available)
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**Categories:** Events
---
### [New Beginnings at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/new-beginnings-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** July 11, 2017
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Recognizing the need for increased support for students experience difficulty in the school system, Oak Learners brings together professionals to provide an enriched and supportive learning environment for their students. On [July 6th, 2017](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-is-moving-were-expanding/), Oak Learners launches ‘Bridge The Gap’ a program offering Parents the opportunity to choose from a variety of part-time to full time Day School options.
Oak Learners has been offering flexibility to families since 2015. Parents collaborate with educators and support workers to create an individualized learning plan, delivered in a safe, nurturing and creative environment. The progressive, interdisciplinary approach to programming engages students in the learning process and supports them in developing essential skills in 21st century competencies, including resiliency, goal setting, collaboration, technology and creativity.
Key features of the boutique-style classrooms at Oak Learners include daily mindfulness practices and inquiry-based curriculum with full arts-integration. Low student-teacher ratios allow teachers to be completely involved in each stage of student learning and to build stronger and more supportive relationships among peers. With more support and teacher involvement, students are more motivated to succeed and become more involved in their own education, setting them up for future successes.
Oak Learners is now open at 394 Royal York Road, Mimico Village. Call 416-820-5233 to book a personal tour and programming interview today.
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**Categories:** Announcements., Programming
**Tags:** bridge the gap, classrooms, creativity, etobicoke, mimico, mimico village, now open, oak learners, private school, programs, school, technology
---
### [Academics](https://oaklearners.ca/academics/)
**Published:** April 15, 2021
**Author:** Melissa Shoesmith
**Content:**
Oak Learners incorporates their philosophy of teaching in a way that is suitable for each individual child! Children at Oak Learners are provided with learning experiences integrating the 3Rs that allow them to achieve great success rather than learning challenges that they are unable to accomplish due to it being too difficult or they are not ready to learn that material yet. Meaningful learning opportunities within projects take place and incorporate several dimensions in relation to the topics that are being learned.
Oak Learners implement the science curriculum in a way that allows children to have fun while also keeping it engaging for all! During times of learning, there are many opportunities to participate in hands-on learning which is a great way for children to be able to visually see what is being taught as this can be a beneficial way of learning for most. Parents have observed patience and motivating within the staff at Oak Learners as they provide children with the foundation, they need to learn while finding a method that works best for them. Children are given a lot of outdoor time throughout each day which has been noticed to be very beneficial for the children’s learning!
Also, to enhance learning, yoga is very much implemented to help keep children calm and relaxed throughout the day! A parent from Oak Learners had mentioned that “The reason we value the school is that it is not a “box”, and they don’t try to fit our son into a box-teaching is organic but not in an ungrounded, impractical way”.
*“all students can learn and succeed, but not on the same day in the same way”*
~William G Spady
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**Categories:** Education
---
### [COVID-19 Update from Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/covid-19-update-oak-learners-march-break-2020/)
**Published:** March 13, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Updated: March 17, 2020, 9:00am
Dear Oak Learners Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I follow-up my previous communication with a new announcement that Oak Learners will be closed for in-person programming until further notice. This announcement follows the declaration of the [Ontario Government of a “State of Emergency” ](https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-enacts-declaration-of-emergency-to-protect-the-public.html)in Ontario, which ordered the immediate closure of all indoor recreation programs, child care facilities and private schools.
Please be assured that as soon as we are able to re-open, we will! Oak Learners remains committed to providing unique and high quality educational and recreational programming for your children. Be assured that we also have a lot of plans to continue offering our unique programming through online options! These announcements and login information will follow in the coming days. Hopefully this incredibly concerning situation will pass quickly and we can all get back to our regular routines.
In the meantime, we wish nothing but the best for you and your family.
Best regards,
Kelly Farrell
Director, Oak Learners
---
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**Categories:** Announcements., Events
**Tags:** camps, coronavirus, health, march break, oak learners, ontario, private school
---
### [March Break 2018](https://oaklearners.ca/march-break-2018/)
**Published:** March 18, 2018
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Enjoy these highlights from our 2018 March Break Camp at Oak Learners! Our campers explored so many exciting things this week, including endangered animals, music from around the world, handmade snacks and treats and so many wonderful walks through our neighbourhood.
<https://photos.app.goo.gl/kGNXjBMhbNk4pfHM2>
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**Categories:** School Life
---
### [Oak Learners Students Raised over $500 for Homelessness](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-students-raised-over-500-for-homessless/)
**Published:** February 26, 2018
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
On February 24, 2018, a pair of Grade 6 students from Oak Learners walked in solidarity with thousands of people across Canada to raise money and awareness for the homeless as part of the [Coldest Night of the Year](https://cnoy.org/home).
Amelie and Daniela became very passionate about helping this vulnerable sector of our population last fall when they noticed that the weather was getting colder and many homeless people were poorly dressed and equipped to handle the winter. The girls’ first step was to create a name for their fundraising initiative and begin development on a website and social media outlets for themselves. They are aptly named “DAHH” which stands for “Daniela and Amelie’s Homeless Help”.
Amelie and Daniela worked diligently to organize a Winter Coat Drive in December. They collected over 50 coats, which were then donated to [The Haven on the Queensway](http://www.havenontheq.com), who in turn ensured that the coats would be used to provide warmth for local people in need.
This wasn’t enough for these girls, who discovered that the more they learned about this issue, the more they wanted to help. Daniela and Amelie toured the Haven on the Queensway and learned about the other services offered to people who end up homeless as well as food bank services and job-search support for those living on government-supported incomes.
Daniela and Amelie also went to City Hall to interview Luke Robertson, an advisor to Mayor John Tory, on the efforts of City Hall to impact the homeless population. The girls learned that the number of homeless in Toronto has increased significantly during this winter and the city has opened additional shelters and services to help these people stay warm and fed.
What’s next? Daniela and Amelie continue to be dedicated to raising awareness and making a change for the homeless and vulnerable in our city. They have teamed up with Avon to collect personal hygeine and beauty products to be donated to Women’s Habitat and are already looking forward to putting together a bigger team to participate in next year’s “Coldest Night” walk – we couldn’t be more proud!
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**Categories:** Events
**Tags:** city of toronto, cnoy2018, etobiocke, fundraising, haven on the queensway, homeless, oak learners, students, toronto
---
### [Oak Learners Grand Opening Celebration](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-grand-opening-celebration/)
**Published:** September 25, 2017
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Please join us for our Grand Opening Celebration, to be held on October 3rd at 6:30pm at Oak Learners, located at 394 Royal York Road. We want to recognize the efforts of so many people who have contributed to the expansion and new home of Oak Learners.
Sperry Bilyea, founder of the “[Shift Your Thinking](http://www.shiftyourthinkingld.com/about)” learning summit will be joining us to share a few words on the importance of building a supportive community for our children. We truly believe ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ and collaborate with teachers, support workers, peers, parents and members of our community to enrich the educational opportunities for our students.
Oak Learners is a registered not for profit alternative school and learning centre; our mission is to inspire creativity, foster skill building and encourage confidence. We aim to nurture growth by developing individuality and promoting an inclusive community, offering day school and after school learning programs to suit the needs of each child who comes through our door.
The key features of our classrooms, where the student-teacher ratio is 6:1, include daily mindfulness practice, full arts-integration and an inquiry-based curriculum. Our students learn to recognize their feelings, both emotionally and physically, become more self aware and building resilience habits; they become thoughtful, motivated, collaborative and innovative learners capable of engaging in their own inquiries and thriving in a world of constant change.
We hope you will be able to support us at our Grand Opening Celebration. Please confirm your availability [**HERE** ](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/grand-opening-celebration-at-oak-learners-tickets-37915963668)
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/oak-learners-opening-gala-1.png?ssl=1)
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**Categories:** Events
**Tags:** alternative school, event, grand opening, ld, mimico, oak learners, school
---
### [Fall's in Full Swing at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/falls-in-full-swing-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** September 9, 2017
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Our Fall programs kicked off this week and our new centre is full of life, love and music!
Children in our Day School began exploring Healthy Bodies and came up with some fantastic questions they wonder about our bodies. They also took a trip to Mimico Library and learned how to find books to help them answer their questions. Art and mindfulness exercises helped children ease back into the school routine and daily neighbourhood exploration walks brought us together as a community.
After-school music lessons began this week too! Budding musicians began classes in “Music Exploration”, where young children explored a variety of musical instruments, sound and beat. We were treated to children exploring the sound of drums, guitar, piano and percussion instruments. Our Mom & Tot Acorn Music classes filled our space with sing-a-longs and the happy sound of children’s laughter!
Our Junior Scientists Club began this week with a ‘bang’! Each week will see our Junior Scientists explore a new topic within science through hands-on experiments, books and videos. We can’t wait to see what they get up to!
With all of this fun going on, we also found time for academics. We began private tutoring and homework club this week for students in need of an extra hand, a mentor and an inspiring space to learn. Our experienced teachers offer support to children from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in all areas of academics, including study skills, organization, project planning and regular homework.
Space is still available in most of our programs. Call 416-820-5233 to inquire.
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**Categories:** Events, Programming
---
### [Holiday Concert & Social, December 11 2016](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-concert-social-december-11-2016/)
**Published:** December 14, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
On Sunday, December 11, 2016, Oak Learners was thrilled to welcome our friends and families together to celebrate the musical accomplishments of our students.
We gathered at Placebo Place, a local lounge and live-music venue to listen to selections prepared by our talented students. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our musicians!
\[su\_custom\_gallery source=”media: 745,746,744,743,742,747,741,740,739,738,737,736,735,732,731,729,728,726,727″ link=”lightbox” width=”250″ height=”250″ title=”never”\] \[/su\_custom\_gallery\]
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**Categories:** Events
**Tags:** children, christmas, concert, etobcioke, etobicoke, family, hay stock, lakeshore, local music, mimico, music lessons, new toronto, oak learners, performance, placebo space, recital, royal house of music, school, students
---
### [PA Day Fun at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/pa-day-fun-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** October 7, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Friday, October 7th was our first PA Day Camp of the new school year! Campers enjoyed a fun-filled day of music, mindfulness and outdoor exploration!
Enjoy some photo highlights from our day! To register for the next PA Day Camp, on November 18th, click HERE >>
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_125300-e1498366904140-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_125300")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_125158-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_125158")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_123409-e1479705971560-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_123409")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_124814-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_124814")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_155006-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_155006")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_123542-1.jpg?ssl=1 "oak learners pa day camp etobicoke")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_125351-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_125351")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_125257-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_125257")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_124404-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_124404")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_125226-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_125226")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_115239-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_115239")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_20161007_125159-1.jpg?ssl=1 "img_20161007_125159")
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**Categories:** Events
**Tags:** lake ontario, lakeshore west, mimico, mimico by the lake, mindfulness, oak learners, pa day camp, students, waterfron
---
### [Active Organix NOW at Oak Learners!](https://oaklearners.ca/active-organix-now-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** September 12, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
[](https://www.facebook.com/activeorganix)Fresh, local organic fruits and veggies every week? Convenient pick-up? Affordable price? Yes, please!!
Oak Learners is thrilled to be a NEW pick-up location for Active Organix. Each week, you have the choice to opt-in to a bag of delicious organic fruits and vegetables.
**How It Works:**
Every Sunday or Monday we will post (on Facebook) a list of what will be included in that week’s bag – always between 11-13 items. You simply comment on the post or send us a message if you would like to reserve a spot. Currently, pick-up days are every Friday from our home in Mississauga. We will message you with our address if it is your first time signing up.
Bags are $45 and payable in cash upon pick-up or by e-transfer to activeorganix@gmail.com.
Pick-up is every Thursday afternoon, after 4pm at Oak Learners – 45 Hay Ave, Etobicoke.
To opt-in, visit Active Organix on Facebook to see what the current mix for the week is.
FB Page: www.facebook.com/activeorganix
\*Hint – choose to receive notifications from Active Organix so that you are guaranteed to see the new list each week!
**About Active Organix**
Active Organix is an independently owned & operated organic produce company. They are a husband and wife team dedicated to bringing high-quality, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to their community at affordable prices.
Active Organix doesn’t warehouse or store their products. Everything is bought, packed and picked-up by our customers on the same day! Since they do not have a facility and have been able to cut out the ‘middle man’ they are able to offer organic produce bags at an affordable price.
“We recognized the need for high quality and affordable organics in our area, after trying to buy and provide healthy, wholesome fruits & vegetables for our children.” ~Jen & Mike Pirri
\[su\_button url=”https://www.facebook.com/activeorganix” background=”#ff9f08″ size=”4″ radius=”0″ icon=”icon: pencil-square-o” align=”center”\]Learn more about ACTIVE ORGANIX\[/su\_button\]
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**Categories:** Events
**Tags:** active organix, etobicoke, healthy, healthy eating, healthy food, local food, mimico, mississauga, organic food, organic produce, shop local
---
### [A Friday Night](https://oaklearners.ca/a-friday-night/)
**Published:** August 11, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Friday nights for the Oak learners group have been eventful and exciting. From ribbons to slides, their activities have it all, and you’re invited. There is a concert sponsored by Oak learners at Mimico square that features local bands every Friday night from 7:00 to 8:30. Each week dozens of community members come to see the local bands play. The music speaks for itself, regarding why everyone will want to be there in the first place
“This music is so good. I’m going to buy a CD from them later” Said a pedestrian dancing to the bands’ music. The parents in the community use this as a fun excuse to get themselves and their children out of the house to mingle with the other families.
Oak Learners provides fun activities for the children, including ribbons to dance with, sidewalk chalk to be creative with, and shakers to shake. In the background, you can clearly hear the strings of the guitars being struck by a guitar pick to create a very amazingly good sound. The local bands provide good music to set the mood.
The amount of energy the community can bring into 1 event is great! Consider joining us next Friday!
Written by: Khalil, an Oak Learners student.
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**Categories:** Events
---
### [Hay Stock 2016 Photos](https://oaklearners.ca/hay-stock-2016-photos/)
**Published:** July 10, 2016
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
On June 12, 2016, our talented young students took to the stage at Amos Waites Park in Mimico to perform for family and friends.
Here are some of our favourite moments! We were [SNAP’D](https://etobicoke.snapd.com/event/953671#/) too! See more pics here: <https://etobicoke.snapd.com/event/953671#/>
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_1356-e1468168768932.jpg?ssl=1 "DSC_1356")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_1357-e1468168791326.jpg?ssl=1 "Music at Oak Learners")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_1372-e1468168827862.jpg?ssl=1 "DSC_1372")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_1353-e1468168737376.jpg?ssl=1 "DSC_1353")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_1331-e1468169206582.jpg?ssl=1 "DSC_1331")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_1378-e1468169024741.jpg?ssl=1 "DSC_1378")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_1379-e1468169184200.jpg?ssl=1 "DSC_1379")
- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_1337-e1468168652257.jpg?ssl=1 "DSC_1337")
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- [  ](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/DSC_1377-e1468168856690.jpg?ssl=1 "Kevin Braun")
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**Categories:** Events
**Tags:** etobcioke, hay stock, mimico, music, performance, photos, recital, snap, students
---
## Pages
### [Oak Learners Home](https://oaklearners.ca/)
**Published:** March 30, 2023
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners is a private alternative school and learning centre, offering a private day school and a wide variety of educational programming, including tutoring, music, art, outdoor education, dance, yoga, day camps and more.
**Content:**
# Welcome to Oak Learners
Creativity. Confidence. Community
[Inquire Here](#inquire)
## Welcome To Oak Learners
Oak Learners is a not-for-profit Micro School and Learning Centre that blends the benefits of small class sizes **(6:1 ratio)**, **daily outdoor learning**, and a richly arts-enriched curriculum to nurture each child’s unique potential. Our approach supports all learning exceptionalities through **personalized**, **experiential**, and **STEAM-integrated** instruction, empowering students to flourish academically, creatively, and emotionally. From **F****ull-time** or **Part-time** private schooling to enriching programs in **Tutoring**, **Music** and **Day Camps**, Oak Learners is where curiosity grows wild and children feel at home.
### Day Camps
### Tutoring Programs
### Preschool Enrichment
### Music Lessons
### Before & After Care
**A word from: Our Director**
“At Oak Learners, we strive to create an engaging curriculum that is progressive, interdisciplinary, and most importantly student-driven. Not only are we an innovative not-for-profit learning centre, but we are also a team of leaders in the community, working to ensure all students are supported and cared for.
Raising resilient and successful children certainly does take a village! I love working together with parents to support their child’s education; in a true partnership between the school and families. Communication between home and school is paramount to a child’s success and we strive to demonstrate this value on a daily basis.”
Kelly Farrell
- [Our Story](https://oaklearners.ca/about/)
- [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/ourteam/)
- [Opportunities](https://oaklearners.ca/opportunities/)
- [Support Our Projects](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/)
- [Our Learning Garden](https://oaklearners.ca/the-learning-garden/)
- [Our Animal Experiences](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-classroom-pets/)
- [My Account](https://oaklearners.ca/my-account/)
- [Contact](https://oaklearners.ca/contact/)
**VISION**
To make a measurable, lifelong impact on the education and well-being of children, youth, their families, and our community.
**MISSION**
To inspire **creativity**, foster skill-building and encourage **confidence**. We aim to nurture growth by developing individuality and promoting an inclusive **community**.
**It takes a village!** We encourage involvement amongst our community, working with families to develop programming that is innovative and inclusive and supports the lifelong journey of learning through exploration in the arts, education and mindfulness practice.
With this mission at the heart of our centre, Oak Learners offers an alternative learning atmosphere, working with your child’s unique learning style to inspire their strengths and interests. We offer a wide range of programming designed with creative and inquisitive learners in mind*.*
**OUR VALUES**
**Integrity** in all endeavours.
Honesty & **Transparency** in all communication.
**Accountability** to ourselves, our mission and our **Community**.
A commitment to **Innovation** in education and development.
**Collaboration** and an appreciation for **Diversity**.
[Explore our Story](https://oaklearners.ca/about/)
**OUR APPROACH**
Oak Learners offers a Reggio Emilia-inspired micro school for students in JK through Grade 6. Our curriculum is progressive, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based programming in a student-driven, teacher-facilitated, alternative learning environment
[Explore our Micro School ](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
Featured Programs
- [## March Break Camp 2027
$395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-camp/)
- [## March Break – Extended Hours
$50.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-extended-hours/)
- [## PA Day Camps 2026/27
$90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-camp/)
- [## Winter Break Camps
$65.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/winter-break-camps/)
- [## Summer Camps 2026
Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
- [## Music Credits
$316.00 – $2,106.00Price range: $316.00 through $2,106.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/music_credits/)
- [## Tutoring Credits
$552.00 – $3,142.80Price range: $552.00 through $3,142.80](https://oaklearners.ca/product/tutoring_credits/)
- [## PA Day – Extended Hours
$10.00 – $20.00Price range: $10.00 through $20.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-extended-hours/)
- [## Oak Outside
$180.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/oak-outside/)
Take a new look at Oak Learners Micro School! A modern micro school for gifted and active students in Kindergarten through Grade Six.
[Inquire About enrollment](https://oaklearners.ca/intake-inquiry/)
SUMMER CAMPS 2026!Summer Day Camps for ages 4-14 are now open for registration!
[Spend the summer with Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps)
Articles of Interest
[](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
## [Back to School Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
Sep 11, 2026
The back to school season doesn’t start on the first day of school. It starts with shopping and preparing for a successful school year. This round up post of our back to school articles can help make this school year a success from the start.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
Jul 17, 2026
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
## [The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
Jun 1, 2026
Why Small Classes Change Big Feelings: The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments Did you know…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
## [Creativity & Children’s Mental Health \| Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
May 21, 2026
Creativity Is Not ‘Extra’: How Art, Music, and Making Support Children’s Mental Health Parents…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
## [Why Ripping Paper Is So Good for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
May 11, 2026
Benefits of Ripping Paper Why Ripping Paper Is So Good for Kids As adults ripping paper is one…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/mixed-neurodivergent-neurotypical-learning-groups/)
## [How Neurodivergent & Neurotypical Kids Learn Together](https://oaklearners.ca/mixed-neurodivergent-neurotypical-learning-groups/)
May 4, 2026
How Mixed Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Groups Learn From Each Other Walk into Oak on any given…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/mixed-neurodivergent-neurotypical-learning-groups/)
[« Older Entries](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=as_async_request_queue_runner&nonce=b6b69ed2f0&paged=2&et_blog)
Upcoming Events
35 events found.
# Events
## Events Search and Views Navigation
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## Calendar of Events
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| 0 events 4 0 events, 4 | 0 events 5 0 events, 5 | ### 1 event 6 has featured events ### 1 event, [ 6 ](https://oaklearners.ca/events/2026-10-06/?shortcode=42cf1b8c)  Featured 8:00 am – 5:00 pm [Event series: ☕ Coffee and Conversation](https://oaklearners.ca/series/%e2%98%95-coffee-and-conversation/) [ ☕ Coffee and Connections ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-10-06/ "☕ Coffee and Connections")  Featured October 6 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EDT [ ☕ Coffee and Connections ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-10-06/ "☕ Coffee and Connections") ☕Parent Coffee and Connections Are you a parent of a child enrolled at Oak Learners? We’d love to connect with you! Join us for a warm and welcoming drop-in gathering where you can meet other parents, share stories, and build community. 🗓️ When: First Tuesday of every month ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM 📍 Where: Oak Learners Royal York Campus Whether you’re popping in for a quick hello or staying for the full two hours, your presence makes our community stronger. Come as you are, coffee’s on us | 0 events 7 0 events, 7 | 0 events 8 0 events, 8 | 0 events 9 0 events, 9 | 0 events 10 0 events, 10 |
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| ### 1 event 18 ### 1 event, [ 18 ](https://oaklearners.ca/events/2026-10-18/?shortcode=42cf1b8c) 12:00 am [Event series: Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/series/open-house-2/) [ Open House ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4/2026-10-19/ "Open House")  October 19 @ 12:00 am EDT [ Open House ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4/2026-10-19/ "Open House") | 0 events 19 0 events, 19 | 0 events 20 0 events, 20 | 0 events 21 0 events, 21 | 0 events 22 0 events, 22 | 0 events 23 0 events, 23 | 0 events 24 0 events, 24 |
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October 6
Featured October 6 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EDT
### [ ☕ Coffee and Connections ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-10-06/ "☕ Coffee and Connections")
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October 19
October 19 @ 12:00 am EDT
### [ Open House ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4/2026-10-19/ "Open House")
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Take a new look at Oak Learners Micro School! A modern micro school for gifted and active students in Kindergarten through Grade Six
[Inquire About enrollment](https://oaklearners.ca/intake-inquiry/)
---
### [Our Program Partners](https://oaklearners.ca/program-partners/)
**Published:** December 31, 2021
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Our Program Partners
# Our program partners
We are grateful to the organizations, institutions, and practices that make our work possible through funding, education, and therapeutic support.
## Therapy partnerships
Here is a list of the program partners that work with us at Oak Learners to provide **OT**, **Speech Therapy**, and **ABA** support for our students.
#### Speech Therapy
**MAC Speech Therapy**
Megan Cummings, SLP
Email: <megan@macspeechtherapy.ca>
416-454-3884
#### Occupational Therapy
**Willow Occupational Therapy**
Rebecca Reid, OT Reg. (Ont.)
<https://willowot.com/>
Email:[ info@willowot.com](mailto:info@willowot.com)
#### Occupational Therapy
**Occupational Therapy**
Fernanda Da Silva
<https://fernandaot.com/>
Email: <fdasilvaot@gmail.com>
#### Occupational Therapy
**Davis Occupational Therapy**
<https://www.davisoccupationaltherapy.com/>
Email: <emma@davisoccupationaltherapy.com>
647 933 2404
#### Physiotherapy
**Katerina shamliyan**
<https://liveactivesportmed.com/team/katerina-shamliyan-etobicoke-physiotherapist/>
416-201-9777
#### ABA Therapy
**ABA Alpha Bee**
<https://alphabee.com/>
416-367-5968
#### Psychotherapy & Counselling
**Tara Gratto Therapy**
**Tara Gratto M.S.Ed., MACP**
<https://www.taragrattotherapy.ca/>
Email: tara@taragrattotherapy.ca
437-562-3436
#### Sunshine OT
**Kristina Marchiori
[https://www.sunshineot.ca](https://www.sunshineot.ca/)
#### Psychological Assessment Services
**Psychology Clinic**
York University Psychology Clinic
[https://www.yorku.ca ](https://www.yorku.ca/health/yupc/)
#### Mental Health, Developmental and Community Services
**Lumenus**
<https://www.lumenus.ca/>
#### Children’s mental health
**George Hull Center for Families and Children**
<https://georgehullcentre.ca/>
#### Psychological Assessment Services
**Psychology Clinic**
**The OISE Psychology Clinic**
[https://www.oise.utoronto.ca](https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/psychology-clinic/children-and-adolescent-services)
## School partnerships
Academic institutions we collaborate with.
#### Post- Secondary
## Humber Polytechnic
Partnering on applied programs and community learning initiatives.
#### Post- Secondary
## George Brown School of Early Childhood
Collaborating on early childhood education training and best practices.
#### University
## Nipissing University
Research and field placement partnerships in education and health.
# Read More About out Partnerships
[](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-little-rebels/)
## [Partner Showcase: Little Rebels](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-little-rebels/)
Blank
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-little-rebels/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/2023-top-choice-awards-best-private-school-in-etobicoke/)
## [2023 Top Choice Awards: Best Private School In Etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/2023-top-choice-awards-best-private-school-in-etobicoke/)
Oak Learners was voted Best Private School In Etobicoke in the 2023 Top Choice Awards.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/2023-top-choice-awards-best-private-school-in-etobicoke/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-humber-college-placement-student/)
## [Partner Showcase: Humber College Placement Student](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-humber-college-placement-student/)
Oak Learners has teamed up with Humber College and various other colleges to gather talented students from across Canada to work inside the school. Nick started at Oak Learners in the summer of 2022 as a placement student on the administration team. Nick shared what he has learned from working at Oak Learners and what takeaways he has from the placement.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-humber-college-placement-student/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/humber-college-partner-showcase/)
## [Partner Showcase: Humber College](https://oaklearners.ca/humber-college-partner-showcase/)
Oak Learners has teamed up with Humber College and various other colleges to gather talented students across Canada to work inside the school. We interviewed one intern student from Humber College that joined the Oak Learners team, Joshua, to speak more on what they have learned whilst working with Oak Learners, how their experience went, how Humber College saw the experience, and what takeaways they have from the internship with Oak Learners.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/humber-college-partner-showcase/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/a-new-take-on-outdoor-education-with-larchwood-nature-ot-programming/)
## [Partner Showcase: A New Take on Outdoor Education with Larchwood Nature OT Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/a-new-take-on-outdoor-education-with-larchwood-nature-ot-programming/)
At Larchwood Nature OT we are developing courage, confidence, coordination and deep care for our precious environment in all of our clients. Nature offers many opportunities for supporting development of the mind, muscles, senses, and emotions.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/a-new-take-on-outdoor-education-with-larchwood-nature-ot-programming/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/make-music-magical-with-little-rebels-and-oak-learners/)
## [Partner Showcase: Make Music Magical with Little Rebels and Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/make-music-magical-with-little-rebels-and-oak-learners/)
If there’s one thing we love, it’s educational spaces that are totally aligned. The Little Rebels mandate and vision line up magically with the Oak Learners vision to inspire creativity, foster technique and encourage confidence.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/make-music-magical-with-little-rebels-and-oak-learners/)
---
### [Tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)
**Published:** March 22, 2021
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** At Oak Learners, we offer a unique approach that blends mentoring, mindfulness, and academic support to ensure the best possible outcome for your child. Private Tutoring sessions are individually scheduled and students are paired with an experienced teacher for academic and learning support.
**Content:**
## Private Tutoring
Like a tree, every child grows at their own pace and in their own direction. Our private tutors nurture from JK through University.[New? Inquire about Tutoring here](#Inquire)[Already a Student? Purchase credits](https://oaklearners.ca/product/tutoring_credits)
# Private Tutoring
We believe tutoring is more than just academic help. Our one-on-one tutoring for students from JK through University blends mentoring, mindfulness, and personalized academic support to help your child build confidence, develop stronger learning skills, and discover their unique strengths. Whether your child needs subject-specific support, help navigating learning disabilities, or a boost in a particular area, we pair them with an experienced tutor who understands their learning style and can adapt sessions to their individual needs.
[New? Inquire about Tutoring Here](#Inquire)
[Already a student? Purchase Credit Here](https://oaklearners.ca/product/tutoring_credits)
v
#### **Tell Us**
$
#### **Get Matched**
$
#### **Purchase Credits**
- [Subjects & Grades](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/#subject)
- [Yearly Schedule](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/#schedule)
- [Purchase Credits](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/#credits)
- [New Student Inquiry](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/#Inquire)
- [Our Tutors](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/#team)
# Why Oak Learners
We go beyond traditional tutoring by blending mentoring, mindfulness, and academic support, giving your child the tools to thrive. Sessions are designed around each student, pairing them with an experienced tutor suited to their learning style. Many of our tutors have experience working with students with learning disabilities and other exceptionalities and can tailor programming to individual needs.
# How it works
**1. Tell us about your child** Fill out our short intake [form](#how) and we’ll design a personalized program together. Complete a separate form for each child. (Tip: check your spam folder for our reply!)
**2. Get matched with a tutor** Our Tutoring Coordinator reviews your form and pairs you with a qualified teacher. Arrive a few minutes early to your first session to meet them and go over your goals.
**3. Book your sessions** Sessions are purchased in advance, per term, so your child keeps the same time slot and the same tutor all term long.
**Online Private Tutoring** sessions are available upon request. Teachers and students will use Google Classroom and Google Meet to connect for each session, allowing maximum interaction between the teacher and student.
**In-Person Private Tutoring** sessions are available at Royal York Campus ([Click here for directions](https://oaklearners.ca/contact/)). Communication and reflection books are used to maintain tracking of tutoring sessions and communication between parents and teachers. Parents are encouraged to arrive 5 minutes early, either at the start or end of a lesson, to communicate directly with a teacher or alternatively communicate via email.
# **Subjects & Grades**
**Grades:** Elementary, Middle School, High School, College, and University
**Elementary:** Literacy · Reading · Spelling · Writing · Math · French · Science
**High school:** English · Advanced writing · Math (Calculus, Data Management, Algebra) · French · Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) · Business · Economics
**Every student:** Homework support · Time management · Study skills · Executive functioning
# **Weekly hours**
**Monday** 4–8pm · **Tuesday** 4–9pm · **Wednesday** 4–8pm · **Thursday** 4–8pm · **Friday** 4–8pm · **Saturday** 9-3pm
Every tutor has their own availability. Once we know your child’s needs, we’ll pair them with the tutor whose schedule and expertise fit best.
# Yearly Scheduling
Private tutoring is booked in 60 or 90 min sessions at a mutually convenient time that recurs on a weekly basis on the same day/time each week. A small buffer of time is set aside at the start and end of each session so that parents can check in and check out with the tutor. If you ever feel that you need or want more time to review your child’s progress with the tutor, please feel welcome to schedule this through our office so we can build it into the timetable.
Consistency is important! As educators and parents, we know that children do best with predictable timetables and positive relationships with their teachers. Therefore, committing to a full term, or a full school year, of tutoring allows more time to strengthen the student-teacher relationship and to build on the progress of each term. A longer commitment also helps with teacher-retention rates, and this means that we can also commit to maintaining your child’s regular session timing each week.
| **2026-2027 School Year Begins** | September 8, 2026 |
|---|---|
| **Fall Term (13 Weeks)** | September 8, 2026 – December 4, 2026 |
| **Winter Term (12 Weeks)** | December 7, 2026 – March 12, 2027 |
| **Spring Term (14 Weeks)** | March 22, 2027 – June 25, 2027 |
| **Summer Term (8 Weeks)** | July 5, 2027 – August 27, 2027 |
# Purchase Tutoring Sessions
Personalized private tutoring at Oak Learners combines mentoring, mindfulness, and academic support to help students thrive. Expert educators tailor programs to individual learning needs, track progress, and provide ongoing feedback for meaningful growth.
[Purchase Credits Here](https://oaklearners.ca/product/tutoring_credits)
# Tutoring Team
#### Aaron De Melo
**Extra-curricular Programming Coordinator**
Aaron has nearly 10 years of experience teaching in the private sector, specializing in supporting students with exceptionalities such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. He has worked with learners ages 4–16 and delivered programs aligned with the Science of Reading and Structured Inquiry, including Orton‑Gillingham, Direct Instruction, and JUMP Math. Alongside his teaching, Aaron pursued professional singing and studied at The Royal Conservatory of Music. He holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a certificate from the Institute for Orton‑Gillingham Educators. Aaron joined Oak Learners in September 2023.
#### Karen Maktabi
**Tutor and Music Teacher**
Karen is an English and French tutor, as well as a singer and guitarist passionate about fostering creativity, confidence, and curiosity in every learner. Recently graduated from the University of Toronto, she majored in Diaspora and Transnational Studies, where she explored how culture, identity, and creativity shape the way we communicate and connect. Karen has experience co-facilitating Theory of Knowledge (TOK) classes for the International Baccalaureate program at Toronto French School, where she discovered the joy of guiding students to think critically and engage deeply with ideas.
At Oak Learners, Karen brings her interdisciplinary background and love of the arts to create an inclusive, student-driven learning environment. Whether teaching English, French, or music, she encourages her students to explore their voices—literally and figuratively—and to approach learning with curiosity and confidence.
#### Katie Hartford, B.Sc.H., M.B.A.
**Senior-Level Math & Science Tutor**
Katie has been a member of the Oak Learners staff since 2020. Katie has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics from McMaster University and an MBA at the DeGroote School of Business. She has always had a passion for Math and the Sciences and loves having the opportunity to pass that passion on to others while helping them to find success. She has always loved teaching and has been a strong member of the Oak Learners team since our inception in 2017.
When she isn’t working, Katie loves being active, rock climbing and running regularly, and playing tennis and hockey when the weather allows. She also loves curling up with a good book and spending time with her family and friends.
#### Erica Chmielowiec, OCT
**Tutor**
Erica is an Ontario‑certified educator currently completing a Master of Arts in Child Study and Education at the University of Toronto. She has years of experience supporting students across early years and elementary classrooms. She brings a strong foundation in evidence‑based literacy instruction, mathematics learning, and inclusive, equity‑centered teaching practices..
#### Cassandra Sunderdas
**Tutor**
Cassandra holds a Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology where she focused her learning on child and youth development, along with over 15 years of direct experience working with children and youth in a variety of different settings. It has provided her with a strong understanding of how students learn and the different ways they may need support, how to connect with learners on an individual level and tailor lessons to their unique needs, learning styles, and goals.
In addition to her psychology training, Cassandra has a strong foundation in Math and Science and extensive teaching and tutoring experience across both elementary and high school levels. She is very familiar with the Ontario curriculum and has taught from Kindergarten all the way up to Grade 12! She has taught at prior private high schools curating lesson plans, teaching materials and all assessments for the senior level math and science courses including Biology and Chemistry. Her subject knowledge allows her to support students not only with course content, but also with developing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and confidence in their abilities.
Cassandra believes that effective tutoring is more than just reviewing material — it’s about helping students build motivation, resilience, and strategies they can carry into every subject. Her teaching style is patient, supportive, and adaptable, and she strives to create an encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and working through challenges.
Cassandra’s goal as a tutor is to help students reach their academic potential while also developing a genuine confidence and enjoyment in learning.
#### Jessica MacDonald, M.Ed.
**Tutor**
Jessica Macdonald is a dedicated educator with a passion for supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. She holds a background in education from the University of Toronto and has experience working with students in engaging and supportive learning environments. Jessica is committed to creating inclusive spaces where learners feel confident, curious, and motivated to explore their potential. Through a thoughtful and compassionate approach, she enjoys helping students build foundational skills, develop independence, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
# Get started with Private Tutoring at Oak Learners!
Complete the form below and our Tutoring Coordinator will reach out to answer any additional questions you may have and to begin the process of designing a personalized tutoring program for your child.
Parent's Name \*
Email Address \*
Phone Number \*
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## Students Information
Child's Name \*
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Child's Current Grade LevelKindergartenGrade 1Grade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12Post-Secondary
## Academic Information
Which subject area(s) does your child need support with?MathematicsEarly Literacy (Primary Grades, Learning to Read and Write)Reading (ie. Decoding. Fluency, Comprehension, etc)Writing (ie. Spelling, Penmanship, Paragraphs and Essays, etc)FrenchScience and/or Social StudiesHomework, Study Skills, Executive FunctioningChoose all that apply.
Which subject area(s) does your child need help with?English (ie. Essay writing, Project Planning)FrenchMathematics: CalculusMathematics: FunctionsMathematics: Data ManagementMathematics: Foundations (Grade 9-10)Science: BiologyScience: ChemistryScience: PhysicsScience : Grade 9-10Homework, Study Skills, Executive FunctioningChoose all that apply.
What are your top 2 goals for your child in this program?
Child Academic StrengthsReading and comprehensionWriting and expressionMath and problem-solvingScience and critical thinkingCreative and artistic thinkingVerbal communicationListening skillsOrganization and planningIndependent learningMemory and recallWhat are your child’s academic strengths? (Select all that apply)
Child Academic ChallengesReading and comprehensionWriting and grammarMath conceptsFocus and concentrationTest anxietyTime managementOrganizationStudy skillsHandwritingWhat areas would your child benefit from support in? (Select all that apply)
IEP or Idendified Learning ExceptionalityYesNoDoes your child have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or an identified learning exceptionality?
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## Scheduling Preferences
Tutoring SettingVirtualIn-Person
Preferred Length of session:60 Minutes90 Minutes
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## [21st Century Literacies and Evolving Pedagogy](https://oaklearners.ca/21st-century-literacies-and-evolving-pedagogy/)
Oak Learners is dedicated to supporting parents on their journey to prepare their children for the future of the 21st Century. By adopting a variety of educational pedagogies that empower learners and encourage hands-on exploration, we are flexible to teach new skills as well as the foundational aspects of learning.
[Read more…](https://oaklearners.ca/21st-century-literacies-and-evolving-pedagogy/)
## [Importance of Matching Students with the Right Teacher](https://oaklearners.ca/matching-students-with-right-teacher/)
The concept of teaching and learning matching is that it impacts learning in a way that encourages students to respond more positively to instructional methods while informing faculty about effective teaching practices. This encourages collaboration between the teacher and student which in turn reduces classroom management issues.
Recent research has shown that it is not as effective for a teacher to change their teaching preferences to suit the students in their classroom because they may not be as comfortable teaching in that manner.
[Read more…](https://oaklearners.ca/matching-students-with-right-teacher/)
## [Why Is Personalized Learning So Effective?](https://oaklearners.ca/personalized-learning-with-oak-learners/)
Personalized learning empowers students and teachers to take control of their learning experience. In a student-focused classroom, students learn at their own pace, whether they’re ahead of their learning curve or need a bit of extra time to work through certain subjects. Not only does personalized learning give tools for curriculum success, but it maximizes student engagement and interest.
[Read more…](https://oaklearners.ca/personalized-learning-with-oak-learners/)
## [The Best Study Tips for Young Students](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-study-tips-for-young-students/)
During this time of year it can be hard to get your children back in school mode. Having study tips on hand for back to school time can be greatly beneficial getting your kids back in the homework groove. Here are 4 of the best study tips to start the school year off.
[Read more…](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-study-tips-for-young-students/)
## [5 Must Know Test Tips for Young Students](https://oaklearners.ca/5-must-know-test-tips-for-young-students/)
Test tips are a great start to getting your children prepared for back to school time in the classrooms. Tests are a big part of students lives even throughout high school and university, so getting them in good study habits and test taking habits can greatly increase test scores and decrease stress levels. Here are 5 great test tips for younger students.
[Read more…](https://oaklearners.ca/5-must-know-test-tips-for-young-students/)
## [4 Tips to Get Ready for Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/4-tips-to-get-ready-for-back-to-school/)
With summer ending and back to school coming around the corner, the talks about classrooms begin to arise once again. Kelly Ferrell, Oak Learners Principal, was a special guest on the Etobicoke Lakeshore Podcast to talk more about back-to-school and getting your kids ready for classrooms again. Click the link above or here to listen to the podcast! With that being said, here are 4 tips you can do to get your kids ready for back-to-school.
[Read more…](https://oaklearners.ca/4-tips-to-get-ready-for-back-to-school/)
---
### [March Break Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/march-break-camps/)
**Published:** February 10, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Every day during March Break Camp will be themed and all activities will be related to that theme. A typical day for all campers includes morning mindfulness activities and yoga, fun arts, drama, and musical activities throughout the day, and an outdoor adventure trip to a local park or nature trail in the afternoon.
**Content:**
# March Break Camps
Registration for March Break 2027 is open! [Spaces Limited – Register Now](#Purchase)
# March Break Camp
Looking for an unforgettable March Break experience for your child? Oak Learners has you covered . From **Monday, March 15 to Friday, March 19**, our Royal York Campus will be buzzing with energy as children ages 4–11 dive into a camp program designed to inspire curiosity.
Each day of camp features a **unique theme**, carefully crafted to keep kids engaged and excited. Each day includes **STEM**, **Art**, **Music** and **Outdoor** **Education**.
Campers head outdoors each day for **adventures in nearby parks and nature trails**. Whether exploring local ecosystems, playing cooperative games, or enjoying fresh air and movement, these outings connect children to the natural world while fostering teamwork and resilience.
Our March Break Camp combines structured learning with joyful play, ensuring that every child leaves with new skills, friendships, and memories. With small group sizes and supportive educators, Oak Learners provides a safe, inclusive environment where children feel valued and inspired.
**Camp Details at a Glance**
Hours: 9:00am–4:00pm daily
Drop-off: 8:45–9:00am
Pick-up: 3:45–4:00
#### **Extended Care Options:**
- Afternoon (4:00pm–6:00pm): $50/week
Note: Extended care registration is weekly to support consistent staffing and is only in the evening
#### **What to Bring**
To keep campers energized and comfortable, please pack:
- A nutritious, garbage-free snack and lunch
- A refillable water bottle
- Weather-appropriate clothing for 2–3 hours outdoors daily
- Layers and winter-ready footwear are highly recommended.
#### **Fees and Registration**
- Camp Fee: $395/week per child
- Ages: Open to children ages 4–11
- Location: Royal York Campus – 394 Royal York Rd.
Ready to[ register](https://oaklearners.ca/march-break-camps/#purchase)? Spots fill quickly, so we encourage early sign-up to secure your child’s place in this exciting week of discovery and fun.
It was my son’s first time at camp (he’s 4.5 years old). He absolutely loved it and was a little sad it was over. I loved that they challenged him. Every day was an activity that incorporated art, music, movement, and fun. The teachers were AWESOME and the location is so welcoming. We can’t wait to return next summer. Highly recommended!
Jacqueline H.
My son attended his first day camp last week (July 2018) at Oak Learners. To say he loved it would be an understatement. They built a fun soap volcano, saw caterpillars and watched them eat and grow, and even managed a visit to a splash pad. They did many arts and crafts projects which are now displayed at home. Thank you to Theresa, Emma, Lucia, and of course Kelly for a great week! I’ve already registered my son for another two sessions!
Gillian R.
Oak Learners is a wonderful place for kids. My son attended their camp for three weeks this summer (2020) and he was so happy there. He would rush to join his counsellors and friends in the morning forgetting to say goodbye to his parents, and that says a lot. And in the evening he wouldn’t stop talking about all the fun they were having. I would definitely recommend Oak Learners and would enrol my son in the camp next summer too.
Margartia P
- [Monday March 15](#)
- [Tuesday March 16](#)
- [Wednesday March 17](#)
- [Thursday March 18](#)
- [Friday March 19](#)
**🔬 Mad Science Day**
Get ready for a day of wild discoveries and hands-on fun! Our **Mad Science Day** blends creativity, curiosity, and outdoor adventure for an unforgettable camp experience.
🧪🎨 Indoor Activities
- **Water Experiments (STEM):** Campers will explore the magic of molecules with experiments that reveal the science behind everyday liquids.
- **Make Your Own Bouncing Ball (Art):** Mixing science and creativity, kids will craft their own colorful bouncing balls to take home—learning about polymers while getting messy and imaginative.
- **Music & Movement Class:** Keeps bodies moving and minds engaged.
🌿 Outdoor Adventures (3 Hours Daily)
- **Solar System Chalk Race:** Campers will blast off into a planetary relay, racing across a chalk-drawn solar system while learning fun facts about space.
- **Obstacle Course:** A dynamic circuit of jumps, crawls, and balances designed to challenge coordination and teamwork.
- **Nature Weaving:** Using found natural materials, campers will create collaborative weavings that celebrate texture, pattern, and the beauty of the outdoors.
- **Nature Scavenger Hunt:** A sensory-rich exploration where campers search for leaves, textures, sounds, and surprises hidden in nature.
.
**🌼Retro Fun Day**
Step back in time for a day with classic games, and playful discovery. **Retro Fun Day** celebrates bold colors and timeless activities.
🧪🎨 Indoor Activities
- **Ball-in-Cup (STEM):** Campers will build thier own ball-in-cup and there thier aim and coordination, while learning about motion and design.
- **Pop Art – Romero Britto Style (Art):** Inspired by the bold, joyful work of Romero Britto, campers will create their own pop art masterpieces using bright colors, patterns, and expressive shapes.
- **Music & Movement Class:** A retro-inspired dance party featuring upbeat tunes that get everyone grooving.
🌿 Outdoor Adventures (3 Hours Daily)
- **Hopscotch:** A sidewalk classic
- **Sack Races (with plastic bags):** Laughter and friendly competition abound as campers hop their way to victory.
- **Twister (Make Your Own with Chalk):** Campers create a giant chalk Twister board and test their coordination in this colorful outdoor game
**🕵️ Detective Day**
Put on your thinking caps and grab your magnifying glasses, **Detective Day** is packed with mystery, problem-solving, and outdoor exploration. Campers will crack codes, follow clues, and uncover hidden patterns in a day full of curiosity and adventure.
🧪🎨 Indoor Activities
- **Detective Fingerprints (STEM):** Campers will investigate fingerprint patterns and learn how detectives use science to solve mysteries.
- **The Case of the Missing Diamond (Escape Room):** A thrilling indoor escape room challenge where campers work together to solve clues, decode puzzles, and recover the missing gem.
- **Music & Movement Class:** A rhythm-packed session that brings the mystery to life.
🌿 Outdoor Adventures (3 Hours Daily)
- **Nature Detective Hunt:** Campers explore the outdoors with keen eyes, searching for clues in leaves, tracks, and textures.
- **Bug Collection:** A gentle exploration of the insect world, campers observe, collect, and learn about bugs in their natural habitats.
- **Footprints in Mud (Weather Dependent):** If conditions allow, campers will make and measure footprints in mud, discovering shapes, patterns, and the science of impressions.
**🎨 Art Explosion Day**
Let creativity burst in every direction! **Art Explosion Day** is all about color, movement, and imaginative expression. Campers will explore playful science, hands-on art, and collaborative outdoor creations.
🧪🎨 Indoor Activities
- **Thaumatropes (STEM):** Campers will make their own optical illusion toys, learning the principle of persistence of vision by blending two different images into one when spun quickly.
- **Pulling String Art:** A mesmerizing art activity where campers use string and paint to create vibrant, abstract designs.
- **Dance-Along or Boomwhackers Music:** A music session featuring rhythm games, movement, and colorful boomwhackers.
🌿Outdoor Adventures (3 Hours Daily)
- **Make a Bug Hotel:** Campers will build cozy bug habitats using natural materials, learning about biodiversity.
- **Nature Mandalas:** Using leaves, petals, and stones, campers will create beautiful mandalas that celebrate symmetry and the natural world.
- **Team Games:** Cooperative outdoor challenges that build connection.
**🍽️ Master Chef Jr**
Whisk, stir, and sprinkle your way through a delicious day of hands-on learning and outdoor actvities. **Master Chef Jr Day** invites campers to explore the science of cooking, the art of kitchen creativity, and the joy of sharing food together.
🧪🎨 I Indoor Activities
- **Pizza Toast (STEM):** Campers will experiment with ingredients and heat to create their own mini pizza toasts, learning about food safety, and flavor combinations.
- **Kitchen Patterns (Art):** Using everyday utensils like forks, whisks, and spatulas, campers create beautiful patterned artworks inspired by the textures of the kitchen.
- **Music & Movement Class:** A rhythm-filled session with playful movement, and plenty of giggles.
🌿 Outdoor Adventures (3 Hours Daily)
- **Picnic Together:** Campers will enjoy a relaxed outdoor picnic together.
- **Learn About the Earth and the Food It Gives Us:** Through hands-on exploration and storytelling, campers will discover how soil, water, and sunlight work together to grow the foods we love.
## Purchase March Break Camp
## March Break is awesome at Oak Learners!
***March 15-19, 2027*** Every day during March Break Camp will be themed, and all activities will be related to that theme. A typical day for all campers includes a morning meditation with yoga elements, fun arts, drama, and musical activities throughout the day, and an outdoor adventure trip to a local park or nature trail in the afternoon.
[Purchase March Break Camp Here](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-camp/)
---
### [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/ourteam/)
**Published:** June 30, 2018
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Our Team
# Our Director
## Kelly Farrell, B.A.H., OCT
Founder & Executive Director
Kelly Farrell is the Founder and Director of Oak Learners circa 2016. She is dedicated to supporting learners of all ages and abilities reach their goals and love the learning journey. Kelly’s philosophy of education is based in the understanding that every child has the capacity to excel and succeed when they are given the tools and taught the skills to help them on their journey.
Kelly is an OCT Certified teacher and has worked in classrooms and alternative learning environments since 1996 and as a certified teacher since 2004, working with students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Kelly has a passion for empowering students to develop confidence through building on their strengths to support their difficulties, particularly those with learning exceptionalities, including Learning Differences, ASD, social emotional needs, and anxiety. Kelly subscribes to the tenants of Montessori, Reggio-Emilia and Constructivist methods of teaching and is always looking for ways to bring these strategies into the 21st Century through technology and environmental education.
Throughout her teaching careers, Kelly has been teaching, leading, and connecting students and staff with a global community of educators leading the way in 21st century personalized learning. In 2014, Kelly was awarded “Project of the Year” at the [Water Docs @School Film Festival](https://www.waterdocs.ca/school/) for her Inquiry-Based Learning project, “[Kids Against Road Salt](https://kidsagainstroadsalt.wordpress.com/)“. This project has been used to train new teachers on the benefits and processes behind inquiry-based learning. Kelly’s teaching was also featured in Owl Magazine on the “Cool School” page in 2014 for a unique publishing project undertaken by her Grade 7/8 class that year.
Kelly has also founded Teach Me Social in 2012, a social media marketing agency and training organization which continues to empower entrepreneurs to brand themselves online and share their messages through social media. Her experience in business and educational leadership lends Kelly a unique approach to technology training. She offers business owners a different perspective on technology, gaining participation in her sessions by energizing participants and inspiring them to dive into the Social Media world whilst also providing valuable skills, tips and strategies they can use to construct their online presence at their own pace.
- [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/kellyfarre11 "Facebook")
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/mskellyfarrell "Twitter")
- [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/mskellyfarrell "LinkedIn")
# Our Administrative Team
##### Jenn St. Denis, Admissions Director
Jennifer joined Oak Learners in January 2020 as the welcoming face and guide for families joining our Micro School community. Backed by over 30 years of advocating for young learners, Jennifer is dedicated to helping every student find an educational path tailored to their unique strengths and learning style. She truly believes that when children are given a supportive environment to learn at their own pace, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
##### Branda Dale, Marketing & Director of Operations
Branda is Oak Learners’ Marketing Director and Director of Operations. A natural creative with a passion for detail, she brings ideas to life through compelling visuals, engaging storytelling, and strategic branding; then she builds the systems and processes that turn those ideas into reality. Whether she’s crafting our brand narrative through social media and design, or building the operational structures that keep our community running smoothly, Branda brings together creative thinking with strategic systems building. With a background in photography and event coordination, Branda blends artistry with organization to make every initiative shine. Her passion for community and inclusivity helps create a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and welcome.
##### Daniela Farrell, Ad
Daniella is passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment where every child feels understood.
# Our Day School Staff
#### Karen Stern, OCT
**Teacher**
Karen is an OCT certified teacher and Expressive Art therapist with twenty years of experience supporting children who have learning disabilities and social/emotional challenges. Her teaching pedagogy is student led and inquiry based, informed by creativity, collaboration, and play. Karen joined the Oak Learners team in 2023 and is excited to be a part of the team!
Outside of work, Karen enjoys being surrounded by nature, taking canoe trips in the summer, baking, knitting, reading, and spending as much time as possible with her new nieces and nephews.
#### Meriam Rekkas, OCT
**Teacher**
Meriam Rekkas is an OCT certified teacher and a new member of the Oak Learners team. She has a passion for art and loves to bring her artistic creativity to the classroom. Her teaching philosophy involves a hands-on, student-led approach that adapts to the unique needs and skills of each individual, unique child.
Meriam’s hope is to inspire children to embrace their creativity and individuality as they learn and grow each day!
#### Sarah Seibel-Proulx, OCT, RECE
**Teacher**
Sarah is an OCT member, a RECE and a teacher at Oak Learners. She brings over 15 years of experience working with children of all ages and abilities. Sarah especially enjoys engaging in science, art and nature based activities with children.
Sarah’s philosophy of education centers on treating children with respect and honoring their individuality. She believes in fostering a genuine love of learning by nurturing curiosity and celebrating joys in discovery. Sarah believes that learning through play and hands-on experiences are essential for all domains of child development. She always aims to create a safe, inspiring environment where every child feels capable and valued.
#### Jessica MacDonald, M.Ed.
**Pre-School Teacher & BASE Camp Coordinator**
Jessica Macdonald is a dedicated educator with a passion for supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. She holds a background in education from the University of Toronto and has experience working with students in engaging and supportive learning environments. Jessica is committed to creating inclusive spaces where learners feel confident, curious, and motivated to explore their potential. Through a thoughtful and compassionate approach, she enjoys helping students build foundational skills, develop independence, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
# Our Child Specialists & Support Team
#### Daniela Urbina, BA
**BASE Camp & Resource Coordinator**
Daniela has been a member of the Oak Learners staff since 2022. She grew up in Colombia; she is a Psychologist from La Sabana University. She also took Homeschooling and Child Neurodevelopment, Neuroeducation and Neuropsychology courses at Ceenford and a study at the Queensland University of Technology about Inclusive Education: Essential knowledge for success. She co-founded a non-profit foundation, where she developed and implemented some social impact projects, gave speeches, and created dynamic activities. She has experience working with kids between 15 months to 15 years old.
She loves cycling, being active, learning daily, reading books and accepting new challenges. She believes the learning process should be fun and dynamic and that the student needs to know how to apply the knowledge to their lives. Teaching is her passion, and she tries to transmit this love to her students.
## Anna Kaczorowski
Child Specialist
# Our BASE Camp Team
#### Daniela Urbina, BA
**BASE Camp & Resource Coordinator**
Daniela has been part of the Oak Learners team since 2022. Originally from Colombia, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad de La Sabana and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.
Daniela has experience supporting children and youth from toddlerhood through adolescence, with a particular interest in emotional well-being, inclusive education, neurodevelopment, and creating supportive learning environments. Her additional training includes neuroeducation, neuropsychology, child development, inclusive education, and Psychological First Aid.
Before joining Oak Learners, Daniela co-founded a non-profit organization in Colombia, where she helped develop and implement community-based social impact projects, facilitated workshops and presentations, and created engaging educational activities.
Daniela believes that learning is most meaningful when it is active, engaging, and connected to everyday life. She enjoys creating experiences that help children build confidence, independence, resilience, and curiosity.
#### Lauren St. Denis
****B.A.S.E.** Camp Facilitator**
Lauren is a student in Makeup for Media and Creative Arts with a strong passion for creativity in all forms. Growing up with a love for ballet and dancing at the NBS, she’s always been drawn to artistic expression- whether it’s through movement, makeup, or visual art. Her background in dance and talent for drawing helps shape her unique style and inspire her work every day.
#### Jessica MacDonald, M.Ed.
**Pre-School Teacher & BASE Camp Coordinator**
Jessica Macdonald is a dedicated educator with a passion for supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. She holds a background in education from the University of Toronto and has experience working with students in engaging and supportive learning environments. Jessica is committed to creating inclusive spaces where learners feel confident, curious, and motivated to explore their potential. Through a thoughtful and compassionate approach, she enjoys helping students build foundational skills, develop independence, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
#### Rowyn Fay
****B.A.S.E.** Camp Facilitator**
Rowyn is passionate about Art and design. She has been working with Oak Learners since 2015, behind the scenes as a website designer, office administrator and IT Support. In 2022, Rowyn joined the BASE Camp team to share her love of Art and Nature with our students. In her spare time, Rowyn can be found walking by the lake, photographing nature and writing poetry.
#### Cassandra Sunderdas
**B.A.S.E. Camp Facilitator**
Cassandra holds a Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology where she focused her learning on child and youth development, along with over 15 years of direct experience working with children and youth in a variety of different settings. It has provided her with a strong understanding of how students learn and the different ways they may need support, how to connect with learners on an individual level and tailor lessons to their unique needs, learning styles, and goals.
In addition to her psychology training, Cassandra has a strong foundation in Math and Science and extensive teaching and tutoring experience across both elementary and high school levels. She is very familiar with the Ontario curriculum and has taught from Kindergarten all the way up to Grade 12! She has taught at prior private high schools curating lesson plans, teaching materials and all assessments for the senior level math and science courses including Biology and Chemistry. Her subject knowledge allows her to support students not only with course content, but also with developing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and confidence in their abilities.
Cassandra believes that effective tutoring is more than just reviewing material — it’s about helping students build motivation, resilience, and strategies they can carry into every subject. Her teaching style is patient, supportive, and adaptable, and she strives to create an encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and working through challenges.
Cassandra’s goal as a tutor is to help students reach their academic potential while also developing a genuine confidence and enjoyment in learning.
#### Isabel Fava
**B.A.S.E. Camp Facilitator**
Isabel is a registered social worker with a focus on education equity. She has worked with people from different age groups and life experiences, teaching her the value of co-learning and love in practice. Her time at Oak Learners has strengthened her passion for youth, learning, and creativity. Isabel loves spending time outdoors, picking up new hobbies on a whim, and creating memories with friends and family.
# Our Tutoring Team
#### Aaron De Melo
**Extra-curricular Programming Coordinator**
Aaron has nearly 10 years of experience teaching in the private sector, specializing in supporting students with exceptionalities such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. He has worked with learners ages 4–16 and delivered programs aligned with the Science of Reading and Structured Inquiry, including Orton‑Gillingham, Direct Instruction, and JUMP Math. Alongside his teaching, Aaron pursued professional singing and studied at The Royal Conservatory of Music. He holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a certificate from the Institute for Orton‑Gillingham Educators. Aaron joined Oak Learners in September 2023.
#### Jessie Lamb
**Tutor**
Jessie is a dedicated educator currently in her second year of Teacher’s College at York University, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Wilfrid Laurier University. Having previously worked as a camp counselor at Oak Learners, she is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where students feel confident and curious. Jessie enjoys integrating business and math together, using creative, hands-on, and inquiry-based approaches to make problem-solving engaging and accessible. She also completed extensive French coursework throughout her university studies at Laurier, allowing her to support students across multiple subject areas. Outside of tutoring, Jessie enjoys spending her time working on fiber arts and exploring the outdoors.
#### Cassandra Sunderdas
**Tutor**
Cassandra holds a Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology where she focused her learning on child and youth development, along with over 15 years of direct experience working with children and youth in a variety of different settings. It has provided her with a strong understanding of how students learn and the different ways they may need support, how to connect with learners on an individual level and tailor lessons to their unique needs, learning styles, and goals.
In addition to her psychology training, Cassandra has a strong foundation in Math and Science and extensive teaching and tutoring experience across both elementary and high school levels. She is very familiar with the Ontario curriculum and has taught from Kindergarten all the way up to Grade 12! She has taught at prior private high schools curating lesson plans, teaching materials and all assessments for the senior level math and science courses including Biology and Chemistry. Her subject knowledge allows her to support students not only with course content, but also with developing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and confidence in their abilities.
Cassandra believes that effective tutoring is more than just reviewing material — it’s about helping students build motivation, resilience, and strategies they can carry into every subject. Her teaching style is patient, supportive, and adaptable, and she strives to create an encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and working through challenges.
Cassandra’s goal as a tutor is to help students reach their academic potential while also developing a genuine confidence and enjoyment in learning.
#### Jessica MacDonald, M.Ed.
**Tutor**
Jessica Macdonald is a dedicated educator with a passion for supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. She holds a background in education from the University of Toronto and has experience working with students in engaging and supportive learning environments. Jessica is committed to creating inclusive spaces where learners feel confident, curious, and motivated to explore their potential. Through a thoughtful and compassionate approach, she enjoys helping students build foundational skills, develop independence, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
#### Katie Hartford, B.Sc.H., M.B.A.
**Senior-Level Math & Science Tutor**
Katie has been a member of the Oak Learners staff since 2020. Katie has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics from McMaster University and an MBA at the DeGroote School of Business. She has always had a passion for Math and the Sciences and loves having the opportunity to pass that passion on to others while helping them to find success. She has always loved teaching and has been a strong member of the Oak Learners team since our inception in 2017.
When she isn’t working, Katie loves being active, rock climbing and running regularly, and playing tennis and hockey when the weather allows. She also loves curling up with a good book and spending time with her family and friends.
#### Daniella Oliveira
**Tutor**
Daniella is an Ontario Certified Teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in Children, Childhood and Youth Studies as well as a Bachelor of Education. With years of experience working with students through occasional teaching, placements, and tutoring, she has supported learners across a variety of ages, abilities, and learning needs. Her approach is student-centred, supportive and tailored to each learner’s individual needs, learning style, and pace. Daniella’s goal is to help students build confidence, strengthen their academic skills, enjoy learning, and reach their full potential.
#### Erica Chmielowiec, OCT
**Tutor**
Erica is an Ontario‑certified educator with a Master of Arts in Child Study and Education from the University of Toronto. She has years of experience supporting students across early years and elementary classrooms. She brings a strong foundation in evidence‑based literacy instruction, mathematics learning, and inclusive, equity‑centered teaching practices.
# Our Music Faculty
#### Aaron De Melo
**Extra-curricular Programming Coordinator**
Aaron has nearly 10 years of experience teaching in the private sector, specializing in supporting students with exceptionalities such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. He has worked with learners ages 4–16 and delivered programs aligned with the Science of Reading and Structured Inquiry, including Orton‑Gillingham, Direct Instruction, and JUMP Math. Alongside his teaching, Aaron pursued professional singing and studied at The Royal Conservatory of Music. He holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a certificate from the Institute for Orton‑Gillingham Educators. Aaron joined Oak Learners in September 2023.
#### Bennett Larson
**Music Teacher**
Bennett is a guitarist, songwriter, performer, educator and a graduate of Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program, specializing in guitar. With six years of teaching experience, Bennett creates fun and engaging lessons tailored to each student’s unique musical interests. He teaches across a variety of styles and genres while helping students build confidence, develop their skills, and discover their own musical voice.
# Our Pets
## Cookie
Bearded Dragon
Our lovely lizard friend is a one year old bearded dragon. He loves to eat spinach, cucumber, pear, blueberries, dandelions, crickets, meal and super worms, and more! He enjoys wearing his harness and hanging out on Rowyn or sitting beside her while she works. In his spare time he sleeps, bathes in the warmth of his heat lamp, or chases crickets.
## Butterflies
Swallowtail and Monarch
Each summer Kelly finds Monarch butterfly eggs. She brings them to the school where the students get to watch them hatch, grow, and change before they are tagged and released. You can read more about this here: [Raising Monarch Butterflies with Children](https://oaklearners.ca/raising-monarch-butterflies/)
In 2025 we also raised Swallowtail Butterflies.
## [2023 Top Choice Awards: Best Private School In Etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/2023-top-choice-awards-best-private-school-in-etobicoke/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| January 25, 2023 \| [Announcements.](https://oaklearners.ca/category/announcements/), [Events](https://oaklearners.ca/category/events/), [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/category/our-team/), [Partner Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/partner-showcase/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/), [Top Posts 2023](https://oaklearners.ca/category/top-posts-2023/) \| 0 Comments
Oak Learners was voted Best Private School In Etobicoke in the 2023 Top Choice Awards.
[Learn more … ](https://oaklearners.ca/2023-top-choice-awards-best-private-school-in-etobicoke/)
## [Partner Showcase: Humber College](https://oaklearners.ca/humber-college-partner-showcase/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| February 28, 2022 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Partner Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/partner-showcase/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
Oak Learners has teamed up with Humber College and various other colleges to gather talented students across Canada to work inside the school. We interviewed one intern student from Humber College that joined the Oak Learners team, Joshua, to speak more on what they have learned whilst working with Oak Learners, how their experience went, how Humber College saw the experience, and what takeaways they have from the internship with Oak Learners.
[Learn more … ](https://oaklearners.ca/humber-college-partner-showcase/)
## [Partner Showcase: Humber College Placement Student](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-humber-college-placement-student/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| October 26, 2022 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/category/our-team/), [Partner Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/partner-showcase/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
Oak Learners has teamed up with Humber College and various other colleges to gather talented students from across Canada to work inside the school. Nick started at Oak Learners in the summer of 2022 as a placement student on the administration team. Nick shared what he has learned from working at Oak Learners and what takeaways he has from the placement.
[Learn more … ](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-humber-college-placement-student/)
## [Partner Showcase – Seneca College Internship with Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/seneca-college-showcase-internship/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| July 15, 2022 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/category/our-team/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
The concept of teaching and learning matching is that it impacts learning in a way that encourages students to respond more positively to instructional methods while informing faculty about effective teaching practices. This encourages collaboration between the teacher and student which in turn reduces classroom management issues.
Recent research has shown that it is not as effective for a teacher to change their teaching preferences to suit the students in their classroom because they may not be as comfortable teaching in that manner.
[Learn more … ](https://oaklearners.ca/seneca-college-showcase-internship/)
## [Partner Showcase: Little Rebels](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-little-rebels/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| February 1, 2023 \| [Partner Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/partner-showcase/) \| 0 Comments
Blank
[Learn more … ](https://oaklearners.ca/partner-showcase-little-rebels/)
## [Partner Showcase: Make Music Magical with Little Rebels and Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/make-music-magical-with-little-rebels-and-oak-learners/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| November 2, 2021 \| [Announcements.](https://oaklearners.ca/category/announcements/), [Events](https://oaklearners.ca/category/events/), [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Partner Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/partner-showcase/), [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/) \| 0 Comments
If there’s one thing we love, it’s educational spaces that are totally aligned. The Little Rebels mandate and vision line up magically with the Oak Learners vision to inspire creativity, foster technique and encourage confidence.
[Learn more … ](https://oaklearners.ca/make-music-magical-with-little-rebels-and-oak-learners/)
## [Oak Learners Classroom Teacher Interview #2 – Emma van der Jagt](https://oaklearners.ca/classroom-teacher-interview-2/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| March 21, 2022 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/category/our-team/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
The concept of teaching and learning matching is that it impacts learning in a way that encourages students to respond more positively to instructional methods while informing faculty about effective teaching practices. This encourages collaboration between the teacher and student which in turn reduces classroom management issues.
Recent research has shown that it is not as effective for a teacher to change their teaching preferences to suit the students in their classroom because they may not be as comfortable teaching in that manner.
[Learn more … ](https://oaklearners.ca/classroom-teacher-interview-2/)
## [Partner Showcase: A New Take on Outdoor Education with Larchwood Nature OT Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/a-new-take-on-outdoor-education-with-larchwood-nature-ot-programming/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| November 4, 2021 \| [Announcements.](https://oaklearners.ca/category/announcements/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Partner Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/partner-showcase/), [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/), [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/) \| 0 Comments
At Larchwood Nature OT we are developing courage, confidence, coordination and deep care for our precious environment in all of our clients. Nature offers many opportunities for supporting development of the mind, muscles, senses, and emotions.
[Learn more … ](https://oaklearners.ca/a-new-take-on-outdoor-education-with-larchwood-nature-ot-programming/)
## [Oak Learners Classroom Teacher Interview – Maggie Robertson](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-teacher-staff-interview/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| March 13, 2022 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Mindfulness](https://oaklearners.ca/category/mindfulness/), [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/category/our-team/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
At the heart of Oak Learners are the teachers that work with students every day to create an environment for the learners to excel with every project, task, and endeavor they complete. We wanted to interview some of our teachers to see their perspectives on their teaching field, get to know them better, and see what inspired them to become a teacher. The first interview we did is with Maggie Robertson, a teacher at Oak Learners wanting to share her experiences! Enjoy!
[Learn more … ](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-teacher-staff-interview/)
## [Creating a Culture of Inclusivity: How Our School Values Diversity and Equity](https://oaklearners.ca/creating-a-culture-of-inclusivity-how-our-school-values-diversity-and-equity/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| March 29, 2023 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/category/our-team/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/), [Top Posts 2023](https://oaklearners.ca/category/top-posts-2023/) \| 0 Comments
At its core, inclusivity means recognizing and valuing the diversity of our students and ensuring that each and every one of them feels welcome, supported, and included in our learning community. This includes students of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.
[Learn more … ](https://oaklearners.ca/creating-a-culture-of-inclusivity-how-our-school-values-diversity-and-equity/)
---
### [Music Lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/)
**Published:** October 19, 2021
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Private music lessons are available to learners of all ages from young to old in a variety of disciplines, including Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Drums, Percussion and Composition.
**Content:**
## Personalised Music Lessons
In-Person 1:1 Music Lessons with experienced and qualified teachers.[New? Inquire about Music](#Inquire)[Already a Student? Purchase credits](https://oaklearners.ca/product/music_credits/)
# **Personalised Music Lessons**
Oak Learners offers private 1:1 music lessons. We provide a learning space that works with your child’s personal style to nurture their strengths and interests.
Private music lessons are available to learners of all ages, from young to old, in a variety of disciplines, including Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Drums, Percussion, and Composition. Students are placed with a music instructor who is a professional in their field and who loves inspiring a love of music in their students. Our music lessons are a unique blend of music theory that includes music that children will love to practice.
[New? Inquire about Music](#Inquire)
[Already a Student? Purchase credits](#purchase)
v
#### **Tell Us**
$
#### **Get Matched**
$
#### **Purchase Credits**
- [Specialties](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/#Specialties)
- [Calendar](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/#Calendar)
- [Purchase Credits](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/#purchase)
- [New Student Inquiry](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/#Inquire)
- [Our Tutors](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/#tutors)
# Why Oak Learners
We provide a learning space that works with your child’s personal style, nurturing their strengths and interests
Private lessons are open to learners of all ages, in a range of disciplines including Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Drums, Percussion, and Composition. Every student is placed with a professional music instructor who loves inspiring a love of music, blending real music theory with pieces kids actually want to practice.
# How it works
**1. Submit your inquiry form** Let us know you’re ready to start! Once we receive your form, we’ll work with you to design a personalized music program for your child(ren).
**2. Complete the student intake questionnaire.** We’ll reply to your inquiry with a link to a short questionnaire; this helps us understand your goals so we can assign the best-fit music teacher.
**3. Connect with our music director.** Our music director reaches out within 24–48 hours to find the optimal schedule and set up a meet & greet with your new teacher at a time that works for you.
**4. Purchase lesson credits** Before lessons begin, purchase credits towards your sessions. Credits can be bought in bulk and refilled anytime.
**A few things to know:**
- Lessons are scheduled at the same time each week for consistency.
- Communication books track lesson content and keep parents and teachers connected.
- Arrive 5 minutes early, at the start or end of a lesson, to check in with the teacher or reach out anytime by email.
# Specialties
**Ages:** 4 through Adult
Younger students (ages 4–6) start with a **“Music Experience”** term a chance for us to get to know their skill level and explore different instruments and general music theory before specializing.
Students ages 6–16 are encouraged to focus on one instrument, though every teacher is multi-instrumental and happy to help students of any age explore new musical interests.
**Specialties:** Piano · Guitar · Ukulele · Vocal · Drums · Percussion · Composition · Musical Theatre · Early Years Music Experience
# Weekly hours
**Monday–Friday** 3:00–8:00pm · **Saturday** 10:00am–1:00pm
Every teacher has their own availability within these hours. Once we know your child’s goals, our Music Director will match them with the teacher whose schedule and specialty fit best.
## 2026–2027 School Year
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| School year begins | September 8, 2026 |
| Fall (13 weeks) | September 8 – December 4, 2026 |
| Winter (12 weeks) | December 7, 2026 – March 12, 2027 |
| Spring (14 weeks) | March 22 – June 25, 2027 |
| Summer (8 weeks) | July 5 – August 27, 2027 |
## Concerts at Oak Learners
| Concert | Date |
|---|---|
| **Winter Concert** | Wednesday, December 10, 2025 |
| **Spring Concert** | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 |
# Purchase Music Credits
Private music lessons are available for all ages. Learn a new instrument, compose your first score, or just improve your skills with our music teachers.
[Purchase Credit Here](https://oaklearners.ca/product/music_credits/)
# Get started with Music Lessons at Oak Learners!
Complete the form below and our Tutoring Coordinator will reach out to answer any additional questions you may have and to begin the process of designing a personalized music program for your child.
## Inquire about Music Lessons at Oak Learners
Primary Contact \*
Email Address \*
Phone Number
## Music Student Information
Child's Name \*
Child's Age
Date/Time Preferences
Instrument(s)PianoGuitarUkuleleVocalDrumsMusical TheaterEarly Years Music Experience
Experience Level
Additional Comments
Submit Inquiry for Music Lessons
Please do not fill in this field.
## [Oak Learners and the Community](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-and-the-community/)
by [Melissa Shoesmith](https://oaklearners.ca/author/mshoesmith/ "Posts by Melissa Shoesmith") \| April 16, 2021 \| [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/) \| 0 Comments
Oak Learners provide their students with the opportunity of adventuring within the community. They visit places within the community such as parks close to the school, the library and they go down by the waterfront! This is a great opportunity for children to explore…
[Read More…](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-and-the-community/)
## [A Magical Evening of Music and Theatre at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/a-magical-evening-of-music-and-theatre-at-oak-learners/)
by [Mishka Khilnani](https://oaklearners.ca/author/mishka-khilnani/ "Posts by Mishka Khilnani") \| June 25, 2025 \| [BASE Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/base-camps/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/), [Student Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/student-showcase/) \| 0 Comments
On June 5th, Oak Learners wrapped up the 2024–2025 school year with a spectacular outdoor concert at Amos Waites Park. Students from our Day School, B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) program, and private music lessons took to the stage to share the music and theatre pieces they’ve been working so hard on all year.
[Read More…](https://oaklearners.ca/a-magical-evening-of-music-and-theatre-at-oak-learners/)
## [Effective Musical Instrument Practice at Home](https://oaklearners.ca/musical-instrument-practice-at-home/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| November 12, 2021 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
Most people understand that the more practice on your instrument, the better you become. When it comes to habits, consistency is an important factor in making routines for practice. Some wonder how you can improve your practice habits without causing too much stress? Let’s look at six ways you can make better use of your time when practicing your musical instruments at home.
[Read More…](https://oaklearners.ca/musical-instrument-practice-at-home/)
## [Encourage Creativity and Self-Expression in Young Children](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-and-self-expression-in-young-children/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| September 23, 2021 \| [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/) \| 0 Comments
The benefits of letting your children explore creativity and self-expression are quite clear. Their mental and personal growth will shine day to day the more they’re willing to express themselves. Here are 4 methods to help encourage creativity and self-expression in young children.
[Read More…](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-and-self-expression-in-young-children/)
## [This is your brain on music](https://oaklearners.ca/this-is-your-brain-on-music/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| November 5, 2018 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/) \| 0 Comments
Neuroeducation is playing a key role in the future of education, where the curriculum is based not just on teaching subjects but on preparing brains for learning. Research over the past several years has strongly identified links between language and music within the brain.
[Read More…](https://oaklearners.ca/this-is-your-brain-on-music/)
---
### [Micro School at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
**Published:** December 7, 2023
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** A Reggio-Inspired Micro School for Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Located in Etobicoke, Toronto, Oak Learners offers arts-enriched and student-driven inquiry-based programming in small classes.
**Content:**
# Oak Learners Micro School
Full and Part-time Enrolment for Kindergarten to Grade 6[Inquire Here](#Inquire)
- [Day School Overview](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
- [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/ourteam/)
- [Admissions & Policies](https://oaklearners.ca/registration-policies/)
- [Preschool](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)
- [Kindergarten](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/kindergarten-program/)
- [Lower Elementary](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/lower-elementary-curriculum/)
- [Upper Elementary](https://oaklearners.ca/upper-elementary-curriculum/)
- [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-outside-the-forest-school-in-the-city/)
- [Music Lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/)
- [Tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)
- [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
### Small Classes 6:1
### Outdoor Education 2hrs
### Arts-Enriched Curriculum
### Experiential Learning
### Learning Exceptionalities
### STEAM
- [Oak Learners](#)
- [Preschool](#)
- [The Kindergarten Program (JK-SK)](#)
- [Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3)](#)
- [Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6)](#)
- [Outdoor Learning at Oak Learners](#)
- [“Bridge The Gap”: Part-Time Enrollment](#)
# **How Oak Learners Approaches Curriculum**
Oak Learners endeavours every day to inspire learning through an authentic skill-based curriculum. Our teachers nurture children’s natural curiosity about their world with student-centered experiences. Oak Learners’ progressive, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based programming brings new learning opportunities and experiences through an integrated and immersive approach to education. Ontario Curriculum content and skill achievement guidelines are covered and enriched through a holistic approach to learning in a 21st century environment.
Oak Learners Micro School is a Reggio-Inspired alternative school for Kindergarten through Grade Six. We are committed to providing a nurturing, engaging environment where children can learn, explore, and grow beyond the classroom. Our teachers nurture children’s natural curiosity about their world with student-centered experiences. Oak Learners was making the most of “Learning Pods” long before COVID made them popular. Small classes (6:1 ratio) allow for more hands-on learning experiences, more field trips, stronger teacher-student relationships and quality teacher-parent collaboration.
Our Outdoor Learning program is based on the Forest School philosophy that academic excellence is enhanced with immersive Outdoor Education. This means that academic subjects like Math, Literacy, Science, and Social Studies are taught, explored, and shared in an authentic way: in the natural environment. Students spend 2-3 hours outdoors every day, all year round, engaging in various Outdoor Learning activities that range from nature-based exploration, to academic programming delivered in a natural environment to physical fitness and sports programming.
Many research studies over the past decade link children’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health with time spent outdoors, experiencing nature. For example, students have been shown to have increased focus, confidence, self-esteem, and overall feelings of happiness and satisfaction with school.
At Oak Learners, we believe every child can be successful when they belong to a truly supportive educational community. Academic excellence is enhanced with 30-50% of our school day being integrated with immersive Outdoor Education. This means that academic subjects like Math, Literacy, Science, and Social Studies are taught, explored, and shared in an authentic way: in the natural environment.
Progressive, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based programming in a student-driven, teacher-facilitated, alternative enrichment learning environment. Each learner goes through a cyclical process of identifying their unique strengths, needs, goals, and interests. Through collaboration with teachers, peers, parents and members of their community, they design an inquiry-based project to guide their learning over the course of a term.
Oak Learners offers a unique Preschool Enrichment Program designed for children aged **2.5 – 4 years** who will be starting Kindergarten in the following school year. Our Preschool Enrichment Program is **NOT a daycare** – but rather a purposeful “Kindergarten Readiness” program designed to set young learners up for success as they begin their educational journey.
Our Preschool classroom operates 3 days per week, Tuesday through Thursday, from 9:00am through 12:00pm. This 3 hour program lays a strong foundation for a positive educational experience and a smooth transition to Kindergarten, fostering classroom skills and independence skills. Experienced educators spend time exploring literacy, numeracy, science, social language skills and so much more with children through a natural and inquiry-based program.
Interested in our Preschool Enrichment program, read more [here.](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)
Kindergarten students at Oak Learners spend their days creatively exploring literacy, numeracy, science and arts through a natural and inquiry-based program inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.
Our Kindergarten program follows a skill-based curriculum through a cross-curricular and arts-based approach with a unique focus on outdoor education. Spending time in our community and in nature provides our students with unique opportunities to engage in a meaningful way with their environment and their peers.
Daily programming for Kindergarten students at Oak Learners includes blocks of time devoted to Core Skill Development (i.e., Literacy and Math), Outdoor Education (i.e., Ecology and gross motor development), and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Monthly theme-based units guide the learning for the students and provide a foundation for project-based learning and a real-world application of learning skills.
Interested in our Kindergarten program read more here.
Oak Learners offers progressive, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based programming in a student-driven, teacher-facilitated, alternative learning environment.
Each learner goes through a cyclical process of identifying their unique strengths, needs, goals, and interests. Through collaboration with teachers, peers, parents and members of their community, they design inquiry-based projects to guide their learning over the course of a term.
Each day at Oak Learners brings new learning opportunities through an integrated and immersive approach to elementary education. Ontario Curriculum content and skill achievement guidelines are covered and enriched through a holistic approach to learning in a project-based inquiry model, leading to a much deeper and richer learning experience for the students.
Interested in our Lower Elementary, read more [here.](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/lower-elementary-curriculum/)
Oak Learners offers progressive, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based programming in a student-driven, teacher-facilitated, alternative learning environment.
Each learner goes through a cyclical process of identifying their unique strengths, needs, goals, and interests. Through collaboration with teachers, peers, parents and members of their community, they design inquiry-based projects to guide their learning over the course of a term.
Each day at Oak Learners brings new learning opportunities through an integrated and immersive approach to elementary education. Ontario Curriculum content and skill achievement guidelines are covered and enriched through a holistic approach to learning in a project-based inquiry model, leading to a much deeper and richer learning experience for the students.
Interested in our Upper Elmentary program read more [here](https://oaklearners.ca/upper-elementary-curriculum/)
### **Welcome to our Forest School in the City!**
Oak Learners endeavours every day to inspire learning through an authentic skill-based curriculum. Our teachers nurture children’s natural curiosity about their world with student-centered experiences. At Oak Learners, we believe every child can be successful when they belong to a truly supportive educational community.
#### **Outdoor Education Plays a Key Role in Child Development**
Playing and exploring outdoors are experiences that most adults today grew up with. Yet, in the past few decades, the amount of time that children spend outdoors and the ways they experience their neighbourhoods have changed drastically. Much of the recreational time of today’s children is spent on indoor pursuits, even among children who live in rural areas. Many research studies over the past decade link children’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health with time spent outdoors, experiencing nature. For example, students have been shown to have increased focus, confidence, self-esteem and overall feelings of happiness and satisfaction with school. Even something as simple as looking at a tree can have surprisingly calming effects! In addition, directly observing plants and animals helps children develop an understanding of “systems,” that is, the relationships and processes in nature, while building their connections to the community. Not only that, but learning outside is fun! Students are excited and enthusiastic to try new activities and discover new things. This type of experiential, “hands-on” learning often reaches students who don’t thrive in a typical classroom setting.
#### **Nature as the Primary Teacher: Experiential Learning and Inquiry**
Oak Learners champions nature as an expansive and dynamic classroom, purposefully extending the learning environment beyond conventional indoor settings. Local parks, schoolyards, and various natural spaces become integral components of the educational landscape. This approach prioritizes direct, hands-on exploration and project-based inquiry, allowing children to physically engage with their surroundings and construct knowledge through authentic experiences.
The practical application of this philosophy is vividly illustrated through several examples. In one instance, students embarked on a [plant-based inquiry unit](https://oaklearners.ca/a-natural-way-to-learn/) by dissecting an almost-dead daffodil. This tactile interaction enabled them to physically examine plant parts and generate questions, underscoring the importance of close, physical engagement with the subject. Following this initial exploration, students planted various seeds and observed different stages of plant growth. This process naturally fostered individual inquiry, as exemplified by a student whose fascination with diverse bean varieties led to independent research on differentiation, non-fiction reading, report writing, scientific diagramming, and measurement skills. This demonstrates how learning within a natural context organically integrates multiple disciplines, blurring traditional academic boundaries.
During spring, [neighborhood walks](https://oaklearners.ca/spring-wonder-walks/) allowed students to observe crocuses and tulips, while [visits to High Park](https://oaklearners.ca/a-visit-to-see-the-high-park-cherry-blossoms/) facilitated studies of cherry blossoms, budding trees, and newly arrived birds. Recognizing the abundance of dandelions in a local park, [students decided to investigate](https://oaklearners.ca/a-natural-way-to-learn/) their uses beyond being a mere weed, specifically exploring their potential as a natural dye. They responsibly collected dandelions, ensuring an ample supply remained for pollinators, then examined the plant parts and chose to use only the flowers for a more vibrant yellow. By blending the dandelion flowers with water to create a paste for playdough, students engaged in a multi-sensory, tactile learning experience that visibly incorporated natural elements, reinforcing understanding through direct engagement.
#### **Hands-on Learning Outdoors Increases Student Engagement and Inquiry**
The emphasis on hands-on engagement and students pursuing their areas of inquiry suggests that nature-based learning is not solely focused on what is learned, but profoundly influences how it is learned. The direct, tactile experiences inherent in interacting with nature naturally ignite curiosity, which in turn motivates students to ask questions and independently seek answers. This shifts the educational paradigm from one primarily driven by teacher instruction to one powered by student-driven exploration. This method cultivates intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning skills, which are essential for lifelong learning and adaptability in a constantly evolving world. By allowing students to explore their surroundings intimately and follow their emerging interests, Oak Learners fosters intellectual autonomy and a genuine love for discovery, moving beyond rote memorization. This also implies a flexible curriculum that can adapt to student interests, a hallmark of progressive educational practices.
Furthermore, the integration of physical and cognitive engagement in nature is a crucial aspect of this model. The physical acts of dissecting a plant, planting seeds, or creating dandelion play-dough are directly interwoven with cognitive processes such as questioning, researching, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. It is not merely physical activity within nature, but rather physical activity serving as a direct pathway to deeper cognitive understanding. This suggests that for Oak Learners, the body and mind are intrinsically linked in the learning process, particularly when in a natural environment. This holistic integration of physical and cognitive engagement likely contributes to more robust memory formation, deeper conceptual understanding, and a more embodied form of knowledge acquisition, contrasting sharply with purely abstract, classroom-bound learning. It reinforces the understanding that learning is an active, rather than passive, endeavor.
#### **Embracing Risky Play for Resilience**
Risky Play at Oak Learners is defined as exploration or activities that involve an element of risk or exposure to new, challenging situations, where children are encouraged to push their boundaries and discover their capabilities. It is important to clarify that this does not imply dangerous activities but rather situations that challenge a child’s perceived limits in a controlled environment. [Examples](https://oaklearners.ca/benefits-of-risky-play-and-outdoor-education/) include children attempting to balance on stepping stones or climbing high on a play structure at a park.
This form of play is considered essential for a child’s comprehensive development. Cognitively, it teaches children about the world, sharpens critical thinking, and enhances problem-solving skills. Physically, it helps children understand their limitations and abilities, while developing gross motor skills and perpetual-orientation skills. Socially, engaging in risky play with peers encourages conflict resolution and communication skills. Psychologically, it provides a safe context for children to manage their emotions and confront fears. As Sandseter & Kennair (2011) are quoted, taking risks “provides the child with an exhilarating positive emotion and expose the child to the stimuli they previously have feared. As the child’s coping skills improve, these situations and stimuli may be mastered and no longer be feared”.
This emphasis on positive emotions and mastering previously feared stimuli reveals that risky play is not merely about physical safety but profoundly impacts psychological growth. It functions as a calculated pedagogical tool, a controlled exposure to challenge that, when successfully navigated, builds self-efficacy and emotional regulation.
#### **Cultivating Community and Environmental Stewardship**
A fundamental tenet of Oak Learners’ philosophy is “community,” which views students as active and vital members of the local community. This commitment is reinforced by the regular utilization of local parks and natural spaces as integral components of their Outdoor Learning curriculum, thereby strengthening students’ connection to their community and environment.
This dedication to community involvement and environmental responsibility is vividly demonstrated through the annual Earth Day shoreline cleanup. On Monday, April 22, 2024, the entire student body and staff participated in a significant [shoreline cleanup at Colonel Samuel Smith Park](https://oaklearners.ca/our-students-join-the-shoreline-cleanup-at-colonel-sam-smith-park-for-earth-day-2024/). The primary objective of this activity was to contribute to keeping the shoreline and park free of litter, directly impacting the local ecosystem.
Participation in such community cleanups is considered integral to teaching students that “even small efforts can make a significant difference”. This practical engagement serves as a powerful lesson in civic responsibility and collective action. By actively participating in the cleanup, students are not just learning about environmental issues; they are acting as responsible citizens, directly experiencing the impact of their collective efforts. The concept that “small efforts” can lead to “significant difference” directly imparts a sense of agency and impact, which are foundational elements of civic engagement. The event also reinforces crucial lessons in Outdoor Education, particularly the principle of “leave no trace”. The school’s philosophy extends beyond a single event, emphasizing that for Oak Learners, “[Earth Day is every day](https://oaklearners.ca/celebrating-earth-day-every-day/),” signifying a continuous, embedded commitment to environmental stewardship rather than a one-off annual observance. This approach fosters active citizenship and a profound sense of collective responsibility from a young age, cultivating values such as stewardship, community contribution, and environmental consciousness, thereby preparing students to be engaged and responsible members of society.
#### **At Oak Learners, we understand that every child learns differently and we love that!**
Many families who seek Oak Learners have experienced the trials of parenting a child who needs something “more” than what is traditionally offered by both public and private educational institutions. The answer for many families lies in an alternative learning environment that encourages individuality, curiosity and creativity through unique learning opportunities.
While acknowledging the importance of ensuring our students are meeting or exceeding the Ontario Curriculum, Oak Learners provides an enhanced alternative education program which draws from the educational philosophies of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf, Unschooling and Constructivism. Our program is enriched through the Arts, outdoor exploration and through encouraging the natural curiosity of our learners. We believe in a wholistic approach to growth, considering the whole body, person, or unit, the mind, body and spirit, emphasizing the importance of the whole as well as the interdependence of its parts.
The **Bridge the Gap** program is intended to supplement an existing school program, including homeschooling. Students attend Bridge the Gap for one, two or three days per week and participate in programs that will support their challenges or enhance their strengths. During the intake process, our Principal will work together with the student, their family and teachers to design an individual program that complements the rest of their school week.
# Micro School at Oak Learners
A Reggio-Inspired alternative school for Kindergarten through Grade Six[Start Admission Process](#Inquire)
[](http://www.ourkids.net/school/oak-learners/1203)
[](http://www.ourkids.net/school/oak-learners/1203/reviews)
# Highlights from Oak Learners Micro School
[](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
## [Back to School Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| Sep 11, 2026 \| [Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/category/back-to-school/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/), [Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/category/round-up/)
The back to school season doesn’t start on the first day of school. It starts with shopping and preparing for a successful school year. This round up post of our back to school articles can help make this school year a success from the start.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| Jul 17, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [BASE Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/base-camps/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
## [Marker Painting: How to use up old markers](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| Jun 29, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/), [STEAM](https://oaklearners.ca/category/steam/)
Don’t throw away old markers! Use up old markers are watercolour paint and enjoy hours of fun exploring textures, materials, and drying methods.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
## [The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| Jun 1, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Why Small Classes Change Big Feelings: The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments Did you know that school is emotional long before it’s academic? New routines, noisy rooms, and social rules all stress developing nervous systems. Understanding the science of small…
[](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
## [Creativity & Children’s Mental Health \| Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| May 21, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Creativity Is Not ‘Extra’: How Art, Music, and Making Support Children’s Mental Health Parents sometimes walk into Oak and say something like “I love that they’re painting and playing music… but is this really as important as reading and math?” Here’s the honest…
[](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
## [Why Ripping Paper Is So Good for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| May 11, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Benefits of Ripping Paper Why Ripping Paper Is So Good for Kids As adults ripping paper is one of those things we call “making a mess” but for kids, it is one of those “the best activities.” Give a child a stack of scrap paper and they’ll usually know exactly what…
[](https://oaklearners.ca/mixed-neurodivergent-neurotypical-learning-groups/)
## [How Neurodivergent & Neurotypical Kids Learn Together](https://oaklearners.ca/mixed-neurodivergent-neurotypical-learning-groups/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| May 4, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
How Mixed Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Groups Learn From Each Other Walk into Oak on any given day and you’ll see this: One child is quietly drawing every tiny detail of a tree. Another is talking a mile a minute about Minecraft. Someone else is pacing while…
[](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-shy-anxious-kids/)
## [Summer Camp for Shy & Anxious Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-shy-anxious-kids/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| Apr 28, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Friendships Under the Trees: How Summer Camp Supports Shy or Anxious Kids You know that feeling when you want your child to have friends and fun in the summer… But you also secretly worry they’ll spend the first three days hiding behind the counselor or asking when…
[](https://oaklearners.ca/plasticine-activities-kids-development/)
## [3 Plasticine Activities for Kids’ Development](https://oaklearners.ca/plasticine-activities-kids-development/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| Apr 20, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
3 activited that include plastiline Kids usually love to play with plasticine. The bright colours, the squish, the endless shapes… It’s all very inviting. But from a child-development point of view, plasticine is doing something much deeper: Plasticine, which is…
[](https://oaklearners.ca/nature-based-learning-kids-toronto/)
## [Nature-Based Learning for Kids In Toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/nature-based-learning-kids-toronto/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| Apr 2, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Why Kids Need Green Space More Than Ever (and How Oak Brings Nature to Toronto Families) Kids don’t just enjoy nature. Their brains are wired to need nature-based learning. How to bring Nature-Based Learning for Kids In Toronto. If you’re raising a child in Toronto,…
[« Older Entries](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=as_async_request_queue_runner&nonce=b6b69ed2f0&paged=2&et_blog)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)## [Back to School Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| Sep 11, 2026 \| [Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/category/back-to-school/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/), [Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/category/round-up/)
The back to school season doesn’t start on the first day of school. It starts with shopping and preparing for a successful school year. This round up post of our back to school articles can help make this school year a success from the start.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| Jul 17, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [BASE Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/base-camps/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)## [Marker Painting: How to use up old markers](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| Jun 29, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/), [STEAM](https://oaklearners.ca/category/steam/)
Don’t throw away old markers! Use up old markers are watercolour paint and enjoy hours of fun exploring textures, materials, and drying methods.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)## [The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| Jun 1, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Why Small Classes Change Big Feelings: The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments Did you know that school is emotional long before it’s academic? New routines, noisy rooms, and social rules all stress developing nervous systems. Understanding the science of small…
[](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)## [Creativity & Children’s Mental Health \| Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| May 21, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Creativity Is Not ‘Extra’: How Art, Music, and Making Support Children’s Mental Health Parents sometimes walk into Oak and say something like “I love that they’re painting and playing music… but is this really as important as reading and math?” Here’s the honest…
[« Older Entries](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=as_async_request_queue_runner&nonce=b6b69ed2f0&paged=2&et_blog)
Start the Admissions ProcessWe are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year for all grade levels, JK through Grade 6.
Complete an intake questionnaire below to begin the process today!
## Contact Information
First Name \*
Last Name \*
Email Address \*
Phone Number \*
How would you prefer to be contacted? \*Please select an optionEmailPhoneEither/Both
## Family Information
How many children are you applying for?
Child 1 Full Name
Child 1 Birthday
Child 1 Current School / Grade (if applicable)
Child 1: Specific Educational Information
Child 2 Full NameChild 2 Full Name
Child 2 Birthday
Child 2 Current School / Grade (if applicable)
Child 2: Specific Educational Information
Child 3 Full Name
Child 3 Birthday
Child 3 Current School / Grade (if applicable)
Child 3: Specific Educational Information
## Intake Questions
Program(s) of Interest \*KindergartenLower ElementaryUpper ElementaryBridge the Gap (Part Time Enrollment)
What is your intended enrollment / start date at Oak Learners?
What is most important to you when looking for a new school for your child(ren)?
Why are you considering Oak Learners for your child(ren)? \*0 / 180
What features of school at Oak Learners are most appealing to your family?Low student:teacher ratio (6:1) & small class sizesDaily Outdoor Education programming (30-50% of each day)Daily arts-based programming with specialized instructorsHands-on learning opportunitiesSmall school campus and intimate learning environmentPersonalized and strengths-based approachOpportunities for student enrichmentLocated centrally in our communityUnique alternative approach to educationDaily mindfulness exercisesDiverse and inclusive student and teacher populationChoose any/all that apply.
How did you hear about Oak Learners?
Additional questions or information
Send Message[Save as Draft](# "Fill in form fields before saving it as a draft")
---
### [Rental Space](https://oaklearners.ca/rental-space/)
**Published:** November 15, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Spaces that Spark Connection
Creative Spaces for Inspired Gatherings [Inquire Now](#Bookhere)
# ****Host Your Event with Purpose****
Don’t just book a room, join a community. At Oak Learners, our rental spaces are vibrant environments designed for connection, creativity, and wellness. Whether you are hosting a yoga class, team meeting, or art workshop, your booking directly supports our mission to provide individualized education for local families. Come share your passion in a space that gives back.
# Book Our Space: Sundays Only
## **Host Your Next Event at Oak Learners**
Located in the heart of Etobicoke, our Royal York Campus offers a warm, versatile space surrounded by nature.
**Venue Features:**
- **Location:** 394 Royal York Rd. (steps from the Humber River trails).
- **Transit:** Accessible by TTC, right on the bus route, and close to Mimico GO.
- **WiFi:** High-speed internet included.
- **Parking:** Convenient street parking available.
- **Amenities:** Access to kitchenette and washrooms included.
- **Accessibility:** Please note, our lower-level studios are accessed via stairs.
**📍 394 Royal York Rd Campus**
| **Room** | **Description** |
|---|---|
| Dance Studio (Lower Level) | A large, open-concept space featuring a sound system and lighting. Perfect for movement workshops, yoga classes, and group activities. **Capacity: 20 adults**. |
| Music Room ( Lower Level) | A cozy, private studio space. Ideal for one-on-one music lessons, individual practice, or small rehearsals. **Capacity: 4 Adults** |
| Front Room ( Main Floor) | A bright, 400 sq. ft. multi-purpose space featuring a large harvest table and a cozy lounge area. Perfect for team meetings, creative workshops, or intimate social gatherings. **Capacity: 8-10 adults** |
**📍 394 Royal York Rd Campus**
| Dance Studio (Lower Level) | A large, open-concept space featuring a sound system and lighting. Perfect for movement workshops, yoga classes, and group activities. **Capacity: 20 adults**. |
|---|---|
| Music Room ( Lower Level) | A cozy, private studio space. Ideal for one-on-one music lessons, individual practice, or small rehearsals. **Capacity: 4 Adults** |
| Front Room ( Main Floor) | A bright, 400 sq. ft. multi-purpose space featuring a large harvest table and a cozy lounge area. Perfect for team meetings, creative workshops, or intimate social gatherings. **Capacity: 8-10 adults** |
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/oaklearners.ca-7-x-5-in-4-min.jpg?ssl=1 "Front room")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/oaklearners.ca-7-x-5-in-3-min.jpg?ssl=1 "Front room")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-design-3.jpg?ssl=1 "Dance Studio")
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Stress-Free-Party-Decor-Dance-Studio.jpg?ssl=1 "Stress Free Party Decor Dance Studio")
### **Rental Rates**
| **Rental Type** | **Hourly Rate** | **Half-Day (4 Hrs)** | **Full-Day (8 Hrs)** |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Single Studio** | $30 / hr | $100 *(Save $20)* | $180 *(Save $60)* |
| **Full Campus (Private)** | $75 / hr | $250 *(Save $50)* | $450 *(Best Value)* |
# Every rental supports Oak Learners’ mission to provide creative, individualized education for children and families
**Ready to Book Your Space?**
Fill out the form below, and our event coordinator will be in touch with you within 24 hours.
Name \*
Last Name
Company Name (if applicable)
Email Address
Phone
Which space would you like to rent?Front Room (Main Floor) – Best for meetings/socialsDance Studio (Lower Level) – Best for movement/yogaMusic Room (Lower Level) – Best for private lessonsFull Campus – Exclusive access to all spaces
Purpose of RentalPurpose of RentalPrivate Event / Social Gathering (e.g., Book Club, Meeting, Party)Professional / Instructional (e.g., Teaching a Class, Tutoring, Workshop, Coaching)
Proof of Liability InsuranceInstructor Liability Requirements Please note: As an independent instructor, you are responsible for the safety and supervision of your students. Oak Learners provides the facility, but does not insure your specific program activities. You must provide a Certificate of Insurance naming Oak Learners as “Additional Insured” for liability coverage.Choose FileNo file chosenDelete uploaded file
### Requested Date(s) and Time(s)
Date
Start TimeHours–120102030405060708091011
Minutes–000102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859
AMPM
End TimeHours–120102030405060708091011
Minutes–000102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859
AMPM
Date
Start timeHours–120102030405060708091011
Minutes–000102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859
AMPM
End TimeHours–120102030405060708091011
Minutes–000102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859
AMPM
Select Amenities that are NeededSelect Amenities RequiredWifiTV Screen (with Chromecast)Sound System (Bluetooth Speaker/Mic)Kitchenette Access (Sink, Fridge, Kettle)Tables & Chairs SetupWhiteboards
Special Requests or Additional Information:
Checkbox \*Rental Waiver: I agree to hold Oak Learners harmless for any injury or damages arising from my use of the space/equipment.Yes
Register
Please do not fill in this field.
---
### [Party Rental Etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/party-rental-etobicoke/)
**Published:** November 19, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Host the Perfect Kid’s Party in Etobicoke
[Book Now](#Book)
#### Max 20 kids
#### Free Parking (Rear lot + Street).
#### Pet Friendly Space.
## The Perfect Space for Parents & Kids
Finding the perfect event space can be difficult. However, Oak Learners offers a bright, versatile venue right in the heart of Mimico. Our campus offers two distinct spaces to keep everyone comfortable:
- **The Front Lounge:** Our cozy 400 sq. ft. front room has a large harvest table and seating perfect for parents to relax or serve food.
- **The Studio:** A spacious 700 sq. ft. dance studio with sprung floors, a sound system, lights and t.v. It’s the perfect safe zone for kids to run, dance, and play well
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/oaklearners.ca-7-x-5-in-4-min.jpg?ssl=1 "Front room")
### Front room
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/oaklearners.ca-7-x-5-in-3-min.jpg?ssl=1 "Front room")
### Front room
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Harvet-Table-Front-Room.jpg?ssl=1 "Harvet Table Front Room")
### Harvet Table Front Room
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-design-3.jpg?ssl=1 "Dance Studio")
### Dance Studio
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Stress-Free-Party-Decor-Dance-Studio.jpg?ssl=1 "Stress Free Party Decor Dance Studio")
### Stress Free Party Decor Dance Studio
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Stress-Free-Party-Decor.jpg?ssl=1 "Stress Free Party Decor")
### Stress Free Party Decor
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Stress-Free-Party-Setup.jpg?ssl=1 "Stress Free Party Setup")
### Stress Free Party Setup
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pet-Party-Venu-Only-Rental.jpg?ssl=1 "Pet Party Venu Only Rental.")
### Pet Party Venu Only Rental.
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pet-Party-Venu-Only-Rental-1.jpg?ssl=1 "Pet Party Venu Only Rental")
### Pet Party Venu Only Rental
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Super-Mario-Craft-Stress-Free-Party.jpg?ssl=1 "Super Mario Craft Stress Free Party")
### Super Mario Craft Stress Free Party
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Unicorn-Craft-Stress-Free-Party.jpg?ssl=1 "Unicorn Craft Stress Free Party")
### Unicorn Craft Stress Free Party
## Venue Only
You bring the fun
$223
- **2.5 Hours Total Access** (Includes setup time)
- **Private Use of Facility**
- **Sound System & Lights**
- Tables, Chairs & Party Lights
- **Staff** (Support Only)
- No tableware included (plates, cups, napkins)
- No Decor
- No Crafts & Games
- \*BYO Food
- **Maximun 20 kids**
- **Extra:** Need more time to set up? Add $30 per additional half hour.
## The “Stress-Free” Party under 10 kids
We handle everything
$299
- **2.5 Hours Total Access** (Includes setup time)
- **Private Use of Facility**
- **Sound System & Lights**
- Tables, Chairs & Party Lights
- **Host Facilitates Activities** (We run the fun!) Craft, Interactive game, Dance Party
- Tableware Included (Plates, Cups, Napkins)
- **Full Decor Package** (Backdrop & Banners)
- **Crafts & Games**
- \* BYO Food.
- **Maximum 10 kids**
- **Extra:** Need more time to set up? Add $30 per additional half hour.
## The “Stress-Free”Party over 10 kids
We handle everything
$399
- **2.5 Hours Total Access** (Includes setup time)
- **Private Use of Facility**
- **Sound System & Lights**
- **Tables, Chairs & Party Lights**
- **Host Facilitates Activities** (We run the fun!) Craft, Interactive game, Dance Party
- **Tableware Included** (Plates, Cups, Napkins)
- **Full Decor Package** (Backdrop & Banners)
- **Craft & Game**
- **2 Host**
- \* BYO food.
- **Maximum 20 kids**
- **Extra:** Need more time to set up? Add $30 per additional half hour.
“Our host was incredibly kind and helpful throughout the entire event, checking in just enough to ensure we had everything we needed. It was such a smooth experience from start to finish.”
“It was wonderful to not have to worry about planning games or keeping the kids busy. The host did a fantastic job managing the energy and keeping the group entertained the whole time. For the first time, I actually got to relax and enjoy my child’s party.”
“We had a fantastic party! The space was perfect—the crafts were a hit, and the dance studio was definitely the highlight of the day. Our guests kept telling us what a hidden ‘gem’ we found in Etobicoke. Thank you so much for making it memorable!”
# “Why Choose Us?” (Eco-Friendly)
**Parties with a Purpose**
1. We’ve swapped balloons for eco-friendly alternatives to help reduce plastic waste and protect our environment.
2. Wash and reuse plates, cups, cutlery, and trays.
3. Use recyclable paper supplies to make decorations and either recycle or reuse them.
4. Reusable decorations = lower costs and less garbage.
5. Ribbon instead of tape whenever possible.
6. Buy products locally from small businesses when possible.
# Book Here
Name \*
Last Name
Email Address \*
Phone \*
Please choose the date and time below:
Date \*
SelectPreferred Time Slot.Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Date \*
SelectPreferred Time Slot.Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
What Package are you intrested in \*Just Venue Rental for Birthday $223Stress Free Birthday with under 10 kids $299Stress Free Brithday with over 10 kids $399
Thank you *Thank you for your interest in our birthday parties.
Please note your date is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email from our Admin team
Thank you
Oak Learners*
Request Dates for Birthday
Please do not fill in this field.
---
### [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
**Published:** December 1, 2023
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Summer Camps for children ages 4 through 14 at two convenient locations in South Etobicoke featuring outdoor learning, art, music, dance, science and more!
**Content:**
# Summer Camps 2027
Mini-Camp (Ages 3-4) \| Arts & Adventures Camp (Ages 4-10) \| Junior & Senior Leadership Camps (Ages 11-17)Stay tuned for dates and themes for 2027
- [Arts & Adventure Camps](#summercamp)
- [Preschool Enrichment Camp](#Preschool)
- [Learn and Lead](#Learn)
- [FAQ](#FAQ)
- [Testimonials](#Testimonials)
- [Wait List Form](#waitlist)
[0 Items](https://oaklearners.ca/cart/)
## Celebrate our 13th Summer Camp Season with us in 2027!
We offer a unique summer camp experience designed to engage children and make them want to return year after year.
***Creativity:*** We encourage campers to be creative and explore various means of expression. We plan out a variety of activities, including music and art, to allow campers to ‘give it a go’.
***Mindfulness*:** Alongside the busy camp schedule, we include time for reflection and relaxation. Mindfulness activities may involve yoga, meditation, self-awareness exercises, and quiet moments to pause and think.
***STEAM*:** Through Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math activities, campers will have the opportunity to develop their social skills, confidence, and cognitive flexibility.ity.
***Community*:** Campers will spend as much time outdoors as possible. They will enjoy field trips that give them the opportunity to experience situations that they might not usually have the chance to. Campers can explore natural surroundings and understand their part in nature and the local community.
### **What to expect at Oak Learners Arts & Adventures Camps:**
At our Classic Arts & Adventures Camps, campers will spend the day doing a variety of planned activities indoors and outdoors. Activities are designed to fit within the weekly themes, which have been carefully planned by our camp leadership team. Campers will have the opportunity to spend at least 50% of their days outside in the local community and try new activities. If you want your child to have a structured and enjoyable week in a small group, our Arts & Adventures Camp is the place to go.
**Activities may include:**
- Arts and crafts
- Enjoying, playing, and even composing music
- Mindfulness, yoga, and movement
- Sports and physical challenges
- Trips to local parks and hikes on local nature trails
- Team games and team-building activities
- Science investigations and innovations
### **A Typical Day at Arts & Adventures** **Camp:**
7:30-9:00 – Early Drop-Off Programming (add-on)
9:00 – 9:15 – Drop-off, welcome and arrival activities
9:15 – 10:00 – First activity (e.g. Arts & Crafts chosen from the weekly theme)
10:00 – 11:00 – Second activity (e.g. Music & Movement Activity)
11:00 – 11:15 – AM Snack
11:15 – 12:15 – Third activity (e.g. STEAM activity chosen in line with the weekly theme)
12:15 – 1:15 – LUNCH
1:15 – 1:45 – Transition to afternoon Outdoor Adventures
1:45 – 3:00 – Outdoor Activity (e.g. Nature trail hike and hands-on activities on location)
3:00 – 3:30 – Reflections & celebrations back at camp
3:30 – 4:00 – Closing Activities & Dismissal
4:00-6:00 pm – Extended Day Programming (add-on)
### **A Staff Team that can’t be beat!**
Each summer, our Camp Director and School Director spend a LOT of time recruiting and hiring staff to help run our camps! Returning staff are invited back, and new team members are carefully interviewed and selected. Pre-requisites to join the Summer Camp team require that applicants have completed at least 1 year of post-secondary education and be pursuing a field of study related to education or child care. Priority selection is given to applicants with experience in both camp and leadership roles.
Before camp begins, all counselors complete two weeks of intensive training. This includes earning or renewing Red Cross First Aid & CPR certification and participating in workshops on programming, leadership, and child development. Safety is a top priority at Oak Learners: every staff member must pass a recent Vulnerable Sector Check and complete Safety & Wellness training during onboarding.
Learn more about [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/ourteam/) or apply to [join us HERE](https://oaklearners.ca/opportunities/).
## **2026 Arts & Adventures Camp Weekly Themes**
#### Week 1: July 6-10, Nature’s Canvas
🎨 This wild studio turns the great outdoors into your personal art gallery! This week, campers trade traditional brushes for leaves, sticks, and mud to create wild, nature-inspired masterpieces. From mixing natural pigments to crafting botanical soaps, it’s a messy, creative adventure where every explorer builds a unique Eco-Portfolio to showcase their journey through the wild.
**Typical Activities Include:**
- Foraging Expeditions: Daily treks to local trails to gather “art treasures” like stones, petals, and branches while learning about local ecosystems.
- The Pigment Lab: Learn ancient techniques by mixing custom paints made from berries, soil, and plant life.
- Wild Sculpting: Create temporary “Earth Art” like nature mandalas, mud structures, and stick sculptures in the forest.
- Eco-Artisan Crafts: Design leaf-print impressions and create custom Melt & Pour Soap Art using natural scents and textures.
#### Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists
🧪Calling all curious minds! This week, the great outdoors becomes a giant laboratory as our Junior Scientists track down “sneaky science” in mud, puddles, bubbles, and the sky above. From daily messy experiments to exploring the hidden physics of earth, water, and light, it’s a week of big questions, hands-on discoveries, and seeing the world through a scientist’s eyes!
**Typical Activities Include:**
- Daily Experiments: Get hands-on with the physics and chemistry of everyday things—from giant bubbles to light refraction.
- Creek & Park Expeditions: Head to nearby waterways for soil and water collection, insect observation, and “field research.”
- Sneaky Science Hunts: Learn to spot the science happening all around us—in the mud, the rocks, and even the clouds.
- The Science Studio: Create daily art projects that bring scientific concepts like gravity, absorption, and color-mixing to life.
#### Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest
🌱 Grab your sun hats and aprons, little explorers! Root to Table invites campers to discover the magic of where our food comes from. This week, we aren’t just making snacks; we’re becoming garden-to-kitchen experts. From the soil to the sprout to the final bite, campers will learn how sunshine and water turn into delicious treats. Through hands-on “food play,” kids will build independence and confidence as they mix, blend, and assemble simple, seasonal recipes. We prioritize curiosity over complexity, encouraging every camper to try new flavors and celebrate the colors of the earth.
**Session 1: The Early Harvest (July)**
Focus: Berries, Bright Greens, and Garden Herbs In July, we celebrate the arrival of summer! Our “mini-makers” will work with the refreshing flavors of the early season.
Menu Highlights: “Purple Power” berry smoothies, garden-herb dip with crunchy snap peas, and “Sun-Kissed” fruit salads.
**Typical Activities Include:**
- Garden Art Exploration: Creating stamps and masterpieces using the textures of real fruits and vegetables.
- Seed-to-Snack Sessions: Learning the step-by-step journey of a recipe, from identifying the raw plant to the finished dish.
- Nature Trail Scavenger Hunt: Head outdoors to explore leaf shapes and learn to distinguish between helpful garden plants and those we leave alone in the wild.
- The Senses Station: A fun, low-pressure way for kids to touch, smell, and see new ingredients before they ever take a bite.
#### Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer
3…2…1… Blast Off! T🚀 Mission to Space: This week, young astronauts-in-training head to the stars to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos. From designing and launching rockets to turning the pavement into a giant chalk solar system, it’s a mission filled with cosmic discovery. Campers will hunt for “space rocks,” map out constellations, and record every discovery in their very own Space Log!
**Typical Activities Include:**
- Rocket Lab: Design, build, and launch simple rockets to see how high they can fly.
- Sidewalk Solar System: Head outdoors for “space races” and giant pavement drawings that bring the galaxy to scale.
- Space Rock Hunt: Scour the area (and the beach!) for unique rocks that look like they fell from another planet.
- The Space Log: A week-long creative project where campers document their flight path with art, moon phases, and alien landscape designs..
#### Week 5: Aug 4 – 7, Wildlife Explorers
🐾 Wildlife Explorers: Nature Detectives Put on your hiking boots and grab your binoculars! This week, campers become nature detectives as they track local wildlife and uncover the secrets of our backyard neighbors. From identifying animal tracks and building natural nests to designing their own imaginary species, it’s a week of “field research,” muddy shoes, and “Did you see that?!” moments for every animal lover.
**Typical Activities Include:**
- Track & Trace: Learn to read “animal clues” like footprints and nests to see who has been visiting our parks.
- The Nest Challenge: Use twigs, mud, and grass to build sturdy bird nests—just like the pros!
- Evolution Lab: Design a brand-new animal species, complete with unique survival features and a custom habitat.
- Nature Studio: Create beautiful wildlife art using nature prints and leaf collages.
#### Week 6: Aug 10-14, Junior Engineers
🛠️ Junior Engineers: The Big Build & Design Lab
Get ready to build, test, and create! This week, campers become junior engineers as they dream up and design their own structures, gadgets, and inventions. It’s the perfect week for curious minds who love to tinker, build, and say, “Let’s try it and see what happens!”
**Typical Activities Include:**
- Engineering & Physics challenges using simple, everyday materials, campers take on fun building challenges and try out cool experiments to see what happens when they tweak, test, and improve their ideas.
- Creative Projects that are both collaborative and individual, using recycled or sustainable materials.
- Outdoor Adventures take our tools and curiosity outside to see how engineering works in the natural world.
#### Week 7: Aug 17-21, Bugs & Butterflies
🐞 Bug Hunters: The Great Insect Adventure
Dive into the tiny, fascinating world of creepy-crawlies! This week, campers become junior entomologists as they explore hidden habitats and witness the incredible metamorphosis of Monarch butterflies. From building bug hotels to visiting the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat, it’s a week of outdoor discovery, nature walks, and bug-tastic fun for every curious explorer.
**Typical Activities Include:**
- Learning the difference between “bugs” and true insects by exploring body parts, behaviours, and habitats.
- Investigating life cycles and butterfly metamorphosis, with a special focus on Monarch migration and their incredible journeys.
- Building cozy “bug hotels” and going on guided bug-exploration walks to observe insects safely and respectfully.
- Visiting the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat to spot pollinators in action and connect learning to a real outdoor ecosystem.
#### Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty
🌱 Grab your sun hats and aprons, little explorers! Root to Table invites campers to discover the magic of where our food comes from. This week, we aren’t just making snacks; we’re becoming garden-to-kitchen experts. From the soil to the sprout to the final bite, campers will learn how sunshine and water turn into delicious treats. Through hands-on “food play,” kids will build independence and confidence as they mix, blend, and assemble simple, seasonal recipes. We prioritize curiosity over complexity, encouraging every camper to try new flavors and celebrate the colors of the earth.
**Session 2:** The Late Summer Bounty (August)
Focus: Sun-Ripened Veggies, Stone Fruits, and Seeds As the garden reaches its peak, we explore the bold, hearty flavors of August.
Menu Highlights: “Garden Patch” salsa with sun-ripened tomatoes, sweet corn snack plates, and juicy peach “no-bake” crumbles.
**Typical Activities Include:**
- Garden Art Exploration: Creating stamps and masterpieces using the textures of real fruits and vegetables.
- Seed-to-Snack Sessions: Learning the step-by-step journey of a recipe, from identifying the raw plant to the finished dish.
- Nature Trail Scavenger Hunt: Head outdoors to explore leaf shapes and learn to distinguish between helpful garden plants and those we leave alone in the wild.
- The Senses Station: A fun, low-pressure way for kids to touch, smell, and see new ingredients before they ever take a bite.
# **Summer Camps 2026 at Oak Learners**
Celebrate 12 years with us at Oak Learners! Our 2026 **summer camp** offers a unique experience that keeps children coming back. With weekly themes, outdoor learning, and hands-on activities, campers build creativity, confidence, and community in a supportive setting.
### **2026 Arts & Adventures Camp Weekly Themes**
Week 1: July 6-10, Nature’s Canvas
Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists
Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest
Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer
Week 5: Aug 4-7, Wildlife Explorers
Week 6: Aug 10-14, Junior Engineers
Week 7: Aug 17-21, Bugs & Butterflies
Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty
# Summer Camps Extended Hours
Summer camps extended hours at Oak Learners are designed to support families who need additional flexibility throughout the summer. Our extended hours program helps make mornings and evenings easier for busy parents by offering reliable care before and after the regular camp day. Campers enjoy a safe, welcoming, and supervised environment where they can ease into the day or unwind with calm activities at the end of the afternoon. These options give parents peace of mind while ensuring children remain engaged and cared for.
**Regular Camp Hours:** 9:00am – 4:00pm
Drop-off permitted from 9:00am – 9:15am
Pick-up is from 3:45pm – 4:00pm
**Pick‑ups after 4:00 pm may incur additional charges for extra care time.**
**Extended Hours (Weekly Only)**
Extended hours must be purchased by the week so that we can plan consistent staffing and supervision. Families may choose morning care, afternoon care, or full-day coverage depending on their needs.
**Morning Early Drop-Off:** 7:30 to 9:00am, $50 per week
**Afternoon Late Pickup:** 4:00 to 6:00pm, $50 per week
**Full Coverage:** 7:30am to 6:00pm, $90 per week
- [## Summer Camps 2026
Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
- [## Summer Camps Extended Hours
$50.00 – $90.00Price range: $50.00 through $90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/)
- [## Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
$195.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/preschool-enrichment-mini-camp/)
- [## Junior Learn & Lead
$140.00 – $175.00Price range: $140.00 through $175.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/junior-learn-lead/)
- [## Senior Learn & Lead
$0.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/senior-learn-lead-counselor-in-training/)
# Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
July 6 – August 28[Purchase Here](https://oaklearners.ca/product/preschool-enrichment-mini-camp/)
- [Arts & Adventure Camps](#summercamp)
- [Preschool Enrichment Camp](#Preschool)
- [Learn and Lead](#Learn)
- [FAQ](#FAQ)
- [Testimonials](#Testimonials)
- [Wait List Form](#waitlist)
### **Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp**
Give your child a head start for Kindergarten in September 2026! With our Preschool Enrichment Mini- Camp. Designed for 3-4-year-olds and focusing on setting them up for success in their educational journey.
#### **What to Expect:**
**Positive Learning Environment**: Our experienced educators create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where children can explore and discover.
**Essential Skills Development**: Through play-based activities, we foster crucial classroom skills like following directions, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as promoting independence.
**Curriculum Highlights:** We introduce key concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and French language skills through a natural, inquiry-based approach.
### Program Details:
- Monday-Friday – 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- $195
- Weekly attendance during the summer, aligned with our Summer Camp weekly themes
- Location: Oak Learners Royal York Campus, 394 Royal York Rd.
Help your child transition smoothly into Kindergarten and build a strong foundation for future learning!
# Learn and Lead Program
July 6 – August 28
- [Arts & Adventure Camps](#summercamp)
- [Preschool Enrichment Camp](#Preschool)
- [Learn and Lead](#Learn)
- [FAQ](#FAQ)
- [Testimonials](#Testimonials)
- [Wait List Form](#waitlist)
# Junior Learn & Lead: Counselor in Training Ages 11-13
Kickstart your leadership journey! Our Junior Learn and Lead program provides a fantastic opportunity for Tweens and Teens to explore the world of camp leadership. Develop confidence, build teamwork skills, and learn the basics of working with children. This program offers a structured learning experience with daily mentorship from our Camp Director, helping you set goals and reflect on your progress. All participants will receive a certificate of completion. Fees are $175 per participant, per week.
Program Highlights:
- Daily mentorship and goal setting with the Camp Director.
- Hands-on experience working with campers and counselors.
- Skill development in communication, teamwork, and leadership.
- A fun and engaging camp environment.
Ready to lead? Join today and discover your leadership potential this summer at Oak Learners!
\*Not eligible for volunteer hours. Certificate of completion.
Want more information? Click [here.](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Junior-Learn-and-Lead-Information.pdf)
# Senior Learn & Lead: Counselor in Training Ages 14-17
Gain valuable experience and make a difference! Our Senior Learn & Lead program offers teens the chance to contribute to the camp community while developing crucial leadership skills. Work alongside experienced counselors, mentor younger campers, and build your resume with documented volunteer hours. Daily meetings with the Camp Director provide guidance and support, helping you maximize your learning and impact. All Learn & Lead participants receive a certificate of completion and are eligible for High School Volunteer Hours.
Program Highlights:
- Daily mentorship and goal setting with the Camp Director.
- Hands-on experience working with campers and counselors.
- Skill development in communication, teamwork, and leadership.
- A fun and engaging camp environment.
Ready to lead? Join today and discover your leadership potential this summer at Oak Learners!
\*Eligible for High School volunteer hours
Certificate of completion.
Want more information? Click [here](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Senior-Learn-and-Lead-Information.pdf)
# Music & Tutoring
Add Music or Tutoring to complement your summer camp experience.
#### Music
Oak Learners offers private 1:1 music lessons. We provide a learning space that works with your child’s personal style to nurture their strengths and interests.
Private music lessons are available to learners of all ages in a variety of disciplines, including **piano**, **guitar,** **voice**, **ukulele**, **drums,** and **percussion**. Students are placed with a music instructor who is a professional in their field and who loves inspiring the love of music in their students. Our music lessons are a blend of music theory and fun that includes music that children will love to practice.
[More Information Here](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/)
#### Tutoring
At Oak Learners, we go beyond traditional tutoring by blending mentoring, mindfulness, and academic support, offering your child the tools they need to thrive. Our private tutoring sessions are designed with each student in mind, pairing them with passionate, experienced teachers who provide personalized guidance tailored to their unique learning style and needs. Many of our teachers have experience working with students with learning disabilities and other exceptionalities and can provide programming based on the individual needs.
[More Information Here](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)
# Frequently Asked Questions
- [Arts & Adventure Camps](#summercamp)
- [Preschool Enrichment Camp](#Preschool)
- [Learn and Lead](#Learn)
- [FAQ](#FAQ)
- [Testimonials](#Testimonials)
- [Wait List Form](#waitlist)
#### **Lunch & Snacks:**
Campers should attend camp with enough food and water for a busy day!. Please note that their lunch should be:
- Nutritious and filling
- Garbage-free (wrappers will be sent home)
- Enough to last the whole day
- Nut-free
- In a labelled lunch bag
#### **Other items to pack:**
Campers will also need:
- A lightweight backpack that can easily fit supplies and be carried by the child
- A reusable water bottle (labelled if possible)
- Appropriate footwear for outdoor exploration
- Clothing and layers appropriate for daily activities
- Sunscreen and Hats!
#### **Logistics**
Please ensure the following for a smooth day.
- **Camp Program:** 9:00am–4:00pm
- **Drop-Off Window:** 9:00am–9:15am
- **Pick-Up Window:** 3:45–4:00pm
Pick‑ups after 4:00 pm may incur additional charges for extra care time.
**Extended Hours (Weekly Only)**
Extended hours must be purchased by the week so that we can plan consistent staffing and supervision. Families may choose morning care, afternoon care, or full-day coverage depending on their needs.
**Morning Early Drop-Off:** 7:30 to 9:00am, $50 per week
**Afternoon Late Pickup:** 4:00 to 6:00pm, $50 per week
**Full Coverage:** 7:30am to 6:00pm, $90 per week
#### **Fees & Registration**
- Full payment is required at the time of registration to reserve a spot in Summer Camps.
- One change to a registration may be made free of charge.
- Additional change requests will incur a **$15 administration fee** per request.
For details or to request a change, please contact: **camps@oaklearners.ca**
#### **Cancellation Policy**
All cancellations of summer camp programs made **before June 1** of the same program year are subject to a 10% administration fee. All cancellations of summer camp programs made on or **after June 1** of the same program year are subject to a 50% administration fee. **No cancellations** will be processed within 7 days of the start of the session to be cancelled.
##### How Do I Register For Camp?
Registration for camp can only be done through our **[website](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)**. If camps are sold out, you must join the waitlist through the form on the website. Registrations and wait list requests will not be accepted by phone.
##### How old do children need to be to attend camps?
Camps at Oak Learners are open to children 4 through 11 years.
Campers 11 through 17 may apply for our “Learn & Lead” Volunteer Program.
Young campers must have reached their 4th birthday before their first day of camp. Children who are less than 4 years old may NOT attend camp, as per the Ministry of Education regulations.
##### Can I Switch Weeks After I Register For Camp?
Switching weeks of camp or camp choice is subject to availability.
We allow one change free of charge. Any change request thereafter will have an administration fee of $15 per **each** change request. Please inquire at: **camps@oaklearners.ca** for details.
##### Who Are The Camp Counselors?
Our Camp Counselors are post-secondary students who may be training to be teachers or other professions that work with youth. They all have experience of working in schools or camps.
All counselors go through a training process to prepare them for the summer. They all have Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training and undergo a Vulnerable Sector Check.
##### What Is My Child Going To Do At Camp?
Our camp team spends a great deal of time and effort planning and preparing activities and excursions for campers of all ages and interests. Activities are loosely based on the weekly themes and camp counsellors tailor the specific daily activities to the groups of campers each week. You can find an outline of a typical day, along with other information for both camps can be found, [**HERE**.](https://oaklearners.ca/summer/#atypicalweek)
##### Is There A Sibling Discount?
No. Camp fees are per camper, as stated on the website.
##### How Are The Groups Created?
Groups are usually based on a variety of criteria including age and specific requests.
Groups have an average of 8 campers and 1 counselor. Some groups will also have a volunteer or Learn and Lead camper.
Siblings and/or friends may or may not be paired together, as per a parent’s request. Groups CANNOT be changed once campers arrive at camp. If you have special requests for groupings, please included these in your registration or via email to camps@oaklearners.ca Please note that not all grouping requests can be guaranteed.
##### Does Oak Learners Provide Lunch Or Snacks Each Day?
No. All campers must bring their own lunch and snacks each day.
##### What Do I Send My Child/ren To Camp With?
Prior to each week of camp, you will receive an email outlining how to prepare for camp and what to pack.
##### What Are The Cancellation Policies?
All cancellations of summer camp programs made **before June 1** of the same program year are subject to a 10% administration fee. All cancellations of summer camp programs made on or **after June 1** of the same program year are subject to a 50% administration fee. **No cancellations** will be processed within 7 days of the start of the session to be cancelled.
The above cancellation policy is not applicable during a time of Force Majeure; an Act of God or circumstances beyond our control (i.e. pandemic, quarantine, natural disaster, etc.). In the case that Oak Learners is unable to provide comparable instructional programming through online learning methods, a credit towards tuition fees will be applied. All withdrawal requests made during the Force Majeure period will be provided with a credit, calculated as per the withdrawal policy towards a future program registration. The lifetime credit can be used towards any future Oak Learners program registration and is transferable to any immediate family member.
##### Where is the camp?
Arts & Adventure camps are based at Oak Learners, 394 Royal York Road . but will spend much of their day outside.
##### My child needs to take medication. Will there be provisions for this?
Yes. If your child needs to take medication during the day our counselors will ensure this is done safely with minimal disruption to their day. Counselors will be trained for these situations.
##### Can my child bring their cell phone?
No. At our camps we encourage time away from screens.
##### Can I drop my child off later or pick them up early?
If you need to do pick-up early or drop-off later this can be arranged. However, please note that the campers may not be on site. Also, there is no discounted rate for late arrival or an early leave.
##### What happens if there is an emergency? How will you contact us?
We will ALWAYS contact you in case of an emergency. Please ensure you have supplied us with the correct contact information on your application form.
- [## Summer Camps 2026
Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
- [## Summer Camps Extended Hours
$50.00 – $90.00Price range: $50.00 through $90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/)
- [## Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
$195.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/preschool-enrichment-mini-camp/)
- [## Junior Learn & Lead
$140.00 – $175.00Price range: $140.00 through $175.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/junior-learn-lead/)
- [## Senior Learn & Lead
$0.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/senior-learn-lead-counselor-in-training/)
# What are others saying about Oak Learners?
- [Arts & Adventure Camps](#summercamp)
- [Preschool Enrichment Camp](#Preschool)
- [Learn and Lead](#Learn)
- [FAQ](#FAQ)
- [Testimonials](#Testimonials)
- [Wait List Form](#waitlist)
It was my son’s first time at camp (he’s 4.5 years old). He absolutely loved it and was a little sad it was over. I loved that they challenged him. Every day was an activity that incorporated art, music, movement, and fun. The teachers were AWESOME and the location is so welcoming. We can’t wait to return next summer. Highly recommended!
Jacqueline H.
Oak Learners is a wonderful place for kids. My son attended their camp for three weeks this summer and he was so happy there. He would rush to join his counselors and friends in the morning forgetting to say goodbye to his parents, and that says a lot. And in the evening he wouldn’t stop talking about all the fun they were having.
Margarita P.
Our neighbourhood has benefited from Oak Learner’s presence in the community! Kelly and her team truly care for my son and he, in turn, loves to go to summer camp and have private tutoring during the school year. Lots of love for this school and what they do!
Natalie R.
My son attended his first day camp last week at Oak Learners. To say he loved it would be an understatement. They built a fun soap volcano, saw caterpillars and watched them eat and grow, and even managed a visit to a splash pad. They did many arts and crafts projects which are now displayed at home. Thank you to Oak Learners for a great week!
Gillian R.
# Waitlist Form
- [Arts & Adventure Camps](#summercamp)
- [Preschool Enrichment Camp](#Preschool)
- [Learn and Lead](#Learn)
- [FAQ](#FAQ)
- [Testimonials](#Testimonials)
- [Wait List Form](#waitlist)
**\*NOTE** To be added to a wait list for a specific week, please fill out this form:
## [How Summer Camp Boosts Kids’ Mood & Wellbeing](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| January 10, 2026 \| [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/) \| 0 Comments
The right kind of camp can act like a reset button for kids’ mood, confidence, and sense of connection—not just “something to do.” And the kind of camps Oak runs (small groups, nature, arts, movement, cozy community vibes) line up surprisingly well with what recent research says children need to feel well.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
## [Summer Camps 2024: Celebrate 10 Summers of Camps with us!](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camps-2024-celebrate-10-summers-of-camps-with-us/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| June 30, 2024 \| [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/) \| 0 Comments
Celebrate our 10th Summer Camp Season with us in 2024! Oak Learners offers a unique summer camp experience designed to engage children and make them want to return year after year.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camps-2024-celebrate-10-summers-of-camps-with-us/)
## [Oak Learners Launches the 2024 Summer Skill Boosters Program](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-launches-the-2024-summer-skill-boosters-program/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| May 31, 2024 \| [Announcements.](https://oaklearners.ca/category/announcements/), [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Events](https://oaklearners.ca/category/events/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/) \| 0 Comments
Summer Skills Boosters at Oak Learners are intensive, one-week workshop experiences for students from Grades 1–12 in a variety of subject areas including math, literacy, study skills and more.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-launches-the-2024-summer-skill-boosters-program/)
## [Food & Gardening at Summer Camp with Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/week-7-of-camp-recap-food-gardening/)
by [Natalie Julien](https://oaklearners.ca/author/nataliejulien/ "Posts by Natalie Julien") \| August 23, 2023 \| [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/) \| 0 Comments
At Summer Camps, sometimes we really do get to live out our childhood dreams and play with our food! Our very own garden was the classroom for this week! Campers explored how to plant & grow their own food and then prepare it for themselves, friends and family.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/week-7-of-camp-recap-food-gardening/)
## [Travelling Around the World at Oak Learners Summer Camps!](https://oaklearners.ca/week-5-6-camp-recap/)
by [Natalie Julien](https://oaklearners.ca/author/nataliejulien/ "Posts by Natalie Julien") \| August 23, 2023 \| [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/), [Events](https://oaklearners.ca/category/events/), [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/) \| 0 Comments
Two weeks of Summer Camp just flew by! And we aren’t just saying that because we took a trip around the world! We learned about different cultures and their structures! We made art such as the Chinese Dragon, a Traditional African neckpiece & a Dasara Elephant craft! Our specialty campers learned all about Environmental science with our resident scientist, Richard! We learned about water pollution & experimented with storms in a jar!
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/week-5-6-camp-recap/)
## [Summer Camp is for Art and Adventure at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/weeks-3-4-summer-camp-2023/)
by [Natalie Julien](https://oaklearners.ca/author/nataliejulien/ "Posts by Natalie Julien") \| August 18, 2023 \| [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/) \| 0 Comments
What an exciting two weeks. Our themes these past two weeks were “Art Attack/Summer in the City” & our speciality camp was “Visual Art & Nature”
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/weeks-3-4-summer-camp-2023/)
---
### [Admissions & Policies](https://oaklearners.ca/registration-policies/)
**Published:** April 2, 2017
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Learn about Oak Learners' personalized admissions process: intake questionnaire, one-on-one school tour, and trial day for JK-Grade 6.
**Content:**
# Day School Admissions & FAQ
### **Admissions Process**
At Oak Learners, we not only take a personalized approach to learning but also to the admissions process. To find out if our day school program is right for your family and to inquire about the admissions process, please complete our **Intake Questionnaire.**
Once we receive your application, our admissions coordinator will reach out to you to discuss the program and book a personalized 1:1 tour with the school director, Kelly Farrell.
The final step to admissions is a Trial Day for your child to visit our school, participate in our program, and meet the students and staff.
Every step of the way is personalized, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and open communication. Get started today; complete the **Intake Questionnaire!**
## Start the Admissions Process
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year for all grade levels, JK through Grade 6.
Complete an Intake Questionnaire to begin the process today!
[Complete an Intake Questionnaire](https://oaklearners.ca/intake-inquiry/)
Frequently Asked Questions
## **Day School: Daily Operations**
**When does a typical school day start and end?** A typical school day begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:30pm.
**What does a typical day look like?** A typical day varies depending on the year of schooling your child is enrolled in. Visit the[ Preschool](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/),[ Kindergarten](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/kindergarten-program/),[ Lower Elementary](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/lower-elementary-curriculum/), or the[ Upper Elementary](https://oaklearners.ca/upper-elementary-curriculum/) pages view a typical day.
**Will Oak Learners provide lunch for my child?** Oak Learners does not provide lunch for the children. Your child should bring a packed lunch each day. There are specific rules to follow, as Oak Learners is a strictly NUT-FREE facility.
**Does Oak Learners do pick-up and drop-off?** Oak Learners does not provide pick-up or drop-off. There is however a bus stop steps away from the school for the 76A to and from Royal York Station.
## **Day School: Before and After Care**
**What happens before the school day starts?** There is the option for before school care and early arrival supervision from 7:30am to 9:00am. It comes at an additional fee.
**What happens after the school day is done?** There is the option for after school care and extended care supervision from 3:30pm to 6:00pm. It comes at an additional fee.
## **Day School: Enrollment and Registration**
**How do I register for day school?** We accept applications for Full-Time and Part-Time programs on an ongoing basis. Please submit an[ Intake Questionnaire](https://oaklearners.ca/intake-inquiry/) to connect with our Admissions Team and begin the admissions process.
**Is my child automatically enrolled in summer camp if they are in day school?** No, this is a separate application and enrollment. Registration can be done anytime in January 2027, with the waitlist submission at the bottom of the page. Day school kids get early access to summer camp registration.
## **Preschool Program**
**What will my child learn?** This class is a preparatory program for children ages 2.5 to 4. It is a half day from 9:00am to 12:00pm, that teaches the main skill sets and introduces the key concepts your child will use in their future kindergarten classes.
**How do I prepare my child for this program?** It is ideal that your child is potty trained, however other than that, our Preschool teacher is there to assist and guide your child towards independence.
**What do I need to send with my child?** Your child needs a pair of indoor shoes, a change of clothes (underwear included), a packed lunch, a water bottle, and weather appropriate outerwear (according to the season).
## **Tutoring and Music**
**Will my child have the same teacher each session?** Yes, upon purchase of credits, your child is assigned a teacher based on subject and skill level.
---
### [Parent Handbook](https://oaklearners.ca/parent-handbook/)
**Published:** June 19, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Parent Handbook
Revised April 21, 2026
- [Vision, Mission & Core Values](#visioninfo)
- [General Information](#generalinfo)
- [Procedures](#procedures)
- [Extracurricular Activities](#extracurriculars)
- [Health & Safety Policies and Procedures](#healthsafety)
[School Year Calendar](https://oaklearners.ca/school-year-calendar/)
## Vision
To make a measurable, lifelong impact on the education and well-being of children, youth, their families, and our community.
## Mission
To inspire **creativity**, foster skill-building, and encourage **confidence**. We aim to nurture growth by developing individuality and promoting an inclusive **community**.
**It takes a village!** We encourage involvement amongst our community, working with families to develop programming that is innovative and inclusive and supports the lifelong journey of learning through exploration in the arts, education, and mindfulness practice.
With this mission at the heart of our centre, Oak Learners offers an alternative learning atmosphere, working with your child’s unique learning style to inspire their strengths and interests. We offer a wide range of programming designed with creative and inquisitive learners in mind.
## Core Values
**Integrity** in all endeavours.
**Honesty & Transparency** in all communication.
**Accountability** to ourselves, our mission, and our **Community**.
A commitment to **Innovation** in education and development.
**Collaboration** to embrace **Diversity**.
# General Information
## Programming & Scheduling
Oak Learners makes every effort to maintain an updated program listing and schedule through our website. We may have to make changes to our program offerings at any point during our school year. Oak Learners also reserves the right to change class times, teachers, and program offerings at any time. In this case, we will make every effort to accommodate your programming and scheduling needs wherever possible.
## Cell Phones and/or Personal Communication Devices
Cell phones and smart watches are **NOT** permitted for use at Oak Learners by participants under 14 years of age. If a child under 14 brings a personal communication device to school or camp, it must be turned OFF and kept in the school office until the end of the day.
Oak Learners is not responsible for any lost or stolen devices.
## Lost-and-Found
Oak Learners **DOES NOT** assume **ANY** responsibility for **ANY** personal property (including, but not limited to clothing, jewellery, cameras, cell phones, computers, tablets, purses, wallets, vehicles, etc.) if items left on school premises get lost or damaged.
If your child leaves an item behind, we will do our best to place it in the Lost-and-Found until it can be retrieved. At the end of each month, all items remaining in the Lost-and-Found will be donated to a local children’s charity.
# **Registration, Payment and Cancellation Policies**
### **Registration & Payment**
**Full payment** is due at the time of registration for **ALL** Oak Learners programming. Registration is always subject to space availability in the selected program(s).
The terms of the registration agreement are considered in effect upon Oak Learners receiving a signed tuition agreement, payment, or payment information to hold a class or program placement.
***Please note:** expressing intent to register, whether to an instructor or the office, does **NOT** hold a student’s placement. Registration is only confirmed upon receipt of full payment.*
### **Missed Lessons or Cancellations**
If you will be missing a lesson or school day, please notify the program coordinator or office as soon as possible by email or the Brightwheel app.
Missed classes, **day school, and day camps** are **not** eligible for make-up lessons or credits. Tuition fees are for **full-year** programming and **not refundable or transferable.**
**Private lessons (Tutoring and Music)** cancelled by the student/parent can be made up provided a minimum of **24 hours’ notice** is received by Oak Learners and the cancellation is due to a reasonable cause (i.e., illness, family emergency, or vacation). Otherwise, the late notice of the cancelled class will be charged at the full amount of the cancelled lesson.
Oak Learners reserves the right to withdraw any course, to change an instructor of any lesson, or to close any location at any time without notice or liability other than to refund tuition fees received for lessons cancelled due to such withdrawal or closing.
### **Force Majeure Clause**
Oak Learners, Inc.’s withdrawal and termination policies are **not** applicable during a time of force majeure, an act of God, or circumstances beyond our control (i.e., pandemic, quarantine, natural disaster, etc.).
In such a force majeure situation, Oak learners will make every effort to provide instruction through virtual learning. In the case that Oak Learners is unable to provide comparable instructional programming through online learning methods, a credit towards tuition fees will be applied. All withdrawal & cancellation requests made during the Force Majeure period will be provided with a credit, calculated as per the withdrawal policy, towards a future program registration. The lifetime credit can be used towards any future Oak Learners program registration and is transferable to any immediate family member.
### **Withdrawal Policy**
**(Applicable to Day School, Bridge-the-Gap, Preschool, and BASE Camp)**
Notice of student withdrawal must be made in writing. Any fees still outstanding will be due upon withdrawal.
The registration fee will not be refunded.
Requests for reimbursement of tuition fees may be made upon withdrawal, and such requests will be assessed at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
### **Day Camp Specific Registration, Payment, and Cancellation**
**Full payment** for camp registration must be received at the time of registration.
- All cancellations must be provided in writing; we do not accept cancellation requests over the phone.
- All summer camp cancellations made before June 1st of the same program year are subject to a 10% administration fee of the original purchase amount.
- All cancellations of summer camp weeks made on or after June 1st of the same program year will only be refunded at 50% of the original purchase amount being cancelled.
- Any cancellations made within 7 days of the start of the camp will not be refunded.
# School Policies and Procedures
## **Day School Hours:**
The school day runs from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
AM Drop-off is from 8:50-9:00 am. PM Dismissal is from 3:30-3:40 pm.
**Extended Hours for Day School Students:** Extended hours are available for Day School students at a rate of $10 per hour. Families who anticipate needing before or after care are encouraged to let us know in advance so we can plan appropriate staffing. Any student who has not been picked up by 3:45 pm will be brought to Extended Care, and the applicable hourly rate will apply.
**Before School Programming** is available from 7:30 to 9:00 am.**After School Programming** is available from 3:30 to 6:00 pm.
## **Preschool Enrichment Program Hours:**
The preschool program begins at 9:00am and ends at 12:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Early Drop-off and Late Pick-up is not available for preschool students.
## **B.A.S.E CAMP (Before and After Care Enrichment Camp) Hours:**
**Before School BASE Camp:** From 7:30 to 9:00 am.
**After School BASE Camp:** From 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
**PA Day Camp: I**ncluded for all students registered in B.A.S.E. Camp.
For a list of PA Days see our **[School Year Calendar](https://oaklearners.ca/school-year-calendar/)**
Please confirm your child’s attendance in **Brightwheel** prior to the PA Day to help us ensure accurate attendance and staffing.
## **Daily Attendance and Absences**
If you will be missing a day, it is the parents’ responsibility to post a message in the Brightwheel App **as soon as possible to notify us of your child/ren’s absence**.
Children who are late may need to be dropped off at an off-site location if their group has already left. Children who need to be picked up early may also need to be retrieved from an off-site location. Please let us know in the morning if this is the case so we can coordinate pickups accordingly.
All extended-hour billing is processed directly through the **Brightwheel** app, based on each child’s check-in and check-out times. For this reason, it is very important that parents/caregivers complete the Brightwheel check-in/check-out process at both drop off and pick up. This ensures accurate attendance records and prevents families from being inadvertently billed for hours their child did not attend any extended hours at school.
While staff will assist whenever possible, parents are responsible for logging their own drop offs and pick ups each day, as teachers may be occupied with students during these transition times. If you ever need help navigating Brightwheel, we’re always here to support you.
## School Holidays
The Academic School year at Oak Learners follows a 10-month school year and runs from September to June. School closures and holidays areas noted [here](https://oaklearners.ca/school-year-calendar/). If there are any changes to this calendar, parents will be notified through written communication.
It is very rare for Oak Learners to close due to weather, as we follow the Toronto District School Board severe weather procedures. In the event of a school closure prior to the start of the day, all families will be notified in Brightwheel by 7:00 a.m. If a storm occurs throughout the day, parents will be notified of the school closing and staff will remain until all students are picked up.
[School Year Calendar](https://oaklearners.ca/school-year-calendar/)
## Communication with Teachers
At Oak Learners, we believe that open communication between parents, teachers, and administration is key to every child’s success. Supporting each student’s growth is a collaborative effort that thrives on regular, respectful communication among all adults involved.
Day-to-day communication takes place through the **BrightWheel App**. **An invitation to join your child’s profile on Brightwheel will be sent via email.**
Brightwheel also serves as our **attendance platform** and it is **mandatory for parents or caregivers to sign students in and out each day**. This system provides accurate tracking for attendance, Before and After Care, and billing.
Brightwheel can also be used to **indicate a child’s absence** or communicate important updates such as **early pickups, late arrivals, or alternate pickup arrangements**. We ask that parents use the app for these notifications whenever possible.
Teachers use Brightwheel to share **class announcements, photos, and student portfolio updates**. Parents may also message teachers directly through the app; however, please note that teachers are often engaged with students throughout the day and may only be able to respond **before or after school hours** or **during scheduled preparation times.**
## Program Participation
All students attending school are required to participate in all school activities.
The administrative staff are conscientious about extreme weather conditions and follow the Toronto District School Board recommendations. In the event of cold weather, students will remain indoors if the temperature exceeds –28 degrees Celsius. Outdoor time will be shortened if the temperature falls between –21 and –27 degrees Celsius. At the other extreme, if the outdoor temperature exceeds +35 degrees Celsius, the students will remain indoors.
**Daily Physical Activity:**
All students are expected to participate in a minimum of 20 minutes of Daily Physical Activity (DPA), as outlined in the Ontario Ministry of Education Daily Physical Activity Policy and adhere to the guidelines for DPA safety and procedure as outlined in the Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines published by OPHEA.
DPA at Oak Learners may take the form of Yoga, Dance, Indoor Games, or Neighbourhood Walks and Outings. Since we do not have a dedicated outdoor play-space at Oak Learners, students walk to local parks daily with their teachers for free play and organized outdoor activities. At times, teachers may also arrange for an alternate community location or activity for DPA options.
## Indoor and Outdoor Clothing and Gear
Children are encouraged to wear play-friendly, comfortable clothing each day. Indoor shoes are required for all students and staff. For safety reasons, **NO** bare feet, socks or footwear that could be slippery are permitted indoors.
**\*\* Please label ALL clothing and footwear. \*\***
## Year-Round, All-Weather Outdoor Learning
Oak Learners endeavours every day to inspire learning through an authentic skill-based curriculum. Our teachers nurture children’s natural curiosity about their world with student-centered experiences and spend 2-3 hours outside every single day, rain or shine! You can help us set your children up for success in Outdoor Learning by ensuring they have the proper clothing for safe and comfortable participation every day, regardless of the weather.
Here are some helpful tips for shopping for each season:
- 🍂Fall – [The Best Outdoor Clothing for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-fall-outdoor-clothing-for-kids/)
- ❄️Winter – [The Best Winter Clothing for Spending More Time Outside this Season](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-winter-clothing-for-spending-more-time-outside-this-season/)
- 🌞Spring – [The Best Spring Outdoor Clothing for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/the-best-spring-outdoor-clothing-for-kids)
## Technology Use and Responsibility
At Oak Learners, our mission includes bringing personalized education to every student. This has always included the option for students to “Bring Your Own Device”. We find that when students learn how to personalize and navigate their own tablet or laptop, they are more efficient and more confident with academic tasks that require technology.
Students at the Primary and Junior level have access to our classroom desktop computers and school iPad. The elementary curriculum includes frequent technology lessons, including typing, Internet Safety and Responsibility, Research skills, spreadsheets and more. At Oak Learners, we want to also equip our students with 21st Century skills by teaching them to apply critical thinking skills and learn collaboration skills for research and presentations.
If a child is bringing a device to school, it will be kept in the classroom or the office until it will be used for academic purposes and must be labelled with your child’s name. We also ask that you provide the teacher(s) with the password or code to unlock the device. If you would like us to help with setup of Apps and security settings, then we will also need the administrator password. Please contact your child’s teacher to discuss the BYOD needs or routine for your child.
**\*Note:** Oak Learners owns the data and although students and staff may use their own devices, they cannot take personal or proprietary information out of the school.
**\*\*REMINDER:** Oak Learners **DOES NOT** assume **ANY** responsibility for **ANY** personal property (including, but not limited to clothing, jewelry, cameras, cell phones, computers, tablets, purses, wallets, vehicles, etc.) if items left on school premises get lost or damaged.
## **Transportation Policy**
Oak Learners has daily access to a Kia Carnival minivan to provide safe pickup/drop-off services to certain schools, to provide van transportation to enrich our programs with field trips and to pick-up students from local outings in the event of inclement weather or emergencies.
**Procedures**
1\. The Oak Learners Van will only be driven by fully licensed drivers and approved designates of Oak Learners, Inc. Drivers have been instructed on proper fastening of seat belts and the use of child seats.
2\. Transportation of children is in accordance with Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act:
• Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act allows children weighing 9 kg to 18 kg (20 to 40 lb.) to use a forward-facing child car seat or a rear-facing car seat as long as the car seat manufacturer recommends its use.
• Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act requires children weighing 18 kg to 36 kg (40 to 80 lb.), standing less than 145 cm (4 ft. 9 in.) tall, and who are under the age of 8 to use a booster seat or allow the continued use of a forward-facing seat as long as the car seat manufacturer recommends its use.
• Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act allows a child to use a seatbelt alone when any one of the following occurs: Child turns 8 years old, or child weighs 36 kg (80 lb.), or child is 145 cm (4 ft. 9 in.) tall or more.
3\. Drivers will ensure parking in legal spots in order to walk children into the school grounds.
4\. Drivers are to never:
- - Leave any children in the van alone
- Permit eating or drinking in order to minimize choking hazards
- Refuel when children are in the van
5\. Drivers/educators will report any minor car incidents to the director and to families immediately.
6\. Drivers/educators take the following into the van each time:
- - A list of children being transported (attendance sheet)
- A list of schools, phone numbers for the schools, child care, and emergency numbers
- Each child’s emergency card
- The driving schedule containing a list of drop-off and pickup times and locations
- Cell phones
- Emergency kit and fire extinguisher
- Permission forms for field trips if attending a field trip
- Emergency prescription medication, EpiPens, etc.
# Extra Curricular Activities
### **Private Tutoring and Music Lessons**
**Private Tutoring**:
Sessions are available Monday through Friday, 3:00pm-8:00pm, and are booked in 60-minute or 90-minute recurring weekly sessions.
Private tutoring is booked in 60- or 90-minute sessions at a mutually convenient time that recurs on a weekly basis on the same day/time each week. A small buffer of time is set aside at the start and end of each session so that parents can check in and check out with the tutor. If you ever feel that you need or want more time to review your child’s progress with the tutor, please feel welcome to schedule this through our office so we can build it into the timetable.
>> For Terms and more information, visit our [Tutoring page.](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)
**Private Music Lessons**:
Lessons are booked in 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute sessions, at a mutually convenient time that recurs on a weekly basis at the same day/time each week.
Lessons are available Monday–Friday 3:00–8:00pm. · Saturday 10:00am–1:00pm. Every teacher has their own availability within these hours. Once we know your child’s goals, our Music Director will match them with the teacher whose schedule and specialty fit best.
>>For more information and concert dates, visit our [Music Lessons page](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/).
**Absences and Make-up Classes:**
With 24hrs notice, makeup session can be added for a reduced fee.
Without 24hrs notice, makeup session can be added for full fee (\*\*schedule permitting)
### **Day Camps**
Oak Learners offers a variety of exciting camps throughout the year, including PA Day Camps, Holiday Camp, March Break Camp, and Summer Camps. Each camp day blends creativity, movement, and exploration, featuring an outdoor adventure to a nearby park or nature trail. Our camps are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and make learning feel like an adventure.
Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and has the necessary outdoor gear based on the day’s forecast. Packing a change of clothes is also recommended, just in case your child needs to change into something dry after outdoor activities.
**Camp Dates**
- Winter Break Camps: For current Holiday Break availability, visit [Holiday Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-camps/)
- March Break Camps: For current March Break availability, visit [March Break Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/march-break-camps/)
- PA Day Camps: For current PA Day Camp availability, visit [PA Day Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/pa-day-camps/)
- Summer Camps: For current Summer Camp availability, visit [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
**Camp Hours**
All Day Camps at Oak Learners run from 9:00 am-4:00 pm.
You may drop your child off as early as 9:00 and pick up as late as 4:00 without being charged for extended care.
Extended Hours are available from 7:30-9:00am before camp and 4:00-6:00pm after camp.
All camps and extended hours must be purchased through our website.
March Break and Summer Camps are available for weekly registration ONLY.
Holiday Camps may be purchased on an à la carte basis, allowing families to register for individual days as needed.
*\*\*Please note that NO extended care is available during any Holiday Break Camps. Holiday Camp hours end strictly at 4:00 PM without exception.\*\**
# Health & Safety Policies and Procedures
## Food & Snacks
### **Oak Learners is strictly a NUT-FREE facility.**
To maintain optimal learning throughout the students’ day, each student is encouraged to bring healthy and well-balanced choices for morning and afternoon nutrition breaks.
**Some students at our school have life-threatening food allergies**, and we have, as a school and a community, worked to establish practices and systems to ensure that all our students are able to enjoy a safe and inclusive learning environment. We understand it can be confusing, and sometimes the guidelines seem unclear. So to help clarify, we are including some facts, along with some responses to commonly asked questions (Q&A) and points of confusion within our handbook.
Some Facts and Realities About Food and Allergies at Oak Learners:
• At the moment we have students at our school with life-threatening allergies to the following items: \*\*nuts and tree nuts (peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, etc.)
• This list, of course, is partial and temporary. It may change as new students come into our school community every year or as new allergies are identified.
**There are no universally “safe” or “unsafe” foods** — different students have different allergies, and being careful to observe things like “no peanuts” directives is NOT the same as ensuring food safety.
#### \*\*\* All anaphylactic reactions — whether to peanuts or to any of the other foods listed above — have the potential to be life-threatening.\*\*
### **ALL foods sent to Oak Learners MUST be PEANUT- and TREE-NUT-FREE.**
There will be absolutely **NO** sharing of food, even between siblings. Please **do not** send treats for special occasions, as we are unable to distribute food or drinks to the students.
Reusable, pre-filled water bottles are required, as they will be used throughout the day and refilled as needed.
Oak Learners adheres to a strict Boomerang Lunch policy; therefore, **ALL** containers, wrappers, and leftover food will be sent home at the end of the day. We also strongly encourage the use of reusable food containers, when appropriate.
Students of all ages are encouraged to take an active role in preparing and packing their lunches. This also allows the child to be better able to identify their own containers, etc. Please ensure each child has their own lunch bag and that all containers and bags are labeled.
Please notify us upon registration and if there are any medical and/or dietary concerns as well as any changes with your child(ren) regarding food and/or drinks.
## Infection Prevention & Control
The following enhancements to the facility and programs at Oak Learners are being put into place to protect the health and safety of our students for the 2024-2025 school year, our staff, and our families. All policies and procedures were developed in accordance with guidelines from [Toronto Public Health](https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/information-for-healthcare-professionals/infection-control-info-for-health-professionals/). All policies and procedures are continuously reviewed and revised regularly to be always in accordance with the most current guidelines from [Toronto Public Health](https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/information-for-healthcare-professionals/infection-control-info-for-health-professionals/).
**Facility Enhancements**
- Oak Learners has increased daily cleaning and sanitizing of our facility, as per Toronto Public Health guidelines.
- All unnecessary or hard-to-clean items have been removed from classrooms. All other materials and equipment undergo daily cleaning and/or cleaning between uses.
**Programming Enhancements**
- Designing our unique programs with an increased emphasis on Outdoor Education to maximize the learning opportunities for children while we spend at least 30% of our school day outside.
- Maintaining our focus on social and emotional learning for our students through a supportive and flexible program.
**Participant & Staff Requirements**
- Students will be reminded to practice healthy respiratory etiquette, such as speaking to others from a safe distance, coughing and sneezing into their shirt or sleeve and staying home when sick.
- Current guidelines from [Toronto Public Health](https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/information-for-healthcare-professionals/infection-control-info-for-health-professionals/) regarding infection prevention & control will be frequently reviewed and adhered to, as needed.
## Policies for Student at Risk for Anaphylaxis
At the time of registration, using the Oak Learners Registration Form, parents are asked to report on their child’s medical conditions, including whether their child has a medical diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Information on a student’s life threatening conditions will be recorded and updated on the student’s Permanent Student Record annually.
**It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to:**
- Inform the school principal when their child is diagnosed as being at risk for anaphylaxis
**•** In a timely manner, complete medical forms and the Student Emergency Procedure Plan, which includes a photograph, description of the child’s allergy, emergency procedures, contact information, and consent to administer medication
- Provide the school with updated medical information at the beginning of each school year, and or camp and whenever there is a significant change related to their child
- Inform service providers of programs delivered on school property by non-school personnel of their child’s anaphylaxis and care plan, as these programs are not the responsibility of the school.
It is strongly recommended that anaphylactic students wear medical identifying information (e.g., MedicAlert® bracelet). The identifying information could alert others to the student’s allergies and indicate that the student carries an epinephrine auto-injector. Information accessed through a special number on the identifying information can also assist first responders, such as paramedics, to access important information quickly.
[See www.medicalert.ca for ordering information.](www.medicalert.ca)
## **Epi-Pen Policy**
Children who require an Epi-Pen must ALWAYS have their Epi-Pen at school, preferably worn on their body at all times. Oak Learners also request that parents provide a second Epi-Pen for the school to keep onsite or in a staff member’s First Aid Kit, in the case of an emergency.
## Medication Policy
All medication, prescription and non-prescription **must** be handed into the office clearly **labeled with the medication name, designated dose time and student’s name and should come in its original packaging whenever possible**. Office administrators will distribute medication at the designated times.
The school does **NOT** supply **ANY** form of pain management medication, indigestion tablets or throat lozenges.
## Illness, Accidents and Emergencies
All staff are trained in emergency procedures during the professional development time in August. Students will receive direction and practice of the various procedures throughout the year.
In the unlikely event of a serious accident or illness, the school will phone a parent/guardian immediately. If the school is unable to reach a parent/guardian, the emergency contact provided on the student’s registration would be called. (Any injury or illness that requires medicine or further treatment must be recorded into the “incident report” book stating the cause of injury and treatment provided).
The parent makes the final decision regarding the injury, including whether they wish to pick up the child or allow the child to finish the school day. Parents are required to notify the office of any change in contact information.
**ALL HEAD INJURIES**, regardless of how minor, an incident report must be logged in the school’s “incident report” book, along with a phone call to the parent. The staff that brings the student to the office is to ensure that the call home is made and write all necessary information in the incident book.
When emergency services are required, 911 is called immediately. We ensure that the student is always supervised, kept warm and calm. Every attempt will be made to contact the parents once the situation is in control.
## Sensitivities to Scents
Sensitivities to Scents: **We are a SCENT REDUCED FACILITY**
Some of our staff and students experience health concerns arising from exposure to some scented products. Therefore, Oak Learners has instituted a policy to provide a scent-reduced environment for all students, employees and visitors. The policy includes smells or odours from ingredients and chemicals in cosmetics (perfume, make-up, shampoo, deodorant, etc.) or from other products such as air fresheners, cleaners, etc. As a result, we kindly ask that visitors cooperate with remaining scent-reduced to help accommodate those who have scent sensitivities.
#### Should you have any specific questions about this policy please [Contact Us](https://oaklearners.ca/contact/)
- [Vision, Mission & Core Values](#visioninfo)
- [General Information](#generalinfo)
- [Procedures](#procedures)
- [Extracurricular Activities](#extracurriculars)
- [Health & Safety Policies and Procedures](#healthsafety)
---
### [Blog](https://oaklearners.ca/blog/)
**Published:** December 26, 2019
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Updates, news and discussion topics on education, learning, parenting and mindful living from Oak Learners.
**Content:**
# Blog
Updates and Discussion Topics from Oak Learners
- [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/)
- [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/)
- [Events & News](https://oaklearners.ca/category/events/)
- [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
- [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/)
- [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
- [Language Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/category/language-learning/)
- [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/)
- [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
- [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/)
- [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/)
## [Back to School Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
The back to school season doesn’t start on the first day of school. It starts with shopping and preparing for a successful school year. This round up post of our back to school articles can help make this school year a success from the start.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
## [Marker Painting: How to use up old markers](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
Don’t throw away old markers! Use up old markers are watercolour paint and enjoy hours of fun exploring textures, materials, and drying methods.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
## [The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
Why Small Classes Change Big Feelings: The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments Did you know…
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
# News & Announcements
Catch up on news, events and trending topics at Oak Learners.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
## [Back to School Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
Sep 11, 2026 \| [Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/category/back-to-school/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/), [Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/category/round-up/)
The back to school season doesn’t start on the first day of school. It starts with shopping and preparing for a successful school year. This round up post of our back to school articles can help make this school year a success from the start.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
Jul 17, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [BASE Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/base-camps/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
## [Marker Painting: How to use up old markers](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
Jun 29, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/), [STEAM](https://oaklearners.ca/category/steam/)
Don’t throw away old markers! Use up old markers are watercolour paint and enjoy hours of fun exploring textures, materials, and drying methods.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
## [The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
Jun 1, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Why Small Classes Change Big Feelings: The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments Did you know that school is emotional long before it’s academic?…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
## [Creativity & Children’s Mental Health \| Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
May 21, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Creativity Is Not ‘Extra’: How Art, Music, and Making Support Children’s Mental Health Parents sometimes walk into Oak and say something like “I…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
## [Why Ripping Paper Is So Good for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
May 11, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Benefits of Ripping Paper Why Ripping Paper Is So Good for Kids As adults ripping paper is one of those things we call “making a mess” but for…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/mixed-neurodivergent-neurotypical-learning-groups/)
## [How Neurodivergent & Neurotypical Kids Learn Together](https://oaklearners.ca/mixed-neurodivergent-neurotypical-learning-groups/)
May 4, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
How Mixed Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Groups Learn From Each Other Walk into Oak on any given day and you’ll see this: One child is quietly…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/mixed-neurodivergent-neurotypical-learning-groups/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-shy-anxious-kids/)
## [Summer Camp for Shy & Anxious Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-shy-anxious-kids/)
Apr 28, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Friendships Under the Trees: How Summer Camp Supports Shy or Anxious Kids You know that feeling when you want your child to have friends and fun in…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-shy-anxious-kids/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/plasticine-activities-kids-development/)
## [3 Plasticine Activities for Kids’ Development](https://oaklearners.ca/plasticine-activities-kids-development/)
Apr 20, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
3 activited that include plastiline Kids usually love to play with plasticine. The bright colours, the squish, the endless shapes… It’s all very…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/plasticine-activities-kids-development/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/nature-based-learning-kids-toronto/)
## [Nature-Based Learning for Kids In Toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/nature-based-learning-kids-toronto/)
Apr 2, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Why Kids Need Green Space More Than Ever (and How Oak Brings Nature to Toronto Families) Kids don’t just enjoy nature. Their brains are wired to…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/nature-based-learning-kids-toronto/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-summer-camp-creativity-confidence-community/)
## [Oak Summer Camp: Creativity, Confidence & Community](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-summer-camp-creativity-confidence-community/)
Mar 27, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
Summer Camp as an Extension of Oak Creativity, Confidence, and Community in Action If you’ve ever watched your child come home from Oak with muddy…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-summer-camp-creativity-confidence-community/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
## [How Summer Camp Boosts Kids’ Mood & Wellbeing](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
Jan 10, 2026 \| [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/)
The right kind of camp can act like a reset button for kids’ mood, confidence, and sense of connection—not just “something to do.” And the kind of camps Oak runs (small groups, nature, arts, movement, cozy community vibes) line up surprisingly well with what recent research says children need to feel well.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
[« Older Entries](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=as_async_request_queue_runner&nonce=b6b69ed2f0&paged=2&et_blog)
# Resources & Activities
Learn at home with ideas, activities and helpful content from Oak Learners.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
## [Back to School Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
Sep 11, 2026 \| [Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/category/back-to-school/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/), [Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/category/round-up/)
The back to school season doesn’t start on the first day of school. It starts with shopping and preparing for a successful school year. This round up post of our back to school articles can help make this school year a success from the start.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
Jul 17, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [BASE Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/base-camps/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
## [Marker Painting: How to use up old markers](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
Jun 29, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/), [STEAM](https://oaklearners.ca/category/steam/)
Don’t throw away old markers! Use up old markers are watercolour paint and enjoy hours of fun exploring textures, materials, and drying methods.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/plasticine-activities-kids-development/)
## [3 Plasticine Activities for Kids’ Development](https://oaklearners.ca/plasticine-activities-kids-development/)
Apr 20, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
3 activited that include plastiline Kids usually love to play with plasticine. The bright colours, the squish, the endless shapes… It’s all very…
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/plasticine-activities-kids-development/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
## [How Summer Camp Boosts Kids’ Mood & Wellbeing](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
Jan 10, 2026 \| [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/)
The right kind of camp can act like a reset button for kids’ mood, confidence, and sense of connection—not just “something to do.” And the kind of camps Oak runs (small groups, nature, arts, movement, cozy community vibes) line up surprisingly well with what recent research says children need to feel well.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/sensory-tools-kids-brain-science/)
## [Sensory Tools for Kids: The Brain Science](https://oaklearners.ca/sensory-tools-kids-brain-science/)
Nov 1, 2025 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Mindfulness](https://oaklearners.ca/category/mindfulness/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/)
At Oak Learners, we see these behaviours every day. To us, they’re not “bad habits” or “misbehaviour”. They’re often a form of sensory seeking: a child’s nervous system trying to get the input it needs to feel organized, calm, and ready to learn.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/sensory-tools-kids-brain-science/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/fake-snow-experiments-in-aftercare/)
## [Fake Snow Experiments in Aftercare](https://oaklearners.ca/fake-snow-experiments-in-aftercare/)
Jan 28, 2025 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/), [BASE Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/base-camps/), [STEAM](https://oaklearners.ca/category/steam/)
Aftercare at Oak Learners is a time for fun and learning in creative ways. Fake snow week was by far Rowyn’s favourite week of the 24/25 school year. It will be hard to beat!
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/fake-snow-experiments-in-aftercare/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/art-in-b-a-s-e-at-oak-learners/)
## [Art in B.A.S.E. at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/art-in-b-a-s-e-at-oak-learners/)
Nov 19, 2024 \| [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/), [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/)
At Oak Learners Before and After School Enrichment Program we explore a range of activities. I absolutely love doing art with the kids! I get to teach them about new materials, how to use art materials properly to keep them working well for longer, and information about the projects and topics we are working on. I love the exploration, creativity, and learning opportunities that art provides.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/art-in-b-a-s-e-at-oak-learners/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners%f0%9f%91%a9%f0%9f%8d%b3%f0%9f%a5%98/)
## [COOK WITH OAK LEARNERS!👩🍳🥘](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners%f0%9f%91%a9%f0%9f%8d%b3%f0%9f%a5%98/)
Oct 28, 2024 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Food](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/food/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/)
Cook with Oak Learners! Our middle school students learned to bake “Bannock” – bread originated with Indigenous Peoples! Every week students of Lake Shore Campus have a cooking lesson where they learn how to make meals by themselves related to their current unit of learning!
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners%f0%9f%91%a9%f0%9f%8d%b3%f0%9f%a5%98/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/crawford-lake-field-trip-oct-2024/)
## [Crawford Lake Field Trip – Oct 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/crawford-lake-field-trip-oct-2024/)
Oct 12, 2024 \| [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/)
On October 2, 2024, students from Oak Learners’ Royal York and Lakeshore Campuses ventured to Crawford Lake Conservation Area, where they stepped back in time to explore a 15th-century Longhouse Village!
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/crawford-lake-field-trip-oct-2024/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners/)
## [COOK WITH OAK LEARNERS!👩🍳🥘](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners/)
Oct 10, 2024 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Food](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/food/), [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/)
Cook with Oak Learners! This week, our middle school students learned to make “Three Sisters Salad” as part of our integrated unit on Indigenous Studies.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/best-fall-outdoor-clothing-for-kids/)
## [The Best Fall Outdoor Clothing for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/best-fall-outdoor-clothing-for-kids/)
Aug 29, 2024 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
The best outdoor clothing can make a huge difference in kids enjoyment of outside education and family time. This post gives you some ideas to consider when shopping for the right gear.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/best-fall-outdoor-clothing-for-kids/)
[« Older Entries](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=as_async_request_queue_runner&nonce=b6b69ed2f0&paged=2&et_blog)
---
### [School Year Calendar](https://oaklearners.ca/school-year-calendar/)
**Published:** April 2, 2017
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# School Year Calendar
## **School Year – Day School Programming 2026-2027**
| School Year Begins | September 8, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Term 1, Fall (13 weeks) | September 8, 2026 – December 4, 2026 |
| Term 2, Winter (12 weeks) | December 7, 2026 – March 12, 2027 |
| Term 3, Spring (14 weeks) | March 22, 2027 – June 24, 2027 |
| Summer Camps 2027 | July 5, 2027 – August 27, 2027 |
**Holidays & Closures**
| Labour Day | September 7, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | October 12, 2026 |
| PA Day – **No Classes** | December 18, 2026 |
| Winter Break (inclusive) – **School Closed** | December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027 |
| Family Day | February 15, 2027 |
| March Break (inclusive) **\*\*Day School Closed ~ Camps ONLY\*\*** | March 15 – 19, 2027 |
| Good Friday | March 26, 2027 |
| Easter Monday | March 29, 2027 |
| Victoria Day Weekend | May 24, 2027 |
| Canada Day extended weekend Break (inclusive) – **School Closed** | June 28 – July 2, 2027 |
| Civic Holiday | August 2, 2027 |
| End of Summer Break – **School Closed** | August 30 – September 3, 2027 |
**March Break & Summer Camps**
| March Break Camps | March 15 – March 19, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Summer Camps | July 5 – August 27, 2027 |
|
**Before & After Care Program**
| PA Day Camps (included) | November 20, 2026 January 15, 2027 February 12, 2027 June 4, 2027 |
|---|---|
| **\*School Year Ends for B.A.S.E. ‘Before and After Care Program’** | **Last day of drop offs and pick ups will be Tuesday, June 29, 2027** |
|
## **School Year – Day School Programming 2026-2027**
| School Year Begins | September 8, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Term 1, Fall (13 weeks) | September 8, 2026 – December 4, 2026 |
| Term 2, Winter (12 weeks) | December 7, 2026 – March 12, 2027 |
| Term 3, Spring (14 weeks) | March 22, 2027 – June 24, 2027 |
| Summer Camps 2027 | July 5, 2027 – August 27, 2027 |
**Holidays & Closures**
| Labour Day | September 7, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | October 12, 2026 |
| PA Day – **No Classes** | December 18, 2026 |
| Winter Break (inclusive) – **School Closed** | December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027 |
| Family Day | February 15, 2027 |
| March Break (inclusive) **\*\*Day School Closed ~ Camps ONLY\*\*** | March 15 – 19, 2027 |
| Good Friday | March 26, 2027 |
| Easter Monday | March 29, 2027 |
| Victoria Day Weekend | May 24, 2027 |
| Canada Day extended weekend Break (inclusive) – **School Closed** | June 28 – July 2, 2027 |
| Civic Holiday | August 2, 2027 |
| End of Summer Break – **School Closed** | August 30 – September 3, 2027 |
**March Break & Summer Camps**
| March Break Camps | March 15 – March 19, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Summer Camps | July 5 – August 27, 2027 |
|
**Before & After Care Program**
| PA Day Camps (included) | November 20, 2026 January 15, 2027 February 12, 2027 June 4, 2027 |
|---|---|
| **\*School Year Ends for B.A.S.E. ‘Before and After Care Program’** | **Last day of drop offs and pick ups will be Tuesday, June 29, 2027** |
|
## [Jump to the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar](#26-27)
## **School Year – Day School Programming 2025-2026**
| School Year Begins | September 2, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Term 1, Fall (13 weeks) | September 2 – December 5, 2025 |
| Term 2, Winter (13 weeks) | December 9 – March 28, 2026 |
| Term 3, Spring (12 weeks) | March 30 – June 19, 2026 |
| Summer Term (Summer Camps ONLY, 8 weeks) | July 6 – August 22, 2026 |
**Holidays – Oak Learners Closed**
| Labour Day | September 1, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | October 13, 2025 |
| Winter Break (inclusive) | December 22, 2025 to January 2, 2026 |
| Family Day | February 16, 2026 |
| March Break (inclusive), Camps ONLY | March 16 to March 20, 2026 |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 |
| Easter Monday | April 6, 2026 |
| Victoria Day Weekend | May 18, 2026 |
| Canada Day Break (inclusive) \*\*Day School Closed – Camps ONLY\*\* | July 1, 2026 |
| Civic Holiday | August 3, 2026 |
| End of Summer Break | August 24, 2026 through August 28, 2026 |
**Special Events & Notable Dates**
| Welcome Back Open House | August 27th, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Nights | September 16, 2025 |
| Special Events | Truth and Reconciliation Day (Orange Shirt Day): Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 Remembrance Day: Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 Anti-Bullying Day (Pink Shirt Day): Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Earth Day: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 |
**March Break & Summer Camp**
| March Break Camps | March 16 – March 20, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Summer Camps | July 6th – August 21, 2026 |
|
**Before & After Care Program**
| PA Day Camps (included) | September 26, 2025 October 10, 2025 November 14, 2025 January 16, 2026 February 13, 2026 June 5, 2026 |
|---|---|
| \*School Year Ends for Before and After Care Program | **June 25, 2026** |
|
## [Jump to the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar](#26-27m)
## **School Year – Day School Programming 2025-2026**
| **School Year Begins** | September 2, 2025 |
|---|---|
| **Term 1, Fall (13 weeks)** | September 2 – December 5, 2025 |
| **Term 2, Winter (13 weeks)** | December 9 – March 28, 2026 |
| **Term 3, Spring (12 weeks)** | March 30 – June 19, 2026 |
| **Summer Term (Summer Camps ONLY, 8 weeks)** | July 6 – August 22, 2026 |
## Holidays – Oak Learners Closed
| **Labour Day** | September 1, 2025 |
|---|---|
| **Thanksgiving Day** | October 13, 2025 |
| **Winter Break (inclusive)** | December 22, 2025 to January 2, 2026 |
| **Family Day** | February 16, 2026 |
| **March Break (inclusive), Camps ONLY** | March 16 to March 20, 2026 |
| **Good Friday** | April 3, 2026 |
| **Easter Monday** | April 6, 2026 |
| **Victoria Day Weekend** | May 18, 2026 |
| **Canada Day Break (inclusive) \*\*Day School Closed – Camps ONLY\*\*** | July 1, 2026 |
| **Civic Holiday** | August 3, 2026 |
| **End of Summer Break** | August 24, 2026 through August 28, 2026 |
## Special Events & Notable Dates
| **Welcome Back Open House** | August 27th, 2025 |
|---|---|
| **Curriculum Nights** | September 16, 2025 |
| **Special Events** | Truth and Reconciliation Day (Orange Shirt Day): Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 Remembrance Day: Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 Anti-Bullying Day (Pink Shirt Day): Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Earth Day: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 |
## March Break & Summer Camp
| **March Break Camps** | March 16 – March 20, 2026 |
|---|---|
| **Summer Camps** | July 6th – August 21, 2026 |
|
## Before & After Care Program
| **PA Day Camps (included)** | September 26, 2025 October 10, 2025 November 14, 2025 January 16, 2026 February 13, 2026 June 5, 2026 |
|---|---|
| **\*School Year Ends for Before and After Care Program** | **June 25, 2026** |
|
---
### [PA Day Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/pa-day-camps/)
**Published:** November 20, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# PA Day Camps
2026/2027 School Year[Purchase PA Days Here](#Purchase)
# Cost
$90
# Hours
9am – 4pm
# Extended Care
Available $10-$20
# Outdoors
%50 outdoor play
# STEAM
Integrated instruction
# PA Day Camp at Oak Learners
At Oak Learners, our nature school approach to PA days allows for direct engagement with the natural world. Each camp day is thoughtfully designed to be rooted in exploration, whether it’s hiking through local parks, observing wildlife, or conducting hands-on science activities in the fresh air. Campers are encouraged to ask questions, make discoveries, and connect with their environment in meaningful ways. By blending inquiry-based learning with outdoor play, these camps foster curiosity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the ecosystems right in our own backyard.
# Pick your PA day
Each camp day explores a different theme through outdoor learning, arts, music, and hands-on activities.
## November 20, 2026
### Cultures and Family
📖 PA Day Camp at Oak Learners: Cultures and Family
Campers will celebrate the traditions, stories, and connections that bind families and communities together, across cultures and the natural world around us.
🌿 Campers will explore how cultures and families pass down wisdom, traditions, and ways of knowing through generations. We’ll discover how different cultures understand family, celebrate seasons, and live in relationship with animals and the land. Through storytelling, art, and outdoor observation, campers will learn that “family” and “culture” look different around the world.
🌲Throughout the day, we’ll weave in outdoor time to observe animals, plants, and seasons, recognizing that nature is a teacher in every culture.
This day celebrates the families and cultures in our Oak Learners community. Through storytelling, outdoor exploration, and creative activities, campers will connect with each other and discover the many beautiful ways families live, celebrate, and care for one another.
Please dress warmly in layers, with waterproof outerwear, boots, hats, and mittens.
## January 15, 2027
### Winter on the Waterfront
❄️ PA Day Camp at Oak Learners: Winter on the Waterfront
Step into a world of frost and wonder as campers explore the science of ice and snow along Toronto’s stunning waterfront. This winter-themed camp invites children to investigate how snowflakes form, why ice behaves the way it does, and how animals and ecosystems adapt to the cold season.
🔬 Through hands-on experiments and playful observation, campers will uncover the mysteries of winter—from the physics of freezing to the chemistry behind snow crystals. They’ll learn how temperature, moisture, and wind shape the landscape and influence the natural world around us.
⛸️ Outdoor play is a key part of the day, with time spent exploring snowy trails, building snow structures, and engaging in winter games designed to spark curiosity and joy. Campers will experience the magic of winter through movement, creativity, and discovery.
Please dress warmly in layers, with waterproof outerwear, boots, hats, and mittens.
## February 12, 2027
### Family & Friendship
💞 PA Day Camp at Oak Learners: February Family & Friendship
February is the perfect time to celebrate the connections that matter most. This camp invites children to explore the meaning of family, friendship, and community through art, creative engineering, and winter activies.
💌 Campers will dive into heartwarming projects like crafting friendship bracelets, l how animals adapt to winter conditions, building a literal bridge reflecting on the metaphorical bridges we build through kindness, empathy, and teamwork. Through games and group challenges, they’ll practice teamwork, empathy, and communication—skills that help friendships flourish.
❄️ Outdoor time will include winter games and nature walks, encouraging campers to enjoy the season together and reflect on how relationships grow through shared experiences.
Whether it’s making a new friend or celebrating the ones they already have, this day is all about connection, kindness, and joy.
Please dress warmly for outdoor play.
## June 4, 2027
### Summer in the City
🌆 PA Day Camp at Oak Learners: Summer in the City
Campers will set out to explore the vibrant urban landscape of South Etobicoke, uncovering the natural and cultural treasures hidden within our own community.
🚶♂️ Each day will include walking excursions to local parks and creeks, such as Jeff Healey Park and the banks of Mimico Creek, where campers will learn about native species and the unique birds that call Colonel Sam Smith Park wetland their home.
🗺️ Campers will also dive into map reading and geographic exploration, navigating through Humber Bay Shores to the Butterfly Habitat and participating in scavenger hunts across the Humber College Lakeshore Campus. These activities will build spatial awareness and a deeper understanding of our city’s layout and landmarks.
🔍 Through inquiry-based learning and outdoor discovery, campers will investigate what makes South Etobicoke a special and dynamic part of Toronto—celebrating its blend of nature, history, and community spirit.
Please dress for outdoor exploration
## What a typical day looks like
**9:00am: Arrival** and greeting activities
**9:15am: First** activity (e.g., Arts and Crafts)
**10:00am: Second activity** (e.g., Music and Movement)
**11:00am: Morning snack**
**11:15am:** **Third activity** (e.g., STEAM activity)
**12:15pm: Lunch**
**1:15pm:** **Transition to outdoor** adventures
**1:45pm: Outdoor activity**
**3:00pm:** Reflections and celebrations
**3:45 – 4:00pm: Pick-up**
### **What to expect at Oak Learners PA DayCamp:**
Your camper will spend the day doing a mix of planned activities both indoors and outdoors. Everything ties into the weekly theme. Our team designs it to balance structure with room for discovery. You can count on at least 50% of camp time being outside in the local community. We explore parks, nature trails, and the neighbourhood around us.
We keep groups small so every camper gets the attention they need. The result is a structured, genuinely enjoyable experience where kids feel safe trying new things.
Here’s what activities might look like:
- Arts and crafts
- Music, playing, composing, and just enjoying it together
- Mindfulness, yoga, and movement
- Sports and physical challenges
- Trips to local parks and hikes on nearby trails
- Team games and team-building activities
- Science investigations and innovations
## What to bring
We provide a healthy snack. **You bring:**
- Nutritious, waste-free lunch
- Reusable water bottle
- Appropriate footwear for walking and outdoor play
**There are daily outdoor elements, so being prepared matters.**
# Purchase PA Day Camp and Extended Hours Here
This 2026/27 school year PA Day camps are as follows:
November 20, 2026 \| January 15, 2027 \| February 12, 2027 \| June 4, 2027
**Cost**: $90
**Camp time:** 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
**Ages:** School-aged children
---
### [Before and After School Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/before-and-after-school-program/)
**Published:** August 19, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** B.A.S.E. Camp (Before and After School Enrichment) program provides daily supervision from 7:30-9 AM and 3-6 PM each day, with transportation to/from the child/ren’s school.
**Content:**
### B.A.S.E Camp: Before and After School Enrichment
Includes School Pick up/Drop off to our Royal York Location for: GRG, John English, St. Leo
Inquire & Join the Waitlist for the 2026–27 School Year[Inquire Here](#Inquire)
# **What is B.A.S.E. Camp?**
**B.A.S.E. Camp (Before and After School Enrichment)** is Oak Learners’ morning and afternoon program designed to bookend your child’s day with intention. Just as a climber’s base camp provides the foundation for every great adventure, our program gives children a grounding space, somewhere to arrive, settle in, build friendships, and ready themselves for whatever the day holds.
## **Royal York Campus \| School Pickup Locations**
Currently this program serves the following schools from our Royal York Campus:
- George R. Gauld (GRG)
- St. Leo
- John English
*A minimum of 4 enrolled children per school is required to establish a pickup location.*
## **Included in B.A.S.E. Camp**
Every B.A.S.E. Camp enrollment includes:
- **Flexible scheduling**: Choose Before School, After School, or both, with full-time and part-time options available
- **Transportation**: Walking or minivan service to and from your child’s school
- **Small group environment**: 8:1 camper-to-staff ratio so every child is known and supported
- **Daily homework support**: Supervised study time led by a Certified Teacher
- **Enrichment programming**: Daily activities led by specialized instructors in music, visual art, dance, and more
- **Daily healthy snacks**: Provided every morning and afternoon
- **PA Day programming**: Full-day coverage on all PA Days *(snacks included; please send a lunch)*
## **Program Hours**
- **Morning:** 7:30 – 9:00 AM
- **Afternoon:** 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Transportation to and from school is included.
#### Small Groups
Low ratio, allowing for personalized and enriched learning opportunities.
#### Drop-off and Pick-up
Drop-off and pick-up are provided to and from GRG, St. Louis, John English, and St. Leo!
#### Engaging Programming
Hands-on activities, games, crafts, and more!
#### Extended Hours
Supervision and programming at Oak Learners runs from
7:30-9am and 3-6pm.
PA days – full-day supervision and activities included at no additional cost.
l
#### Homework Support
Dedicated homework time with support and the option to add on private tutoring.
#### Arts-Enriched Activities
Enhanced programming through the arts, including daily dance, music, movement, art, and creative expression.
# FAQ’S
### **Waitlist & Enrollment**
**How does the waitlist work?** Spaces for the 2026–27 school year are currently at capacity. Our program fills quickly, so joining the waitlist ensures you’ll be contacted in order as spots open up. Please note that submitting the form below does not confirm enrollment.
**When will I hear back if a spot opens up?** The waitlist is reviewed on an ongoing basis. As soon as a space becomes available that matches your child’s school and scheduling needs, we’ll reach out directly with next steps.
**Does priority registration apply to all camps?** Yes, enrolled B.A.S.E. Camp families receive priority access to Winter Holiday Break, March Break, and Summer Camp registrations.
### **Fees & Payment**
**Why is there a registration fee?** Maintaining the high-quality care and specialized instruction Oak Learners is known for requiring planning well ahead of the school year. The enrollment fee goes toward finalizing staffing, dedicated school routes, and enriched programming. For this reason, it is non-refundable and due upon enrollment to confirm your child’s placement.
**When are fees due?** The remaining balance is due by June 1, 2026. At that time, families may choose between a full payment option or one of the available installment schedules.
**Are installment plans available?** Offered as a convenience to families, installment plans are subject to a small administrative fee depending on the plan selected.
#### **Music Lessons & Private Tutoring**
**Can I schedule music lessons and/or private tutoring during B.A.S.E. Camp hours?** Absolutely. Music lessons and private tutoring can be booked during B.A.S.E. Camp hours, with a few things to keep in mind:
- **Priority Booking:** B.A.S.E. Camp students are given scheduling priority to ensure sessions fall within the 3:00–6:00 PM program window.
- **Latest Start Time:** Sessions for B.A.S.E. Camp students can begin no later than 6:00 PM.
- **Pick-Up:** Regardless of session length, all students must be picked up by 7:00 PM.
#### **Perks of being a B.A.S.E Camp Family**
**Do I receive a discount on music lessons and/or private tutoring?** As a B.A.S.E. Camp family, a specialized rate is available to you:
- **10% Discount:** Automatically applied to your Oak Learners online account.
- **How to Purchase:** All extracurricular programs must be bought directly through our website to ensure the discount is applied correctly.
# Inquire now for the 2026-27 school year!
Spaces for the 2026–27 school year are currently full.
Complete the form below to receive program information and join our waitlist.
Please complete the inquiry form below to receive pricing and registration information.
## Inquire About B.A.S.E. Camp & Join Our Waitlist for 2026–27
We’d love to share more about what makes B.A.S.E. Camp a favourite for families in our neighbourhood. Spaces for the 2026–27 school year are currently full, but we encourage you to complete the form below; we’ll be in touch with program details and will reach out as spots become available.
*\* After submitting, please check your spam or junk folder to ensure you are receiving our emails.*
Primary Contact InformationFirst Name \*
Last Name \*
Email Address \*
Phone Number
School InformationSchool Year \*School Year(s) – Select all that apply2026-2027 School Year2027-2028 School Year
School child is/will be attending \*George R Gauld Junior Public SchoolJohn English Junior Middle SchoolSt. Leo Catholic School
Information About ChildrenChild #1First Name \*
Last Name \*
Child's Birthday \*Please provide your child’s bithday
Grade for Sept 2026
BASE Care Options Parent(s) RequireBASE care options parent(s) require: \*Please choose if you are applying for Full-Time or Part-Time programming.Full-time (5 days/week, AM and PM)Part-time
Part-time options parent(s) require \*MorningsAfternoonsN/A (Full-time option chosen by parent)
Please select required days \*Full Time (Mon-Fri)MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
Additional Information0 / 180
Send Message
Please do not fill in this field.
---
### [Preschool Enrichment Program](https://oaklearners.ca/preschool/)
**Published:** March 22, 2021
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** This 2.5 hour Preschool Enrichment Program lays a strong foundation for a positive educational experience and a smooth transition to Kindergarten, fostering classroom skills and independence skills. Experienced educators spend time exploring literacy, numeracy, science, and so much more with children through a natural and inquiry-based program.
**Content:**
# Preschool Enrichment Program
A part-time school program for preschool children.[Inquire Today](#Inquire)
### **Program Description**
Oak Learners offers a unique Preschool Enrichment Program designed for children aged **2.5-4 years** who will be starting Kindergarten in the following school year. Our Preschool Enrichment Program is **NOT a daycare** – but rather a purposeful “Kindergarten Readiness” program, designed to set young learners up for success as they begin their educational journey.
Our Preschool classroom operates **3-days per week**, **Tuesday through Thursday**, from 9:00am through 12:00pm. This 3-hour program lays a strong foundation for a positive educational experience and a smooth transition to Kindergarten, fostering classroom skills and independence skills. Experienced educators spend time exploring literacy, numeracy, science, social language skills, and so much more with children through a natural and inquiry-based program.
### **Program Fees & Dates**
Enrollment for the 2026–2027 Academic Year includes a non-refundable Registration Fee, plus tuition fees based on instructional days. Families may choose to begin in **September**, **January**, or **Summer**, with prorated tuition and flexible payment schedules available.
**Ongoing enrollment is offered throughout the year**, depending on availability. If space is available, children may join the program at any time, with tuition adjusted accordingly.
For full details on tuition fees, payment options, and start dates, please submit an inquiry form below. We’re happy to help you find the best fit for your child’s learning journey
### **Program Skill Development**
This program includes exploring skills within:
- **Language**: vocabulary, oral communication through songs, games and storytelling
- **Literacy**: phonics, writing skills through fine motor development, literature appreciation through storytelling
- **Early math** concepts, including numeracy and patterning.
- ***Self-Expression** and **Creativity*** through the arts***.***
- **Building independence**, self-awareness and confidence through daily routines and community-based programming.
- **Cooperation** and communication skills with peers
- **Cognitive** **Skills** – Memory games, science experiments, sequencing, books, musical instruments, songs and games, visit police and fire stations, fingerplays.
- **Gross Motor Skills** – Safe area for running, jumping, climbing, swinging, sliding, riding bikes, proper use of balls and bean bags, songs and games.
#### Small Classes
6:1 ratio in all classes, allowing for personalized and enriched learning opportunities.
#### STEAM
Integrated learning through Science, Technology, Engineer, Arts and Math.
#### Experiential Learning
Hands-on learning and site-based learning.
#### Arts-Enriched Curriculum
Enhanced learning through the Arts, including daily dance, music, movement, art and creative expression.
#### Learning Exceptionalities
Personalized instruction to support all learners, including Gifted, LD an Mental Health needs.
# Preschool Curriculum
#### Integrated Literacy
*Overview*
Reading and Writing are taught in an integrated and immersive program, including building phonological awareness and phonics skills. Writing skills are built through fine motor development and literature appreciation through storytelling.
*Skills Gained*
Students in the Preschool Enrichment Program at Oak Learners will:
\*Develop phonological awareness through songs, poems and hands-on learning activities
\*Learn about the alphabet and begin to identify letters and sounds
\*Learn in an environment which promotes re-telling stories and finding meaning in written text
\*Use descriptive and social language to explain, explore and extend
*Teaching Strategies*
The Preschool Enrichment Program at Oak Learners is delivered by teachers who are passionate about experiential learning and the Reggio Emelia philosophy. We begin with the tenet that children are curious and capable and we design learning experiences for them that enrich their understanding of the world around them. Provocations are set up to provide co-learning, child-guided learning experiences.
#### Mathematics
*Overview*
Oak Learners strives to expand the 4 walls of a classroom, and encourages students to find patterns and number representation all around them. Our goal is to develop mathematical skills that can be used in meaningful ways through play and daily living.
*Skills Gained*
Students in the Preschool Enrichment Program at Oak Learners will:
\*Count in order from 1-10, using their hands or concrete materials to introduce 1:1 correspondence when counting.
\*Sequence, sort and classify varying materials
\*Understand two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes
\*Identify and extend patterns
*Teaching Strategies*
The teachers will focus on manipulatives and loose parts provided as a way to encourage natural learning experiences. Teachers will introduce mathematics as a fun and interactive notion. The goal is for the children to comprehend the application of mathematics in real life scenarios so that they can use their knowledge to make decisions on the strategies they can use. Provocations will be set up to be inviting and play based. Matching numbers to sets of objects is a large element of the mathematics curriculum as it is a bridge to other skills such as counting and identifying patterns.
#### S.T.E.M \*Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
*Overview*
The STEM program focuses on engaging all of our senses. The children will be collecting and organizing information through sorting, comparing and identification. The children can be introduced to 21st century sciences and technological developments. The goal is to engage them in theories that will be developed in later years of schooling.
*Skills Gained*
Technology is the future and although we cannot fully predict what the employment opportunities or challenges are that our students will face in the years to come, we can certainly prepare them to ask questions, engage in design challenges and think like innovators through an integrated approach. The most important skills that students will learn through engaging in STEM activities at Oak Learners are problem-solving, communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Through the encouragement to be comfortable with skills the children will need in upper years, kindergarten STEM is the foundational work, and instills confidence.
*Teaching Strategies*
Oak Learners encourages education in a fun and creative way. Exposure to sensory experiments not only improve dexterity and cognitive development but also ignites an excitement towards the sciences and maths aspects of school that the children will eventually be more involved with.
#### Arts
*Overview*
We believe that Arts Education plays a very important role in educating young learners. We make sure to integrate Art, Music, Drama and Dance throughout our days, throughout every subject area. The Arts brings learning to life and provides a context for deep emotional and social learning.
*Skills Gained*
In Visual Arts, students will gain skills in each of the five elements of art: line, colour, shape, form and texture and use these skills to create beautiful and functional art pieces that express creativity and individuality. In the Preschool program at Oak Learners, Art programs focus on Process Art rather than traditional Product-driven “crafts” and may include sculpting, collaging, and painting while using the natural environment as a source of art supplies. In Drama, students will work collaboratively to learn skills in performance and improvisation, with the incorporation of dance routines and techniques. In Music, students will learn theory and composition through consistent enjoyment of songs that include layers and different sound textures.
*Teaching Strategies*
In the Preschool program, the students are immersed in the Arts in a variety of ways. Students are provided with diverse instructions that allow them to use their creativity and become comfortable with their own ideas. Oak Learners urges the students to learn a variety of art forms and techniques and allows the students to be expressive in whatever way they would like.
#### Outdoor Education
*Overview*
Outdoor Education is the centre of everything we do at Oak Learners. Research has demonstrated that interacting with nature on a consistent basis is highly beneficial for the mental health and well-being of children and teenagers. In particular, the World Health Organization has found that children raised with exposure to green spaces are 55% less likely to develop mental health concerns, such as stress-related illnesses. Also, children have demonstrated improved concentration, increased productivity, better behaviour and more positive relationships amongst their peer group when frequently learning in an outdoor environment.
*Skills Gained*
Utilizing the outdoor classroom as the “third teacher”, students at Oak Learners have the opportunity develop skills in stewardship, navigation, observation and stewardship. Skills in other subject areas are not learned in isolation; rather, students see how they are used in the community to ask questions and devise plans to solve real-world problems.
*Teaching Strategies*
All subject areas can be taught in an outdoor environment; however, the learning involves interaction with the outdoors and using our natural world as an opportunity for deeper understanding. Through Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and the Arts, students gain knowledge about their role as stewards and take responsibility for their role in preserving their environment. In particular, students are given many opportunities to see ‘treasures’ and ‘troubles’ in their community and work towards devising solutions.
**Student Project Showcase**
Read about how our students hatched Ducklings in the spring of 2018 as part of an amazing Inquiry-based unit on animal life cycles and eco-systems. **[CLICK HERE](https://oaklearners.ca/inquiry-in-the-classroom-how-hatching-ducklings-cultivated-a-rich-learning-opportunity-for-our-students/)** for the whole story!
# Inquire today to join an upcoming session!
Please include any questions you may have about our Preschool program, and a member of our admissions team will connect with you shortly to guide you through the next steps in the admission process.
First Name \*
Last Name
Email Address \*
Phone Number \*
Child's Name \*
Child's Birthday \*
Which Preschool session are you interested in enrolling your child in?Summer 2026; Mini Camps (Designed for children starting JK in September 2026). Select any number of weeks from 1 to all 8September 2026 – June 2027 (child must be at least 3 years old by September 1, 2026)Winter January 2027 – June 2027 ( Child must be 3 years old)
We’d love to learn more about your child! Please share anything you’d like us to know such as their personality, interests, strengths, or areas of growth.0 / 180
Send Message
Please do not fill in this field.
## [Supporting Your Preschool Child’s Growth is A Joint Effort](https://oaklearners.ca/supporting-your-childs-growth-is-a-joint-effort/)
Finding a great preschool or kindergarten readiness program is half the battle. Your child will still need support at home to continue their development.
[Read more >>](https://oaklearners.ca/supporting-your-childs-growth-is-a-joint-effort/)
## [3 Ways Preschool Class Benefits Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/3-ways-preschool-class-benefits-kids/)
A good pre-kindergarten program offers important skills development such as social interaction, school readiness, and improved executive function. Let’s look at them further:
[Read more >>](https://oaklearners.ca/3-ways-preschool-class-benefits-kids/)
## [Learning Opportunities for Preschoolers](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-opportunities-for-preschoolers/)
Oak Learners is dedicated to bringing creativity to education and confidence to learning for all children. This begins with our youngest learners.
[Read more >>](https://oaklearners.ca/learning-opportunities-for-preschoolers/)
---
### [Our Story](https://oaklearners.ca/about/)
**Published:** April 16, 2016
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Our Story
Since our inception as a not-for-profit corporation in the Spring of 2017, we have pursued our vision to be a positive influence on the education and well-being of children, youth, their families, and our community.
Our mission is to inspire creativity, foster technique and encourage confidence. We aim to nurture growth by developing individuality and confidence.
**It takes a village!** We encourage involvement among our community, working with families to develop programming that is innovative and inclusive and that supports the lifelong journey of learning through exploration in the arts, education and mindfulness practices.
With this mission at the heart of our centre, Oak Learners offers an alternative learning atmosphere, working with your child’s unique learning style to inspire their strengths and interests. We offer a wide range of programming designed with creative and inquisitive learners in mind, supporting growth “wholistically” (*taking into consideration the whole body, person, or unit, the mind, body and spirit, emphasizing the importance of the whole as well as the interdependence of its parts).*
## Oak Learners is for ALL Learners
Howard Gardner coined the term Multiple Intelligences first in 1983 to describe the evident fact that there are many different ways that people learn. Some people learn from listening, some from watching and others from doing. People also have different ways to express what they have learned: verbally, kinesthetically, artistically, etc.
As parents and educators, it is imperative that we recognize these unique learning styles in our children and allow them opportunities to engage in their learning through equally unique modes.
At Oak Learners, we LOVE that everyone learns differently and this means we get to TEACH differently!
---
### [In the News](https://oaklearners.ca/in-the-news/)
**Published:** April 10, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
# Oak Learners – In the News
## Oak Learners in the News
Oak Learners has been an active member of the community since our inception. Learn more about community and small business initiatives that have helped make Oak Learners successful.
Oct 2, 2026 – **James Maloney’s** “[Gems of Etobicoke Lakeshore 2026](https://www.facebook.com/jamesmaloney.mp/posts/what-a-night-at-the-gems-of-etobicokelakeshorecoming-off-a-fourth-term-re-electi/1239454637986296/)” Oak Learners wins “Best Non-for-Profit.”
May 2022 – **BlogTO, Toronto**[ is seeing a huge uptick of people stealing plants and more from others’ yards](https://www.blogto.com/city/2022/05/toronto-uptick-stealing-plants-more-others-yards/)
May 26, 2021 – **Hon. James Maloney’s** [“Gems of Etobicoke Lakeshore 2021” ](https://youtu.be/REARtDsKxFg?t=986)Oak Learners wins “Best Service-Based Business.”
February 5, 2020 – **CBC News: The National**, [Talking to kids about coronavirus outbreak](https://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/talking-to-kids-about-coronavirus-outbreak-1.5453833)
October 2018 – **Globe and Mail Small Business Resource Center**, [*“The pitfalls of asking Aunt Martha to bankroll your business”*](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-the-pitfalls-of-asking-aunt-martha-to-bankroll-your-business/)
August 2018 – **Women’s Habitat**, “[*Children at Women’s Habitat receive free summer camp thanks to* ](http://womenshabitat.ca/news/children-at-womens-habitat-receive-free-summer-camp-thanks-to-partnership-with-oak-learners/)partnership *with Oak Learners”*
May 2018 – **Enterprise Toronto**, [*Client Profile – Oak Learners*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0KW3EJRp74)
---
### [Holiday Camp](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-camps/)
**Published:** November 20, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Winter Holiday Break Camps at Oak Learners!
December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 2026
**Content:**
# Holiday Camps
2025/2026[Purchase Here](#purchase)
**Holiday Camp: Arts and Adventures** Dec 21 \| Dec 22 \| Dec 23 \| Dec 28 \| Dec 29 \| Dec 30
### **What to expect:**
At our Holiday Camp, campers will spend the day doing a variety of planned activities indoors and outdoors. Campers will have the opportunity to spend at least 50% of their days outside in the local community and try new activities. If you want your child to have a structured and enjoyable week in a small-group, our Holiday Camp is the place to go.
Activities may include:
- Arts and crafts
- Enjoying, playing and even composing music
- Mindfulness, yoga and movement
- Sports and physical challenges
- Trips to local parks and hikes on local nature trails
- Team games and team-building activities
- Science investigations and innovations
Camp runs from 9am-3pm (***Note We will not be offering extended care for Holiday Camps**.*)
Healthy snacks are provided. Please bring a nutritious, waste-free lunch, a reusable water bottle and appropriate footwear for walking and outdoor winter play, as there are daily elements of outdoor exploration.
**Price: $65**
**Ages**: Ideal for students aged 4-10
**Location:**
- Royal York Campus – 394 Royal York Rd
**Timings:** Please note the following to ensure a smooth running of each day.
- Day camps run from 9:00am-3:00pm
- Drop-off from 9:00am
- Pick-up from 2:45pm – 3:00pm
- [Monday December 21](#)
- [Tuesday December 22](#)
- [Wednesday December 23](#)
- [Monday December 28](#)
- [Tuesday December 29](#)
- [Wednesday December 30](#)
Winter Science
Join us for a day of frosty fun and hands-on discovery at Oak Learners. Activities include:
- Ice Cube Fishing
- Snowflake Tape Resist Art
- Film Canister Rockets
Spark curiosity, creativity, and winter wonder—all in one exciting day of learning.
Frosty the Snowman Day
Celebrate winter magic with a day full of snowman-inspired fun at Oak Learners. Activities include:
- Frosty’s Sled Challenge
- Picasso Snowman Art
- Dress the Snowman Relay
From creativity to teamwork, it’s a day of frosty adventures and joyful learning.
Christmas Eve
Celebrate the season with festive fun and cozy creativity. Activities include:
- Christmas Bingo
- Christmas Tree Craft
- Hot Chocolate Tasting Party
A joyful day of games, art, and warm holiday cheer—perfect for making memories before the big day.
Winter Animals
Discover the wonders of winter wildlife through playful, hands-on activities at Oak Learners. Highlights include:
- Penguin Race
- Follow-Along Cartoon Polar Bear Drawing
- Indoor Snow Fort and Snowball Bowling
A day of movement, creativity, and cozy exploration inspired by our favourite cold-weather creatures.
Wacky Oak Day
Get ready for a day of curious challenges and creative expression at Oak Learners. Activities include:
- Gravity vs. Magnets Exploration
- Wacky Hair Day
- Cup Tower Challenge
A playful mix of science, silliness, and teamwork—perfect for curious minds and big imaginations.
Happy New Year!
Ring in the new year with creativity, movement, and festive fun. Activities include:
- Happy New Year Sign Making
- New Year’s Themed Craft Station
- New Year Dance Party and Countdown
A joyful way to celebrate fresh beginnings with art, music, and community spirit.
# Purchase Winter Break Camp Here
**Winter break Camps**
Our camps are a joyful blend of creativity, nature, and community for kids to explore, connect, and celebrate the season.
Dates: Dec 21 \| Dec 22 \| Dec 23 \| Dec 28 \| Dec 29 \| Dec 30
**Price**: $65
**Regular Camp Hours:** 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
**Location:** Royal York Campus, 394 Royal York Rd.
**Drop-off:** begins at 9:00 AM, and **pick-up** is available until 2:45 – 3:00 PM
Flexible daily registration: choose the days that work for you!
***Note We will not be offering extended care for Holiday Camps***
---
### [Cookie Policy](https://oaklearners.ca/cookie-policy/)
**Published:** July 9, 2026
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
This page provides comprehensive information about how we use cookies on our website to enhance your browsing experience, improve website performance, and deliver personalized content. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit our site. They help us understand how visitors interact with our website, allowing us to offer a smoother and more efficient user experience. In the table below, you will find detailed information about each type of cookie we use, their purpose, and how long they remain on your device. We are committed to respecting your privacy and providing transparency about the data we collect through cookies. For more information on how we handle your personal data, please see our [Privacy Policy.](https://oaklearners.ca/privacy-policy-2/)
## Essential
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
| Name | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| prism\_26072820 | | 4 weeks |
| csrf\_token | | |
| wpconsent\_preferences | This cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences. | 30 days |
### Google reCAPTCHA
Google reCAPTCHA helps protect websites from spam and abuse by verifying user interactions through challenges.
| Name | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| \_GRECAPTCHA | Google reCAPTCHA sets a necessary cookie (\_GRECAPTCHA) when executed for the purpose of providing its risk analysis. | 179 days |
## Statistics
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
### Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
[Learn more](https://policies.google.com/privacy)
| Name | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| \_ga\_ | ID used to identify users | 2 years |
| \_gali | Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked | 30 seconds |
| \_gid | ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity | 24 hours |
| \_gat | Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager | 1 minute |
| \_\_utmx | Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test. | 18 months |
| \_\_utmc | Used only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session. | End of session (browser) |
| \_\_utmb | Used to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing \_\_utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server. | 30 minutes after last activity |
| \_\_utma | ID used to identify users and sessions | 2 years after last activity |
| \_\_utmv | Contains custom information set by the web developer via the \_setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server. | 2 years after last activity |
| \_\_utmz | Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server | 6 months after last activity |
| \_\_utmt | Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests | 10 minutes |
| \_gac\_ | Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together. | 90 days |
| \_ga | ID used to identify users | 2 years |
## Marketing
Marketing cookies are used to follow visitors to websites. The intention is to show ads that are relevant and engaging to the individual user.
### Active Campaign
| Name | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ac\_enable\_tracking | | 4 weeks |
### Facebook Pixel
Facebook Pixel is a web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic.
[Learn more](https://www.facebook.com/policy.php)
| Name | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| fr | Used to track the user across multiple sessions. | 3 months |
| \_fbp | Used to track the user across multiple sessions. | 3 months |
| \_fbc | Used to track the last session visit. | 12 months |
### Google Maps
Google Maps is a web mapping service providing satellite imagery, real-time navigation, and location-based information.
[Learn more](https://policies.google.com/privacy)
| Name | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| OGPC | These cookies are used by Google to store user preferences and information while viewing Google mapped pages. | 1 month |
| OGP | This cookie is used by Google to activate and track the Google Maps functionality. | 2 months |
### WooCommerce
| Name | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| wp\_automatewoo\_visitor\_7a4e02e24ce2d8e29ca2e15defba4f38 | Automate Woo | |
| wp\_automatewoo\_session\_started | Automate Woo | |
| sbjs\_udata | | Session |
| sbjs\_session | | 30 minutes |
| sbjs\_migrations | | Session |
| sbjs\_first\_add | | Session |
| sbjs\_first | | Session |
| sbjs\_current\_add | | Session |
| sbjs\_current | | Session |
---
### [Privacy Policy](https://oaklearners.ca/privacy-policy-2/)
**Published:** May 26, 2018
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how your personal information is collected, used, and shared when you visit or make a purchase from <https://oaklearners.ca/> (the “Site”).
## PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT
When you visit the Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies that are installed on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Site, we collect information about the individual web pages or products that you view, what websites or search terms referred you to the Site, and information about how you interact with the Site. We refer to this automatically-collected information as “Device Information.”
**We collect Device Information using the following technologies:**
- “Cookies” are data files that are placed on your device or computer and often include an anonymous unique identifier. For more information about cookies, and how to disable cookies, visit <http://www.allaboutcookies.org>.
- “Log files” track actions occurring on the Site, and collect data including your IP address, browser type, Internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps.
- “Web beacons,” “tags,” and “pixels” are electronic files used to record information about how you browse the Site.
Additionally, when you make a purchase or attempt to make a purchase through the Site, we collect certain information from you, including your name, billing address, shipping address, payment information (including credit card numbers, email address, and phone number. We refer to this information as “Order Information.”
When we talk about “Personal Information” in this Privacy Policy, we are talking both about Device Information and Order Information.
## HOW DO WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
We use the Order Information that we collect generally to fulfill any orders placed through the Site (including processing your payment information, arranging for shipping, and providing you with invoices and/or order confirmations). Additionally, we use this Order Information to:
Communicate with you;
- Screen our orders for potential risk or fraud; and
- When in line with the preferences you have shared with us, provide you with information or advertising relating to our products or services.
We use the Device Information that we collect to help us screen for potential risk and fraud (in particular, your IP address), and more generally to improve and optimize our Site (for example, by generating analytics about how our customers browse and interact with the Site, and to assess the success of our marketing and advertising campaigns).
## SHARING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
We share your Personal Information with third parties to help us use your Personal Information, as described above. For example, we use Mailchimp to power our newsletters–you can read more about how Mailchimp uses your Personal Information here: <https://mailchimp.com/legal/privacy/>. We also use Google Analytics to help us understand how our customers use the Site–you can read more about how Google uses your Personal Information here: <https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/>. You can also opt-out of Google Analytics here: <https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout>.
Finally, we may also share your Personal Information to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to respond to a subpoena, search warrant or other lawful request for information we receive, or to otherwise protect our rights.
## BEHAVIOURAL ADVERTISING
As described above, we use your Personal Information to provide you with targeted advertisements or marketing communications we believe may be of interest to you. For more information about how targeted advertising works, you can visit the Network Advertising Initiative’s (“NAI”) educational page at <http://www.networkadvertising.org/understanding-online-advertising/how-does-it-work>.
You can opt out of targeted advertising by visiting your Facebook ad settings:
[FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=ads](https://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=ads)
And for Google Ad Settings visit: <https://www.google.com/settings/ads/anonymous>
We will add other platforms if we use them for ads in the future.
Additionally, you can opt out of some of these services by visiting the Digital Advertising Alliance’s opt-out portal at:<http://optout.aboutads.info/>.
## DO NOT TRACK
Please note that we do not alter our Site’s data collection and use practices when we see a Do Not Track signal from your browser.
## DATA RETENTION
When you place an order through the Site, we will maintain your Order Information for our records unless and until you ask us to delete this information.
## CHANGES
We may update this privacy policy from time to time in order to reflect, for example, changes to our practices or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons.
## CONTACT US
For more information about our privacy practices, if you have questions, or if you would like to make a complaint, please contact us by e-mail at info@oaklearners.ca or by mail using the details provided below:
394 Royal York Road
Etobicoke, ON
M8Y 2R3
---
### [Vision, Mission, Core Values](https://oaklearners.ca/about/vision-mission-core-values/)
**Published:** April 2, 2017
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Vision, Mission, Core Values
# **Vision**
To make a measurable, lifelong impact on the education and well-being of children, youth, their families, and our community.
# **Mission**
To inspire **creativity**, foster skill-building and encourage **confidence**. We aim to nurture growth by developing individuality and promoting an inclusive **community**.
**It takes a village!** We encourage involvement amongst our community, working with families to develop programming that is innovative and inclusive and supports the lifelong journey of learning through exploration in the arts, education and mindfulness practice.
With this mission at the heart of our centre, Oak Learners offers an alternative learning atmosphere, working with your child’s unique learning style to inspire their strengths and interests. We offer a wide range of programming designed with creative and inquisitive learners in mind*.*
# **Core Values**
**Integrity** in all endeavors.
**Honesty** & **Transparency** in all communication.
**Accountability** to ourselves, our mission, and our **Community**.
A commitment to **Innovation** in education and development.
Collaboration and an appreciation for Diversity.
---
### [Lower Elementary Curriculum](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/lower-elementary-curriculum/)
**Published:** April 2, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Each day at Oak Learners' Micro School brings new learning opportunities through an integrated and immersive approach to elementary education.
**Content:**
# Lower Elementary Curriculum
Grade One through Grade Four[Inquire Today](#Inquire)
Oak Learners’ lower elementary curriculum offers **progressive**, **interdisciplinary**, **inquiry-based** programming in a **student-driven**, **teacher-facilitated**, **alternative learning** environment.
Each learner goes through a cyclical process of identifying their unique strengths, needs, goals, and interests. Through collaboration with teachers, peers, parents and members of their community, they design inquiry-based projects to guide their learning over the course of a term.
Each day at Oak Learners brings new learning opportunities through an integrated and immersive approach to elementary education. Ontario Curriculum content and skill achievement guidelines are covered and enriched through a holistic approach to learning in a project-based inquiry model, leading to a much deeper and richer learning experience for the students.
**Take a look inside our classrooms:**
#### Small Classes
Oak Learner’s Micro School maintains 6:1 ratio in all classes, allowing for personalized and enriched learning opportunities.
#### Outdoor Education
At least 2 hours every day is spent learning outside in our community and natural surroundings.
#### Experiential Learning
Hands-on learning and site-based learning.
#### Arts-Enriched Curriculum
Enhanced learning through the Arts, including daily dance, music, movement, art and creative expression.
#### Learning Exceptionalities
Personalized instruction to support all learners, including Gifted, LD and Mental Health needs.
#### STEAM
Integrated learning through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.
## **Lower Elementary Curriculum**
### Integrated Literacy
Overview
Reading and Writing form the building block for communication FOR and ON learning. At Oak Learners, reading comprehension and oral communication skills are taught within other subject areas, such as Science or Social Studies. Children develop strong literacy habits and communication skills through meaningful experiences with text.
Skills Gained
Students in the Primary Program at Oak Learners will:
\*Develop a deep phonetic understanding and expansion of language use, This includes spelling, sounding out, pronouncing and reading words and sentences.
\*Engage in more advanced communication via use of new words, sounds and verbal comprehension.
\*Use advanced descriptions and expanded terminology, along with distinguish between nouns, pronouns, adjectives and other types of words.
Teaching Strategies
The lower elementary school program is delivered by passionate teachers that use an alternative and experiential learning tactic in order to influence the most beneficial learning for your child. Through years of experience, the teachers continue to instill confidence and comfort in the school environment while encouraging the children to expand their knowledge and understanding, inside and outside of the classroom. The encouragement of curiosity in an educational setting will only help the children find the passion for school that Oak strives for.
### Mathematics
Overview
Math is all around us and students at Oak Learners are taught to recognize Mathematical patterns and apply problem solving skills through real-world applications. Mathematics instruction at Oak Learners takes a very hands-on approach, using manipulatives as well as leveled workbooks to provide an enriched approach to learning Math.
Skills Gained
Students in the lower elementary mathematics program are focusing on a continuum of learning. Every skill is scaffolded off of a successfully learnt topic in math. Key concepts they will learn are:
\*counting everyday objects
\*learning concrete versus regular concepts within math, and how they expand off of each other
\*applying skills into everyday items, such as counter, objects for measurements, etc.
\*learning about more abstract ways of collecting units of measurements
\*understanding how mathematics evolve and build off of each other -> perfecting addition and subtraction, and beginning the introduction into multiplication and division
\*focus on topics such as collecting data, organizing and displaying data, interpreting data, probability, properties of geometry, units of measurement, location and movement, counting, estimation, place value, fractions and decimals, among other topics as well
Teaching Strategies
Each Mathematics class in the Lower Elementary program will follow a three-part lesson: 1) Minds On (i.e., activating prior knowledge); 2) Action (i.e., students have the opportunity to work in small groups to solve a problem and share their strategies, via “conference style”, with teachers and peers); 3) Consolidation (i.e., independent practice with teacher support). Many Math classes will take place within the community so students can witness the subject in real-world contexts.
### S.T.E.M \*Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math
Overview
At Oak Learners, we believe that STEM Education plays a very important role in educating young leaders of the 21st Century. The more students can observe, explore, question and design the world around themselves, the more they have the opportunity to construct true understanding of new concepts.
Skills Gained
Technology is the future and although it cannot fully predicted what the employment opportunities or challenges that our students will face in the years to come, we can certainly prepare them to ask questions, engage in design challenges and think like innovators through an integrated approach. The most important skills that students will learn through engaging in STEM activities at Oak Learners are problem-solving, communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Through hands-on skills such as website and app development and design, coding, building and engineering, students will feel confident in bringing their STEM skills to life.
Teaching Strategies
Oak Learners takes a hands-on, experiential, project-based approach when teaching STEM so that students can be fully immersed in each step from start to finish. Each design challenge begins with a question and students, as innovators and creative thinkers, devise ways to solve the problem.
### The Arts
Overview
We believe that Arts Education plays a very important role in educating young learners. We make sure to integrate Art, Music, Drama and Dance throughout our days, throughout every subject area. The Arts brings learning to life and provides a context for deep emotional and social learning.
Skills Gained
In Visual Arts, students will gain skills in each of the five elements of art: line, colour, shape, form and texture and use these skills to create beautiful and functional art pieces that express creativity and individuality. In the Lower Elementary program at Oak Learners, Eco Art and digital art are also important components, where students will learn skills in art such as the different forms of it. This can include sculpting, collaging, painting, and uses the environment as a source of art supplies. In Drama, students will work collaboratively to learn skills in performance and improvisation, with the incorporation of dance routines and techniques. In Music, students will learn theory and composition through consistent enjoyment of songs that include layers and different sound textures.
Teaching Strategies
In the Lower Elementary program, the students are immersed into the Arts in a variety of ways. Students are provided with diverse instructions that allow them to use their creativity and become comfortable with their own ideas. Oak Learners urges the students to learn a variety of art forms and techniques and allows the students to be expressive in whatever way they would like.
### Outdoor Education
Overview
Outdoor Education is the centre of everything we do at Oak Leaners. Research has demonstrated that interacting with nature on a consistent basis is highly beneficial for the mental health and well-being of children and teenagers. In particular, the World Health Organization has found that children raised with exposure to green spaces are 55% less likely to develop mental health concerns, such as stress-related illnesses. Also, children have demonstrated improved concentration, increased productivity, better behaviour and more positive relationships amongst their peer group when frequently learning in an outdoor environment.
Skills Gained
Utilizing the outdoor classroom as the “third teacher”, students at Oak Learners have the opportunity develop skills in stewardship, navigation, observation and stewardship. Skills in other subject areas are not learned in isolation; rather, students see how they are used in the community to ask questions and devise plans to solve real-world problems.
Teaching Strategies
All subject areas can be taught in an outdoor environment; however, the learning involves interaction with the outdoors and using our natural world as an opportunity for deeper understanding. Through Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and the Arts, students gain knowledge about their role as stewards and take responsibility for their role in preserving their environment. In particular, students are given many opportunities to see ‘treasures’ and ‘troubles’ in their community and work towards devising solutions.
## Start the Admissions Process
We are currently accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year for all Grade Levels, JK through Grade 8.
Complete an Intake Questionnaire to begin the process today!
[Complete an Intake Questionnaire](https://oaklearners.ca/intake-inquiry/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
Jul 17, 2026
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
## [How Summer Camp Boosts Kids’ Mood & Wellbeing](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
Jan 10, 2026
The right kind of camp can act like a reset button for kids’ mood, confidence, and sense of connection—not just “something to do.” And the kind of camps Oak runs (small groups, nature, arts, movement, cozy community vibes) line up surprisingly well with what recent research says children need to feel well.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/a-magical-evening-of-music-and-theatre-at-oak-learners/)
## [A Magical Evening of Music and Theatre at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/a-magical-evening-of-music-and-theatre-at-oak-learners/)
Jun 25, 2025
On June 5th, Oak Learners wrapped up the 2024–2025 school year with a spectacular outdoor concert at Amos Waites Park. Students from our Day School, B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) program, and private music lessons took to the stage to share the music and theatre pieces they’ve been working so hard on all year.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/universal-design-vs-differentiated-instruction-personalized-learning/)
## [Universal Design and Differentiated Instruction: A New Perspective](https://oaklearners.ca/universal-design-vs-differentiated-instruction-personalized-learning/)
May 11, 2025
At Oak Learners, we are committed to creating a learning environment that celebrates the individuality of each child. Through the integration of UDL and DI, we offer flexible, differentiated learning opportunities that support every student’s unique journey.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/flight-unit-inquiry-learning-oak-learners/)
## [Inquiry-based Learning Through flight: Exploring the Wonders](https://oaklearners.ca/flight-unit-inquiry-learning-oak-learners/)
Mar 2, 2025
The students of Oak Learners recently completed an incredible six-week journey into the fascinating world of flight. This unit was an immersive experience for both students and teachers, blending creativity, hands-on exploration, and cross-curricular connections to make learning come alive.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-recital-december-2024/)
## [Holiday Recital, December 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-recital-december-2024/)
Dec 15, 2024
The Oak Learners Annual Holiday Concert was hosted on December 10, 2024 at the Trident Banquet Hall. Displaying talents from the Oak Learners Music Students and Teachers, it was a night filled with ukuleles, pianos, singing and dancing and smiles.
[« Older Entries](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=as_async_request_queue_runner&nonce=b6b69ed2f0&paged=2&et_blog)
---
### [Shop](https://oaklearners.ca/shop/)
**Published:** June 1, 2016
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
## Featured Products
- [## Summer Camps 2026
Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
- [## Summer Camps Extended Hours
$50.00 – $90.00Price range: $50.00 through $90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/)
- [## Tutoring Credits
$552.00 – $3,142.80Price range: $552.00 through $3,142.80](https://oaklearners.ca/product/tutoring_credits/)
- [## Junior Learn & Lead
$140.00 – $175.00Price range: $140.00 through $175.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/junior-learn-lead/)
- [## Music Credits
$316.00 – $2,106.00Price range: $316.00 through $2,106.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/music_credits/)
- [## Oak Learners Camp T-Shirt
$10.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/oak-learners-camp-t-shirt/)
- [## Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
$195.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/preschool-enrichment-mini-camp/)
- [## Senior Learn & Lead
$0.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/senior-learn-lead-counselor-in-training/)
## All Products
Showing all 20 resultsSorted by popularity
Sort by popularity Sort by average rating Sort by latest Sort by price: low to high Sort by price: high to low
- [## Summer Camps 2026
Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
- [## Summer Camps Extended Hours
$50.00 – $90.00Price range: $50.00 through $90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/)
- [## Winter Break Camps
$65.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/winter-break-camps/)
- [## Tutoring Credits
$552.00 – $3,142.80Price range: $552.00 through $3,142.80](https://oaklearners.ca/product/tutoring_credits/)
- [## March Break Camp 2027
$395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-camp/)
- [## Junior Learn & Lead
$140.00 – $175.00Price range: $140.00 through $175.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/junior-learn-lead/)
- [## PA Day Camps 2026/27
$90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-camp/)
- [## Music Credits
$316.00 – $2,106.00Price range: $316.00 through $2,106.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/music_credits/)
- [## Oak Learners Camp T-Shirt
$10.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/oak-learners-camp-t-shirt/)
- [## Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
$195.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/preschool-enrichment-mini-camp/)
- [## “Be Kind” Pink Shirts
$20.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/be-kind-pink-shirts/)
- [## March Break – Extended Hours
$50.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-extended-hours/)
- [## Senior Learn & Lead
$0.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/senior-learn-lead-counselor-in-training/)
- [## Stay Safe
$75.00](https://oaklearners.ca/event/stay-safe-june-5/)
- [## Write Your Own Book Template
$0.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/write-your-own-book-template/)
- [## Babysitting
$90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/event/babysitting-course-june-5/)
- [## Kindness Activity Booklet
$0.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/kindness-activity-booklet/)
- [## PA Day – Extended Hours
$10.00 – $20.00Price range: $10.00 through $20.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-extended-hours/)
- [## Add First Aid for Dogs and Cats
$45.00](https://oaklearners.ca/event/stay-safe-june-29/)
- [## Oak Outside
$180.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/oak-outside/)
\[wd\_hustle id=2 type=”embedded” /\]
---
### [Inquiry Questionnaire](https://oaklearners.ca/intake-inquiry/)
**Published:** September 3, 2017
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Submit an Intake Questionnaire
to begin the admissions process.
Upon receipt, our Admissions Team will reach out to answer your questions and book a 1:1 tour and intake meeting.
## Contact Information
First Name \*
Last Name \*
Email Address \*
Phone Number \*
How would you prefer to be contacted? \*Please select an optionEmailPhoneEither/Both
## Family Information
How many children are you applying for?
Child 1 Full Name
Child 1 Birthday
Child 1 Current School / Grade (if applicable)
Child 1: Specific Educational Information
Child 2 Full NameChild 2 Full Name
Child 2 Birthday
Child 2 Current School / Grade (if applicable)
Child 2: Specific Educational Information
Child 3 Full Name
Child 3 Birthday
Child 3 Current School / Grade (if applicable)
Child 3: Specific Educational Information
## Intake Questions
Program(s) of Interest \*KindergartenLower ElementaryUpper ElementaryBridge the Gap (Part Time Enrollment)
What is your intended enrollment / start date at Oak Learners?
What is most important to you when looking for a new school for your child(ren)?
Why are you considering Oak Learners for your child(ren)? \*0 / 180
What features of school at Oak Learners are most appealing to your family?Low student:teacher ratio (6:1) & small class sizesDaily Outdoor Education programming (30-50% of each day)Daily arts-based programming with specialized instructorsHands-on learning opportunitiesSmall school campus and intimate learning environmentPersonalized and strengths-based approachOpportunities for student enrichmentLocated centrally in our communityUnique alternative approach to educationDaily mindfulness exercisesDiverse and inclusive student and teacher populationChoose any/all that apply.
How did you hear about Oak Learners?
Additional questions or information
Send Message[Save as Draft](# "Fill in form fields before saving it as a draft")
---
### [Bridge The Gap (Part-time Private School)](https://oaklearners.ca/bridge-the-gap-part-time-private-school/)
**Published:** August 22, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# Bridge The Gap
Part-Time Private School at Oak Learners**JK – Grade 6 \| 2–3 Days Per Week \| Individualized Programs**
[Start Admission Process](#process)
#### Part Time
#### Outdoor Education
#### Learning Exceptionalities
#### Experiential Learning
#### Small Classes 6:1
#### STEAM
## **Not Every Child Fits a One-Size-Fits-All System**
At Oak Learners, every child is a capable, curious learner who deserves an education built around who they are, not who the system expects them to be. Sometimes, the path to thriving in school isn’t a straight line. It meanders, doubles back, and asks for a little more patience and creativity than the traditional school experience can offer.
That’s exactly what we designed Bridge the Gap for.
##
## **What Is Bridge the Gap?**
This program is a part-time private school enrollment option for students from JK to Gr 6. Parents can choose to have their child attend two, three, or four days per week. Students participate alongside our full-time school community, participating in the same rich, inquiry-based programming that defines the Oak Learners experience.
Unlike a tutoring program or a drop-in enrichment class, Bridge the Gap is a genuine part-time school. Students are enrolled members of our learning community. They have a consistent schedule and a dedicated teacher who knows them well.
During the intake process, our Principal works directly with the student, their family, and any outside educators or specialists to support the student.
## Who Is Bridge the Gap For?
We built Bridge the Gap for families who are navigating transitions or simply looking for something more than the standard school model provides. You might be in the right place if:
##### **Homeschooling Families**
Many homeschooling families arrive at a point where their child is curious about what school looks like but are not ready to leap into a full five-day week. Bridge the Gap gives homeschooled children a gentle on-ramp: a real school experience, two or three days at a time, in a small and supportive environment where they can find their footing without feeling overwhelmed.
##### **Families who are Supplementing a Public or Private School Program**
Public school classrooms are large, busy, and built around averages. If your child learns differently, moves at a different pace, or simply needs more hands-on, project-based engagement than their current school can provide, Bridge the Gap can fill that gap. Students attend Oak Learners on designated days and return to their school for the rest of the week, enriched and supported.
##### **School Anxiety or School Refusal.**
For children who find the sensory, social, or academic demands of a full school day overwhelming, a gradual return to a structured learning environment can make all the difference. Bridge the Gap offers a low-pressure, relationship-first setting where anxious learners can rebuild confidence at a pace that works for them. Our small class sizes (6:1 ratio), consistent routines, and caring educators create the kind of safety that allows children to open up and flourish.
##### **Learning Exceptionalities or Unique Educational Needs**
Years of experience supporting children with learning differences, including giftedness, twice-exceptionality, ADHD, dyslexia. Shape every program we build, making school feel like a place where they belong.
## **How Bridge the Gap Works**
**1: Intake & Getting to Know Your Child**
Every Bridge the Gap journey begins with a conversation. Our Principal meets with your family (and, where appropriate, your child) to understand your child’s learning history, strengths, challenges, goals, and current educational context. We also connect with any outside teachers, therapists, or specialists involved in your child’s care.
This intake process isn’t just paperwork — it’s the foundation of everything that follows.
**2: Designing Your Child’s Individual Program**
The intake process gives us a deeper understanding of your child, and that understanding shapes how we deliver our curriculum. We use what we’ve learned to create a personalized approach within the Oak Learners program. Our curriculum remains consistent across all students, but the way we support each child within it is anything but one-size-fits-all.
**3: Joining the Community**
Part-time students aren’t visitors; they are full members of the Oak Learners community on the days they attend. They participate in morning meetings, outdoor learning, project-based inquiry, arts programming, and collaborative work alongside their peers. Students form friendships. Children build confidence. Everyone learns.
**4: Ongoing Communication & Collaboration**
A strong family-school partnership is at the heart of everything we do. Families receive regular updates on their child’s progress, and our educators are always available to connect. If your child is also enrolled at another school, we maintain open communication with those educators as well to ensure a seamless and complementary experience.
## **What Will My Child Do at Oak Learners?**
Our students experience the full richness of Oak Learners programming during their time with us. Oak Learners grounds itself in the Ontario Curriculum while drawing inspiration from the educational philosophies of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf, and Constructivism. Every day is active, purposeful, and child-centred.
**✦ What a Bridge the Gap Day Looks Like:**
**Outdoor Learning**: 2+ hours outdoors every day, all year round. Academic subjects like Math, Literacy, Science, and Social Studies are woven into nature-based exploration and outdoor experiences.
**Project-Based Inquiry:** Students identify their interests and strengths and design inquiry projects that guide their learning over a term, supported by teachers and peers.
**Arts-Enriched Programming:** We integrate visual arts, music, drama, and creative expression throughout the day.
**Core Skill Development:** Focused literacy and numeracy blocks tailored to each learner’s level and goals.
**STEAM Exploration:** Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics come alive through hands-on experiments, making, and problem-solving.
**Social-Emotional Learning**: Our small community, consistent relationships, and restorative practices help students build confidence, resilience, and the ability to navigate the social world of school.
## **Why Oak Learners?**
Oak Learners has spent years building an educational environment where children who don’t fit the mold don’t just survive; they thrive. Here’s what makes our approach different:
- Small class sizes (6:1 student-to-teacher ratio) mean every child is truly known by their educator.
- An alternative, inquiry-based curriculum draws on the best of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf, and Constructivist approaches.
- 2–3 hours of daily outdoor education supports mental, emotional, and physical well-being alongside academic development.
- With deep experience with learning exceptionalities, we understand diverse learners and know how to build programs that work for them.
- A holistic, whole-child philosophy that honours the mind, body, and spirit.
- Community belonging, built intentionally from day one.
## **Schedule & Availability**
This program is available for students, who can attend two, three, or four days per week, following the Oak Learners school year calendar. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate a variety of home learning and school arrangements. Current enrollment for the 2026–27 school year is open for all grade levels, JK through Grade 6.
**✦ Bridge the Gap At a Glance**
Program: Part-Time Private School Enrollment
Grades: Junior Kindergarten – Grade 6
Schedule: 2, 3 or 4 days per week
Calendar: Follows the Oak Learners School Year Calendar
Location: 394 Royal York Rd., Etobicoke, ON M8Y 2R3
Phone: (416) 820-5233
Email: info@oaklearners.ca
# Frequently Asked Questions
#### Can my child attend Bridge the Gap and also be enrolled in public school?
Families and educators work closely together to ensure the two environments complement each other. With your permission, communicating directly with your child’s public school teachers is always an option.
#### Currently homeschooling? Can Bridge the Gap help with a transition plan?
Absolutely. Bridge the Gap is ideal for homeschooling families who are beginning to explore school options. It allows children to experience a structured school community gradually, without the pressure of a full-time commitment. Many families start with two days per week and adjust from there.
#### My child has significant school anxiety. Is this program appropriate?
Bridge the Gap can be a wonderful fit for school-anxious children, particularly because of our small community, predictable routines, and deeply relationship-driven approach. We encourage families in this situation to reach out to setup a meeting with our Principal before applying, so we can discuss whether the fit is right and how we would support your child specifically.
#### Is this program right for a child who needs extra support?
We have extensive experience with learning exceptionalities and are well-equipped to design individualized programs. During the intake process, we will discuss your child’s specific needs in detail and determine together how to structure their time with us.
#### How much does it cost?
Tuition for the Bridge the Gap program is based on the number of days attended per week. Please contact us directly or complete an intake questionnaire to begin a conversation about enrollment and fees.
# Start the Admissions Process
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year for all Grade Levels, JK through Grade 6.
Complete an Intake Questionnaire to begin the process today!
[Complete an Intake Questionnaire](https://oaklearners.ca/intake-inquiry/)
---
### [Extra Curriculars](https://oaklearners.ca/extra-curriculars/)
**Published:** June 5, 2026
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Extra-Curricular Programming
Onsite extra-curricular classes to inspire learning through engaging and authentic experiences and activities.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)
#### [Private Tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)
Oak Learners pairs students with experienced, passionate teachers for **personalized 1-on-1** academic support. Sessions blend mentoring, mindfulness, and academic coaching, tailored to each student’s unique learning style. Available for all ages (**Elementary through University**) and all subjects: **Literacy**, **Math**, **French**, **Sciences**, **English**, **Study Skills**, and **Executive Functioning**. Sessions run **60 or 90** minutes, in-person or online, and are purchased in term-based credit packages.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/)
#### [Personalised Music](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/)
Oak Learners offers private 1:1 music lessons for all ages (4 through adult) with professional, multi-instrumental teachers. Disciplines include **Piano,** **Guitar**, **Ukulele,** **Voice,** **Drums** and an **Early Years Music** for younger children. **Sessions are 30, 45, or 60 minutes**, booked weekly at a consistent time. Students receive a communication book and progress report each term, and there are two student concerts per year (Winter and Spring).
# Browse Events At Oak Learners
Click on an event to learn more about it
35 events found.
# Events
## Events Search and Views Navigation
Search Enter Keyword. Search for Events by Keyword.
Find Events
### Event Views Navigation
Month - [ List ](https://oaklearners.ca/events/list/?shortcode=42cf1b8c)
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## Calendar of Events
| S Sunday | M Monday | T Tuesday | W Wednesday | T Thursday | F Friday | S Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 events 27 0 events, 27 | 0 events 28 0 events, 28 | 0 events 29 0 events, 29 | 0 events 30 0 events, 30 | 0 events 1 0 events, 1 | 0 events 2 0 events, 2 | 0 events 3 0 events, 3 |
| 0 events 4 0 events, 4 | 0 events 5 0 events, 5 | ### 1 event 6 has featured events ### 1 event, [ 6 ](https://oaklearners.ca/events/2026-10-06/?shortcode=42cf1b8c)  Featured 8:00 am - 5:00 pm [Event series: ☕ Coffee and Conversation](https://oaklearners.ca/series/%e2%98%95-coffee-and-conversation/) [ ☕ Coffee and Connections ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-10-06/ "☕ Coffee and Connections")  Featured October 6 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT [ ☕ Coffee and Connections ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-10-06/ "☕ Coffee and Connections") ☕Parent Coffee and Connections Are you a parent of a child enrolled at Oak Learners? We’d love to connect with you! Join us for a warm and welcoming drop-in gathering where \[…\] | 0 events 7 0 events, 7 | 0 events 8 0 events, 8 | 0 events 9 0 events, 9 | 0 events 10 0 events, 10 |
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| ### 1 event 18 ### 1 event, [ 18 ](https://oaklearners.ca/events/2026-10-18/?shortcode=42cf1b8c) 12:00 am [Event series: Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/series/open-house-2/) [ Open House ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4/2026-10-19/ "Open House")  October 19 @ 12:00 am EDT [ Open House ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4/2026-10-19/ "Open House") | 0 events 19 0 events, 19 | 0 events 20 0 events, 20 | 0 events 21 0 events, 21 | 0 events 22 0 events, 22 | 0 events 23 0 events, 23 | 0 events 24 0 events, 24 |
| 0 events 25 0 events, 25 | 0 events 26 0 events, 26 | 0 events 27 0 events, 27 | 0 events 28 0 events, 28 | 0 events 29 0 events, 29 | 0 events 30 0 events, 30 | 0 events 31 0 events, 31 |
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October 6
Featured October 6 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT
### [ ☕ Coffee and Connections ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-10-06/ "☕ Coffee and Connections")
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October 19
October 19 @ 12:00 am EDT
### [ Open House ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4/2026-10-19/ "Open House")
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---
### [Newsletter Archives](https://oaklearners.ca/newsletter-archives/)
**Published:** May 29, 2026
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Newsletter Archives
- [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/)
- [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/)
- [Events & News](https://oaklearners.ca/category/events/)
- [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
- [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/)
- [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
- [Language Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/category/language-learning/)
- [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/)
- [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
- [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/)
- [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/)
Username or Email Address
Password
Remember Me
---
Search for:
---
#### Learn More about Oak Learners
- [Our Story](https://oaklearners.ca/about/)
- [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/ourteam/)
- [Opportunities](https://oaklearners.ca/opportunities/)
- [Support Our Projects](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/)
- [Our Learning Garden](https://oaklearners.ca/the-learning-garden/)
- [Our Animal Experiences](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-classroom-pets/)
- [My Account](https://oaklearners.ca/my-account/)
- [Contact](https://oaklearners.ca/contact/)
---
#### Featured Programs
- [  Tutoring Credits ](https://oaklearners.ca/product/tutoring_credits/) $552.00 – $3,142.80Price range: $552.00 through $3,142.80
- [  Junior Learn & Lead ](https://oaklearners.ca/product/junior-learn-lead/) $140.00 – $175.00Price range: $140.00 through $175.00
- [  Summer Camps Extended Hours ](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/) $50.00 – $90.00Price range: $50.00 through $90.00
- [  Oak Learners Camp T-Shirt ](https://oaklearners.ca/product/oak-learners-camp-t-shirt/) $10.00
- [  Summer Camps 2026 ](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00
---
- [](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
[Back to School Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)September 11, 2026
- [](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
[Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)July 17, 2026
- [](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
[Marker Painting: How to use up old markers](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)June 29, 2026
- [](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
[The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)June 1, 2026
- [](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
[Creativity & Children’s Mental Health \| Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)May 21, 2026
[](http://oaklearners.entripyshops.com/)
---
#### Newsletter Archives
---
### [Host an Event](https://oaklearners.ca/host-an-event/)
**Published:** January 28, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# Host an Event
Creative Spaces for Inspired Gatherings
# Studio Rentals
Host your next workshop, wellness class, or team offsite in our versatile studio spaces. Whether you need an open floor for movement or a collaborative boardroom for strategy, our bright and adaptable rooms provide the perfect backdrop for productivity.
[More Info Here](https://oaklearners.ca/rental-space/)
# Birthdays & Parties
Create magical memories without the hassle. Whether your child loves arts & crafts or just wants to dance, our versatile packages offer the perfect mix of creativity and fun. We create stress-free, unforgettable celebrations for children’s birthdays and parties.
[More Info Here](https://oaklearners.ca/party-rental-etobicoke/)
---
### [Day Camps Extended Hours](https://oaklearners.ca/day-camps-extended-hours/)
**Published:** November 16, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Day Camps Extended Hours
- [## March Break – Extended Hours
$50.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-extended-hours/)
- [## PA Day – Extended Hours
$10.00 – $20.00Price range: $10.00 through $20.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-extended-hours/)
---
### [Camps at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/camps-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** November 7, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Camps at Oak Learners are always a fun time for the kids. Join us for Summer Camps, March Break Camps, or PA Day Camps. Kids enjoy themed STEAM activities and outside learning each day.
**Content:**
# Camps at Oak Learners
#### STEAM Activities
#### Outdoor Education
#### Community & Teamwork
#### Hands on Learning
#### Arts-Enriched Curriculum
#### Small Groups
# Camps at Oak Learners
At Oak Learners, there’s a camp for every season and every kid. Our **Summer Camps** are packed with arts, adventures, and outdoor exploration built around weekly themes. **March Break Camp** blends yoga, art, drama, music, and afternoon nature trips into one vibrant week. **PA Day Camps** turn school days off into themed STEAM adventures with time outside. **Holiday Camps** over winter break keep the fun going with creative activities and outdoor time. And **Oak Outside**, our Forest School program, reimagines local parks as living classrooms where children explore, discover, and grow their connection to the natural world. All of our camps are rooted in creativity, confidence, and community because learning is always better when it’s an adventure.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
#### [Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
Our Arts & Adventures Camps offer a mix of indoor and outdoor activities in a small-group setting, with at least 50% of each day spent exploring the local community. If you want your child to have a structured and enjoyable week in a small group, our Arts & Adventures Camp is the place.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/march-break-camps/)
#### [March Break](https://oaklearners.ca/march-break-camps/)
March Break Camps will be themed, and all activities will be related to that theme. A typical day for all campers includes a morning meditation with yoga elements, fun art, drama and musical activities throughout the day, and an outdoor adventure trip to a local park or nature trail in the afternoon.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/pa-day-camps/)
#### [PA Day Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/pa-day-camps/)
PA Day Camps are run on scheduled TDSB PA Days. Each day includes themed STEAM activities and an outside adventure. For 2025/26 dates take a look at our [School Year Calendar](https://oaklearners.ca/school-year-calendar/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-camps/)
#### [Holiday Break Camp](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-camps/)
Holiday Camps are run during winter break. The schedule is coming soon. Each day includes themed STEAM activities and an outside adventure.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-outside-the-forest-school-in-the-city/)
#### [Oak Outside](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-outside-the-forest-school-in-the-city/)
*Oak Outside* reimagines local parks and green spaces as vibrant outdoor classrooms. Here, children learn through hands-on exploration, inquiry, and play guided by the rhythms of nature and their own curiosity. Rooted in the belief that nature is a powerful teacher, our Forest School experience fosters resilience, creativity, and a deep, lasting connection to the environment.
---
### [Trail Care Day Toronto 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/trail-care-day-toronto-2024/)
**Published:** May 31, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
## Welcome to Trans Canada Trail Care Day 2024 – Toronto Waterfront!
Click on an image below to download a PDF version of each specially created scavenger hunt from Oak Learners.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Trail-Care-Day-Senses-in-Nature-Scavenger-Hunt.pdf)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Trail-Care-Day-Nature-Photography-Challenge.pdf)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Trail-Care-Day-54321-Senses-in-Nature-Activity.pdf)
## Learn more about featured programs from Oak Learners!
- [## Summer Camps 2026
Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
- [## Summer Camps Extended Hours
$50.00 – $90.00Price range: $50.00 through $90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/)
- [## Tutoring Credits
$552.00 – $3,142.80Price range: $552.00 through $3,142.80](https://oaklearners.ca/product/tutoring_credits/)
- [## Junior Learn & Lead
$140.00 – $175.00Price range: $140.00 through $175.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/junior-learn-lead/)
- [## Music Credits
$316.00 – $2,106.00Price range: $316.00 through $2,106.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/music_credits/)
- [## Oak Learners Camp T-Shirt
$10.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/oak-learners-camp-t-shirt/)
- [## Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
$195.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/preschool-enrichment-mini-camp/)
- [## Senior Learn & Lead
$0.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/senior-learn-lead-counselor-in-training/)
## Read the latest news from Oak Learners:
## [Back to School Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| September 11, 2026 \| [Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/category/back-to-school/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/), [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/), [Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/category/round-up/) \| 0 Comments
The back to school season doesn’t start on the first day of school. It starts with shopping and preparing for a successful school year. This round up post of our back to school articles can help make this school year a success from the start.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| July 17, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [BASE Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/base-camps/), [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/), [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/), [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/) \| 0 Comments
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
## [Marker Painting: How to use up old markers](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| June 29, 2026 \| [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/), [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/), [STEAM](https://oaklearners.ca/category/steam/) \| 0 Comments
Don’t throw away old markers! Use up old markers are watercolour paint and enjoy hours of fun exploring textures, materials, and drying methods.
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
## [The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| June 1, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/) \| 0 Comments
Why Small Classes Change Big Feelings: The Science Behind 6:1 Learning Environments Did you know that school is emotional long before it’s academic? New routines, noisy rooms, and social rules all stress developing nervous systems. Understanding the science of small…
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/the-science-of-small-class-sizes/)
## [Creativity & Children’s Mental Health \| Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| May 21, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/) \| 0 Comments
Creativity Is Not ‘Extra’: How Art, Music, and Making Support Children’s Mental Health Parents sometimes walk into Oak and say something like “I love that they’re painting and playing music… but is this really as important as reading and math?” Here’s the honest…
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/creativity-art-music-children-mental-health/)
## [Why Ripping Paper Is So Good for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| May 11, 2026 \| [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/) \| 0 Comments
Benefits of Ripping Paper Why Ripping Paper Is So Good for Kids As adults ripping paper is one of those things we call “making a mess” but for kids, it is one of those “the best activities.” Give a child a stack of scrap paper and they’ll usually know exactly what…
[Read More](https://oaklearners.ca/ripping-paper-benefits-kids/)
---
### [Upper Elementary Curriculum](https://oaklearners.ca/upper-elementary-curriculum/)
**Published:** March 16, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Micro School Oak Learners offers a Middle School that is progressive, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based programming in a student-driven, teacher-facilitated, alternative learning environment.
**Content:**
# Upper Elementary Curriculum
Grade Four through Grade Six[Inquire Today](#Inquire)
Oak Learners offers **progressive**, **interdisciplinary**, **inquiry-based** programming in a **student-driven,** **teacher-facilitated**, **alternative learning** environment.
Each learner goes through a cyclical process of identifying their unique strengths, needs, goals, and interests. Through collaboration with teachers, peers, parents and members of their community, they design inquiry-based projects to guide their learning over the course of a term.
Each day at Oak Learners brings new learning opportunities through an integrated and immersive approach to elementary education. Ontario Curriculum content and skill achievement guidelines are covered and enriched through a holistic approach to learning in a project-based inquiry model, leading to a much deeper and richer learning experience for the students.
## **Take a look inside our classrooms:**
#### Small Classes
6:1 ratio in all classes, allowing for personalized and enriched learning opportunities.
#### Outdoor Education
At least 2hrs every day is spent learning outside in our community and natural surroundings.
#### Experiential Learning
Hands-on learning and site-based learning.
#### Arts-Enriched Curriculum
Enhanced learning through the Arts, including daily dance, music, movement, art and creative expression.
#### Learning Exceptionalities
Personalized instruction to support all learners, including Gifted, LD and Mental Health needs.
#### STEAM
Integrated learning through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.
# Upper Elementary Curriculum
#### Integrated Literacy
***Overview*
Reading and Writing form the building block for communication and learning. At Oak Learners, we approach literacy through an integrated approach, which means that reading and writing skills are taught within other subject areas, such as science or social studies. Children develop strong literacy habits and communication skills through meaningful experiences with text.
***Skills Gained***
Students in Upper Elementary at Oak Learners will:
\* Develop a life-long love for reading, which will be used as a basis for reading instruction
\* Engage in a variety of meaningful discussions and written activities to improve reading comprehension
\* Enhance reading comprehension strategies and vocabulary development through explicit instruction
\* Use cooperative learning to promote reading development and positive peer relations
***Teaching Strategies***
The Upper Elementary program at Oak Learners is delivered by experienced teachers who have a passion for instilling the love of reading and writing in adolescents. Through many years of experience, the teachers recognize that the middle school grades are often the time that a love of reading truly develops and needs to be fostered in a way that inspires curiosity and confidence, as well as a way to navigate the world around them.
#### Mathematics
***Overview*
At Oak Learners, we feel that all students have the capability to thrive in Mathematics through research-based teaching practices, a positive classroom environment, and opportunities to develop and communicate strategies. In Mathematics at Oak Leaners, students value math, develop a deep understanding of the connections among concepts and the real world and, are confident using mathematics as a way to solve problems.
***Skills Gained***
Students in the Upper Elementary program at Oak Learners will:
\* Compare and order integers, decimals and fractions in a variety of contexts
\* Develop a deep understanding of equivalent fractions and decimals and utilize the knowledge to investigate community issues
\* Understand the relationships between operations to solve problems involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and percentages
\* Identify, create, extend, and predict patterns in natural environments
\* Analyze and use data to make informed decisions and convincing arguments (e.g., bar graphs showing more litter in certain areas as an argument for having another garbage can)
\* Read and utilize coordinates on a Cartean plane to locate objects and complete challenges
\* Determine, compare, and estimate measurements in various contexts (e.g., estimating the height of a tree to determine ground cover)
\* Use a variety of coding languages to build and solve problems
\* Identify financial goals and work toward achieving them
\* Maintain positive motivation and perserverence, while effectively coping with challenges related to Mathematics
***Teaching Strategies***
Each Mathematics class in the Upper Elementary program will follow a three-part lesson: 1) Minds On (i.e., activating prior knowledge); 2) Action (i.e., students have the opportunity to work in small groups to solve a problem and share their strategies, via “conference style”, with teachers and peers); 3) Consolidation (i.e., independent practice with teacher support). Many Math classes will take place within the community so students can witness the subject in real-world contexts.
#### S.T.E.M \*Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
***Overview*
At Oak Learners, we believe that STEAM Education plays a very important role in providing young leaders with 21st Century learning, problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking skills. The more students can observe, explore, question and design the world around themselves, the more they have the opportunity to construct true understanding of new concepts.
***Skills Gained***
Technology is the future and although it cannot be fully predicted what the employment opportunities or challenges that our students will face in the years to come are, we can certainly prepare them to ask questions, engage in design challenges and think like innovators through an integrated approach. The most important skills that students will learn through engaging in STEAM activities at Oak Learners are problem-solving, communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Through hands-on skills such as website and app development and design, coding, building and engineering, students will feel confident in bringing their STEAM skills to life.
***Teaching Strategies***
Oak Learners takes a hands-on, experiential, project-based approach when teaching STEAM so that students can be fully immersed in each step from start to finish. Each design challenge begins with a question and students, as innovators and creative thinkers, devise ways to solve the problem (e.g. Is there a way to design an app that will help ensure clean drinking water to remote Indigenous communities?).
#### Arts
***Overview***
We believe that Arts Education plays a very important role in educating young learners. We make sure to integrate Art, Music, Drama and Dance throughout our days, throughout every subject area. The Arts brings learning to life and provides a context for deep emotional and social learning.
*Skills Gained***
In Visual Arts, students will gain skills in each of the five elements of art: line, colour, shape, form and texture and use these skills to create beautiful and functional art pieces that express creativity and individuality. In the Upper Elemetary program at Oak Learners, Eco Art and digital art are also important components, where students will learn skills in photography, such as lighting, framing and compositon, while exploring a variety of editing software programs. In Drama, students will work collaboratively to learn skills in performance and improvisation, with the incorporation of dance routines and techniques. In Music, students will learn theory and composition through the playing of a recorder.
***Teaching Strategies***
In the Upper Elementary program, the Arts are taught in a variety of ways- sometimes involving explicit instruction, whereas other times allowing for collaboration and experimentation. Students will learn a variety of art forms and techniques and use these to create expressive pieces of art.
#### Outdoor Education
***Overview*
Outdoor Education is the centre of everything we do at Oak Learners. Research has demonstrated that interacting with nature on a consistent basis is highly beneficial for the mental health and well-being of children and teenagers. In particular, the World Health Organization has found that children raised with exposure to green spaces are 55% less likely to develop mental health concerns, such as stress-related illnesses. Also, children have demonstrated improved concentration, increased productivity, better behaviour and more positive relationships amongst their peer group when frequently learning in an outdoor environment.
***Skills Gained***
Utilizing the outdoor classroom as the “third teacher”, students at Oak Learners have the opportunity to develop skills in navigation, observation and stewardship. Skills in other subject areas are not learned in isolation; rather, students see how they are used in the community to ask questions and devise plans to solve real-world problems.
***Teaching Strategies***
All subject areas can be taught in an outdoor environment; however, the learning involves interaction with the outdoors and using our natural world as an opportunity for deeper understanding. Through Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and the Arts, students gain knowledge about their role as stewards and take responsibility for their role in preserving their environment. In particular, students are given many opportunities to see ‘treasures’ and ‘troubles’ in their community and work towards devising solutions.
## Start the Admissions Process
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year for all grade levels, JK through Grade 6.
Complete an Intake Questionnaire to begin the process today!
[Complete an Intake Questionnaire](https://oaklearners.ca/intake-inquiry/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
Jul 17, 2026
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
## [How Summer Camp Boosts Kids’ Mood & Wellbeing](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
Jan 10, 2026
The right kind of camp can act like a reset button for kids’ mood, confidence, and sense of connection—not just “something to do.” And the kind of camps Oak runs (small groups, nature, arts, movement, cozy community vibes) line up surprisingly well with what recent research says children need to feel well.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/a-magical-evening-of-music-and-theatre-at-oak-learners/)
## [A Magical Evening of Music and Theatre at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/a-magical-evening-of-music-and-theatre-at-oak-learners/)
Jun 25, 2025
On June 5th, Oak Learners wrapped up the 2024–2025 school year with a spectacular outdoor concert at Amos Waites Park. Students from our Day School, B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) program, and private music lessons took to the stage to share the music and theatre pieces they’ve been working so hard on all year.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/universal-design-vs-differentiated-instruction-personalized-learning/)
## [Universal Design and Differentiated Instruction: A New Perspective](https://oaklearners.ca/universal-design-vs-differentiated-instruction-personalized-learning/)
May 11, 2025
At Oak Learners, we are committed to creating a learning environment that celebrates the individuality of each child. Through the integration of UDL and DI, we offer flexible, differentiated learning opportunities that support every student’s unique journey.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/flight-unit-inquiry-learning-oak-learners/)
## [Inquiry-based Learning Through flight: Exploring the Wonders](https://oaklearners.ca/flight-unit-inquiry-learning-oak-learners/)
Mar 2, 2025
The students of Oak Learners recently completed an incredible six-week journey into the fascinating world of flight. This unit was an immersive experience for both students and teachers, blending creativity, hands-on exploration, and cross-curricular connections to make learning come alive.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-recital-december-2024/)
## [Holiday Recital, December 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-recital-december-2024/)
Dec 15, 2024
The Oak Learners Annual Holiday Concert was hosted on December 10, 2024 at the Trident Banquet Hall. Displaying talents from the Oak Learners Music Students and Teachers, it was a night filled with ukuleles, pianos, singing and dancing and smiles.
[« Older Entries](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=as_async_request_queue_runner&nonce=b6b69ed2f0&paged=2&et_blog)
---
### [Footer](https://oaklearners.ca/footer/)
**Published:** June 1, 2023
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
## Creativity\|Confidence\|Community
Oak Learners
394 Royal York Rd.
Etobicoke, ON, M8Y2R3
(416) 820-5233
3003B Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Etobicoke, ON, M8V1K2
(416) 820-5233
## Programs
- [Summer Day Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/summercamps/)
- [Before and After School Program](https://oaklearners.ca/before-and-after-school-program/)
- [Extra-curricular Classes](#artclasses)
- [Private Tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/)
- [Music Lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/)
- [Private Day School](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
\[wd\_hustle id=”6″ type=”embedded”/\]
## Blog Archives
- [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/)
- [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/)
- [Events & News](https://oaklearners.ca/category/events/)
- [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
- [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/)
- [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
- [Language Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/category/language-learning/)
- [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/)
- [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
- [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/)
- [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/)
---
### [Oak Learners Classroom Pets](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-classroom-pets/)
**Published:** June 6, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
# Oak Learners Classroom Pets
Chickens, ducks and monarch butterflies
## **Our Classroom Pets**
Our Classroom Pets: A Celebration of Life
At Oak Learners, we believe that nurturing an understanding of life’s cycles is a powerful way to inspire empathy and curiosity in children. Each year, our students take part in a hands-on experience with the circle of life—welcoming duck or chicken eggs donated by Rent the Chicken. Together, we care for the eggs as they hatch into fluffy chicks or ducklings. These little ones stay with us for a few weeks, offering joy and learning, before returning to the farm where they continue to grow.
Our Monarch Butterfly hatching program is another gentle and awe-inspiring experience. Children observe the full metamorphosis—from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly—and then release the butterflies into the wild. This magical moment connects beautifully with our Learning Garden, providing a nourishing habitat and reinforcing the importance of care, patience, and environmental stewardship.
- [Support Us](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/)
- [Expansion Fundraiser](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/expansion-fundraiser/)
- [Our Learning Garden](https://oaklearners.ca/the-learning-garden/)
- [Oak Learners Classroom Pets](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-classroom-pets/)
## Every Little Bit Counts — Help Us Grow
Oak Learners is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to nurturing creativity, confidence, and compassion in children through holistic, experiential education. Every program we offer is rooted in our mission to foster meaningful learning and build inclusive, supportive communities.
As a small but mighty organization, we rely on the generosity of donors and community partners to help us grow. Your support directly impacts the spaces and experiences we create for our learners — from upgrading our facilities to caring for our beloved classroom pets, and expanding our garden as a place of connection and inquiry.
🌱 **This season, we’re seeking donations to support three key areas:**
- Enhancing our **indoor and outdoor learning spaces** with accessible, child-friendly upgrades
- Expanding and maintaining our **garden** as a hands-on learning environment
- Supporting the care and enrichment of our **classroom pets**, who bring joy and emotional connection to our students
🤝 **We’re also looking to collaborate with our community.** If you’re interested in partnering with Oak Learners or hosting an event with us, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to **info@oaklearners.ca** to start the conversation.
Together, we can continue building a space where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow
# **How Can You Help?**
- **Make a donation** to help us with one of our projects
- **Purchase personalized labels** for your child’s clothing through[ Mabel’s Labels ](https://mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/fundraising/support)— a portion goes directly to Oak Learners.
- **Share our socials** to help spread the word and grow our community.
- **Join us at upcoming events** — your presence makes a difference at our [events](https://oaklearners.ca/events/).
- **Sponsor an event or Collaborate** to help us create more magical moments for our community. email[ info@oaklearners.ca.](mailto:info@oaklearners.ca)
# Our Past Pets!
[Donate to Our Projects](https://oaklearners.ca/product/donate-to-oak-learners/)
---
### [Our Learning Garden](https://oaklearners.ca/the-learning-garden/)
**Published:** June 6, 2022
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
# The Learning Garden
Your donation goes a long way to providing top quality Educational and Arts programming for our community.[Donate to Our Projects](https://oaklearners.ca/product/donate-to-oak-learners/)
## 🌿 **Our Learning Garden**
At Oak Learners, we are committed to providing children with experiential and meaningful learning opportunities. Located in the vibrant Mimico community, we’re surrounded by seasonal blooms, painted tulips, and thriving small businesses that make the neighbourhood brighter and more welcoming. We’re proud to contribute to this positive momentum by developing our Learning Garden.
Our garden project transforms the back area of Oak Learners into a dynamic green space, featuring planters and expanded greenery around the city’s tree plots. This initiative fosters an environment where nature thrives and children can explore urban gardening through hands-on learning.
## **🌱 What We’ve Done So Far**
We have collaborated with conservation and educational partners to elevate our Learning Garden, turning it into a hub for understanding ecosystems, sustainability, and biodiversity. By incorporating pollinator-friendly plants, we’re creating a safe haven for bees and butterflies while encouraging ecological awareness among students.
Our Garden is bursting with life—pollinators buzzing, herbs wafting their aromas, and veggies soaking up the sun. It’s more than just greenery; it’s a living classroom where kids connect with nature, science, and sustainability in real time.
- [Support Us](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/)
- [Expansion Fundraiser](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/expansion-fundraiser/)
- [Our Learning Garden](https://oaklearners.ca/the-learning-garden/)
- [Oak Learners Classroom Pets](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-classroom-pets/)
## Thank You to Our Supporters!
#### Arthur W
#### The Taylor Family
#### High School Volunteers
#### Sawmill Sid
#### Farmer Britt
#### The Farrell Family
#### The Noel Family
#### The Tsekareas Family
#### The D’Hondt Family
#### The van Der Jagt Family
[Donate to Help Our Garden Grow](https://oaklearners.ca/product/donate-to-oak-learners/)
## Our Plans for the Learning Garden
## Our Progress
## Our Favourite Garden Recipes
[](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners%f0%9f%91%a9%f0%9f%8d%b3%f0%9f%a5%98/)
## [COOK WITH OAK LEARNERS!👩🍳🥘](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners%f0%9f%91%a9%f0%9f%8d%b3%f0%9f%a5%98/)
by [Kristina Poleva](https://oaklearners.ca/author/kristinap/ "Posts by Kristina Poleva")
Cook with Oak Learners! Our middle school students learned to bake “Bannock” – bread originated with Indigenous Peoples! Every week students of Lake Shore Campus have a cooking lesson where they learn how to make meals by themselves related to their current unit of learning!
[](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners/)
## [COOK WITH OAK LEARNERS!👩🍳🥘](https://oaklearners.ca/cook-with-oak-learners/)
by [Kristina Poleva](https://oaklearners.ca/author/kristinap/ "Posts by Kristina Poleva")
Cook with Oak Learners! This week, our middle school students learned to make “Three Sisters Salad” as part of our integrated unit on Indigenous Studies.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/squash-exploration/)
## [Squash Exploration](https://oaklearners.ca/squash-exploration/)
by [Brittany Hall](https://oaklearners.ca/author/brittanyh/ "Posts by Brittany Hall")
Comparing and contrasting food is a great way to ask exploratory open-ended questions about how a food engages our senses and later transition to questions on taste. Encourage curiosity and critical thinking by listing observations and making predictions about the squash varieties before you start cooking. Here are some examples from our recent Urban Farming & Cooking Class:
[](https://oaklearners.ca/personalized-guacamole/)
## [Personalized Guacamole](https://oaklearners.ca/personalized-guacamole/)
by [Brittany Hall](https://oaklearners.ca/author/brittanyh/ "Posts by Brittany Hall")
The key to promoting open-mindedness and excitement over trying new foods with kids is providing them as much control and decision-making power as possible. Trust is reciprocal, and as your child feels trusted with decisions and contributing to the cooking process, they’ll feel like they can trust the space to openly assess how they taste something
[](https://oaklearners.ca/baked-zoodle-cups/)
## [Baked Zoodle Cups](https://oaklearners.ca/baked-zoodle-cups/)
by [Brittany Hall](https://oaklearners.ca/author/brittanyh/ "Posts by Brittany Hall")
Zoodles are an accessible way to put your child in charge of the meal’s main event, while making something visually interesting and with a firmer texture then sliced or chopped options. Engage in some sensory exploration by challenging them to make and find the longest zoodle they can, and count the rings remaining on the end of a spiralized zucchini. This recipe is as great for exploring tastes as it is for enhancing fine and gross motor skills!
[](https://oaklearners.ca/snowflake-cooking-coleslaw/)
## [Snowflake Cooking Coleslaw](https://oaklearners.ca/snowflake-cooking-coleslaw/)
by [Brittany Hall](https://oaklearners.ca/author/brittanyh/ "Posts by Brittany Hall")
The versatility of cabbage when cooking with kids cannot be emphasized enough. Whether you’re lightly roasting or sautéing the leaves to introduce some oil and salt tastes, searing cabbage-steaks to absorb some Dijon and maple flavours, or munching on it raw in this egg-free coleslaw recipe, kids have ample opportunities to focus on the many ways it can be prepared and their reaction to the variations, rather than deciding the foods merit based on one flavour profile.
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[Donate to Help Our Garden Grow](https://oaklearners.ca/product/donate-to-oak-learners/)
---
### [Kindergarten Program](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/kindergarten-program/)
**Published:** May 24, 2021
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
# Kindergarten Curriculum
Inquire Today
### **The Kindergarten Program at Oak Learners**
Kindergarten students at Oak Learners spend their days creatively exploring literacy, numeracy, science and the arts through a natural and inquiry-based program inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.
Our Kindergarten program follows a skill-based curriculum through a cross-curricular and arts-based approach with a unique focus on outdoor education. Spending time in our community and in nature provides our students with unique opportunities to engage in a meaningful way with their environment and their peers.
Daily programming for Kindergarten students at Oak Learners includes blocks of time devoted to Core Skill Development (ie. Literacy and Math), Outdoor Education (ie. Ecology and gross motor development), and STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math). Monthly theme-based units guide the learning for the students and provide a foundation for project-based learning and a real-world application of learning skills.
#### Small Classes
6:1 ratio in all classes, allowing for personalized and enriched learning opportunities.
#### Outdoor Education
At least 2hrs every day is spent learning outside in our community and natural surroundings.
#### Experiential Learning
Hands-on learning and site-based learning.
#### Arts-Enriched Curriculum
Enhanced learning through the Arts, including daily dance, music, movement, art and creative expression.
#### Learning Exceptionalities
Personalized instruction to support all learners, including Gifted, LD an Mental Health needs.
#### STEAM
Integrated learning through Science, Technology, Engineer, Arts and Math.
## Kindergarten Curriculum
#### Integrated Literacy
*The Kindergarten program at Oak Learners is delivered by teachers who are passionate about experiential learning and the Reggio Emilia philosophy. We begin with the tenet that children are curious and capable and we design learning experiences for them that enrich their understanding of the world around them. Provocations are set up to provide co-learning, child-guided learning experiences.Overview*
Reading and Writing are taught in an integrated and immersive program, including building phonological awareness and phonics skills. Writing skills are built through fine motor development and literature appreciation through storytelling. Foundational approaches to writing, including “Handwriting without Tears” are woven into hands-on learning activities.
*Skills Gained*
Students in the Kindergarten Program at Oak Learners will:
\*Develop phonetic awareness with a focus on letter sounds
\*Improve letter recognition in order to identify beginning, middle and end sounds in common and nonsense words
\*Isolate sound combinations
\*Learn in an environment which promotes re-telling stories and finding meaning in written text
\*Use descriptive language to explain, explore and extend”
*Teaching Strategies*
The Kindergarten program at Oak Learners is delivered by teachers who are passionate about experiential learning and the Reggio Emilia philosophy. We begin with the tenet that children are curious and capable and we design learning experiences for them that enrich their understanding of the world around them. Provocations are set up to provide co-learning, child-guided learning experiences.
#### Mathematics
*Overview*
Oak Learners strives to expand the 4 walls of a classroom, and encourages students to find patterns and number representation all around them. Our goal is to develop mathematical skills that can be used in meaningful ways through play and daily living.
*Skills Gained*
Students in the Kindergarten Program at Oak Learners will:
\*Count in order from 1-50
\*Sequence, sort and classify varying materials
\*Understanding 1:1 correspondence to determine quantity
\*Represent numbers in different ways (e.g., tallies, numbers, graphs)
\*Understand two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes
\*Identify and create patterns
\*Measure length, weight and capacity, temperature, time and money
\*Complete simple number operations
\*Use spatial relations, directions and maps
*Teaching Strategies*
The teachers will focus on manipulatives and loose parts provided as a way to encourage natural learning experiences. Teachers will introduce mathematics as a fun and interactive notion. The goal is for the children to comprehend the application of mathematics in real life scenarios so that they can use their knowledge to make decisions on the strategies they can use. Provocations will be set up to be inviting and play based. Matching numbers to sets of objects is a large element of the mathematics curriculum as it is a bridge to other skills such as counting and identifying patterns.
#### S.T.E.M \*Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
*Overview*
The STEM program focuses on engaging all of our sense. The children will be collecting and organizing information through sorting, comparing and identification. The children can be introduced to 21st century sciences and technological developments. The goal is to engage them in theories that will be developed in later years of schooling.
*Skills Gained*
Technology is the future and although it cannot fully predicted what the employment opportunities or challenges that our students will face in the years to come, we can certainly prepare them to ask questions, engage in design challenges and think like innovators through an integrated approach. The most important skills that students will learn through engaging in STEM activities at Oak Learners are problem-solving, communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Through the encouragement to be comfortable with skills the children will need in upper years, kindergarten STEM is the foundational work, and instills confidence.
*Teaching Strategies*
Oak Learners encourages education in a fun and creative way. Exposure to sensory experiments not only improve dexterity and cognitive development but also ignites an excitement towards the sciences and maths aspects of school that the children will eventually be more involved with.
#### Arts
*Overview*
We believe that Arts Education plays a very important role in educating young learners. We make sure to integrate Art, Music, Drama and Dance throughout our days, throughout every subject area. The Arts brings learning to life and provides a context for deep emotional and social learning.
*Skills Gained*
In Visual Arts, students will gain skills in each of the five elements of art: line, colour, shape, form and texture and use these skills to create beautiful and functional art pieces that express creativity and individuality. In the Kindergarten program at Oak Learners, Eco Art and Digital art are also important components, where students will learn skills in art such as the different forms of it. This can include sculpting, collaging, painting, and uses the environment as a source of art supplies. In Drama, students will work collaboratively to learn skills in performance and improvisation, with the incorporation of dance routines and techniques. In Music, students will learn theory and composition through consistent enjoyment of songs that include layers and different sound textures.
*Teaching Strategies*
In the Kindergarten program, the students are immersed into the Arts in a variety of ways. Students are provided with diverse instructions that allow them to use their creativity and become comfortable with their own ideas. Oak Learners urges the students to learn a variety of art forms and techniques and allows the students to be expressive in whatever way they would like.
#### Outdoor Education
*Overview*
Outdoor Education is the centre of everything we do at Oak Leaners. Research has demonstrated that interacting with nature on a consistent basis is highly beneficial for the mental health and well-being of children and teenagers. In particular, the World Health Organization has found that children raised with exposure to green spaces are 55% less likely to develop mental health concerns, such as stress-related illnesses. Also, children have demonstrated improved concentration, increased productivity, better behaviour and more positive relationships amongst their peer group when frequently learning in an outdoor environment.
*Skills Gained*
Utilizing the outdoor classroom as the “third teacher”, students at Oak Learners have the opportunity develop skills in stewardship, navigation, observation and stewardship. Skills in other subject areas are not learned in isolation; rather, students see how they are used in the community to ask questions and devise plans to solve real-world problems.
*Teaching Strategies*
All subject areas can be taught in an outdoor environment; however, the learning involves interaction with the outdoors and using our natural world as an opportunity for deeper understanding. Through Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and the Arts, students gain knowledge about their role as stewards and take responsibility for their role in preserving their environment. In particular, students are given many opportunities to see ‘treasures’ and ‘troubles’ in their community and work towards devising solutions.
**Student Project Showcase**
Read about how our students hatched Ducklings in the spring of 2018 as part of an amazing Inquiry-based unit on animal life cycles and eco-systems. **[CLICK HERE](https://oaklearners.ca/inquiry-in-the-classroom-how-hatching-ducklings-cultivated-a-rich-learning-opportunity-for-our-students/)** for the whole story!
## Start the Admissions Process
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year for all grade levels, JK through Grade 6.
Complete an Intake Questionnaire to begin the process today!
[Complete an Intake Questionnaire](https://oaklearners.ca/intake-inquiry/)
---
### [Oak Outside - Forest School in the City](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-outside-the-forest-school-in-the-city/)
**Published:** September 13, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
# Oak Outside
A Forest School in the City for Ages 8 -11
[Purchase Here](#purchase)
**Welcome to Our Forest School in the City!🌿**
Nestled in the heart of Toronto, *Oak Outside* reimagines local parks and green spaces as vibrant outdoor classrooms. Here, children learn through hands-on exploration, inquiry, and play—guided by the rhythms of nature and their own curiosity. Rooted in the belief that nature is a powerful teacher, our Forest School experience fosters resilience, creativity, and a deep, lasting connection to the environment.
**What is a Forest school**
Inspired by a movement that began in Scandinavia in the 1950s, Forest School has grown into a global educational approach—embraced in the UK, across Canada, and now right here at Oak Learners. Rooted in the belief that nature is a powerful teacher, Forest School encourages outdoor play, exploration, and hands-on learning as essential parts of early childhood development. Educators have long observed that time spent in nature fosters confidence, resilience, and strong social skills. In Canada, Forest School programs have flourished by weaving together Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, and child-led discovery. At Oak Learners, we’re proud to bring this enriching experience to our community—where curiosity thrives, and learning comes alive under the open sky
### Outdoor Education Plays a Key Role in Child Development
Playing and exploring outdoors are experiences that most adults today grew up with. Yet, in the past few decades, the amount of time that children spend outdoors and the ways they experience their neighbourhoods have changed drastically. Much of the recreational time of today’s children is spent on indoor pursuits, even among children who live in rural areas. Many research studies over the past decade link children’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health with time spent outdoors, experiencing nature. For example, students have been shown to have increased focus, confidence, self-esteem and overall feelings of happiness and satisfaction with school. Even something as simple as looking at a tree can have surprisingly calming effects! In addition, directly observing plants and animals helps children develop an understanding of “systems”, that is, the relationships and processes in nature, while building their connections to the community. Not only that, but learning outside is fun! Students are excited and enthusiastic to try new activities and discover new things. This type of experiential, “hands-on” learning often reaches students who don’t thrive in a typical classroom setting.
### Nature as the Primary Teacher: Experiential Learning and Inquiry
Oak Learners champions nature as an expansive and dynamic classroom, purposefully extending the learning environment beyond conventional indoor settings. Local parks, schoolyards, and various natural spaces become integral components of the educational landscape. This approach prioritizes direct, hands-on exploration and project-based inquiry, allowing children to physically engage with their surroundings and construct knowledge through authentic experiences.
The practical application of this philosophy is vividly illustrated through several examples. In one instance, students embarked on a [plant-based inquiry unit](https://oaklearners.ca/a-natural-way-to-learn/) by dissecting an almost-dead daffodil. This tactile interaction enabled them to physically examine plant parts and generate questions, underscoring the importance of close, physical engagement with the subject matter. Following this initial exploration, students planted various seeds and observed different stages of plant growth. This process naturally fostered individual inquiry, as exemplified by a student whose fascination with diverse bean varieties led to independent research on differentiation, non-fiction reading, report writing, scientific diagramming, and measurement skills. This demonstrates how learning within a natural context organically integrates multiple disciplines, blurring traditional academic boundaries.
During spring, [neighborhood walks](https://oaklearners.ca/spring-wonder-walks/) allowed students to observe crocuses and tulips, while [visits to High Park](https://oaklearners.ca/a-visit-to-see-the-high-park-cherry-blossoms/) facilitated studies of cherry blossoms, budding trees, and newly arrived birds. Recognizing the abundance of dandelions in a local park, [students decided to investigate](https://oaklearners.ca/a-natural-way-to-learn/) their uses beyond being a mere weed, specifically exploring their potential as a natural dye. They responsibly collected dandelions, ensuring an ample supply remained for pollinators, then examined the plant parts and chose to use only the flowers for a more vibrant yellow. By blending the dandelion flowers with water to create a paste for play-dough, students engaged in a multi-sensory, tactile learning experience that visibly incorporated natural elements, reinforcing understanding through direct engagement.
### Hands-on Learning Outdoors Increases Student Engagement and Inquiry
The emphasis on hands-on engagement and students pursuing their own areas of inquiry suggests that nature-based learning is not solely focused on what is learned, but profoundly influences how it is learned. The direct, tactile experiences inherent in interacting with nature naturally ignite curiosity, which in turn motivates students to ask questions and independently seek answers. This shifts the educational paradigm from one primarily driven by teacher instruction to one powered by student-driven exploration. This method cultivates intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning skills, which are essential for lifelong learning and adaptability in a constantly evolving world. By allowing students to explore their surroundings intimately and follow their emerging interests, Oak Learners fosters intellectual autonomy and a genuine love for discovery, moving beyond rote memorization. This also implies a flexible curriculum that can adapt to student interests, a hallmark of progressive educational practices.
Furthermore, the integration of physical and cognitive engagement in nature is a crucial aspect of this model. The physical acts of dissecting a plant, planting seeds, or creating dandelion play-dough are directly interwoven with cognitive processes such as questioning, researching, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. It is not merely physical activity within nature, but rather physical activity serving as a direct pathway to deeper cognitive understanding. This suggests that for Oak Learners, the body and mind are intrinsically linked in the learning process, particularly when situated in a natural environment. This holistic integration of physical and cognitive engagement likely contributes to more robust memory formation, deeper conceptual understanding, and a more embodied form of knowledge acquisition, contrasting sharply with purely abstract, classroom-bound learning. It reinforces the understanding that learning is an active, rather than passive, endeavor.
### Embracing Risky Play for Resilience
The emphasis on hands-on engagement and students pursuing their own areas of inquiry suggests that nature-based learning is not solely focused on what is learned, but profoundly influences how it is learned. The direct, tactile experiences inherent in interacting with nature naturally ignite curiosity, which in turn motivates students to ask questions and independently seek answers. This shifts the educational paradigm from one primarily driven by teacher instruction to one powered by student-driven exploration. This method cultivates intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning skills, which are essential for lifelong learning and adaptability in a constantly evolving world. By allowing students to explore their surroundings intimately and follow their emerging interests, Oak Learners fosters intellectual autonomy and a genuine love for discovery, moving beyond rote memorization. This also implies a flexible curriculum that can adapt to student interests, a hallmark of progressive educational practices.
Furthermore, the integration of physical and cognitive engagement in nature is a crucial aspect of this model. The physical acts of dissecting a plant, planting seeds, or creating dandelion play-dough are directly interwoven with cognitive processes such as questioning, researching, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. It is not merely physical activity within nature, but rather physical activity serving as a direct pathway to deeper cognitive understanding. This suggests that for Oak Learners, the body and mind are intrinsically linked in the learning process, particularly when situated in a natural environment. This holistic integration of physical and cognitive engagement likely contributes to more robust memory formation, deeper conceptual understanding, and a more embodied form of knowledge acquisition, contrasting sharply with purely abstract, classroom-bound learning. It reinforces the understanding that learning is an active, rather than passive, endeavor.
### Cultivating Community and Environmental Stewardship
The emphasis on hands-on engagement and students pursuing their own areas of inquiry suggests that nature-based learning is not solely focused on what is learned, but profoundly influences how it is learned. The direct, tactile experiences inherent in interacting with nature naturally ignite curiosity, which in turn motivates students to ask questions and independently seek answers. This shifts the educational paradigm from one primarily driven by teacher instruction to one powered by student-driven exploration. This method cultivates intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning skills, which are essential for lifelong learning and adaptability in a constantly evolving world. By allowing students to explore their surroundings intimately and follow their emerging interests, Oak Learners fosters intellectual autonomy and a genuine love for discovery, moving beyond rote memorization. This also implies a flexible curriculum that can adapt to student interests, a hallmark of progressive educational practices.
Furthermore, the integration of physical and cognitive engagement in nature is a crucial aspect of this model. The physical acts of dissecting a plant, planting seeds, or creating dandelion play-dough are directly interwoven with cognitive processes such as questioning, researching, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. It is not merely physical activity within nature, but rather physical activity serving as a direct pathway to deeper cognitive understanding. This suggests that for Oak Learners, the body and mind are intrinsically linked in the learning process, particularly when situated in a natural environment. This holistic integration of physical and cognitive engagement likely contributes to more robust memory formation, deeper conceptual understanding, and a more embodied form of knowledge acquisition, contrasting sharply with purely abstract, classroom-bound learning. It reinforces the understanding that learning is an active, rather than passive, endeavor.
## Environmental Stewardship
Understanding the responsibility of caring for our local environment.
## Navigation and Mapping
Developing skills to navigate the local community and trails.
## Observation and Inquiry
Scientific investigation and STEAM integration sparked by natural observation and inquiry.
## Sense of “Place” and Belonging,
Building an understanding of our place and role in our community.
## Local Culture and Heritage
Developing an appreciation for local culture, tradition and heritage.
Outdoor Education plays a key role in skill development!
Playing and exploring outdoors are experiences that most adults today grew up with.
Yet, in the past few decades, the amount of time that children spend outdoors and the ways they experience their neighbourhoods, have changed drastically. Much of the recreational time of today’s children is spent on indoor pursuits, even among children who live in rural areas.
Many research studies over the past decade link children’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health with time spent outdoors, experiencing nature. For example, students have been shown to have increased focus, confidence, self-esteem and overall feelings of happiness and satisfaction with school.
Even something as simple as looking at a tree can have surprisingly calming effects! In addition, directly observing plants and animals help children develop an understanding of “systems”, that is, the relationships and processes in nature, while building their connections to community. Not only that but learning outside is fun! Students are excited and enthusiastic to try new activities and discover new things. This type of experiential, “hands-on” learning often reaches students who don’t thrive in a typical classroom setting.
🌿 Oak Outside: The Forest School in the City **5-Week Outdoor Learning Experience** Let nature be your child’s classroom! Oak Outside offers a unique forest school program where children explore local parks, engage in hands-on environmental learning, and build confidence through inquiry-based adventures. Rooted in the Oak Learners philosophy, this program nurtures curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world. **Program Details:**
- **Wednesdays:** October 1 – October 29 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- **Saturdays:** October 4 – November 1 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- **Location:** 3003B Lake Shore Blvd. W.
- **Ages:** 8–11 years
- **Cost:** $180 for the full 5-week session
**What’s Included:**
- Guided nature walks and ecological exploration
- Creative outdoor activities
- Social-emotional learning through teamwork and reflection
More Outdoor Programs at Oak Learners
- [## March Break Camp 2027
$395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-camp/)
- [## March Break – Extended Hours
$50.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-extended-hours/)
- [## PA Day Camps 2026/27
$90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-camp/)
- [## Winter Break Camps
$65.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/winter-break-camps/)
- [## Summer Camps 2026
Rated **5.00** out of 5
$315.00 – $395.00Price range: $315.00 through $395.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
- [## Summer Camps Extended Hours
$50.00 – $90.00Price range: $50.00 through $90.00](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/)
# From our Blog
Stay connected with News, Activities, our latest Research and More!
[](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| Jul 17, 2026
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
## [How Summer Camp Boosts Kids’ Mood & Wellbeing](https://oaklearners.ca/summer-camp-boost-kids-mood/)
by [Daniela Urbina](https://oaklearners.ca/author/daniela-urbina/ "Posts by Daniela Urbina") \| Jan 10, 2026
The right kind of camp can act like a reset button for kids’ mood, confidence, and sense of connection—not just “something to do.” And the kind of camps Oak runs (small groups, nature, arts, movement, cozy community vibes) line up surprisingly well with what recent research says children need to feel well.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/crawford-lake-field-trip-oct-2024/)
## [Crawford Lake Field Trip – Oct 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/crawford-lake-field-trip-oct-2024/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| Oct 12, 2024
On October 2, 2024, students from Oak Learners’ Royal York and Lakeshore Campuses ventured to Crawford Lake Conservation Area, where they stepped back in time to explore a 15th-century Longhouse Village!
[](https://oaklearners.ca/best-fall-outdoor-clothing-for-kids/)
## [The Best Fall Outdoor Clothing for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/best-fall-outdoor-clothing-for-kids/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| Aug 29, 2024
The best outdoor clothing can make a huge difference in kids enjoyment of outside education and family time. This post gives you some ideas to consider when shopping for the right gear.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/supporting-the-trans-canada-trail-care-day-2024/)
## [Supporting the Trans Canada Trail Care Day 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/supporting-the-trans-canada-trail-care-day-2024/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| Jun 3, 2024
On Saturday, June 1, Oak Learners joined the Trans Canada Trail Team and the Waterfront Trail team for Trail Care Day 2024! Oak Learners was excited to provide activities for families, including a self-guided scavenger hunt on the Trail.
[](https://oaklearners.ca/our-students-join-the-shoreline-cleanup-at-colonel-sam-smith-park-for-earth-day-2024/)
## [Our Students join the Shoreline Cleanup at Colonel Sam Smith Park for Earth Day 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/our-students-join-the-shoreline-cleanup-at-colonel-sam-smith-park-for-earth-day-2024/)
by [Kelly Farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/author/oaklearners/ "Posts by Kelly Farrell") \| Apr 23, 2024
On Monday, April 22, the entire student body and staff team gathered at the shores of Colonel Samuel Smith Park to collect garbage in an effort to contribute to keeping our shoreline and park free of garbage.
[« Older Entries](https://oaklearners.ca/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=as_async_request_queue_runner&nonce=b6b69ed2f0&paged=2&et_blog)
---
### [Refer-a-friend](https://oaklearners.ca/refer-a-friend/)
**Published:** August 4, 2020
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
Invite a friend via Facebook, Twitter or email and they’ll get a $50 welcome credit, plus you’ll get $100 in your own account when they place their first order, as our little thank you.
\[automatewoo\_referrals\_page\]
---
### [Willow Occupational Therapy at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/willow-occupational-therapy-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** April 18, 2020
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Willow Occupational Therapy at Oak Learners
Like a tree, every child grows at their own pace and in their own direction. Our private tutors nurture from JK through University.[New? Inquire about Tutoring Here](#Register-for-Summer-Skill-Boosters)
## About WillowOT
**Willow Occupational Therapy** offers individualized and private therapy sessions for children and young adults. With a focus on developing independence, Willow employs evidence-based practices and a collaborative approach to skill development that encompasses family, community and the individual.
Willow offers **home-**, **school-**, and **daycare-based** therapy sessions. We focus on working with individuals in “real-life” environments because it provides a more natural and un-fabricated perspective of a client’s life. This contributes to more authentic and personalized assessments and ultimately more successful interventions. Collaboration with Parents and Teachers is also paramount for successful programming. We treat members of a client’s social circle as teammates as they provide not only an in-depth understanding of the challenges and concerns that clients face, but also insight into the goals a client should strive to meet.
## Occupational Therapy Services
Willow OT provides assessments, therapeutic interventions, and consultations in the home setting or at school. By employing formal assessment tools and significant clinical experience, Willow’s Comprehensive Assessment Process ensures the best form of intervention for the client. With a focus on customizing programming to meet the unique needs of individual clients, interventions imbed therapeutic techniques into everyday activities that are relevant, realistic and most importantly fun!
- - Fine Motor Skills
- Gross Motor Skills
- Play & Social Skills
- Sensory Processessin
- Daily Living Skills
- School Skills
- Recreational Services
[Learn more about services by Willow Occupational Therapy](https://willowot.com/services)
## At Home Programs from Willot OT
[Register for At-Home programming with Willow OT](https://willowot.com/contact)
# Articles from Willow OT
## [Back to School Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| Sep 11, 2026
The back to school season doesn’t start on the first day of school. It starts with shopping and preparing for a successful school year. This round up post of our back to school articles can help make this school year a success from the start.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/back-to-school-round-up/)
## [Explore Nature Together: Flower Walks](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| Jul 17, 2026
Explore nature as a family! Short walks can be a lot of fun and build environmental care and awareness. The best part is that this can be done in every season and every type of weather if you look at the world around you with curiosity.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/flower-walks-explore-nature-together/)
## [Marker Painting: How to use up old markers](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
by [Rowyn](https://oaklearners.ca/author/amandam/ "Posts by Rowyn") \| Jun 29, 2026
Don’t throw away old markers! Use up old markers are watercolour paint and enjoy hours of fun exploring textures, materials, and drying methods.
[read more](https://oaklearners.ca/marker-painting-how-to-use-up-old-markers/)
---
### [Announcement Bar](https://oaklearners.ca/accouncement-bar/)
**Published:** March 12, 2020
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
## Credit card payments are not being processed right now. We are working on the issue and hope to have it resolved ASAP
---
### [Expansion Fundraiser](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/expansion-fundraiser/)
**Published:** September 8, 2019
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Oak Learners’ Lower Level Expansion 2019/2020
Expansion includes a NEW Music & Movement Space for our community
# Thank you for a successful renovation!
We asked for donations, sponsors, and volunteers and the community delivered.
Through countless hours of drywalling, sanding, painting, flouring, and more, we made it happen together. We couldn’t have done it without you.
A heartfelt thank you to the following donors and sponsors and an equally heartfelt thank you to the many volunteers for their time and energy in seeing this project to completion.
Jasmine Horvath Bush
Delisa Abraham
Caela Arbuckle
Anne Ouzas
Canadian Tire
Fred van der Jagt
Shayne Henderson
Nici Shipway
Gaby Mammone
Joel Keitner
Maria N. Angelova
Hope Hanson-Baker
Stephen Lunau
Denise A. Schon
Natalie Ryan
Heather McRae
Jason Behamdouni
Leslie Milthorpe
Jackie Allen
Photography Funds
Mike Farrell
Dave Farrell
Cathy & Jim Hartford
Sue & Dave Robertson
Michael Thome
Carmen Ispas
Robert Chapman
Tom Farrell
- [Support Us](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/)
- [Expansion Fundraiser](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/expansion-fundraiser/)
- [Our Learning Garden](https://oaklearners.ca/the-learning-garden/)
- [Oak Learners Classroom Pets](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-classroom-pets/)
Oak Learners is expanding our Music and Movement space at our centre to better serve the growing needs of our school and our community. We are reaching out for support with the renovations and furnishing for our new space, which is expected to be ready by late-October 2019.
Since it’s inception in 2015, Oak Learners has continuously expanded our programs to fulfill to the needs and requests of the community. Over 350 families have been through our doors, partaking in unique, arts-enriched and personalized programs.
Oak Learners has added an additional space on our lower level and expanded its programs. The new Music and Movement space, specially designed for children, has helped Oak Learners offer a more comprehensive programming, improved day camps as well as after-school and weekend initiatives.
We have designed our Centre to provide unique and creative learning spaces. We are so thankful for the donations that we received in order to make this space expansion a reality! The materials and monetary donations made the world of a difference and this space has brough a significant change to Oak Learners!
# This expansion was able to happen thanks to your support!
### To donate any resources please email us at <info@oaklearners.ca> or call us at [416-820-5233](tel:416-820-5233)
# Help Oak Thrive
[Donate to our Projects](https://oaklearners.ca/product/donate-to-oak-learners/)
---
### [Opportunities](https://oaklearners.ca/opportunities/)
**Published:** April 13, 2019
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Join our Team!
Job & Volunteer Opportunities at Oak Learners
**Our Team at Oak Learners is the strength of our school. We look for vibrant, innovative and experienced educators to work with our students. We have a team of full-time and part-time Elementary Teachers, After-School Tutors and Academic Coaches, Behaviour and Literacy Specialists, Music Teachers, Art Teachers, Occupational Therapists and more!**
We are always looking for enthusiastic educators to join our amazing team at Oak Learners.
✔️ **Full-time Elementary Teachers** for Kindergarten, Early Elementary and Middle School programs
✔️ **Private Tutors** for **evenings** and **weekends**
✔️ **Private Music Instructors** for **evenings** and **weekends**
**✔️ After-School Enrichment Program Instructor**
---
All Open positions can be **[viewed on Indeed](https://ca.indeed.com/cmp/Oak-Learners/jobs)**.
If you are interested, please apply below!
### **Benefits of working at Oak Learners**
#### Teamwork
Supportive team, great communication and camaraderie.
#### Flexibility
Part-time teachers set their own schedules.
#### Competitive Compensation
Competitive pay scale with opportunities for advancement.
#### Optional Health Benefits
Option to subscribe to a comprehensive extended Health Benefits plan.
#### Convenient Location
Conveniently located on Royal York Rd, in Mimico Village, accessibly by the TTC and Go Train. Parking on site.
We are always accepting resumes to keep on file. Please submit a detailed **Cover Letter and Resume** below and let us know why you would be an asset to the Oak Learners Team.
First Name \*
Last Name
Email Address \*
Phone \*
Job TypeFull-time TeachingPart-time TeachingVolunteeringSummer CampsTutoring (After school/Weekend)Music InstructionArt InstructionOther
Message:
Resume UploadChoose FileNo file chosenDelete uploaded file
Apply
Please do not fill in this field.
---
### [Contact](https://oaklearners.ca/contact/)
**Published:** April 16, 2016
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Contact Us
Oak Learners
## Royal York Campus
394 Royal York Road
Etobicoke, Ontario
M8Y 3R2
416-820-5233
info@oaklearners.ca
To inquire about a program at Oak Learners Inc., please complete the form below, include the program(s) you are interested in, and we will be in contact within 48 hours.
---
## INQUIRE BELOW
**If you are having technical difficulties with the website please email <support@oaklearners.ca>**
Please select a department: \*DepartmentTech SupportProgram InquiriesJob Opportunities
First Name \*
Email Address \*
Message0 / 180
Send Message
Please do not fill in this field. You can view our Privacy Policy here: [Privacy Policy](https://oaklearners.ca/privacy-policy/)
---
### [Support Us](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/)
**Published:** September 8, 2019
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Support Brighter Futures at Oak Learners
Oak Learners runs on community generosity. Your gift directly funds our learning spaces, garden, and classroom.[Donate](#Donate)
🌟 **Support Growth at Oak Learners**
Oak Learners is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to nurturing creativity, confidence, and compassion in children through holistic, experiential education. Every program we offer is rooted in our mission to foster meaningful learning and build inclusive, supportive communities.
As a small but mighty organization, we rely on the generosity of donors and community partners to help us grow. Your support directly impacts the spaces and experiences we create for our learners, from upgrading our facilities to caring for our beloved classroom pets and expanding our garden as a place of connection and inquiry.
🌱 **This season, we’re seeking donations to support three key areas:**
- Enhancing our **indoor and outdoor learning spaces** with accessible, child-friendly upgrades
- Expanding and maintaining our **garden** as a hands-on learning environment
- Supporting the care and enrichment of our **classroom pets**, who bring joy and emotional connection to our students
🤝 **We’re also looking to collaborate with our community.** If you’re interested in partnering with Oak Learners or hosting an event with us, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to **info@oaklearners.ca** to start the conversation.
Together, we can continue building a space where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
- [Support Us](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/)
- [Expansion Fundraiser](https://oaklearners.ca/support-us/expansion-fundraiser/)
- [Our Learning Garden](https://oaklearners.ca/the-learning-garden/)
- [Oak Learners Classroom Pets](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-classroom-pets/)
# Current Projects
#### New Signs For Oak Learners
Oak Learners is growing, and we need your help to make our space as welcoming and inspiring as the community inside it.
We’re raising **$10,000** to cover the cost of **new signage and frosted windows** that reflect our values of creativity, connection, and care. s.
#### Support Our Classroom Pets!
At Oak Learners, we believe that classroom pets inspire care, kindness, and curiosity. From Cookie the bearded dragon to our cuddly critters and curious crawlers, these beloved companions help children learn empathy, responsibility, and connection.
We’re raising funds to help cover the cost of **food, habitat supplies, and ongoing care** for our classroom pets.
#### Grow With Us
At Oak Learners, our outdoor space and garden are more than just beautiful; they’re living classrooms. Each year, children plant herbs, vegetables, and flowers, learning firsthand about ecosystems, sustainability, and the joy of nurturing life.
Our garden also supports local butterflies and pollinators, creating a vibrant space for exploration and connection.
This season, we’re inviting our community to help us grow. We’re raising funds to purchase new items for the spring.
# **Current Projects**
- New Signage and frosted windows for Royal York
- [The “*Learning Garden*,” a *garden area* for our school](https://oaklearners.ca/the-learning-garden/)
- Upgrading our current technology for the students enjoyment and to move our Day School program into the 21st Century
- [Classroom pets: we hatched](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-classroom-pets/)
- [Annual Monarch butterfly hatching each year](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-classroom-pets/)
# **Past Projects**
- Group classes in [Dance, Yoga, Movement](https://oaklearners.ca/mindfulness-yoga-movement/) for all ages
- [Classroom pets: we hatched in previous years](https://oaklearners.ca/oak-learners-classroom-pets/)
- Our library expansion! We will always take donations of any books
- Music & Movement [Space Expansion](https://oaklearners.ca/expansion-fundraiser/)
[Donate to Our Projects](#Donate)
##### The Learning Garden
**Oak Learners is Growing a Greener Community!**
We’re excited to continue our green initiative that supports both the Oak Learners and Mimico communities. Each year, we expand and enrich our garden — adding new plants, nurturing pollinator pathways, and creating vibrant spaces for children to learn, explore, and connect with nature.
This coming **spring**, we’re building on that momentum by enhancing city tree beds and introducing fresh planters around our campus. These additions will help create a more beautiful, sustainable, and welcoming neighborhood for everyone — learners, families, and passersby alike.
🌱 **Every plant makes a difference — and so can you!**
Explore our project plans below to see how you can support by donating materials, contributing to our cause, or simply spreading the word.
[Click Here to Follow Oak on Instagram for Donation Updates!](https://www.instagram.com/oaklearners/)
# Celebrating Our Generous Donors
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated. Your generosity means the world to us.
2024/2025
---
### [Upcoming Events](https://oaklearners.ca/upcoming-events/)
**Published:** October 15, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Upcoming Events
Search
Reset
Subscribe To Calendar[Google Calendar](https://www.google.com/calendar/render?cid=webcal%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2F%3Fpost_type%3Dtribe_events%26tribe-bar-date%3D2026-10-20%26ical%3D1%26eventDisplay%3Dlist)[iCalendar](webcal://oaklearners.ca/?post_type=tribe_events&tribe-bar-date=2026-10-20&ical=1&eventDisplay=list)[Outlook 365](https://outlook.office.com/owa?path=%2Fcalendar%2Faction%2Fcompose&rru=addsubscription&url=webcal%253A%252F%252Foaklearners.ca%252F%253Fpost_type%253Dtribe_events%2526tribe-bar-date%253D2026-10-20%2526eventDisplay%253Dlist%26ical%3D1&name=Oak+Learners+Events+%7C+Oak+Learners)[Outlook Live](https://outlook.live.com/owa?path=%2Fcalendar%2Faction%2Fcompose&rru=addsubscription&url=webcal%253A%252F%252Foaklearners.ca%252F%253Fpost_type%253Dtribe_events%2526tribe-bar-date%253D2026-10-20%2526eventDisplay%253Dlist%26ical%3D1&name=Oak+Learners+Events+%7C+Oak+Learners)[Export .ics file](https://oaklearners.ca/events//list/?ical=1)[Export Outlook .ics file](https://oaklearners.ca/events//list/?outlook-ical=1)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-11-03/)
## [ ☕ Coffee and Connections ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-11-03/)
Date
November 03, 2026
Time
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Venue
Oak Learners – Royal York Campus
Organizer
Oak Learners
[More Info](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-11-03/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4-2/2026-11-24/)
## [ Open House ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4-2/2026-11-24/)
Date
November 24, 2026
Time
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Venue
Oak Learners – Royal York Campus
Organizer
Oak Learners
Category
Open House
[More Info](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4-2/2026-11-24/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-12-01/)
## [ ☕ Coffee and Connections ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-12-01/)
Date
December 01, 2026
Time
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Venue
Oak Learners – Royal York Campus
Organizer
Oak Learners
[More Info](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-12-01/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2027-01-05/)
## [ ☕ Coffee and Connections ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2027-01-05/)
Date
January 05, 2027
Time
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Venue
Oak Learners – Royal York Campus
Organizer
Oak Learners
[More Info](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2027-01-05/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4/2027-01-21/)
## [ Open House ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4/2027-01-21/)
Date
January 21, 2027
Time
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Venue
Oak Learners – Royal York Campus
Organizer
Oak Learners
Category
Open House
[More Info](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4/2027-01-21/)
[](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4-2/2027-01-21/)
## [ Open House ](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4-2/2027-01-21/)
Date
January 21, 2027
Time
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Venue
Oak Learners – Royal York Campus
Organizer
Oak Learners
Category
Open House
[More Info](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4-2/2027-01-21/)
---
### [Communication preferences](https://oaklearners.ca/communication-preferences/)
**Published:** July 28, 2020
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
\[automatewoo\_communication\_preferences\]
---
## Products
### [Winter Break Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product/winter-break-camps/)
**Published:** November 14, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Winter break Camps
Our camps are a joyful blend of creativity, nature, and community for kids to explore, connect, and celebrate the season.
Dates: Dec 21 | Dec 22 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Dec 29 | Dec 30
Price: $65
Regular Camp Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Royal York Campus, 394 Royal York Rd.
Drop-off: begins at 9:00 AM, and pick-up is available until 2:45 - 3:00 PM
Flexible daily registration: choose the days that work for you!
Note We will not be offering extended care for Holiday Camps
**Content:**
# **Winter Break Camps**
Our Winter Break Camps are a joyful blend of creativity, nature, and community, designed to give children the chance to explore, connect, and celebrate the season together. Each day offers a mix of hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and festive projects that spark imagination and build friendships.
**Price: $65**
**Dates:** December 21, 22, 23
December 28, 29, 30
**Location:** Royal York Campus, 394 Royal York Rd.
**Regular Camp Hours:** 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Drop-off begins at 9:00 AM, and pick-up is available between 2:45 and 3:00 PM.
***Note: We will not be offering extended care for holiday camps.***
We offer flexible daily registration so families can choose the days that work best for their schedules. Whether your child joins us for one day or the whole week, they will enjoy a welcoming environment filled with creativity, laughter, and seasonal cheer.
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-
**Product categories:** BASE Camp, Current Camps, Day Camps
**Product tags:** camp, day camp, etobicoke camps, holiday break, winter break
---
### [Summer Camps 2026](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-2026/)
**Published:** January 1, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Summer Camps 2026 at Oak Learners
Celebrate 12 years with us at Oak Learners! Our 2026 summer camp offers a unique experience that keeps children coming back. With weekly themes, outdoor learning, and hands-on activities, campers build creativity, confidence, and community in a supportive setting.
2026 Arts & Adventures Camp Weekly Themes
Week 1: July 6-10, Nature's Canvas
Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists
Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest
Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer
Week 5: Aug 4-7, Wildlife Explorers
Week 6: Aug 10-14, Junior Engineers
Week 7: Aug 17-21, Bugs & Butterflies
Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty
**Content:**
# **Summer Camps 2026 at Oak Learners**
Celebrate 12 years with us at Oak Learners! Summer Camps 2026 offer a unique experience that keeps children coming back. Through weekly themes, outdoor learning, and hands-on activities, campers build creativity, confidence, and community in a supportive setting.
### **2026 Summer Camps: Arts & Adventures Camp Weekly Themes**
- Week 1: July 6-10, Nature’s Canvas
- Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists
- Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest
- Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer
- Week 5: Aug 4-7, Wildlife Explorers
- Week 6: Aug 10-14, Junior Engineers
- Week 7: Aug 17-21, Bugs & Butterflies
- Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty
### **Fees & Registration**
- Pay in full at registration to reserve your spot in our Summer Camps.
- Once registered, you can make one change free of charge.
- Additional change requests will incur a **$15 administration fee** per request.
- For details or to request a change, simply contact <camps@oaklearners.ca>.
### **Cancellation Policy**
**Summer Camp 2026 Cancellation Policy**
- If you cancel **before June 1**, you’ll pay a **10% administration fee.**
- If you cancel on or **after June 1**, you’ll pay a **50% administration fee.**
- We **don’t accept cancellations within 7 days of the session start date**.
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-
**Product categories:** All Summer Camps, Classic Summer Camps, Day Camps, Oak Outside, Summer Camp: Royal York Campus
**Product tags:** academic camps, art camp, etobicoke, mimico, music, musical theatre, outdoor camp, outdoor education, outdoor learning, science kids, stem camp, summer camp, summer camp 2026
---
### [Summer Camps Extended Hours](https://oaklearners.ca/product/summer-camps-extended-hours/)
**Published:** January 1, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Summer Camps Extended Hours
Summer camps extended hours at Oak Learners are designed to support families who need additional flexibility throughout the summer. Our extended hours program helps make mornings and evenings easier for busy parents by offering reliable care before and after the regular camp day. Campers enjoy a safe, welcoming, and supervised environment where they can ease into the day or unwind with calm activities at the end of the afternoon. These options give parents peace of mind while ensuring children remain engaged and cared for.
Regular Camp Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Drop-off permitted from 9:00am - 9:15am
Pick-up is from 3:45pm - 4:00pm
Pick‑ups after 4:00 pm may incur additional charges for extra care time.
Extended Hours (Weekly Only)
Extended hours must be purchased by the week so that we can plan consistent staffing and supervision. Families may choose morning care, afternoon care, or full-day coverage depending on their needs.
Morning Early Drop-Off: 7:30 to 9:00am, $50 per week
Afternoon Late Pickup: 4:00 to 6:00pm, $50 per week
Full Coverage: 7:30am to 6:00pm, $90 per week
**Content:**
# Summer Camps Extended Hours
Summer camps extended hours at Oak Learners are designed to support families who need additional flexibility throughout the summer. Our extended hours program helps make mornings and evenings easier for busy parents by offering reliable care before and after the regular camp day. Campers enjoy a safe, welcoming, and supervised environment where they can ease into the day or unwind with calm activities at the end of the afternoon. These options give parents peace of mind while ensuring children remain engaged and cared for.
**Regular Camp Hours:** 9:00am – 4:00pm
Drop-off permitted from 9:00am – 9:15am
Pick-up is from 3:45pm – 4:00pm
**Pick‑ups after 4:00 pm may incur additional charges for extra care time.**
**Extended Hours Policy**
Extended hours must be purchased by the week. Weekly registration allows us to plan consistent staffing, maintain proper supervision, and create a predictable routine for all campers.
**Options and Pricing**
**Morning Early Drop-Off:** 7:30 to 9:00am, $50 per week
**Afternoon Late Pickup:** 4:00 to 6:00pm, $50 per week
**Morning and Afternoon Coverage:** 7:30am to 6:00pm, $90 per week
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-
**Product categories:** All Summer Camps
---
### [Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product/preschool-enrichment-mini-camp/)
**Published:** January 1, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
Our Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp gives your child a strong head start for Kindergarten in September 2026. Designed for children ages 3 to 4, this half-day summer program builds confidence, independence, and early learning skills through play-based exploration. Educators create a positive environment where children develop essential classroom skills such as following directions, sharing, problem-solving, and working with peers. The curriculum introduces early literacy, numeracy, science, and French language concepts through a natural, inquiry-based approach. Program Details Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:00pm Price: $195 Location: Oak Learners Royal York Campus
**Content:**
- [Description](#tab-description)
- [Additional information](#tab-additional_information)
# Preschool Enrichment Mini Camp
Our Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp gives your child a strong head start for Kindergarten in September 2026. Designed for children ages 3 to 4, this program focuses on building confidence, independence, and early learning skills that support a smooth transition into the school environment. The half-day format provides a gentle and engaging introduction to structured routines while still allowing plenty of time for play and exploration. **What to Expect** Children learn in a positive and nurturing setting where they are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and discover new interests. Our experienced educators guide play-based activities that help children develop essential classroom skills such as following directions, sharing materials, problem-solving, and working cooperatively with peers. The curriculum introduces early literacy, numeracy, science, and French language concepts through a natural, inquiry-based approach that keeps learning fun and meaningful. **Program Details** Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:00pm Price: $195 Weekly attendance during the summer, aligned with our Summer Camp themes Location: Oak Learners Royal York Campus, 394 Royal York Rd. Theme for 2026: Week 1: July 6-10, Nature’s Canvas Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer Week 5: Aug 4-7, Wildlife Explorers Week 6: Aug 10-14, Junior Engineers Week 7: Aug 17-21, Bugs & Butterflies Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty Help your child build a strong foundation for future learning and enter Kindergarten with confidence.
## Additional information
| Camp Week | Week 1: July 6-10, Nature's Canvas, Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists, Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest, Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer, Week 5: Aug 4-7, Wildlife Explorers, Week 6: Aug 10-14,Junior Engineers, Week 7: Aug 17-21,Bugs & Butterflies, Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty |
|---|---|
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-
**Product categories:** All Summer Camps, Preschool (Onsite), Summer Camp: Royal York Campus
**Product tags:** kindergarten, kindergarten readiness, preschool, preschool summer camp, summer camp
---
### [Junior Learn & Lead](https://oaklearners.ca/product/junior-learn-lead/)
**Published:** January 1, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:**
Junior Learn & Lead: Counselor in Training for Ages 11-13
Give your Tween or Teen a strong start in leadership with our Junior Learn & Lead program. Participants build confidence, practice teamwork, and learn the fundamentals of working with children while receiving daily mentorship from the Camp Director. This structured, supportive program helps young leaders set goals, reflect on their growth, and gain real experience in a fun camp environment. Each participant earns a certificate of completion, making it a meaningful step toward future leadership opportunities.
**Content:**
# Junior Learn & Lead: Counselor in Training Ages 11-13
Kickstart your leadership journey! Our Junior Learn and Lead program provides a fantastic opportunity for Tweens and Teens to explore the world of camp leadership. Develop confidence, build teamwork skills, and learn the basics of working with children. This program offers a structured learning experience with daily mentorship from our Camp Director, helping you set goals and reflect on your progress. All participants will receive a certificate of completion. Fees are $175 per participant, per week.
Program Highlights:
- Daily mentorship and goal setting with the Camp Director.
- Hands-on experience working with campers and counselors.
- Skill development in communication, teamwork, and leadership.
- A fun and engaging camp environment.
Ready to lead? Join today and discover your leadership potential this summer at Oak Learners!
\*Not eligible for volunteer hours. Certificate of completion.
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-
**Product categories:** All Summer Camps, Leadership, Summer Camp: Royal York Campus
**Product tags:** cit, leadership, summer camp, summer camp youth, youth leadership, youth programming
---
### [Senior Learn & Lead](https://oaklearners.ca/product/senior-learn-lead-counselor-in-training/)
**Published:** January 1, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Senior Learn & Lead: Counselor in Training Ages 14-17
Step into leadership this summer with our Senior CIT program. Teens gain real experience supporting campers, working alongside counselors, and building confidence through daily mentorship with the Camp Director. Participants develop strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while earning documented volunteer hours and a certificate of completion. It is a meaningful way to grow, give back, and shine in a fun camp environment.
**Content:**
# Senior Learn & Lead: Counselor in Training Ages 14-17
Gain valuable experience and make a difference! Our Senior Learn & Lead program offers teens the chance to contribute to the camp community while developing crucial leadership skills. Work alongside experienced counselors, mentor younger campers, and build your resume with documented volunteer hours. Daily meetings with the Camp Director provide guidance and support, helping you maximize your learning and impact. All Learn & Lead participants receive a certificate of completion and are eligible for High School Volunteer Hours.
Program Highlights:
- Daily mentorship and goal setting with the Camp Director.
- Hands-on experience working with campers and counselors.
- Skill development in communication, teamwork, and leadership.
- A fun and engaging camp environment.
Ready to lead? Join today and discover your leadership potential this summer at Oak Learners!
\*Eligible for High School volunteer hours
Certificate of completion.
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-
**Product categories:** All Summer Camps, Leadership, Summer Camp: Royal York Campus
**Product tags:** counselor in training, leadership, summer camp 2025, summer camp leadership, summer camp youth, youth
---
### [Tutoring Credits](https://oaklearners.ca/product/tutoring_credits/)
**Published:** August 4, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Excerpt:** Personalized private tutoring at Oak Learners combines mentoring, mindfulness, and academic support to help students thrive. Expert educators tailor programs to individual learning needs, track progress, and provide ongoing feedback for meaningful growth.
**Content:**
# Tutoring Credits
***\*For credit cards, e-transfers, and to complete your purchase, please go to checkout.***
[Continue Shopping](https://oaklearners.ca/shop/)
[Go to checkout](https://oaklearners.ca/checkout/)
- [Description](#tab-description)
- [Additional information](#tab-additional_information)
# Preschool Enrichment Mini Camp
Our Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp gives your child a strong head start for Kindergarten in September 2026. Designed for children ages 3 to 4, this program focuses on building confidence, independence, and early learning skills that support a smooth transition into the school environment. The half-day format provides a gentle and engaging introduction to structured routines while still allowing plenty of time for play and exploration. **What to Expect** Children learn in a positive and nurturing setting where they are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and discover new interests. Our experienced educators guide play-based activities that help children develop essential classroom skills such as following directions, sharing materials, problem-solving, and working cooperatively with peers. The curriculum introduces early literacy, numeracy, science, and French language concepts through a natural, inquiry-based approach that keeps learning fun and meaningful. **Program Details** Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:00pm Price: $195 Weekly attendance during the summer, aligned with our Summer Camp themes Location: Oak Learners Royal York Campus, 394 Royal York Rd. Theme for 2026: Week 1: July 6-10, Nature’s Canvas Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer Week 5: Aug 4-7, Wildlife Explorers Week 6: Aug 10-14, Junior Engineers Week 7: Aug 17-21, Bugs & Butterflies Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty Help your child build a strong foundation for future learning and enter Kindergarten with confidence.
## Additional information
| Camp Week | Week 1: July 6-10, Nature's Canvas, Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists, Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest, Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer, Week 5: Aug 4-7, Wildlife Explorers, Week 6: Aug 10-14,Junior Engineers, Week 7: Aug 17-21,Bugs & Butterflies, Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty |
|---|---|
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-
**Product categories:** Academic Programs, Math, Tutoring
**Product tags:** tutoring
---
### [Music Credits](https://oaklearners.ca/product/music_credits/)
**Published:** August 4, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Excerpt:** Music credits provide access to personalized music instruction across Piano, Guitar, Voice, Drums, Composition, and more. Whether your child is a beginner discovering their first instrument or an experienced player refining their craft, our experienced teachers tailor instruction to each student's learning style and goals.
**Content:**
# Music Credits
Music credits give you the flexibility to book personalized music lessons whenever your child is ready to learn. Pay for what you use, schedule lessons on your timeline, and build a lifelong love of music with expert instruction tailored to every learner.
***\*For credit cards, e-transfers, and to complete your purchase, please go to checkout.***
[Continue Shopping](https://oaklearners.ca/shop/)
[Go To Checkout](https://oaklearners.ca/checkout/)
**LONG PRODUCT DESCRIPTION**
Music credits provide access to personalized music instruction across Piano, Guitar, Voice, Drums, Composition, and more. Whether your child is a beginner discovering their first instrument or an experienced player refining their craft, our experienced teachers tailor instruction to each student’s learning style and goals.
**What Your Credits Include**
- One-to-one instruction with expert musicians
- Personalized lessons blending music theory with engaging, fun practice
- Flexible scheduling; book lessons whenever your child is ready
- No expiry date; credits roll over indefinitely
- Supportive, arts-focused learning environment
- Access to Oak Learners concert performances
**2026–2027 Music Terms**
- Fall term: September 8 – December 4, 2026
- Winter term: December 7, 2026 – March 12, 2027
- Spring term: March 22 – June 25, 2027
- Summer term: July 5 – August 27, 2027
**Performance Opportunities**
- Winter Concert: Tuesday, December 9, 2026
- Spring Concert: Wednesday, June 16, 2027
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-
**Product categories:** Academic Programs, Music Lessons
**Product tags:** drum lessons, drum lessons etobicoke, drums, etobicoke, guitar, guitar lessons, mimico, music, music lessons, music lessons etobicoke, music school, musical theatre, new toronto, percussion, piano, piano lessons, piano lessons etobicoke, private lessons, private music lessons, ukulele, ukulele lessons, vocal
---
### [March Break Camp 2027](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-camp/)
**Published:** October 31, 2023
**Author:** Sara
**Excerpt:** March Break is awesome at Oak Learners!
March 15-19, 2027
Every day during March Break Camp will be themed, and all activities will be related to that theme. A typical day for all campers includes a morning meditation with yoga elements, fun arts, drama, and musical activities throughout the day, and an outdoor adventure trip to a local park or nature trail in the afternoon.
**Content:**
***\*For credit cards, e-transfers, and to complete your purchase, please go to checkout.***
[Continue Shopping](https://oaklearners.ca/shop/)
[Go to Checkout](https://oaklearners.ca/checkout/)
### Stress-Free Party Over 10 Kids: We Run the Fun!
Want a fully hosted party experience but celebrating with a bigger group? Our hosted party for over 10 kids includes everything from our under-10 kids package, plus an extra host, so all your child’s friends get personalized attention and an amazing celebration.
#### What’s Included
- 2.5 hours of private facility access (includes setup time)
- Private use of both the Front Lounge and Studio
- Sound system with Bluetooth capability and party lights
- Tables, chairs, and complete setup
- Full décor package (backdrop and banners)
- Tableware included (plates, cups, napkins)
- Two experienced hosts to facilitate all activities
- Age-appropriate craft tailored to your child’s theme
- Interactive game (freeze dance, obstacle course, freeze tag, and more)
- Guided dance party
#### You Bring
- Food, cake, and beverages
- Optional: Your own music playlist (we’ll play it through our sound system)
#### Our Spaces
**The Front Lounge**
Our cozy 400 sq. ft. front room features a large harvest table and comfortable seating, perfect for parents to relax while kids celebrate with our host and great for serving food and refreshments.
**The Studio**
A spacious 700 sq. ft. dance studio with sprung floors, a professional sound system, lights, and a TV. The perfect safe space for kids to run, dance, play games, and have fun together under the guidance of our host.
#### Group Size
Maximum 20 children. With two dedicated hosts, we’re able to accommodate larger celebrations while ensuring every child gets personalized attention and feels part of the fun.
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-
**Product categories:** Current Camps, Day Camps, March Break, Oak Outside
**Product tags:** arts camp, camps, day camp, etobicoke, march, march break, mindfulness, nature camp, oak learners, outdoor education, school age, school break, theme camp, winter camp, yoga camp
---
### [March Break - Extended Hours](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-extended-hours/)
**Published:** February 2, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Extended Hours for March Break Camp
-
- Regular camp hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Drop-off is permitted starting at 9:00 AM, and pick-up is allowed until 6:00 PM without incurring extra charges.
- Extended Hours are available from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Extended Hours must be purchased for the entire week. We do not offer day-by-day sign-up to ensure adequate staffing and supervision
**Content:**
**Extended Hours for March Break Camp**
- - Regular camp hours are **9:00 AM to 4:00 PM**.
- Drop-off is permitted starting at **9:00 AM**, and pick-up is allowed until **6:00 PM** without incurring extra charges.
- **Extended Hours** are available from **4:00 PM to 6:00 PM**
- Extended Hours must be purchased for the **entire week**. We do **not** offer day-by-day sign-up to ensure adequate staffing and supervision
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-
**Product categories:** Current Camps, Day Camps, Extended Hours, March Break
---
### [PA Day Camps 2026/27](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-camp/)
**Published:** November 5, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** This 2026/27 school year PA Day camps are as follows:
November 20, 2026 | January 15, 2027 | February 12, 2027 | June 4, 2027
Cost: $90
Camp time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Ages: School-aged children
**Content:**
- [Description](#tab-description)
- [Additional information](#tab-additional_information)
# Preschool Enrichment Mini Camp
Our Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp gives your child a strong head start for Kindergarten in September 2026. Designed for children ages 3 to 4, this program focuses on building confidence, independence, and early learning skills that support a smooth transition into the school environment. The half-day format provides a gentle and engaging introduction to structured routines while still allowing plenty of time for play and exploration. **What to Expect** Children learn in a positive and nurturing setting where they are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and discover new interests. Our experienced educators guide play-based activities that help children develop essential classroom skills such as following directions, sharing materials, problem-solving, and working cooperatively with peers. The curriculum introduces early literacy, numeracy, science, and French language concepts through a natural, inquiry-based approach that keeps learning fun and meaningful. **Program Details** Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:00pm Price: $195 Weekly attendance during the summer, aligned with our Summer Camp themes Location: Oak Learners Royal York Campus, 394 Royal York Rd. Theme for 2026: Week 1: July 6-10, Nature’s Canvas Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer Week 5: Aug 4-7, Wildlife Explorers Week 6: Aug 10-14, Junior Engineers Week 7: Aug 17-21, Bugs & Butterflies Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty Help your child build a strong foundation for future learning and enter Kindergarten with confidence.
## Additional information
| Camp Week | Week 1: July 6-10, Nature's Canvas, Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists, Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest, Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer, Week 5: Aug 4-7, Wildlife Explorers, Week 6: Aug 10-14,Junior Engineers, Week 7: Aug 17-21,Bugs & Butterflies, Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty |
|---|---|
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-
**Product categories:** BASE Camp, Current Camps, Day Camps
**Product tags:** camp, day camp, etobicoke camps, pa day camp
---
### [PA Day - Extended Hours](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-extended-hours/)
**Published:** September 9, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Excerpt:** PA Day Camp – Extended Hours Available
Dates:
• November 20, 2026
• January 15, 2027
• February 12, 2027
• June 4, 2027
Regular Camp Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Drop-off begins at 9:00 AM, and pick-up is available until 4:00 PM at no additional cost.
Extended Hours:
• Morning: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
• Afternoon: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Cost: $10 for AM or PM
$20 for both AM & PM
Extended hours allow drop-off starting at 7:30 AM and pick-up until 6:00 PM without incurring extra charges.
**Content:**
PA Day Camp – Extended Hours Available
**Dates:**
• November 20, 2026
• January 15, 2027
• February 12, 2027
• June 4, 2027
**Regular Camp Hours:** 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Drop-off begins at 9:00 AM, and pick-up is available until 4:00 PM at no additional cost.
**Extended Hours:**
• **Morning:** 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
• **Afternoon:** 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• **Cost:** $10 for AM or PM
$20 for both AM & PM
Extended hours allow drop-off starting at 7:30 AM and pick-up until 6:00 PM without incurring extra charges.
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-
**Product categories:** Day Camps, Extended Hours
**Product tags:** extended hours
---
### [Babysitting](https://oaklearners.ca/event/babysitting-course-june-5/)
**Published:** May 1, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Excerpt:** Offers basic first aid and caregiving skills for youth 11-15 years old. Participants learn how to provide care to children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the skills to promote themselves as babysitters to prospective families.
**Content:**
### Share this:
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-
**Product categories:** Workshop
---
### [Stay Safe](https://oaklearners.ca/event/stay-safe-june-5/)
**Published:** May 4, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Excerpt:** Offers basic first aid and safety skills for youth 9-13 years old. Participants learn about being safe when they are without the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or trusted adult, both at home and in their communities.
**Content:**
### Share this:
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-
**Product categories:** Workshop
---
### [Add First Aid for Dogs and Cats](https://oaklearners.ca/event/stay-safe-june-29/)
**Published:** May 4, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Excerpt:** First Aid for Dogs and Cats
The First Aid for Dogs and Cats online teaches you the essential skills to care for your pets in emergencies. From handling choking incidents to recognizing the signs of a seizure, this course gives you the confidence to act quickly and effectively, ensuring your pets are always in good hands.
Duration 1 hr can be done online at Oake Learners after the babysitting course.
**Content:**
### Share this:
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**Product categories:** Workshop
---
### [Oak Outside](https://oaklearners.ca/product/oak-outside/)
**Published:** September 12, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Excerpt:**
🌿 Oak Outside: The Forest School in the City
5-Week Outdoor Learning Experience
Let nature be your child’s classroom! Oak Outside offers a unique forest school program where children explore local parks, engage in hands-on environmental learning, and build confidence through inquiry-based adventures. Rooted in the Oak Learners philosophy, this program nurtures curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
**Content:**
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-
**Product categories:** BASE Camp, Day Camps
**Product tags:** camp, day camp, etobicoke camps, pa day camp
---
### ["Be Kind" Pink Shirts](https://oaklearners.ca/product/be-kind-pink-shirts/)
**Published:** January 21, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Pink Shirt Day is February 22, 2023.
Get ready to show your support for Pink Shirt Day Canada with our limited edition ‘Be Kind’ pink shirts! 100% of the profits from these shirts will go towards WITS charity, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusion, and preventing bullying in Canada.
Made with comfortable and durable fabric, this shirt is perfect for wearing on Pink Shirt Day and beyond!
Pink Shirt Day 2023 is February 22, 2023. Learn more at www.pinkshirtday.ca
SIZES:
- Youth Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Adult Sizes: S, M, L, XL
PICKUP:
- Available to be picked up at our Royal York Location and Lake Shore Location. Please indicate your pickup location in your order. Orders will be ready for pickup on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY from when you place your order. Pickup hours are from 7:00am - 6:00pm Monday through Friday.
- Royal York – 394 Royal York Rd.
- Lake Shore - 3003B Lake Shore Blvd W.
**Content:**
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-
**Product categories:** TShirts
**Product tags:** Anti Bullying Day, be kind, canada, fundraiser, kindness, mimico, oak learners, pink shirt, pink shirt day, private school, T-Shirt, toronto
---
### [Oak Learners Camp T-Shirt](https://oaklearners.ca/product/oak-learners-camp-t-shirt/)
**Published:** July 8, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
### Share this:
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-
**Product categories:** TShirts
---
### [Kindness Activity Booklet](https://oaklearners.ca/product/kindness-activity-booklet/)
**Published:** March 23, 2020
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
#### ***Every small act of kindness matters and has the potential to make a huge impact in the lives of others.***
In learning about kindness, students learn the importance of doing small acts and how every small act can make a big difference for someone else.
Activities in this booklet include:
- Mindful colouring pages
- Kindness Word Search
- Gratitude Journal
- Acts of Kindness Tree
- Kindness to Self Activities
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-
**Product categories:** Downloadables
**Product tags:** activity, back to school, booklet, download, family, kind, kindness, social emotion learning, worksheets
---
### [Write Your Own Book Template](https://oaklearners.ca/product/write-your-own-book-template/)
**Published:** March 25, 2020
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** Every child can be an author! Here's a simple template you can print out, fold and staple together to help your child create their very own book!
**Content:**
Every child can be an author! Here’s a simple template you can print out, fold and staple together to help your child create their very own book!
### Share this:
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-
**Product categories:** Downloadables
**Product tags:** book, creative writing, download, homeschool, learn at home, template, virtual learning, worksheet, writing
---
## Venues
### [Amos Waites Park](https://oaklearners.ca/venue/amos-waites-park/)
**Published:** May 20, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Trident Banquet Hall](https://oaklearners.ca/venue/trident-banquet-hall/)
**Published:** November 4, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
---
### [Cellar Door Restaurant](https://oaklearners.ca/venue/cellar-door-restaurant/)
**Published:** May 24, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
---
### [Oak Learners - Lake Shore Campus](https://oaklearners.ca/venue/oak-learners-lake-shore-campus/)
**Published:** August 28, 2023
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
---
### [Oak Learners - Royal York Campus](https://oaklearners.ca/venue/oak-learners-royalyork-campus/)
**Published:** November 18, 2016
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Lakeshore Village BIA](https://oaklearners.ca/venue/lakeshore-village-bia/)
**Published:** June 7, 2017
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Seventh Street School](https://oaklearners.ca/venue/seventh-street-school/)
**Published:** June 7, 2017
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Haven on the Queensway](https://oaklearners.ca/venue/haven-on-the-queensway/)
**Published:** May 28, 2017
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Mimico Village](https://oaklearners.ca/venue/mimico-village/)
**Published:** April 19, 2017
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Mimico Square](https://oaklearners.ca/venue/mimico-square/)
**Published:** November 29, 2016
**Author:** Rowyn
---
## Organizers
### [Larchwood Nature OT](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/larchwood-nature-ot/)
**Published:** December 12, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Davis Occupational Therapy](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/davis-occupational-therapy/)
**Published:** December 12, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Lakeshore Village BIA](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/lakeshore-village-bia/)
**Published:** December 4, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Mindful In Bloom](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/mindful-in-bloom/)
**Published:** November 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Tenille Rose Will](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/tenille-rose-will/)
**Published:** April 28, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
---
### [Emylie Doumont](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/emylie-doumont/)
**Published:** January 28, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
---
### [Ambroz Real Estate](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/ambroz-real-estate/)
**Published:** September 28, 2023
**Author:** Sara
---
### [Fit Mama Training](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/fit-mama-training/)
**Published:** December 29, 2019
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Pure Soul Energy](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/pure-soul-energy/)
**Published:** December 1, 2019
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Hand2heart CPR](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/hand2heart-cpr/)
**Published:** September 19, 2018
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/oak-learners-2/)
**Published:** August 28, 2017
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Mimico Village BIA](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/mimico-village-bia/)
**Published:** April 19, 2017
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Moves with Maggie](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/moves-with-maggie/)
**Published:** March 6, 2024
**Author:** Sara
**Content:**
---
### [Mimico by the Lake BIA](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/mimico-by-the-lake-bia/)
**Published:** October 24, 2023
**Author:** Sara
---
### [Little Rebels](https://oaklearners.ca/organizer/little-rebels/)
**Published:** September 9, 2023
**Author:** Sara
---
## Events
### [Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4-2/2026-11-24/)
**Published:** October 19, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# **Join Us for an Open House**
Curious about what makes Oak Learners different? Our Open House is the perfect chance to explore our Reggio Emilia-inspired micro school in Mimico, meet our educators and see how creativity, confidence, and community come together every day. Whether you’re considering full-time or part-time enrollment, private tutoring and music, or day camps, we’d love to show you around and answer your questions. Families of all kinds are welcome; come discover where creativity meets community.
## **Open House FAQ**
**Who should attend the Open House?**
Families exploring options for children in PreK through Grade 6, as well as those interested in tutoring, music lessons, or day camps.
**What will we learn about?**
You’ll get to know our approach to learning, including our 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, a minimum of two hours of outdoor education each day, hands-on learning, and daily music, movement, and art.
**Do you support children with learning exceptionalities?**
Yes. Inclusivity is at the heart of Oak Learners, and we offer personalized support for all learning exceptionalities. The Open House is a great time to talk with us about your child’s unique needs.
**Do I need to register?**
To register, please fill out the form, and our admin team will get back to you.
**Where is Oak Learners located?**
We’re at 394 Royal York Road in Etobicoke. You can also reach us at (416) 820-5233 or <info@oaklearners.ca>.
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-
**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-4/2027-01-21/)
**Published:** October 19, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [☕ Coffee and Connections](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2-2/2026-11-03/)
**Published:** September 30, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
☕**Parent Coffee and Connections** Are you a parent of a child enrolled at Oak Learners? We’d love to connect with you! Join us for a warm and welcoming drop-in gathering where you can meet other parents, share stories, and build community.
🗓️ **When:** First Tuesday of every month
⏰ **Time:** 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 **Where:** Oak Learners Royal York Campus
Whether you’re popping in for a quick hello or staying for the full two hours, your presence makes our community stronger. Come as you are, coffee’s on us
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-
---
### [Back-to-School Open House and Meet & Greet!](https://oaklearners.ca/event/back-to-school-open-house-and-meet-greet/)
**Published:** August 17, 2026
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Join us at our Open House on Wed, Sep 2 , 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Meet and greet with our amazing and talented faculty and tour our space to see what a day in the life of an Oak Learners student can look like!
**Content:**
### **Join us at our Open House on Wed, Sep 2 , 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Meet and greet with our amazing and talented faculty and tour our space to see what a day in the life of an Oak Learners student can look like!**
\*\* Open House Agenda \*\*
1:00 – 3:00 pm – Meet & Greet with our Teaching Team (Preschool, Kindergarten & Elementary)
4:00 – 6:00 pm – Meet & Greet with our Before and After School Team
1-6 pm – Drop-in Open House open to the public
**\*\* Open House Features\*\***
🔹Meet and Greet with our talented staff team members.
🔹Explore the school facility and see examples of classroom activities.
🔹Meet Extra-Curricular team members, including tutors and music instructors.
🔹Sign up for Tutoring and Music Lessons.
🔹Find information about our program partners for additional services.
🔹Learn more about the Brightwheel App, including new features!
🔹Receive important paperwork, including our school year calendar.
🔹Learn more about our Outdoor Education program and recommended outdoor gear and clothing for year-round comfort and fun!
### **Learn more about everything Oak Learners has to offer!**
Oak Learners is a **not-for-profit Micro School** and **Learning Centre**, offering a **full-time** and **part-time** elementary private school as well as a wide variety of enrichment programming, including [tutoring](https://oaklearners.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=41xtmrUFUqPUT55qA3P3Velr2H-gkN~1j-41jaPKUFKe75z7zdE7heag3XEjuNFfx2gwY5jHMnGh6p3A2NDNYONu2XIn-QNfjlZ1zHL), [music](https://oaklearners.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=41xtmrUFUqPUT55qA3P3Velr2H-gkN~1j-41jaPKUFKe75z7zdE7heag3XEjuNFfx2gwY5jHMnGh6p3A2NDNYONu2XIo-QNfjlZ1zHL), art, outdoor education, dance, yoga, [day camps,](https://oaklearners.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=41xtmrUFUqPUT55qA3P3Velr2H-gkN~1j-41jaPKUFKe75z7zdE7heag3XEjuNFfx2gwY5jHMnGh6p3A2NDNYONu2XMj-QNfjlZ1zHL) and more.
### Personalized Tutoring Programs
At Oak Learners, we go beyond traditional tutoring by blending mentoring, mindfulness, and academic support, offering your child the tools they need to thrive. Our private tutoring sessions are designed with each student in mind, pairing them with passionate, experienced teachers who provide personalized guidance tailored to their unique learning style and needs. [Learn more…](https://oaklearners.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=41xtmrUFUqPUT55qA3P3Velr2H-gkN~1j-41jaPKUFKe75z7zdE7heag3XEjuNFfx2gwY5jHMnGh6p3A2NDNYONu2XMg-QNfjlZ1zHL)
### Music Lessons
Oak Learners is dedicated to inspiring minds through arts education and our love of music! We offer a supportive learning atmosphere, working with your child’s unique learning style to inspire their strengths and interests. Private music lessons are available to learners of all ages from young to old in a variety of disciplines, including Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Drums, Percussion and Composition. [Learn more…](https://oaklearners.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=41xtmrUFUqPUT55qA3P3Velr2H-gkN~1j-41jaPKUFKe75z7zdE7heag3XEjuNFfx2gwY5jHMnGh6p3A2NDNYONu2XMh-QNfjlZ1zHL)
### Before & After Care
B.A.S.E. Camp (Before and After School Enrichment) program provides daily supervision and programming from 7:30-9 AM and 3-6 PM each day, with transportation to/from the child/ren’s school. BASE Camp includes daily healthy snacks, supervised homework support, and specialized Arts-based programming. [Learn more…](https://oaklearners.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=41xtmrUFUqPUT55qA3P3Velr2H-gkN~1j-41jaPKUFKe75z7zdE7heag3XEjuNFfx2gwY5jHMnGh6p3A2NDNYONu2XMi-QNfjlZ1zHL)
### Day Camps
Oak Learners offers PA Day, March Break and Summer Camp experiences throughout the year, designed to engage naturally inquisitive and active children. [Learn more…](https://oaklearners.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=41xtmrUFUqPUT55qA3P3Velr2H-gkN~1j-41jaPKUFKe75z7zdE7heag3XEjuNFfx2gwY5jHMnGh6p3A2NDNYONu2XMj-QNfjlZ1zHL)
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-
**Tags:** . micro school, back to school, oak learners, open house
**Event Categories:** Drop-In, Open House
---
### [PA Day Camp - June 5, 2026](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-june-5-2026/)
**Published:** April 13, 2026
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
[To learn more and book a spot visit PA Day Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/pa-day-camps/)
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-
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-2/)
**Published:** April 3, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
**Curious about Oak Leaners? August 27th Open House** You’re invited to explore Oak Learners at our Royal York campus **August 27th from 5–8 PM**. This is a great opportunity to tour the facilities, and learn how we can support creativity, confidence, community and education in your child. If you’re considering a fresh educational path for your child or just curious about what makes Oak Learners unique, come stop on by.
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-
---
### [Holiday Concert](https://oaklearners.ca/event/holiday-concert/)
**Published:** November 4, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Excerpt:** 🎶 The Sound of Music – 2025 Holiday Concert 🎄 This December, the hills are alive with the voices of our young performers! Join us for a heartwarming Holiday Concert and evening that brings The Sound of Music to life on stage, sharing a few of their favorite songs.
**Content:**
# 🎶 **The Sound of Music – 2025 Holiday Concert** 🎄
This December, the hills are alive with the voices of our young performers! Join us for a heartwarming Holiday Concert and evening that brings *The Sound of Music* to life on stage, sharing a few of their favorite songs.
📅 **Date:** Wednesday, December 10
🕕 **Doors Open:** 6:10 PM
🎤 **Concert:** 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 **Location:** 145 Evans Ave. #200, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 5X8
**✨ *Tickets are limited!* To ensure every family has a chance to attend, we kindly ask that you reserve only what you need.**
Let the music lift your spirits and kick off the holiday season with joy
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-
**Tags:** holiday concert, oak learners, perfiormance, recital, winter concert
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [🎃 Pumpkin Carving Party at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pumpkin-carving/)
**Published:** October 1, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
🎃 **Pumpkin Carving Party at Oak Learners!** Celebrate the magic of fall with us on **October 25th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM** at **Oak Learners** for a festive afternoon of creativity, movement, and community connection! 🍂 **What’s Happening:**
- 🎃 Pumpkin Carving
- 🕺 Dance Party
- 🎨 Interactive Crafts
This **free event**, generously sponsored by **Montes Meats**, is open to all families—whether you’re already part of the Oak Learners community or just curious to learn more. Come carve a pumpkin, make a craft, and dance your heart out! 📍 **Where:** Oak Learners 🗓️ **When:** Thursday, October 25th | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 💛 **Why:** To celebrate fall, connect with community, and explore what Oak Learners has to offer your family No registration required—just bring your autumn spirit and join the fun!
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-
---
### [First Aid for Dogs & Cats](https://oaklearners.ca/event/first-aid-for-dogs-cats/)
**Published:** May 23, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** The First Aid for Dogs and Cats online teaches you the essential skills to care for your pets in emergencies. From handling choking incidents to recognizing the signs of a seizure, this course gives you the confidence to act quickly and effectively, ensuring your pets are always in good hands.
**Content:**
# First Aid for Dogs and Cats
The First Aid for Dogs and Cats online teaches you the essential skills to care for your pets in emergencies. From handling choking incidents to recognizing the signs of a seizure, this course gives you the confidence to act quickly and effectively, ensuring your pets are always in good hands.
Duration: 1 Hour
Cost: $45.00
Delivery: Online
- **Course Content**
Recognizing Normal Vital Signs
- Handling Breathing and Cardiac Emergencies
- Managing Wounds and Bleeding
- Helping During Seizures
- Preventative Care
\*Once course is paid an email is sent to you and you can start your online course through the Canadian Red Cross.
Certificate of Completion provided at the end of course.
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**Tags:** children, first aid, pa day, pets, red cross training, youth
**Event Categories:** Class
---
### [PA Day Camp - June 6, 2025](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-june-6-2025/)
**Published:** November 6, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** June 6 is a PA Day for TDSB and TCDSB and Oak Learners is offering a "Summer Splash" Camp Day for all children ages 4-14.
**Content:**
This 2026/27 school year PA Day camps are as follows:
November 20, 2026 \| January 15, 2027 \| February 12, 2027 \| June 4, 2027
**Cost**: $90
**Camp time:** 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
**Ages:** School-aged children
### Share this:
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-
**Tags:** day camp, pa day, pa day camp
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [PA Day - November 15, 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-november-15-2024/)
**Published:** November 5, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** PA Day Camps are packed with engaging activities designed to keep their minds and bodies active all day long. Campers are grouped by age and activities are tailored to each group and facilitated by experienced instructors.
**Content:**
### Share this:
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-
**Tags:** etobicoke, mimco, oak learners, pa day, pa day camp
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Babysitting June 29](https://oaklearners.ca/event/babysitting-course-june-29th/)
**Published:** May 4, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# **Babysitting Course**
Our Red Cross Babysitting course offers basic first aid and caregiving skills for youth 11-15 years old. Participants learn how to provide care to children in different age groups, learning to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the skills to promote themselves as babysitters to prospective families.
**Dur****ation**: 7-8 Hours
**Cost**: $90.00
**Delivery:** In-Person/Check calendar for next class
**Instructor**: Red Cross First Aid Instructor
**Prerequisite: Minimum 11 years** of age (or completion of Grade 5)
### **BABYSITTING COURSE CONTENT**
• How to be responsible and demonstrate leadership
• How to make good decisions and manage difficult behaviours
• Information on children’s developmental stages, and specific strategies for each stage
• How to feed, diaper, dress, and play with children and babies
• How to recognize and prevent unsafe situations, make safe choices and promote safe behaviours
• First aid skills
• The business of babysitting
**TAKE-HOME MATERIALS**
Babysitter’s Manual
Completion certificate
## **Add to your course**
### **First Aid for Dogs and Cats**
This is an online course that teaches you the essential skills to care for your pets in emergencies. From handling choking incidents to recognizing the signs of a seizure, this course gives you the confidence to act quickly and effectively, ensuring your pets are always in good hands.
**Duration**: 1 Hour
**Time:** 3:00 pm 4:00 pm
**Cost:** $45.00
**Delivery:** Online.
*Participants can use a laptop at Oak Learners to complete the course after the babysitting training.
### **Course Content**
- Recognizing Normal Vital Signs
- Handling Breathing and Cardiac Emergencies
- Managing Wounds and Bleeding
- Helping During Seizures
- Preventative Care
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Community Event
---
### [Stay Safe Course June 29](https://oaklearners.ca/event/stay-safe-june-29/)
**Published:** May 4, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# **Stay Safe Course**
Our Red Cross Babysitting course offers basic first aid and safety skills for youth 9-13 years old. Participants learn about being safe when they are without the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or trusted adult, both at home and in their communities.
**Duration:** 5-6 hours
**PREREQUISITE**
Minimum 9 years of age (or completion of Grade 3)
**STAY SAFE COURSE CONTENT**
• The importance of responsibility and respect while being accountable for yourself
• The importance of setting and following safety rules when on your own
• How to stay safe at home and within the community
• How to prepare for, recognize, and respond to unexpected situations (e.g., inclement weather, strangers, and unanticipated visits)
• Basic first aid skills
**TAKE-HOME MATERIALS**
Stay Safe! Workbook
Completion certificate
## **Add to your course**
### **First Aid for Dogs and Cats**
The First Aid for Dogs and Cats online teaches you the essential skills to care for your pets in emergencies. From handling choking incidents to recognizing the signs of a seizure, this course gives you the confidence to act quickly and effectively, ensuring your pets are always in good hands.
**Duration**: 1 Hour
**Time:** 3:00 pm 4:00 pm
**Cost:** $45.00
**Delivery:** Online.
*Participants can use a laptop at Oak Learners to complete the course after the babysitting training.
### **Course Content**
- Recognizing Normal Vital Signs
- Handling Breathing and Cardiac Emergencies
- Managing Wounds and Bleeding
- Helping During Seizures
- Preventative Care
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/stay-safe-june-29/?share=facebook)
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-
**Event Categories:** Special Event, Workshop
---
### [Standard First Aid Cpr C Course](https://oaklearners.ca/event/standar-first-aid-cpr-c-june-24/)
**Published:** May 6, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
This comprehensive two-day course offers first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for those who need training. This course is for those who want more knowledge to respond to emergencies at home or as a work requirement. This course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial worker safety and insurance boards. It includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines.
**DURATION:** CPR C: 7.5 hours in-class + 8 hours online learning\*
**PREREQUISITE:** None
**COMPLETION**
• Successfully demonstrate skills and critical steps
• Min. 75% mark for written knowledge evaluation
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course
**CERTIFICATION:** 3-year certification in Standard First Aid and CPR Level A or C
**RECERTIFICATION:** CPR C: 4 hours in-class + 4 hours online learning\*
\*Online learning time will vary depending on the learner.
**COURSE CONTENT**
• The Red Cross
• Preparing to respond
• The EMS system
• Check, Call, Care.
• Airway emergencies
• Breathing and Circulation emergencies
• First aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest
• Wound care
• Head, neck, and spinal injuries
• Bone, muscle, and joint injuries
• Sudden Medical Emergencies
• Environmental Illnesses
• Poisons
Includes any other content required by specific legislation
**P****ARTICIPANT MATERIALS**
• First Aid & CPR (print and/or eBook)
• Comprehensive Guide to First Aid & CPR (eBook)
• Standard First Aid CPR A/C – Online access
• Standard First Aid certificate
(digital certificate issued upon successful completion)
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Community Event
---
### [Oak Learners Spring Concert](https://oaklearners.ca/event/oak-learners-spring-concert/)
**Published:** May 25, 2026
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
When: Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, from 6:30–8PM
Where: Amos Waites Park, 2441 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
About: This year’s theme, “Sunshine and Showtunes,” brings the energy and magic of the theatre straight to the waterfront. Whether you’re a die-hard Broadway fan or just looking to enjoy a beautiful June evening in the park, this performance promises uplifting music that will leave you humming all the way home.
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Community Event, Special Event
---
### [Babysitting June 5](https://oaklearners.ca/event/babysitting-course-june-5/)
**Published:** May 4, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# **Babysitting Course**
Our Red Cross Babysitting course offers basic first aid and caregiving skills for youth 11-15 years old. Participants learn how to provide care to children in different age groups, learning to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the skills to promote themselves as babysitters to prospective families.
**Dur****ation**: 7-8 Hours
**Cost**: $90.00
**Delivery:** In-Person/Check calendar for next class
**Instructor**: Red Cross First Aid Instructor
**Prerequisite: Minimum 11 years** of age (or completion of Grade 5)
### **BABYSITTING COURSE CONTENT**
• How to be responsible and demonstrate leadership
• How to make good decisions and manage difficult behaviours
• Information on children’s developmental stages, and specific strategies for each stage
• How to feed, diaper, dress, and play with children and babies
• How to recognize and prevent unsafe situations, make safe choices and promote safe behaviours
• First aid skills
• The business of babysitting
**TAKE-HOME MATERIALS**
Babysitter’s Manual
Completion certificate
## **Add to your course**
### **First Aid for Dogs and Cats**
This is an online course that teaches you the essential skills to care for your pets in emergencies. From handling choking incidents to recognizing the signs of a seizure, this course gives you the confidence to act quickly and effectively, ensuring your pets are always in good hands.
**Duration**: 1 Hour
**Time:** 3:00 pm 4:00 pm
**Cost:** $45.00
**Delivery:** Online.
*Participants can use a laptop at Oak Learners to complete the course after the babysitting training.
### **Course Content**
- Recognizing Normal Vital Signs
- Handling Breathing and Cardiac Emergencies
- Managing Wounds and Bleeding
- Helping During Seizures
- Preventative Care
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/babysitting-course-june-5/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/babysitting-course-june-5/?share=pinterest)
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-
**Event Categories:** Community Event
---
### [Stay Safe Course June 5](https://oaklearners.ca/event/stay-safe-june-5/)
**Published:** May 4, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# **Stay Safe Course**
Our Red Cross Babysitting course offers basic first aid and safety skills for youth 9-13 years old. Participants learn about being safe when they are without the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or trusted adult, both at home and in their communities.
**Duration:** 5-6 hours
**PREREQUISITE**
Minimum 9 years of age (or completion of Grade 3)
**STAY SAFE COURSE CONTENT**
• The importance of responsibility and respect while being accountable for yourself
• The importance of setting and following safety rules when on your own
• How to stay safe at home and within the community
• How to prepare for, recognize, and respond to unexpected situations (e.g., inclement weather, strangers, and unanticipated visits)
• Basic first aid skills
**TAKE-HOME MATERIALS**
Stay Safe! Workbook
Completion certificate
## **Add to your course**
### **First Aid for Dogs and Cats**
The First Aid for Dogs and Cats online teaches you the essential skills to care for your pets in emergencies. From handling choking incidents to recognizing the signs of a seizure, this course gives you the confidence to act quickly and effectively, ensuring your pets are always in good hands.
**Duration**: 1 Hour
**Time:** 3:00 pm 4:00 pm
**Cost:** $45.00
**Delivery:** Online.
*Participants can use a laptop at Oak Learners to complete the course after the babysitting training.
### **Course Content**
- Recognizing Normal Vital Signs
- Handling Breathing and Cardiac Emergencies
- Managing Wounds and Bleeding
- Helping During Seizures
- Preventative Care
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/stay-safe-june-5/?share=facebook)
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-
**Event Categories:** Special Event, Workshop
---
### [Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-3/)
**Published:** April 13, 2026
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
**Curious about Oak Leaners? May 28th Open House**
You’re invited to explore Oak Learners at our Royal York campus
**May 28th from 4:30–6:30 PM**. This is a great opportunity to tour the facilities, and learn how we can support creativity, confidence, community and education in your child.
If you’re considering a fresh educational path for your child or just curious about what makes Oak Learners unique, come stop on by.
### Share this:
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-
---
### [☕ Coffee and Connections](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social-2/2026-05-05/)
**Published:** January 10, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
☕ **Coffee and Connections at Oak Learners Royal York** Are you a parent of a child enrolled at Oak Learners? We’d love to connect with you! Join us on the **first Tuesday of every month** for **Coffee and Connections,** a warm and welcoming drop-in gathering where you can meet other parents, share stories, and build community.
🗓️ **When:** First Tuesday of every month
⏰ **Time:** 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 **Where:** Oak Learners Royal York Campus
Whether you’re popping in for a quick hello or staying for the full two hours, your presence makes our community stronger. Come as you are, coffee’s on us
### Share this:
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-
---
### [Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house/2026-03-26/)
**Published:** August 13, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# **Open House**
Join us each month at our Open House and explore Oak Learners in person. Walk through our learning spaces, meet our dedicated educators, and see how our programs inspire creativity, confidence, community, and a genuine love of learning.
During your visit, you can ask questions, learn about our individualized approach, and see how we support students through hands-on, strengths-based education. Our team will be available to share insights about our curriculum, enrichment programs, and the ways we help learners grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Whether you are searching for a new educational path for your child or simply want to understand what makes Oak Learners such a unique and nurturing environment, we are here to welcome you. Families often tell us that seeing the space in person helps them understand the calm, supportive atmosphere that allows students to thrive.
Take your time exploring, connect with our team, and discover how Oak Learners can support your child’s development and well-being.
**Dates:** Please see our calendar for selected dates
**Time:** 4:30pm to 6:30pm
### Share this:
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- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house/2026-03-26/?share=x)
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-
---
### [PA Day Camp - January 16, 2026](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-january-16-2026/2026-02-13/)
**Published:** December 17, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
[To learn more and book a spot visit PA Day Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/pa-day-camps/)
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-january-16-2026/2026-02-13/?share=facebook)
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-
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [March Break Camp (March 16-20, 2026)](https://oaklearners.ca/event/march-break-camp-march-16-20-2026/)
**Published:** December 17, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
[Learn more and book March Break Camp Here](https://oaklearners.ca/march-break-camps/)
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Camp, Special Event
---
### [Holiday Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/event/holiday-camps/2025-12-31/)
**Published:** December 17, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# Holiday Camps
Camp runs from 9am-3pm (***Note We will not be offering extended care for Holiday Camps**.*)
Healthy snacks are provided. Please bring a nutritious, waste-free lunch, a reusable water bottle and appropriate footwear for walking and outdoor winter play, as there are daily elements of outdoor exploration.
**Price: $65**
**Ages**: Ideal for students aged 4-10
**Location:** Royal York Campus – 394 Royal York Rd
**Timings:** Please note the following to ensure a smooth running of each day.
- Day camps run from 9:00am-3:00pm
- Drop-off from 9:00am
- Pick-up from 2:45pm – 3:00pm
Ready to join the fun? Purchase your Holiday Camps[ here!](https://oaklearners.ca/holiday-camps/)
### Share this:
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**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Holiday Workshop - Senses & Emotions](https://oaklearners.ca/event/holiday-workshop-senses/)
**Published:** December 12, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
# Sense & Emotions OT
**OT Taryn & OTA Lily**
This is a 2 hour workshop facilitated by our OT team. Various themes, times and age groups are available. Kids will get cozy in our indoor spaces (Etobicoke or East Toronto), make some new friends, participate in games and create something to take home. We will get them moving, creating and connecting while you take a few hours for yourself!
December 22 \| Beetle and Bear Clinic
**December 28 \| Oak Leaners**
10 am -12pm \| Ages 4-6 \| Sensory stations, sensory games and yoga
12:30pm – 2:30pm \| Ages 7+ \| Snow globes, self regulations game and yoga
[Register Here](https://www.davisoccupationaltherapy.com/store/p/holiday-workshop)
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**Event Categories:** Workshop
---
### [Movie Night](https://oaklearners.ca/event/movie-night/)
**Published:** November 21, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# Movie Night
Movie night at Oak Learners
**Friday, December 12 \| 6:00 – 8:30 PM**
**Ages 6+ \| $35 per child \| Pizza included**
Parents, this is your chance to enjoy a well-deserved evening off while your kids dive into an unforgettable night of fun and adventure. On Friday, December 12, Oak Learners is hosting a special **Movie Night** designed for children ages 6 and up. From 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
**Schedule:**
- Drop-off: 6:00 – 6:15 PM
- Movie: 6:30 – 8:00 PM (*K-Pop Demon Hunters*, Rated PG)
- Dance Party: 8:00 – 8:30 PM
- Pick-up: 8:15 – 8:30 PM
We’ll be screening *K-Pop Demon Hunters*, a PG-rated movie that blends the energy of global pop stardom with the thrill of supernatural adventure. The film follows Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—three K-pop superstars who, when they’re not selling out stadiums or topping the Billboard charts, secretly moonlight as demon hunters. Their mission? To protect their fans from ever-present supernatural danger.
After the movie, the fun continues with a dance party featuring all the songs from the film’s soundtrack. Kids will have the chance to celebrate together, sing along, and move to the music.
Drop-off will take place at the back door of Oak Learners, making arrival simple and secure. Space is limited, so we encourage families to register early to guarantee a spot
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. Space is limities so register soon for a fun filled evening at Oak Learners.
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-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [November Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/event/november-open-house/)
**Published:** November 1, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
# November Open House
Curious about Oak Learners ? Come explore our November Open House at our Royal York Campus
Join us on **November 18th from 4:30–6:30 PM** for our November Open House. Tour the space and discover how we nurture creativity, confidence, community, and a love of learning in every child.
Whether you’re considering a fresh educational path or simply want to learn more, we’d love to welcome you in person. Stop by, say hello, and see Oak Learners in action!
Discover more about Oak Learners [Day School](https://oaklearners.ca/private-school/)
Want to Learn more about [Tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tutoring/) or [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/music-lessons/)
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-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Babysitting](https://oaklearners.ca/event/babysitting/)
**Published:** August 13, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
Offers basic first aid and caregiving skills for youth 11-15 years old. Participants learn how to provide care to children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the skills to promote themselves as babysitters to prospective families.
**Dur****ation**: 7-8 Hours
###### **Cost**: $90.00
Delivery: In-Person/Check calendar for next class
Instructor: Red Cross First Aid Instructor
**Prerequisite:**
**Minimum 11 years** of age (or completion of
Grade 5)
###### **COURSE CONTENT**
• How to be responsible and demonstrate leadership
• How to make good decisions and manage difficult behaviours
• Information on children’s developmental stages, and specific strategies for each stage
• How to feed, diaper, dress, and play with children and babies
• How to recognize and prevent unsafe situations, make safe choices and promote safe behaviours
• First aid skills
• The business of babysitting
###### **TAKE-HOME MATERIALS**
Babysitter’s Manual
Completion certificate
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**Event Categories:** Community Event
---
### [🍂 Thanksgiving PA Day Camp at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/🍂-thanksgiving-pa-day-camp-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** October 1, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
🍂 **Thanksgiving PA Day Camp at Oak Learners**
**October 10, 2025 \| Local Harvest / Autumn Acres**
Are you signed up yet? This PA Day, Oak Learners invites campers to celebrate the season of **harvest and gratitude** through hands-on culinary adventures, nature-based exploration, and heartfelt connection.
🥕 **What to Expect:**
- Prepare and share a simple, delicious meal using locally sourced ingredients
- Learn kitchen skills through veggie chopping and seasonal treat baking
- Reflect on gratitude through storytelling and creative crafts
- Explore the beauty of fall with outdoor adventures and nature-inspired activities
🌾 Whether it’s collecting colorful leaves, crafting with natural materials, or sharing a meal in community, this camp is a celebration of connection—to nature, to each other, and to the spirit of thankfulness.
📍 **Where:** Oak Learners
🗓️ **When:** Friday, October 10, 2025
🎒 **What to Bring:** Weather-appropriate clothing and a reusable container for leftovers
Let’s gather, give thanks, and make memories together. Registration is open—don’t miss out
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-
---
### [☕ Coffee and Conversation](https://oaklearners.ca/event/parent-social/2026-01-07/)
**Published:** October 1, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
☕ **Coffee and Conversation at Oak Learners Royal York** Are you a parent of a child enrolled at Oak Learners? We’d love to connect with you! Join us on the **first Wednesday of every month** for **Coffee and Conversation**, a warm and welcoming drop-in gathering where you can meet other parents, share stories, and build community.
🗓️ **When:** First Wednesday of every month
⏰ **Time:** 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 **Where:** Oak Learners Royal York Campus
Whether you’re popping in for a quick hello or staying for the full two hours, your presence makes our community stronger. Come as you are—coffee’s on us
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-
---
### [Red Cross Psychological First Aid](https://oaklearners.ca/event/red-cross-psychological-first-aid/)
**Published:** July 7, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
**Psychological First Aid** First aid for the mind is just as important as first aid for the body. Individuals suffering from high stress levels, burnout and suicidal thoughts are at an all-time high in areas such as workplaces, schools, indigenous communities and among professional responders.
Psychological First Aid is a resiliency-building wellness program that equips individuals in supporting themselves and others to cope with
the effects of stress, loss, trauma and grief.
• Uses audience-specific case-based learning that focuses on self-care and personal protection
• Incorporates the latest evidence-based research on emotional, psychological, and social well-being
• Supports and complements workplace wellness education programs
• Blended format: Online pre-course completion followed by in-person session.
Presented by Mindful In Bloom
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-
**Event Categories:** Community Event, Workshop
---
### [Red Cross Psychological First Aid](https://oaklearners.ca/event/red-cross-psychological-first-aid-3/)
**Published:** August 24, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
**Psychological First Aid** First aid for the mind is just as important as first aid for the body. Individuals suffering from high stress levels, burnout and suicidal thoughts are at an all-time high in areas such as workplaces, schools, indigenous communities and among professional responders.
Psychological First Aid is a resiliency-building wellness program that equips individuals in supporting themselves and others to cope with
the effects of stress, loss, trauma and grief.
• Uses audience-specific case-based learning that focuses on self-care and personal protection
• Incorporates the latest evidence-based research on emotional, psychological, and social well-being
• Supports and complements workplace wellness education programs
• Blended format: Online pre-course completion followed by in-person session.
Presented by Mindful In Bloom
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**Event Categories:** Community Event, Workshop
---
### [Stay Safe!](https://oaklearners.ca/event/stay-safe/)
**Published:** August 13, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
Offers basic first aid and safety skills for youth 9-13 years old. Participants learn about being safe when they are without the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or trusted adult, both at home and in their communities.
Duration: 5-6 hours
**PREREQUISITE**
Minimum 9 years of age (or completion of Grade 3)
**COURSE CONTENT**
• The importance of responsibility and respect while being accountable for yourself
• The importance of setting and following safety rules when on your own
• How to stay safe at home and within the community
• How to prepare for, recognize, and respond to unexpected situations (e.g., inclement weather, strangers, and unanticipated visits)
• Basic first aid skills
**TAKE-HOME MATERIALS**
Stay Safe! Workbook
Completion certificate
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-
**Event Categories:** Special Event, Workshop
---
### [Standard First Aid Cpr C](https://oaklearners.ca/event/standard-first-aid-cpr-c/)
**Published:** August 13, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
Comprehensive two-day course offering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for those who need training due to work
requirements or who want more knowledge to respond to emergencies at home. Course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial
worker safety and insurance boards and includes the latest first aid and CPR guideline.
**DURATION**
CPR C: 7.5 hours in-class + 8 hours online learning\*
**PREREQUISITE:** None
**COMPLETION**
• Successfully demonstrate skills and critical steps
• Min. 75% mark for written knowledge evaluation
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course
**CERTIFICATION**
3-year certification in Standard First Aid and CPR Level A or C
**RECERTIFICATION**
CPR C: 4 hours in-class + 4 hours online learning\*
\*On-line learning time will vary depending on the learner.
###### **COURSE CONTENT**
• The Red Cross
• Preparing to respond
• The EMS system
• Check, Call, Care.
• Airway emergencies
• Breathing and Circulation emergencies
• First aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest
• Wound care
• Head, neck, and spinal injuries
• Bone, muscle, and joint injuries
• Sudden Medical Emergencies
• Environmental Illnesses
• Poisons
Includes any other content required by specific legislation
**P****ARTICIPANT MATERIALS**
• First Aid & CPR (print and/or eBook)
• Comprehensive Guide to First Aid & CPR (eBook)
• Standard First Aid CPR A/C – Online access
• Standard First Aid certificate
(digital certificate issued upon successful completion)
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-
**Event Categories:** Community Event
---
### [Red Cross Psychological First Aid](https://oaklearners.ca/event/red-cross-psychological-first-aid-2/)
**Published:** July 9, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
**Psychological First Aid** *August 9, 9:00am – 5:00pm, 3003B Lake Shore Blvd. W. Etobicoke, ON, M8V1K2*
First aid for the mind is just as important as first aid for the body. Individuals suffering from high stress levels, burnout and suicidal thoughts are at an all-time high in areas such as workplaces, schools, indigenous communities and among professional responders.
Psychological First Aid is a resiliency-building wellness program that equips individuals in supporting themselves and others to cope with
the effects of stress, loss, trauma and grief.
• Uses audience-specific case-based learning that focuses on self-care and personal protection
• Incorporates the latest evidence-based research on emotional, psychological, and social well-being
• Supports and complements workplace wellness education programs
• Blended format: Online pre-course completion followed by in-person session.
Presented by Mindful In Bloom
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Community Event
---
### [Little Rebels Rebel Babies (7-14 Months)](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-rebel-babies-7-14-months/2025-06-18/)
**Published:** February 6, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Babies will experience action songs to engage tummy, neck, and arm muscles while working towards solo sitting, crawling, walking, and balancing activities to help with direction and following instructions and tactile object work using scarves, balls, and shakers to develop hand-eye coordination, listening skills, sharing, and taking turns – with early exposure to the alphabet, counting, colours, routines, and more!
To join visit [The Little Rebels website.](https://www.littlerebelsmusic.com/gta-classes)
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-
**Event Categories:** Class, Dance, Music Class
---
### [Little Rebels' Rebel Infants and Babies (2-14 Months)](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-rebel-infants-and-babies-2-14-months/2025-06-25/)
**Published:** February 7, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Infants will experience action songs to engage tummy, neck, and arm muscles (slowly working towards solo sitting), rolling and leg songs to work on hip flexors and spine mobility, and tummy and mirror time to work on arm and neck strength and to develop a sense of self, which helps with symptoms of separation anxiety.
Babies will experience action songs to engage tummy, neck, and arm muscles while working towards solo sitting, crawling, walking, and balancing activities to help with direction and following instructions. Tactile object work using scarves, balls, and shakers to develop hand-eye coordination, listening skills, sharing, and taking turns – with early exposure to the alphabet, counting, colours, routines, and more!
To join visit [The Little Rebels website.](https://www.littlerebelsmusic.com/gta-classes)
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-
**Event Categories:** Class, Dance, Music Class
---
### [Little Rebels' Rebel Toddlers (15+ Months)](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-rebel-toddlers-2-14-months/2025-06-28/)
**Published:** February 7, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Toddlers will experience action songs to work on walking and building balance and centre of gravity, following rhythms and patterns to aid with speech development and language skills
Tactile object work to improve hand/foot-eye coordination and following instructions, solving problems, sharing, and taking turns.
Storytelling – working on turning pages, reading books, and more!
To join visit [The Little Rebels website.](https://www.littlerebelsmusic.com/gta-classes)
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**Event Categories:** Class, Dance, Music Class
---
### [End-of-Year Celebration and Graduation](https://oaklearners.ca/event/grade-8-graduation-dinner/)
**Published:** May 16, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Excerpt:** We are thrilled to announce that our school will be hosting its second End-of-Year formal dinner Celebration and Graduation Ceremony on June 17th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Cellar Door Restaurant.
**Content:**
This special occasion marks a significant milestone for our campus as we proudly recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our lovely graduating students from Oak Learners!
We cordially invite all members of the Oak Learners Lakeshore Campus Community to join us for this memorable event. It’s an opportunity for our school community to come together in support of our graduates and to celebrate their achievements. The evening promises to be filled with elegance and camaraderie, as we share a formal dinner and commemorate the accomplishments of this year. We kindly ask that all attendees dress for the occasion, in formal attire.
Tickets are complimentary for all Oak Learners Students as well as for the parents of the Graduating Students. Parents accompanying Grade 4-7 students and additional family members of Graduates may purchase tickets for $35 each. As space is limited, we kindly request that additional family members wishing to attend RSVP by June 2, 2025.
Please indicate meal choices, guests attending and any other pertinent information and send e-transfers to : **finance@oaklearners.ca** for payment for tickets not covered by the school.
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**Tags:** celebration, cellar door, grade eight graduation, graduation, lakeshore campus, oak learners
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Open House at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners-ls3/)
**Published:** May 16, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
We’re excited to invite you to our Open House this Saturday, June 7th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at our Lake Shore Campus (3003 B Lake Shore Blvd W.)
Come learn more about our innovative Full-Time Day School and Bridge the Gap programs, where we support each child’s unique learning journey through personalized, arts-integrated education — including a strong focus on outdoor learning and nature-based experiences.
Have questions about private tutoring or music lessons? We’d be happy to chat and help you find the right fit for your child.
Come tour our learning space and connect directly with our School’s Principal & Founder and our Admissions Advisor, who will be available to answer your questions and guide you through our enrollment processes.
We’ll also be happy to answer your questions about our Summer Camps (available at both campuses) as well as our B.A.S.E. Camp Program (available exclusively at our 394 Royal York Rd. campus). If you’re interested, we can even sign you up for summer camps or add your family to the current waiting list for B.A.S.E. Camp.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [Red Cross "Stay Safe!" Program for Youth Ages 9-13](https://oaklearners.ca/event/red-cross-stay-safe-program-for-youth-ages-9-13/)
**Published:** May 23, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Stay Safe! Offers basic first aid and safety skills for youth 9-13 years old. Participants learn about being safe when they are without the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or trusted adult, both at home and in their communities.
**Content:**
# Stay Safe!
Offers basic first aid and safety skills for youth 9-13 years old. Participants learn about being safe when they are without the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or trusted adult, both at home and in their communities.
Duration: 5-6 hours
**PREREQUISITE**
Minimum 9 years of age (or completion of Grade 3)
**COURSE CONTENT**
• The importance of responsibility and respect while being accountable for yourself
• The importance of setting and following safety rules when on your own
• How to stay safe at home and within the community
• How to prepare for, recognize, and respond to unexpected situations (e.g., inclement weather, strangers, and unanticipated visits)
• Basic first aid skills
**TAKE-HOME MATERIALS**
Stay Safe! Workbook
Completion certificate
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**Tags:** home alone safety, pa day, pa day camp, preteen, red cross, stay safe, teen
**Event Categories:** Class, Special Event
---
### [Summer in the City](https://oaklearners.ca/event/summer-in-the-city/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Campers will celebrate the vibrant city of Toronto while discovering ways to make it even better.
**Content:**
This week, campers will celebrate the vibrant city of Toronto while discovering ways to make it even better. They’ll get outside to explore the natural wonders right in our own backyard, learning about local parks, wildlife, and more. Through hands-on activities, campers will dive into sustainability, creativity, and innovation, brainstorming ideas and inventions to improve the community. It’s a week of exploration, inspiration, and making a positive impact on the city we love!
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**Tags:** summer camp
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Oak Learners Presents: Springtime in Wonderland](https://oaklearners.ca/event/oak-learners-end-of-year-concert/)
**Published:** May 16, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Our Spring Performance is fast-approaching! We are excited to be showcasing the musical and dramatic talents of our Day School, B.A.S.E. Camp, and private music kiddos!
This will be a wonderful end to the 2024/2025 school year, a warm send-off into the summer months, and a gathering together of the Oak Learners community. 😄
**Perfomances Include:**
🎶 Day School Dramatic Performance: “Alice in Wonderland”
🎶 Day School (Lower Elementary): “All in the Golden Afternoon” (from “Alice in Wonderland”)
🎶 B.A.S.E. Camp: “Today Is Gonna Be a Great Day” (theme song from “Phineas and Ferb”)
🎶 Performances from many of Oak Learners Private Music Lesson Students
**When**: Thursday, June 5th, 2025, from 6:30–8PM
**Where**: Amos Waites Park Bandstand, 2441 Lake Shore Boulevard West
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**Tags:** concert, music lessons, oak learners, school play, spring recital
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Special Open House Event](https://oaklearners.ca/event/special-open-house-event/)
**Published:** May 20, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Looking for a fun way to spend an evening with your family? Join us Wednesday, June 5th and enjoy a special outdoor performance of Alice in Wonderland by our amazingly talented students. It’s a great way to experience the spirit of our school community. School information will be available on site, and our admin team will be happy to help you book a school tour and meeting with our principal. With a beautiful park and the lake just steps away, it’s the perfect family friendly evening outing!
Amos Waites Park:
2441 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 1C5
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**Event Categories:** Open House, Special Event
---
### [Study Smarter Program for Students Entering Grade 9](https://oaklearners.ca/event/study-smarter-program-for-students-entering-grade-9/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** This class will focus on developing efficient study habits to help Grade 9 students succeed entering High School. Students will explore strategies for taking notes, reviewing material, and managing time effectively.
**Content:**
Study Smarter Program for Students Entering Grade 9 August 18-22, 1:00pm-3:00pm
This class will focus on developing efficient study habits to help Grade 9 students succeed entering High School. Students will explore strategies for taking notes, reviewing material, and managing time effectively. The class will also cover how to approach studying for tests, creating study schedules, and maintaining motivation throughout the school year.
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**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Oak's Got Talent](https://oaklearners.ca/event/oaks-got-talent/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Get ready to shine in Oak's Got Talent! Whether you're a singer, dancer, comedian, or performer of any kind, this is your moment to shine.
**Content:**
Get ready to shine in Oak’s Got Talent! This exciting week gives campers the chance to showcase their unique skills and creativity in music, dance, acting, and more. Whether you’re a singer, dancer, comedian, or performer of any kind, this is your moment to shine. Campers will work together to perfect their acts and build confidence, culminating in a spectacular talent show for friends and family to enjoy. Let’s see what you’ve got!
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**Tags:** summer camp
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Academic Planning & Organization Grades 9–10](https://oaklearners.ca/event/academic-planning-organization-grades-9-10/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** This class is designed to help High School students strengthen their executive functioning skills, including organization, time management, and self-regulation.
**Content:**
Academic Planning & Organization Grades 9–10 August 18th through August 22nd, 9:00am-11:00am
This class is designed to help High School students strengthen their executive functioning skills, including organization, time management, and self-regulation. Through interactive exercises, students will learn how to set goals, prioritize tasks, and maintain focus. The class will also explore strategies for managing stress and staying organized in the face of academic demands.
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**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Science Foundations Grades 9–10](https://oaklearners.ca/event/science-foundations-grades-9-10/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** This hands-on summer lab is designed to help students build a strong foundation for success in Grade 9 and 10 Science courses. Students will review key concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics while learning effective study strategies for mastering scientific concepts.
**Content:**
Science Foundations Grades 9–10 August 11th through – August 15th, 1:00pm-3:00pm
This hands-on summer lab is designed to help students build a strong foundation for success in Grade 9 and 10 Science courses. Students will review key concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics while learning effective study strategies for mastering scientific concepts. Hands-on experiments and demonstrations will reinforce understanding and prepare students for the practical application of science in the classroom.
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**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Bugs & Butterflies](https://oaklearners.ca/event/bugs-butterflies/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of insects and creepy-crawlies!
**Content:**
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of insects and creepy-crawlies! This week, campers will explore the tiny creatures that inhabit the parks around us, learning about their life cycles, habitats, and where to find them. A special highlight will be the return of the Monarch butterflies and caterpillars, as they feast on milkweed and undergo their amazing transformation right before our eyes. It’s a week filled with discovery, adventure, and plenty of bug-tastic fun!
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**Tags:** summer camp
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Essay Essentials: Structure, Style & Support Grades 9–10](https://oaklearners.ca/event/essay-essentials-structure-style-support-grades-9-10/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Designed to help High School Students develop strong writing techniques for academic essays; students will focus on structuring their essays, crafting strong thesis statements, and developing clear arguments.
**Content:**
Essay Essentials: Structure, Style & Support Grades 9–10 August 11th through August 15th, 9:00am-11:00am
This class is designed to help High School Students develop strong writing techniques for academic essays. Students will focus on structuring their essays, crafting strong thesis statements, and developing clear arguments. Through guided writing exercises and peer review, students will enhance their writing style, improve their use of evidence, and strengthen their critical thinking skills.
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**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Structures & Design](https://oaklearners.ca/event/structures-design/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** This week, campers will explore the secrets behind some of the world’s most famous and awe-inspiring structures.
**Content:**
This week, campers will explore the secrets behind some of the world’s most famous and awe-inspiring structures. From ancient landmarks to modern marvels, they’ll learn what makes these buildings timeless. Then, campers will put their knowledge to the test by designing and creating their very own unique structures. It’s a week of creativity, engineering, and architectural adventure!
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**Tags:** summer camp
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Math Made Clear and Simple Grade 9–10](https://oaklearners.ca/event/math-made-clear-and-simple-grade-9-10/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** High School students will review essential senior-level math concepts, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Focus will be on building problem-solving skills, mastering mathematical formulas, and improving mathematical reasoning.
**Content:**
Math Made Clear and Simple Grade 9–10 July 25th through August 1, 1:00-3:00pm
In this class, High School students will review essential senior-level math concepts, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Focus will be on building problem-solving skills, mastering mathematical formulas, and improving mathematical reasoning. Students will work through practice problems and apply strategies to solve real-world math challenges.
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**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Musical Theatre](https://oaklearners.ca/event/musical-theatre/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Lights, camera, action! In this specialty camp, campers will team up with a guest instructor to dive into the world of performing arts, exploring singing, dancing, and acting.
**Content:**
Lights, camera, action! In this specialty camp, campers will team up with a guest instructor to dive into the world of performing arts, exploring singing, dancing, and acting. Throughout the week, they’ll work together to rehearse and perfect a special performance, which will be unveiled on the final day of camp. Get ready for a fun-filled week of creativity, teamwork, and the thrill of the stage!
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**Tags:** summer camp
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Build Strong Reading & Writing Skills Grades 9-10](https://oaklearners.ca/event/build-strong-reading-writing-skills-grades-9-10/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** This class will help High School students in grades 9-10 develop advanced literacy skills needed for high school and beyond.
**Content:**
Build Strong Reading & Writing Skills Grades 9-10 July 25th – August 1st, 9:00am-11:00am
This class will help High School students in grades 9-10 develop advanced literacy skills needed for high school and beyond. Through reading challenging but short texts and engaging in deep analysis, students will enhance their ability to interpret and critically evaluate information. Writing assignments will focus on analyzing literature and synthesizing ideas into clear, cohesive responses.
### Share this:
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-
**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Math Made Easier Grades 6–8](https://oaklearners.ca/event/math-made-easier-grades-6-8/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Ideal for students entering Grades 6-8 in September 2025 who are working towards solidifying important Intermediate Mathematical skill sets.
**Content:**
Math Made Easier Grades 6–8 July 21st through July 25th, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Ideal for students entering Grades 6-8 in September 2025 who are working towards solidifying important Intermediate Mathematical skill sets. Students will be inspired to expand their mental math skills through engaging, hands-on activities that strengthen numeracy skills and build a solid foundation for mathematics in the Intermediate classroom.
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-
**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Exploring Art in Nature](https://oaklearners.ca/event/exploring-art-in-nature/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Get ready to explore the beauty of the world through art! This week is perfect for campers who love to draw, paint, and create!
**Content:**
Get ready to explore the beauty of the world through art! This week is perfect for campers who love to draw, paint, and create. Each day, they’ll experiment with various artistic techniques and mediums, both in the studio and out in nature. Campers will learn how the natural world inspires art and how to find creativity in the world around them. By the end of the week, they’ll have a personalized art portfolio and will proudly display their masterpieces in a special gallery for family and friends to admire!
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**Tags:** summer camp
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Read and Write with Ease Grades 6–8](https://oaklearners.ca/event/read-and-write-with-ease-grades-6-8/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** For students entering Grades 6-8 in September 2025 to develop reading and writing skills and strategies to build comprehension and vocabulary knowledge and to strengthen writing conventions such as form and function while also improving penmanship and organization for writing.
**Content:**
Read and Write with Ease Grades 6–8 July 21st through 25th, 9:00pm-11:00am
Students entering Grades 6-8 in September 2025. Students will be encouraged to develop reading and writing skills and strategies to build comprehension and vocabulary knowledge and to strengthen writing conventions such as form and function while also improving penmanship and organization for writing.
### Share this:
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-
**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Math foundations Grades 4–5](https://oaklearners.ca/event/math-foundations-grades-4-5/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Ideal for students heading to Grades 4-5 in September 2025, who are working towards solidifying important mathematical skill sets.
**Content:**
Math foundations Grades 4–5July 14th through July 18th, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Ideal for students heading to Grades 4-5 in September 2025, who are working towards solidifying important mathematical skill sets. Students will be inspired to expand their mental math skills through engaging, hands-on activities that strengthen numeracy skills and build a solid foundation for mathematics in the Junior classroom.
### Share this:
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-
**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Food & Gardening](https://oaklearners.ca/event/food-gardening/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Campers will roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in our garden, where they'll learn all about planting, growing, and preparing their own food!
**Content:**
This week, campers will roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in our garden, where they’ll learn all about planting, growing, and preparing their own food! They’ll explore the science behind gardening—discovering how seeds, soil, and water work together to nourish plants. Campers will also experience the joy of harvesting fresh produce and using it to create healthy, delicious snacks to share with friends. It’s a week of hands-on learning, creativity, and tasty treats from garden to table!
### Share this:
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**Tags:** summer camp
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Read and write with confidence Grades 4–5](https://oaklearners.ca/event/read-and-write-with-confidence-grades-4-5/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Ideal for students heading to Grades 4-5 in September 2025 who need to develop their reading and writing skills sets and strategies for academic success in the coming school year.
**Content:**
Read and write with confidence Grades 4–5 – July 14th through July 18th, 9:00am – 11:00amIdeal for students heading to Grades 4-5 in September 2025. Students will be encouraged to develop reading and writing skills and strategies to build comprehension and vocabulary knowledge and to strengthen writing conventions such as form and function while also improving penmanship and organization for writing.
### Share this:
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**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Building Blocks of Math Grades 1–3](https://oaklearners.ca/event/building-blocks-of-math-grades-1-3/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Students entering Grades 1-3 will be inspired to develop mental math skills through engaging, hands-on activities that strengthen numeracy skills and build a solid foundation for mathematics in the classroom
**Content:**
Building Blocks of Math Grades 1–3July 7th through July 11th, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Ideal for students in Grades 1-3 who are still developing mathematical skill sets. Students will be inspired to develop mental math skills through engaging, hands-on activities that strengthen numeracy skills and build a solid foundation for mathematics in the classroom.
### Share this:
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**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Blast Off Into Summer](https://oaklearners.ca/event/blast-off-into-summer/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Blast off into an exciting week of space exploration! Campers will journey through the solar system, discovering the wonders of space science and stargazing.
**Content:**
Blast off into an exciting week of space exploration! Campers will journey through the solar system, discovering the wonders of space science and stargazing. They’ll learn about the stars that light up the summer night sky and dive into hands-on activities like rocket launching and building their own model of the Solar System. It’s a week filled with fun, learning, and endless curiosity about the universe—get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure!
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**Tags:** summer camp
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Read and write with confidence Grades 1–3](https://oaklearners.ca/event/read-and-write-with-confidence-grades-1-3/)
**Published:** May 11, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** For students in Grades 1-3 who are still developing their skills in reading and writing through targeted skill practice in early literacy, including phonics and penmanship.
**Content:**
Read and Write with Confidence Grades 1–3July 7th through July 11th, 9:00am – 11:00am
Ideal for students in Grades 1-3 who are still developing their skills in reading and writing. Students will participate in targeted skill practice in early literacy, including phonics and penmanship, through engaging and fun activities.
### Share this:
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**Tags:** learning lab, summer skill booster, summer tutoring, tutoring
**Event Categories:** Class, Summer Learning Lab, Summer Skill Booster
---
### [Open House at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners-ry3/)
**Published:** May 16, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Join us at our Royal York campus on May 31st from 1:30pm to 3:30pm to tour the school and have all of your questions answered.
### Share this:
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**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [Open House at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners-ry2/)
**Published:** May 16, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Join us at our Royal York campus on May 29th from 4pm to 6pm to tour the school and have all of your questions answered.
### Share this:
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**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [Open House at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners-ls2/)
**Published:** May 16, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Join us at our Lake Shore campus on May 31st from 11am to 1pm to tour the school and have all of your questions answered.
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [Grad Trip to Blue Mountain](https://oaklearners.ca/event/grad-trip-to-blue-mountain/)
**Published:** May 16, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Our graduating class of 2024-2025 will enjoy a final trip to Blue Mountain.
### Share this:
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**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Kindergarten Readiness Summer Program Mini-Camp Week 8](https://oaklearners.ca/event/kindergarten-readiness-summer-program-mini-camp-week-8/)
**Published:** May 15, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Give your child a head start for Kindergarten in September 2025! Our Kindergarten Readiness program is designed for 3-4-year-olds and focuses on setting them up for success in their educational journey.
What to Expect:
Positive Learning Environment: Our experienced educators create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where children can explore and discover.
Essential Skills Development: Through play-based activities, we foster crucial classroom skills like following directions, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as promoting independence.
Curriculum Highlights: We introduce key concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and French language skills through a natural, inquiry-based approach.
Week 8: Oak’s Got Talent
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-
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Kindergarten Readiness Summer Program Mini-Camp Week 7](https://oaklearners.ca/event/kindergarten-readiness-summer-program-mini-camp-week-7/)
**Published:** May 15, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Give your child a head start for Kindergarten in September 2025! Our Kindergarten Readiness program is designed for 3-4-year-olds and focuses on setting them up for success in their educational journey.
What to Expect:
Positive Learning Environment: Our experienced educators create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where children can explore and discover.
Essential Skills Development: Through play-based activities, we foster crucial classroom skills like following directions, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as promoting independence.
Curriculum Highlights: We introduce key concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and French language skills through a natural, inquiry-based approach.
Week 7: Bugs & Butterflies
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Kindergarten Readiness Summer Program Mini-Camp Week 6](https://oaklearners.ca/event/kindergarten-readiness-summer-program-mini-camp-week-6/)
**Published:** May 15, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Give your child a head start for Kindergarten in September 2025! Our Kindergarten Readiness program is designed for 3-4-year-olds and focuses on setting them up for success in their educational journey.
What to Expect:
Positive Learning Environment: Our experienced educators create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where children can explore and discover.
Essential Skills Development: Through play-based activities, we foster crucial classroom skills like following directions, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as promoting independence.
Curriculum Highlights: We introduce key concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and French language skills through a natural, inquiry-based approach.
Week 6: Structures & Design
### Share this:
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**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Kindergarten Readiness Summer Program Mini-Camp Week 5](https://oaklearners.ca/event/kindergarten-readiness-summer-program-mini-camp-week-5/)
**Published:** May 15, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Give your child a head start for Kindergarten in September 2025! Our Kindergarten Readiness program is designed for 3-4-year-olds and focuses on setting them up for success in their educational journey.
What to Expect:
Positive Learning Environment: Our experienced educators create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where children can explore and discover.
Essential Skills Development: Through play-based activities, we foster crucial classroom skills like following directions, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as promoting independence.
Curriculum Highlights: We introduce key concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and French language skills through a natural, inquiry-based approach.
Week 5: Musical Theater
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Kindergarten Readiness Summer Program Mini-Camp Week 4](https://oaklearners.ca/event/kindergarten-readiness-summer-program-mini-camp-week-4/)
**Published:** May 15, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Give your child a head start for Kindergarten in September 2025! Our Kindergarten Readiness program is designed for 3-4-year-olds and focuses on setting them up for success in their educational journey.
What to Expect:
Positive Learning Environment: Our experienced educators create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where children can explore and discover.
Essential Skills Development: Through play-based activities, we foster crucial classroom skills like following directions, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as promoting independence.
Curriculum Highlights: We introduce key concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and French language skills through a natural, inquiry-based approach.
Week 4: Exploring Art in Nature
### Share this:
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**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Kindergarten Readiness Summer Program Mini-Camp Week 3](https://oaklearners.ca/event/kindergarten-readiness-summer-program-mini-camp-week-3/)
**Published:** May 15, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Give your child a head start for Kindergarten in September 2025! Our Kindergarten Readiness program is designed for 3-4-year-olds and focuses on setting them up for success in their educational journey.
What to Expect:
Positive Learning Environment: Our experienced educators create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where children can explore and discover.
Essential Skills Development: Through play-based activities, we foster crucial classroom skills like following directions, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as promoting independence.
Curriculum Highlights: We introduce key concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and French language skills through a natural, inquiry-based approach.
Week 3: Food & Gardening
### Share this:
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**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Kindergarten Readiness Summer Program Mini-Camp Week 2](https://oaklearners.ca/event/kindergarten-readiness-summer-program-mini-camp-week-2/)
**Published:** May 15, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Give your child a head start for Kindergarten in September 2025! Our Kindergarten Readiness program is designed for 3-4-year-olds and focuses on setting them up for success in their educational journey.
What to Expect:
Positive Learning Environment: Our experienced educators create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where children can explore and discover.
Essential Skills Development: Through play-based activities, we foster crucial classroom skills like following directions, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as promoting independence.
Curriculum Highlights: We introduce key concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and French language skills through a natural, inquiry-based approach.
Week 2: Blast Off Into Summer
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Kindergarten Readiness Summer Program Mini-Camp Week 1](https://oaklearners.ca/event/kindergarten-readiness-summer-program-mini-camp-week-1/)
**Published:** May 14, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Give your child a head start for Kindergarten in September 2025! Our Kindergarten Readiness program is designed for 3-4-year-olds and focuses on setting them up for success in their educational journey.
What to Expect:
Positive Learning Environment: Our experienced educators create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where children can explore and discover.
Essential Skills Development: Through play-based activities, we foster crucial classroom skills like following directions, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as promoting independence.
Curriculum Highlights: We introduce key concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and French language skills through a natural, inquiry-based approach.
Week 1: Summer in the City
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Silent Auction - Fundraiser for Senior Students Grad Trip and Graduation Dinner](https://oaklearners.ca/event/silent-auction-fundraiser-for-senior-students-grad-trip-and-graduation-dinner/)
**Published:** March 23, 2025
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Content:**
## **Help Us Make Our Senior Grad Trip and Graduation Dinner a Reality!**
## **Our Online Silent Auction Begins March 29!**
Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends of Oak Learners,
I hope this message finds you well. We are excited to announce our upcoming *Silent Auction* to raise funds for the much-anticipated Senior Grad Trip to Blue Mountain, and the Graduation Ceremony and Dinner. This online auction will be launching on **March 29, 2025**, and will run until **April 14, 2025**. The funds raised will help ensure that all of our graduating students can participate in this special milestone experience and contribute to the ongoing growth of our school community.
We are aiming to raise **$2,500.00** through this auction, which will go directly toward covering trip expenses and making the senior students’ graduation celebrations memorable. The trip and dinner are vital components of their final year, and we want to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate. Any additional funds raised will be put towards facility and programming upgrades for the Senior Students at Oak Learners Lakeshore Campus.
We ask for your support in two ways:
1. **Share the Auction:** We kindly ask that you share the auction details with friends, family, and colleagues so we can reach as many people as possible. The more people who participate, the more successful the event will be for our students.
2. **Attend the Auction:** We need your support! Visit the site and bid on some items to help generate these much-needed funds!
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in the lives of our graduating seniors and help us continue to offer a rich educational experience to all our students.
Thank you for being part of the Oak Learners community and for helping make this a truly special time for our students.
### Share this:
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-
**Tags:** fundraiser, graduation, lakeshore campus, senior students, silen auction, silent auction
**Event Categories:** Community Event, Special Event
---
### [Holiday Workshop - Emotions](https://oaklearners.ca/event/holiday-workshop-emotions/)
**Published:** December 12, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Our annual holiday workshops! OT led, neurodiversity affirming and fun filled. Minimum of 4 children needed. Warm indoor space. Respite for parents after santa has come and gone!
2 hour workshop featuring Emotional Regulation games, activities and a special winter craft.
Register here: <https://angelic-cell-33140.myflodesk.com/yoym8dilxv>
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Workshop
---
### [Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade](https://oaklearners.ca/event/etobicoke-lakeshore-santa-claus-parade/)
**Published:** December 4, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
The parade starts at First Street at 10am and goes to Thirty Seventh St.
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Community Event
---
### [Oak Learners Holiday Concert 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/event/oak-learners-holiday-concert-silent-auction-2024/)
**Published:** November 4, 2024
**Author:** Kelly Farrell
**Excerpt:** Oak Learners Holiday Concert & Silent Auction 2024. Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 6:30pm.
**Content:**
🎶Your kids have been working hard, learning lots of new music with their teachers and we are excited for the opportunity to put on a show for our community!
**🥁Recital Details:**
WHEN: Tuesday December 10th, 2024
WHERE: Trident Banquet Hall, 145 Evans Ave.
ARRIVALS: Students to arrive between 5:50- 6:00
DOORS OPEN: for parents and family: 6:20
SHOW TIME: Show starts at 6:30
\*Show should run between 1 hour- 1 hour & fifteen minutes.
Students may sit with their families AFTER they play their song.
\*Please RSVP as soon as possible, as seating is limited but we want to accommodate and celebrate our students as much as we can!
\*Reminder that our last week of Music Classes is the week prior to the week of December 9th. The week of December 9th will be our designated make up week!
### Share this:
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-
**Tags:** event, holiday, holiday concert, holidays
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Babysitting Training Course](https://oaklearners.ca/event/babysitting-training-course/)
**Published:** November 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Offers basic first aid and caregiving skills for youth 11-15 years old. Participants learn how to provide care to children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the skills to promote themselves as babysitters to prospective families.
To book a spot visit [Mindful In Bloom](https://www.mindfulinbloom.com/babysitting)
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Workshop
---
### [Open House at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners-ry-nov30/)
**Published:** November 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Join us at our Royal York campus on November 10th from 1pm to 3pm to tour the school and have all of your questions answered.
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [Open House at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners-ls-nov30/)
**Published:** November 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Join us at our Lake Shore campus on November 30th from 10am to 12pm to tour the school and have all of your questions answered.
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [Open House at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners-ry-nov27/)
**Published:** November 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Join us at our Royal York campus on November 27th from 5pm to 7pm to tour the school and have all of your questions answered.
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners-ry-nov27/?share=facebook)
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-
**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [Open House at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners-ls-nov26/)
**Published:** November 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Join us at our Lake Shore campus on November 26th from 5pm to 7pm to tour the school and have all of your questions answered.
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners-ls-nov26/?share=facebook)
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-
**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [Open House at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners/2024-11-30/)
**Published:** November 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Join us at our Lake Shore campus on November 26th from 5pm to 7pm to tour the school and have all of your questions answered.
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/open-house-at-oak-learners/2024-11-30/?share=facebook)
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-
**Event Categories:** Open House
---
### [March Break Camp (March 10-14, 2025)](https://oaklearners.ca/event/march-break/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
[Book March Break Camp Here](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-camp-2025/)
[Book March Break Aftercare Here](https://oaklearners.ca/product/march-break-2025-extended-hours/)
### Share this:
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-
**Event Categories:** Camp, Special Event
---
### [Winter Holiday Day Camp](https://oaklearners.ca/event/winter-holiday-day-camp-2/2025-01-03/)
**Published:** November 14, 2024
**Author:** Sara
**Excerpt:** Each day during the Winter Break Day Camp will be filled with fun activities around an Inquiry-Based theme. A typical day for all campers includes elements of mindfulness, arts & crafts, drama and music as well as an outdoor adventure trip to a local park or nature trail. Sign up for one day or come for the full break!
**Content:**
| Date | Choose an optionDecember 21December 22December 23December 28December 29December 30[Clear](#) |
|---|---|
[](https://i0.wp.com/oaklearners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Winter-Break-.jpg?ssl=1)
🌿 Camper Information
📍 **Location:** Royal York Campus
Remember these campers for other weeks
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Winter Break Camps quantity
Add to cart
### Share this:
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- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/winter-holiday-day-camp-2/2025-01-03/?share=pinterest)
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- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Winter%20Holiday%20Day%20Camp&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fwinter-holiday-day-camp-2%2F2025-01-03%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Camp, Special Event
---
### [Little Rebels' Pre-Winter Wednesdays (2-14 Months)](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-2-14-months/2024-12-18/)
**Published:** November 12, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
We will be moving and grooving to BROADWAY, ROCK & ROLL, and MOTOWN classics while working on sitting by ourselves, rolling over, discovering who we are with mirror time (while sitting up or on our tummies), crawling, standing, and other exciting mobility milestones!
To join visit [The Little Rebels website.](https://dreamschools.com/iframe/programs/little-rebels-music-288/program/1888)
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-2-14-months/2024-12-18/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-2-14-months/2024-12-18/?share=pinterest)
- [ Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-2-14-months/2024-12-18/?share=linkedin)
- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-2-14-months/2024-12-18/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Little%20Rebels%27%20Pre-Winter%20Wednesdays%20%282-14%20Months%29&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Flittle-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-2-14-months%2F2024-12-18%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Class, Dance, Music Class
---
### [Little Rebels' Pre-Winter Saturdays (15+ Months)](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-saturdays-15-months/2024-12-14/)
**Published:** November 12, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
Using creative play and storytelling, we will be moving and grooving to BROADWAY, ROCK & ROLL, and MOTOWN classics while taking our kids through fun musical activities.
To join visit [The Little Rebels website.](https://dreamschools.com/iframe/programs/little-rebels-music-288/program/1891)
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-saturdays-15-months/2024-12-14/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-saturdays-15-months/2024-12-14/?share=pinterest)
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- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-saturdays-15-months/2024-12-14/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Little%20Rebels%27%20Pre-Winter%20Saturdays%20%2815%2B%20Months%29&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Flittle-rebels-pre-winter-saturdays-15-months%2F2024-12-14%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Class, Dance, Music Class
---
### [Little Rebels' Pre-Winter Wednesdays (7-14 Months)](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-7-14-months/2024-12-18/)
**Published:** November 12, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
We will be moving and grooving to BROADWAY, ROCK & ROLL, and MOTOWN classics while working on crawling, standing, and other exciting mobility milestones!
To join visit [The Little Rebels website.](https://dreamschools.com/iframe/programs/little-rebels-music-288/program/1887)
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-7-14-months/2024-12-18/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-7-14-months/2024-12-18/?share=pinterest)
- [ Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-7-14-months/2024-12-18/?share=linkedin)
- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-7-14-months/2024-12-18/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Little%20Rebels%27%20Pre-Winter%20Wednesdays%20%287-14%20Months%29&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Flittle-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-7-14-months%2F2024-12-18%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Class, Dance, Music Class
---
### [PA Day Camp - November 29, 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-november-29-2024/)
**Published:** November 6, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
To book your child for PA Day Camp please visit [PA Day Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-camp/) and add the date(s) needed to your cart.
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-november-29-2024/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-november-29-2024/?share=pinterest)
- [ Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-november-29-2024/?share=linkedin)
- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-november-29-2024/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20PA%20Day%20Camp%20-%20November%2029%2C%202024&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fpa-day-camp-november-29-2024%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [PA Day Camp - January 17, 2025](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-january-17-2025/)
**Published:** November 6, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
To book your child for PA Day Camp please visit [PA Day Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-camp/) and add the date(s) needed to your cart.
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-january-17-2025/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-january-17-2025/?share=pinterest)
- [ Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-january-17-2025/?share=linkedin)
- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-january-17-2025/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20PA%20Day%20Camp%20-%20January%2017%2C%202025&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fpa-day-camp-january-17-2025%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [PA Day Camp - February 14, 2025](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-february-14-2025/)
**Published:** November 6, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
To book your child for PA Day Camp please visit [PA Day Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product/pa-day-camp/) and add the date(s) needed to your cart.
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-february-14-2025/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-february-14-2025/?share=pinterest)
- [ Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-february-14-2025/?share=linkedin)
- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/pa-day-camp-february-14-2025/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20PA%20Day%20Camp%20-%20February%2014%2C%202025&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fpa-day-camp-february-14-2025%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Camp
---
### [Civic Holiday](https://oaklearners.ca/event/civic-holiday/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/civic-holiday/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/civic-holiday/?share=pinterest)
- [ Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://oaklearners.ca/event/civic-holiday/?share=linkedin)
- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/civic-holiday/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Civic%20Holiday&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fcivic-holiday%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Canada Day](https://oaklearners.ca/event/canada-day/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/canada-day/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/canada-day/?share=pinterest)
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- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/canada-day/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Canada%20Day&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fcanada-day%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Victoria Day](https://oaklearners.ca/event/victoria-day/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/victoria-day/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/victoria-day/?share=pinterest)
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- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/victoria-day/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Victoria%20Day&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fvictoria-day%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Easter Monday](https://oaklearners.ca/event/easter-monday/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/easter-monday/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/easter-monday/?share=pinterest)
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- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Easter%20Monday&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Feaster-monday%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Good Friday](https://oaklearners.ca/event/good-friday/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/good-friday/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/good-friday/?share=pinterest)
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- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/good-friday/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Good%20Friday&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fgood-friday%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Family Day](https://oaklearners.ca/event/family-day/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/family-day/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/family-day/?share=pinterest)
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- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/family-day/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Family%20Day&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Ffamily-day%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Winter Break](https://oaklearners.ca/event/winter-break/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/winter-break/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/winter-break/?share=pinterest)
- [ Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://oaklearners.ca/event/winter-break/?share=linkedin)
- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/winter-break/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Winter%20Break&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fwinter-break%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Earth Day](https://oaklearners.ca/event/earth-day/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/earth-day/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/earth-day/?share=pinterest)
- [ Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://oaklearners.ca/event/earth-day/?share=linkedin)
- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/earth-day/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Earth%20Day&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fearth-day%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Anti-Bullying Day (Pink Shirt Day)](https://oaklearners.ca/event/anti-bullying-day/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/anti-bullying-day/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/anti-bullying-day/?share=pinterest)
- [ Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://oaklearners.ca/event/anti-bullying-day/?share=linkedin)
- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/anti-bullying-day/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Anti-Bullying%20Day%20%28Pink%20Shirt%20Day%29&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fanti-bullying-day%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
### [Remembrance Day](https://oaklearners.ca/event/remembrance-day/)
**Published:** August 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
### Share this:
- [ Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://oaklearners.ca/event/remembrance-day/?share=facebook)
- [ Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/event/remembrance-day/?share=pinterest)
- [ Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://oaklearners.ca/event/remembrance-day/?share=linkedin)
- [ Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://oaklearners.ca/event/remembrance-day/?share=x)
- [ Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Remembrance%20Day&body=https%3A%2F%2Foaklearners.ca%2Fevent%2Fremembrance-day%2F&share=email)
-
**Event Categories:** Special Event
---
## Series
### [Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/series/open-house-2/)
**Published:** October 19, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
---
### [Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/series/open-house/)
**Published:** January 7, 2026
**Author:** Branda Dale
**Content:**
---
### [PA Day Camp - January 16, 2026](https://oaklearners.ca/series/pa-day-camp-january-16-2026/)
**Published:** December 17, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
**Content:**
---
### [Holiday Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/series/holiday-camps/)
**Published:** December 17, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
---
### [☕ Coffee and Conversation](https://oaklearners.ca/series/☕-coffee-and-conversation/)
**Published:** October 1, 2025
**Author:** Branda Dale
---
### [Little Rebels' Rebel Toddlers (2-14 Months)](https://oaklearners.ca/series/little-rebels-rebel-toddlers-2-14-months/)
**Published:** February 7, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Little Rebels' Rebel Infants and Babies (2-14 Months)](https://oaklearners.ca/series/little-rebels-rebel-infants-and-babies-2-14-months/)
**Published:** February 7, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Little Rebels' Rebel Babies (2-14 Months)](https://oaklearners.ca/series/little-rebels-rebel-babies-2-14-months/)
**Published:** February 6, 2025
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Open House at Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/series/open-house-at-oak-learners/)
**Published:** November 18, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Little Rebels' Pre-Winter Wednesdays (7-14 Months)](https://oaklearners.ca/series/little-rebels-pre-winter-wednesdays-7-14-months/)
**Published:** November 12, 2024
**Author:** Rowyn
---
### [Adult Beginner Jazz Drop-in Classes](https://oaklearners.ca/series/adult-beginner-jazz-drop-in-classes/)
**Published:** March 6, 2024
**Author:** Sara
**Content:**
---
### [Winter Holiday Day Camp](https://oaklearners.ca/series/winter-holiday-day-camp/)
**Published:** December 12, 2023
**Author:** Sara
**Content:**
---
### [Musical Theatre](https://oaklearners.ca/series/musical-theatre/)
**Published:** September 7, 2023
**Author:** Sara
---
## Categories
### [Music](https://oaklearners.ca/category/music/)
---
### [Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/activities/)
**Description:** Outside, inside, minimal materials, online, in person, whatever activity you need, we have it.
---
### [Announcements.](https://oaklearners.ca/category/announcements/)
**Description:** Changes, updates, and fun! Oak Learners announces new classes, events, and promotions.
---
### [Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/education/)
**Description:** Education is an extremely important part of early childhood but even as adults the learning never stops. We share tips, research, ideas, and tactics to help support your learning as a parent and as a teacher.
---
### [Events](https://oaklearners.ca/category/events/)
**Description:** Here we share important or interesting events we are holding at Oak Learners or within our surrounding community.
---
### [Healthy Living](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/)
**Description:** Mental health and physical health are equally important. While we find it easier to address physical health, we can never neglect the mental health needs of our children.
---
### [Parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/category/parenting/)
**Description:** Parenting is hard! We hope that the articles we share can help you find new approaches to the challenges you face with your children.
---
### [Private Tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/category/private-tutoring/)
**Description:** Oak Learners offers personalized private tutoring in a large number of subjects for grades 1 through 12.
---
### [Programming](https://oaklearners.ca/category/programming/)
**Description:** Learn more about the Oak Online Programs to inspire your own program planning or to enroll in one of our classes.
---
### [School Life](https://oaklearners.ca/category/school-life/)
**Description:** Get a glimps of some of the fun things we do with our students at Oak Learners.
---
### [Student Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/student-showcase/)
**Description:** A showcase of some of our student’s fantastic work.
---
### [Teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/category/teaching/)
**Description:** Lesson ideas, child support, development, and other topics to support your teaching career.
---
### [Outdoor Education](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outdooreducation/)
**Description:** Being outside is not only healthy but when used as an educational tool it can open up a whole new world of incite and understanding for all.
---
### [Virtual Field Trips](https://oaklearners.ca/category/virtual-field-trips/)
**Description:** Enjoy the world, the animals, science topics, artist locations, and more all from the comfort of your home for a mere fraction of the cost of traveling.
---
### [Book Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/book-recommendations/)
**Description:** To purchase more kid’s books check out Scholastic Books Use the code RC127307 Your books will be shipped directly to your home. Every purchase helps build our school library and provide new learning materials for our classroom.
---
### [Arts & Crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/category/arts-crafts/)
**Description:** Messy, glittery, slimy, and a whole lot of fun! Whether you use new or recycled materials, these crafts will provide a new line of education and exploration to your activity.
---
### [STEAM](https://oaklearners.ca/category/steam/)
**Description:** Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math activities, crafts, and educational posts.
---
### [Language Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/category/language-learning/)
**Description:** At Oak Learners we offer private French tutoring but the articles we share help you support your child’s language learning even if you don’t speak the language.
---
### [Outside Activities](https://oaklearners.ca/category/outside-activities/)
**Description:** Outside activities are healthy and fun. These activities will help you fill time and entice your children to do more in the great outdoors.
---
### [Resource Recommendations](https://oaklearners.ca/category/resource-recommendations/)
**Description:** Free online resources recommendations for literacy, math, science, music, and other subjects.
---
### [Educational Games](https://oaklearners.ca/category/educational-games/)
---
### [Virtual Games](https://oaklearners.ca/category/educational-games/virtual-games/)
---
### [Mindfulness](https://oaklearners.ca/category/mindfulness/)
---
### [Food](https://oaklearners.ca/category/healthy-living/food/)
---
### [Partner Showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/category/partner-showcase/)
---
### [Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/camps/)
---
### [Pre-K](https://oaklearners.ca/category/pre-k/)
---
### [Our Team](https://oaklearners.ca/category/our-team/)
---
### [Top Posts 2023](https://oaklearners.ca/category/top-posts-2023/)
---
### [BASE Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/category/base-camps/)
---
### [Back to School](https://oaklearners.ca/category/back-to-school/)
---
### [Round Up](https://oaklearners.ca/category/round-up/)
---
## Tags
### [21st century education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/21st-century-education/)
---
### [21st century learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/21st-century-learning/)
---
### [academic skills](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/academic-skills/)
---
### [academics](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/academics/)
---
### [active organix](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/active-organix/)
---
### [activism](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/activism/)
---
### [activities](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/activities/)
---
### [activity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/activity/)
---
### [adhd](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/adhd/)
---
### [adventure](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/adventure/)
---
### [alternative school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/alternative-school/)
---
### [amos waites park](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/amos-waites-park/)
---
### [andrew chang](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/andrew-chang/)
---
### [announcement](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/announcement/)
---
### [anxiety](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/anxiety/)
---
### [art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art/)
---
### [art class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art-class/)
---
### [art therapy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art-therapy/)
---
### [arts education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/arts-education/)
---
### [ASD](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/asd/)
---
### [award](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/award/)
---
### [awareness](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/awareness/)
---
### [babies](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/babies/)
---
### [back to school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/back-to-school/)
---
### [binoculars](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/binoculars/)
---
### [bored](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/bored/)
---
### [bridge the gap](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/bridge-the-gap/)
---
### [camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/camps/)
---
### [canada summer job grant](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/canada-summer-job-grant/)
---
### [cbc news](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cbc-news/)
---
### [cherry blossom](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cherry-blossom/)
---
### [children](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/children/)
---
### [christmas](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/christmas/)
---
### [city of toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/city-of-toronto/)
---
### [class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/class/)
---
### [class size](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/class-size/)
---
### [classroom](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/classroom/)
---
### [classrooms](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/classrooms/)
---
### [climate change](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/climate-change/)
---
### [cnoy2018](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cnoy2018/)
---
### [colour theory](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/colour-theory/)
---
### [colours](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/colours/)
---
### [community](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/community/)
---
### [concert](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/concert/)
---
### [connectivitiy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/connectivitiy/)
---
### [constructivism](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/constructivism/)
---
### [conversations with chidlren](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/conversations-with-chidlren/)
---
### [coping strategies](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/coping-strategies/)
---
### [coronavirus](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/coronavirus/)
---
### [coronavirus in the news](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/coronavirus-in-the-news/)
---
### [covid-19](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/covid-19/)
---
### [covid19](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/covid19/)
---
### [craft](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/craft/)
---
### [crafting](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/crafting/)
---
### [creativity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/creativity/)
---
### [critical thinking](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/critical-thinking/)
---
### [current events](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/current-events/)
---
### [curriculum](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/curriculum/)
---
### [dance](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/dance/)
---
### [dandelion craft](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/dandelion-craft/)
---
### [dandelion play dough](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/dandelion-play-dough/)
---
### [day camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/day-camp/)
---
### [differentiation](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/differentiation/)
---
### [difficult topics. asking questions](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/difficult-topics-asking-questions/)
---
### [distance education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/distance-education/)
---
### [diversity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/diversity/)
---
### [diy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/diy/)
---
### [doran](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/doran/)
---
### [drawing](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/drawing/)
---
### [ducklings](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ducklings/)
---
### [earth day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/earth-day/)
---
### [easy yoga](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/easy-yoga/)
---
### [ece](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ece/)
---
### [eco craft](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/eco-craft/)
---
### [eco education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/eco-education/)
---
### [education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/education/)
---
### [educational pedagogy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/educational-pedagogy/)
---
### [elementary](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/elementary/)
---
### [elementary school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/elementary-school/)
---
### [emma van der jagt](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/emma-van-der-jagt/)
---
### [enrichment](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/enrichment/)
---
### [environment](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/environment/)
---
### [environmental education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/environmental-education/)
---
### [etobcioke](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobcioke/)
---
### [etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke/)
---
### [etobiocke](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobiocke/)
---
### [event](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/event/)
---
### [executive function](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/executive-function/)
---
### [experiential education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/experiential-education/)
---
### [experiential learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/experiential-learning/)
---
### [explore](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/explore/)
---
### [eye spy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/eye-spy/)
---
### [families](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/families/)
---
### [family](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/family/)
---
### [family day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/family-day/)
---
### [family dinners](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/family-dinners/)
---
### [first aid](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/first-aid/)
---
### [fitness](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/fitness/)
---
### [food](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/food/)
---
### [fundraiser](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/fundraiser/)
---
### [fundraising](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/fundraising/)
---
### [future](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/future/)
---
### [Gaby-Mammone-keynote-speaker-Gabriella-Mammone-workshop-kids-Kindness-workshops-Toronto-Mississauga-trainer-schools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/gaby-mammone-keynote-speaker-gabriella-mammone-workshop-kids-kindness-workshops-toronto-mississauga-trainer-schools/)
---
### [games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/games/)
---
### [germs](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/germs/)
---
### [get outside](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/get-outside/)
---
### [google classroom](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/google-classroom/)
---
### [graduates](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/graduates/)
---
### [grand opening](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/grand-opening/)
---
### [gsuite](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/gsuite/)
---
### [hands on](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/hands-on/)
---
### [hands-on learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/hands-on-learning/)
---
### [handson learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/handson-learning/)
---
### [handwashing](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/handwashing/)
---
### [haven on the queensway](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/haven-on-the-queensway/)
---
### [hay stock](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/hay-stock/)
---
### [health](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/health/)
---
### [healthy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/healthy/)
---
### [healthy eating](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/healthy-eating/)
---
### [healthy food](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/healthy-food/)
---
### [healthy living](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/healthy-living/)
---
### [high park toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/high-park-toronto/)
---
### [himama](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/himama/)
---
### [holiday](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/holiday/)
---
### [holidays](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/holidays/)
---
### [holistic](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/holistic/)
---
### [home alone safety](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/home-alone-safety/)
---
### [homeless](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/homeless/)
---
### [homeschool](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/homeschool/)
---
### [homeschooling](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/homeschooling/)
---
### [homework](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/homework/)
---
### [homework help](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/homework-help/)
---
### [idea bag](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/idea-bag/)
---
### [independent school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/independent-school/)
---
### [individual programs](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/individual-programs/)
---
### [inquiry](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/inquiry/)
---
### [inquiry based](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/inquiry-based/)
---
### [inquiry based learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/inquiry-based-learning/)
---
### [inquiry learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/inquiry-learning/)
---
### [interactive](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/interactive/)
---
### [internet safety](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/internet-safety/)
---
### [james maloney](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/james-maloney/)
---
### [junior scientist](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/junior-scientist/)
---
### [kaleidescope](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kaleidescope/)
---
### [kelly farrell](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kelly-farrell/)
---
### [kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kids/)
---
### [kindergarten](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kindergarten/)
---
### [kindergarten readiness](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kindergarten-readiness/)
---
### [lake ontario](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lake-ontario/)
---
### [lakeshore](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lakeshore/)
---
### [lakeshore Mom's](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lakeshore-moms/)
---
### [lakeshore west](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lakeshore-west/)
---
### [lauren](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lauren/)
---
### [ld](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ld/)
---
### [learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learning/)
---
### [learning disability](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learning-disability/)
---
### [lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lessons/)
---
### [literacy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/literacy/)
---
### [little kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/little-kids/)
---
### [live music](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/live-music/)
---
### [living things](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/living-things/)
---
### [local food](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/local-food/)
---
### [local music](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/local-music/)
---
### [long branch](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/long-branch/)
---
### [marble game](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/marble-game/)
---
### [march break](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/march-break/)
---
### [mathematics](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mathematics/)
---
### [meal prep](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/meal-prep/)
---
### [meditation](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/meditation/)
---
### [mental health](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mental-health/)
---
### [mimico](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mimico/)
---
### [mimico by the lake](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mimico-by-the-lake/)
---
### [mimico village](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mimico-village/)
---
### [mindful](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mindful/)
---
### [mindful art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mindful-art/)
---
### [mindful walk](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mindful-walk/)
---
### [mindfulness](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mindfulness/)
---
### [mississauga](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mississauga/)
---
### [miundulness](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/miundulness/)
---
### [mompreneur](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mompreneur/)
---
### [monarch butterflies](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/monarch-butterflies/)
---
### [monarch watch](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/monarch-watch/)
---
### [monarchs](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/monarchs/)
---
### [montessori](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/montessori/)
---
### [morning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/morning/)
---
### [multiple intelligences](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/multiple-intelligences/)
---
### [music](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/music/)
---
### [music education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/music-education/)
---
### [music festival](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/music-festival/)
---
### [music lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/music-lessons/)
---
### [natural learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/natural-learning/)
---
### [nature](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nature/)
---
### [nature education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nature-education/)
---
### [neighbourhood walk](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/neighbourhood-walk/)
---
### [neuroscience](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/neuroscience/)
---
### [new toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/new-toronto/)
---
### [news](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/news/)
---
### [nomination](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nomination/)
---
### [now open](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/now-open/)
---
### [nutrition](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nutrition/)
---
### [oak learners](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners/)
---
### [oak online](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-online/)
---
### [occupational therapy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/occupational-therapy/)
---
### [online learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/online-learning/)
---
### [online yoga](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/online-yoga/)
---
### [ontario](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ontario/)
---
### [ontario school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ontario-school/)
---
### [open house](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/open-house/)
---
### [organic](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/organic/)
---
### [organic food](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/organic-food/)
---
### [organic produce](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/organic-produce/)
---
### [outdoor](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outdoor/)
---
### [outdoor education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outdoor-education/)
---
### [outdoor learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outdoor-learning/)
---
### [pa day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/pa-day/)
---
### [pa day camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/pa-day-camp/)
---
### [paint](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/paint/)
---
### [painting](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/painting/)
---
### [parent guide](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/parent-guide/)
---
### [parenting](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/parenting/)
---
### [parents](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/parents/)
---
### [passtimes](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/passtimes/)
---
### [performance](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/performance/)
---
### [personalized learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/personalized-learning/)
---
### [photos](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/photos/)
---
### [pinterest](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/pinterest/)
---
### [placebo space](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/placebo-space/)
---
### [plants](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/plants/)
---
### [prekk](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/prekk/)
---
### [preschool](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/preschool/)
---
### [preteen](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/preteen/)
---
### [private school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/private-school/)
---
### [private schools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/private-schools/)
---
### [professional development](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/professional-development/)
---
### [program](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/program/)
---
### [programs](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/programs/)
---
### [recital](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/recital/)
---
### [recycle](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/recycle/)
---
### [recycled craft](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/recycled-craft/)
---
### [red cross](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/red-cross/)
---
### [reggio](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/reggio/)
---
### [reggio emilia](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/reggio-emilia/)
---
### [reggio inspired](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/reggio-inspired/)
---
### [resources](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/resources/)
---
### [royal house of music](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/royal-house-of-music/)
---
### [scavenger hunt](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/scavenger-hunt/)
---
### [school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/school/)
---
### [schools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/schools/)
---
### [science](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/science/)
---
### [science class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/science-class/)
---
### [see](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/see/)
---
### [seed starter](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/seed-starter/)
---
### [senses](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/senses/)
---
### [shop local](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/shop-local/)
---
### [skills](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/skills/)
---
### [small classes](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/small-classes/)
---
### [smell](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/smell/)
---
### [snap](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/snap/)
---
### [social media](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/social-media/)
---
### [spoecial needs](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/spoecial-needs/)
---
### [spring](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/spring/)
---
### [stay safe](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/stay-safe/)
---
### [stress](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/stress/)
---
### [stress reduction](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/stress-reduction/)
---
### [student](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/student/)
---
### [student activists](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/student-activists/)
---
### [students](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/students/)
---
### [success](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/success/)
---
### [summer camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-camp/)
---
### [summer camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-camps/)
---
### [summer job](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-job/)
---
### [summer tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-tutoring/)
---
### [support](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/support/)
---
### [tagging monarchs](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/tagging-monarchs/)
---
### [talk to children](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/talk-to-children/)
---
### [talking to kids about the news](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/talking-to-kids-about-the-news/)
---
### [taste](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/taste/)
---
### [teachable moment](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teachable-moment/)
---
### [teacher](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teacher/)
---
### [teachers](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teachers/)
---
### [teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teaching/)
---
### [technology](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/technology/)
---
### [teen](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teen/)
---
### [teens](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teens/)
---
### [the national cbc](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/the-national-cbc/)
---
### [tie dye](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/tie-dye/)
---
### [toilet paper](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toilet-paper/)
---
### [toilet rolls](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toilet-rolls/)
---
### [toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toronto/)
---
### [tp roll](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/tp-roll/)
---
### [tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/tutoring/)
---
### [unschooling](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/unschooling/)
---
### [waldorf](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/waldorf/)
---
### [walk](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/walk/)
---
### [walking](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/walking/)
---
### [waste](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/waste/)
---
### [waterfron](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/waterfron/)
---
### [workshops](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/workshops/)
---
### [world issues](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/world-issues/)
---
### [yoga](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/yoga/)
---
### [yoga for children](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/yoga-for-children/)
---
### [yoga for kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/yoga-for-kids/)
---
### [youth](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/youth/)
---
### [youth interns](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/youth-interns/)
---
### [home](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/home/)
---
### [sing](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/sing/)
---
### [actions](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/actions/)
---
### [learn at home](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learn-at-home/)
---
### [science at home](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/science-at-home/)
---
### [experiments](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/experiments/)
---
### [outside learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outside-learning/)
---
### [oak outside](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-outside/)
---
### [outdoors](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outdoors/)
---
### [outdoor classroom](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outdoor-classroom/)
---
### [outside](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outside/)
---
### [exploration](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/exploration/)
---
### [pandemic](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/pandemic/)
---
### [world news](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/world-news/)
---
### [teaching about news](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teaching-about-news/)
---
### [learning about events](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learning-about-events/)
---
### [black lives matter](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/black-lives-matter/)
---
### [teaching issues](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teaching-issues/)
---
### [elementary education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/elementary-education/)
---
### [winter clothing](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/winter-clothing/)
---
### [winter](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/winter/)
---
### [fun](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/fun/)
---
### [play. school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/play-school/)
---
### [recess](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/recess/)
---
### [snow](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/snow/)
---
### [virtual learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/virtual-learning/)
---
### [at home learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/at-home-learning/)
---
### [lockdown](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lockdown/)
---
### [etobicoke lakeshore](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke-lakeshore/)
---
### [online game](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/online-game/)
---
### [camp games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/camp-games/)
---
### [classroom games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/classroom-games/)
---
### [play date](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/play-date/)
---
### [virtual social](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/virtual-social/)
---
### [social skills](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/social-skills/)
---
### [local](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/local/)
---
### [hikes](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/hikes/)
---
### [screen time](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/screen-time/)
---
### [internet](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/internet/)
---
### [volunteer](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/volunteer/)
---
### [helping](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/helping/)
---
### [giving](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/giving/)
---
### [online teaching](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/online-teaching/)
---
### [online classroom](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/online-classroom/)
---
### [eating healthy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/eating-healthy/)
---
### [active](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/active/)
---
### [health class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/health-class/)
---
### [game](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/game/)
---
### [classroom fun](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/classroom-fun/)
---
### [teaching online](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teaching-online/)
---
### [social games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/social-games/)
---
### [covid](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/covid/)
---
### [strategies](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/strategies/)
---
### [teenagers](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teenagers/)
---
### [high school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/high-school/)
---
### [middle school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/middle-school/)
---
### [virutal classroom](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/virutal-classroom/)
---
### [music class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/music-class/)
---
### [parent perspective](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/parent-perspective/)
---
### [video](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/video/)
---
### [interview](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/interview/)
---
### [support for learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/support-for-learning/)
---
### [volcabulary games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/volcabulary-games/)
---
### [literacy games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/literacy-games/)
---
### [learning language](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learning-language/)
---
### [elementary students](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/elementary-students/)
---
### [elementary games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/elementary-games/)
---
### [languages](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/languages/)
---
### [language games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/language-games/)
---
### [learnign literacy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learnign-literacy/)
---
### [hands](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/hands/)
---
### [learning games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learning-games/)
---
### [language learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/language-learning/)
---
### [second language](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/second-language/)
---
### [bilingual](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/bilingual/)
---
### [language](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/language/)
---
### [conversation](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/conversation/)
---
### [ELL](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ell/)
---
### [second language learners](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/second-language-learners/)
---
### [learning languages](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learning-languages/)
---
### [art activity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art-activity/)
---
### [creative activity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/creative-activity/)
---
### [art education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art-education/)
---
### [arts and crafts](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/arts-and-crafts/)
---
### [origami](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/origami/)
---
### [paper art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/paper-art/)
---
### [paper folding](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/paper-folding/)
---
### [frog origami](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/frog-origami/)
---
### [video tutorial](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/video-tutorial/)
---
### [minduflness](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/minduflness/)
---
### [sensory](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/sensory/)
---
### [therapy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/therapy/)
---
### [sensory bottle](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/sensory-bottle/)
---
### [slime](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/slime/)
---
### [messy art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/messy-art/)
---
### [sensory activity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/sensory-activity/)
---
### [hands on activity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/hands-on-activity/)
---
### [make slime](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/make-slime/)
---
### [blow painting](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/blow-painting/)
---
### [straws](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/straws/)
---
### [teaching art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teaching-art/)
---
### [paint snow](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/paint-snow/)
---
### [creative kids activities](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/creative-kids-activities/)
---
### [outside art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outside-art/)
---
### [st patricks day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/st-patricks-day/)
---
### [leprechaun](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/leprechaun/)
---
### [holiday activity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/holiday-activity/)
---
### [special days](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/special-days/)
---
### [march](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/march/)
---
### [lucky charms](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lucky-charms/)
---
### [stem](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/stem/)
---
### [project based learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/project-based-learning/)
---
### [stem challenge](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/stem-challenge/)
---
### [butterfly hug](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/butterfly-hug/)
---
### [relaxation](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/relaxation/)
---
### [breathing](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/breathing/)
---
### [calm](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/calm/)
---
### [learning literacy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learning-literacy/)
---
### [Julia Taylor](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/julia-taylor/)
---
### [Arlen Palfreyman](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/arlen-palfreyman/)
---
### [Day School](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/day-school/)
---
### [Adrianna A](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/adrianna-a/)
---
### [Alayna C](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/alayna-c/)
---
### [Fabiana](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/fabiana/)
---
### [Michelle M](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/michelle-m/)
---
### [personalized tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/personalized-tutoring/)
---
### [private tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/private-tutoring/)
---
### [summer](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer/)
---
### [summer camp 2022](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-camp-2022/)
---
### [study](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/study/)
---
### [homework planner](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/homework-planner/)
---
### [campus tour](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/campus-tour/)
---
### [video tour](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/video-tour/)
---
### [school tour](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/school-tour/)
---
### [new language](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/new-language/)
---
### [french](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/french/)
---
### [english](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/english/)
---
### [study language](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/study-language/)
---
### [study tips](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/study-tips/)
---
### [technology in class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/technology-in-class/)
---
### [test](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/test/)
---
### [test tips](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/test-tips/)
---
### [tips](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/tips/)
---
### [5 test tips](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/5-test-tips/)
---
### [What's The Time](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/whats-the-time/)
---
### [Mr. Wolf?](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mr-wolf/)
---
### [What's The Time Mr Wolf?](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/whats-the-time-mr-wolf/)
---
### [Games for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/games-for-kids/)
---
### [Games for Students](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/games-for-students/)
---
### [Games in Class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/games-in-class/)
---
### [Educational Games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/educational-games/)
---
### [Educational Video Games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/educational-video-games/)
---
### [Video Games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/video-games/)
---
### [Classroom Virtual Learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/classroom-virtual-learning/)
---
### [Video Games for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/video-games-for-kids/)
---
### [virtual](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/virtual/)
---
### [virtual games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/virtual-games/)
---
### [virtual class games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/virtual-class-games/)
---
### [school games](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/school-games/)
---
### [Apps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/apps/)
---
### [Apps for Students](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/apps-for-students/)
---
### [Apps for Class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/apps-for-class/)
---
### [Best Apps for Students](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/best-apps-for-students/)
---
### [Best Apps for Phone](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/best-apps-for-phone/)
---
### [Self-Expression](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/self-expression/)
---
### [Encourage Creativity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/encourage-creativity/)
---
### [Encourage Self-Expression](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/encourage-self-expression/)
---
### [Young Children](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/young-children/)
---
### [Orange Shirt Day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/orange-shirt-day/)
---
### [Reconciliation](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/reconciliation/)
---
### [Truth and Reconciliation](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/truth-and-reconciliation/)
---
### [Inclusivity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/inclusivity/)
---
### [mindfulness for kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mindfulness-for-kids/)
---
### [mindfulness in families](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mindfulness-in-families/)
---
### [mindfulness for young children](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mindfulness-for-young-children/)
---
### [etobicoke school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke-school/)
---
### [etobicoke private school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke-private-school/)
---
### [mindfulness activities for kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mindfulness-activities-for-kids/)
---
### [World Mental Health Day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/world-mental-health-day/)
---
### [Jasmine B](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/jasmine-b/)
---
### [toddlers](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toddlers/)
---
### [infants](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/infants/)
---
### [dancing](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/dancing/)
---
### [movement](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/movement/)
---
### [remembrance day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/remembrance-day/)
---
### [remembrance](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/remembrance/)
---
### [importance of remembrance](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/importance-of-remembrance/)
---
### [November 11](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/november-11/)
---
### [Poppy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/poppy/)
---
### [Flanders Field](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/flanders-field/)
---
### [The Last Post](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/the-last-post/)
---
### [musical instrument](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/musical-instrument/)
---
### [musical practice](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/musical-practice/)
---
### [musical practice at home](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/musical-practice-at-home/)
---
### [musical instrument practice at home](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/musical-instrument-practice-at-home/)
---
### [New Years](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/new-years/)
---
### [New Years Resolution](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/new-years-resolution/)
---
### [Happy New Year](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/happy-new-year/)
---
### [New Year Blog](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/new-year-blog/)
---
### [New Years Blog](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/new-years-blog/)
---
### [Questions for Schools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/questions-for-schools/)
---
### [Questions When Choosing Education for My Child](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/questions-when-choosing-education-for-my-child/)
---
### [Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Education for Your Child](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/questions-to-ask-when-choosing-the-right-education-for-your-child/)
---
### [Questions When Choosing The Right School](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/questions-when-choosing-the-right-school/)
---
### [Strategies for Tackling Homework](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/strategies-for-tackling-homework/)
---
### [Homework Strategies](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/homework-strategies/)
---
### [Home for kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/home-for-kids/)
---
### [Homework Strategies for Kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/homework-strategies-for-kids/)
---
### [How To Keep Your Child Safe While On The Internet](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/how-to-keep-your-child-safe-while-on-the-internet/)
---
### [Child safety online](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/child-safety-online/)
---
### [Keeping your child safe online](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/keeping-your-child-safe-online/)
---
### [parental control](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/parental-control/)
---
### [2022 summer camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/2022-summer-camp/)
---
### [early bird summer camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/early-bird-summer-camp/)
---
### [oak learners summer camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-summer-camp/)
---
### [humber](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/humber/)
---
### [humber college](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/humber-college/)
---
### [partner showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/partner-showcase/)
---
### [matching students with the right teacher](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/matching-students-with-the-right-teacher/)
---
### [finding the right teacher](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/finding-the-right-teacher/)
---
### [teachers for my child](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teachers-for-my-child/)
---
### [teacher interview](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teacher-interview/)
---
### [oak learners interview](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-interview/)
---
### [oak learners team interview](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-team-interview/)
---
### [team interview](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/team-interview/)
---
### [before and after-care](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/before-and-after-care/)
---
### [before care](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/before-care/)
---
### [after care](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/after-care/)
---
### [morning school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/morning-school/)
---
### [afternoon school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/afternoon-school/)
---
### [daycare](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/daycare/)
---
### [morning daycare](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/morning-daycare/)
---
### [afternoon daycare](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/afternoon-daycare/)
---
### [Oak Learners Music](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-music/)
---
### [Oak Learners Music Class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-music-class/)
---
### [Music Classes](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/music-classes/)
---
### [oak learners teacher](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-teacher/)
---
### [Seneca](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/seneca/)
---
### [Seneca College](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/seneca-college/)
---
### [Seneca College Oak Learners](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/seneca-college-oak-learners/)
---
### [Oak Learners College](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-college/)
---
### [summer camp etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-camp-etobicoke/)
---
### [teacherprofile](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/teacherprofile/)
---
### [educator interview](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/educator-interview/)
---
### [eggplant](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/eggplant/)
---
### [food class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/food-class/)
---
### [cooking](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cooking/)
---
### [cooking class](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cooking-class/)
---
### [ketchup](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ketchup/)
---
### [salad](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/salad/)
---
### [colouful food](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/colouful-food/)
---
### [urban farming](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/urban-farming/)
---
### [coleslaw](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/coleslaw/)
---
### [zoodles](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/zoodles/)
---
### [zucchini](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/zucchini/)
---
### [baking](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/baking/)
---
### [guacamole](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/guacamole/)
---
### [avocado](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/avocado/)
---
### [squash](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/squash/)
---
### [back to school sale](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/back-to-school-sale/)
---
### [back to school etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/back-to-school-etobicoke/)
---
### [back to school sale etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/back-to-school-sale-etobicoke/)
---
### [New Years Goals](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/new-years-goals/)
---
### [Setting Goals](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/setting-goals/)
---
### [Helping Kids Set Goals](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/helping-kids-set-goals/)
---
### [2023 Summer Camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/2023-summer-camp/)
---
### [Etobicoke Kids Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke-kids-camps/)
---
### [Etobicoke Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke-summer-camps/)
---
### [GTA Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/gta-summer-camps/)
---
### [Toronto kids camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toronto-kids-camps/)
---
### [Toronto Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toronto-summer-camps/)
---
### [Mimico Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mimico-camps/)
---
### [Kids summer camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kids-summer-camps/)
---
### [Lakeshore Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lakeshore-camps/)
---
### [Top Choice Awards](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/top-choice-awards/)
---
### [2023 Top Choice Awards](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/2023-top-choice-awards/)
---
### [Best Private School](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/best-private-school/)
---
### [Best Private School Etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/best-private-school-etobicoke/)
---
### [Toronto private school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toronto-private-school/)
---
### [Top Toronto private school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/top-toronto-private-school/)
---
### [Pink Shirt Day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/pink-shirt-day/)
---
### [Anti Bully Day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/anti-bully-day/)
---
### [Importance of Pink Shirt Day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/importance-of-pink-shirt-day/)
---
### [Pink Shirt Day Canada](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/pink-shirt-day-canada/)
---
### [Pink Shirts](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/pink-shirts/)
---
### [2023 Pink Shirt Day Canada](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/2023-pink-shirt-day-canada/)
---
### [Anti Bully Toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/anti-bully-toronto/)
---
### [Private Schools Tronto](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/private-schools-tronto/)
---
### [How to stop bulling](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/how-to-stop-bulling/)
---
### [Kids in Middle School](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kids-in-middle-school/)
---
### [Top Tips](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/top-tips/)
---
### [Etobicoke Schools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke-schools/)
---
### [Top Skills](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/top-skills/)
---
### [GTA Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/gta-camps/)
---
### [Kids Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kids-camps/)
---
### [Etobicoke Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke-camps/)
---
### [Etobicoke day camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke-day-camps/)
---
### [Mimico kids camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mimico-kids-camps/)
---
### [Best camps Etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/best-camps-etobicoke/)
---
### [Best camps GTA](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/best-camps-gta/)
---
### [Best camps Toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/best-camps-toronto/)
---
### [How to pick the best camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/how-to-pick-the-best-camps/)
---
### [Oak Learners Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-summer-camps/)
---
### [2023 Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/2023-summer-camps/)
---
### [Ontario Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ontario-camps/)
---
### [Benefits of summer camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/benefits-of-summer-camp/)
---
### [Mimico Schools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mimico-schools/)
---
### [New Toronto schools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/new-toronto-schools/)
---
### [Toronto Schools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toronto-schools/)
---
### [Toronto Private Schools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toronto-private-schools/)
---
### [Small Class Sizes Benifits](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/small-class-sizes-benifits/)
---
### [Class size ratios](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/class-size-ratios/)
---
### [Oak Learners Blog New](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-blog-new/)
---
### [Mimico School](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mimico-school/)
---
### [Oak Learners class size](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-class-size/)
---
### [One - on - one tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/one-on-one-tutoring/)
---
### [Toronto Tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toronto-tutoring/)
---
### [Skills kids need to learn for highschool](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/skills-kids-need-to-learn-for-highschool/)
---
### [Tips for highschool](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/tips-for-highschool/)
---
### [How to get kids ready for highschool](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/how-to-get-kids-ready-for-highschool/)
---
### [Highschool preperation](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/highschool-preperation/)
---
### [high school prep](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/high-school-prep/)
---
### [Kids Mental Health](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kids-mental-health/)
---
### [Kids Heath](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kids-heath/)
---
### [Kids Resources](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kids-resources/)
---
### [Ontario Private schools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ontario-private-schools/)
---
### [Private Music Lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/private-music-lessons/)
---
### [Oak Learners School](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/oak-learners-school/)
---
### [Equity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/equity/)
---
### [School Values](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/school-values/)
---
### [Creating a Culture of Inclusivity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/creating-a-culture-of-inclusivity/)
---
### [cherry blossom art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cherry-blossom-art/)
---
### [classroom art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/classroom-art/)
---
### [preschool art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/preschool-art/)
---
### [ecology](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ecology/)
---
### [alterative education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/alterative-education/)
---
### [ecoschool](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ecoschool/)
---
### [music camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/music-camp/)
---
### [musical theatre camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/musical-theatre-camp/)
---
### [summer camp 2023](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-camp-2023/)
---
### [musical theatre](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/musical-theatre/)
---
### [percussion](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/percussion/)
---
### [mural](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mural/)
---
### [mimico village bia](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mimico-village-bia/)
---
### [class pet](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/class-pet/)
---
### [lake shore campus](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lake-shore-campus/)
---
### [geography](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/geography/)
---
### [travel](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/travel/)
---
### [kayla buium](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/kayla-buium/)
---
### [nathan bruce](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nathan-bruce/)
---
### [south etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/south-etobicoke/)
---
### [pre-k](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/pre-k/)
---
### [programming](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/programming/)
---
### [Diwali](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/diwali/)
---
### [risky play](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/risky-play/)
---
### [bahamas](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/bahamas/)
---
### [cross curricular learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cross-curricular-learning/)
---
### [north america](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/north-america/)
---
### [gardening](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/gardening/)
---
### [cooking with kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cooking-with-kids/)
---
### [gardening with kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/gardening-with-kids/)
---
### [art camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art-camp/)
---
### [art and nature](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art-and-nature/)
---
### [nature camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nature-camp/)
---
### [summer camp for kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-camp-for-kids/)
---
### [summer 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-2024/)
---
### [ertobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ertobicoke/)
---
### [camp for kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/camp-for-kids/)
---
### [gta summer camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/gta-summer-camp/)
---
### [etobicoke summer camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke-summer-camp/)
---
### [alderwood](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/alderwood/)
---
### [bloor west](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/bloor-west/)
---
### [outdoor camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outdoor-camp/)
---
### [science camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/science-camp/)
---
### [physical education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/physical-education/)
---
### [student engagement](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/student-engagement/)
---
### [physical activity](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/physical-activity/)
---
### [physed](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/physed/)
---
### [angelo arambulo](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/angelo-arambulo/)
---
### [mural artist](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mural-artist/)
---
### [video projection](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/video-projection/)
---
### [mural projection mapping](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mural-projection-mapping/)
---
### [tangled geese](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/tangled-geese/)
---
### [toronto mural art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/toronto-mural-art/)
---
### [gems of etobicoke-lakeshore](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/gems-of-etobicoke-lakeshore/)
---
### [awards](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/awards/)
---
### [nominee](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nominee/)
---
### [winner](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/winner/)
---
### [school art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/school-art/)
---
### [school mural](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/school-mural/)
---
### [2021](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/2021/)
---
### [black history month](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/black-history-month/)
---
### [art school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art-school/)
---
### [middle school art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/middle-school-art/)
---
### [lakeshore grounds](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lakeshore-grounds/)
---
### [field trips](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/field-trips/)
---
### [local learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/local-learning/)
---
### [student artwork](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/student-artwork/)
---
### [black heritage](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/black-heritage/)
---
### [black artists](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/black-artists/)
---
### [art gallery](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art-gallery/)
---
### [field trip](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/field-trip/)
---
### [AGO](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ago/)
---
### [school trip](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/school-trip/)
---
### [music concert](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/music-concert/)
---
### [. micro school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/micro-school/)
---
### [holiday concert](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/holiday-concert/)
---
### [school concert](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/school-concert/)
---
### [family concert](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/family-concert/)
---
### [student art](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/student-art/)
---
### [science center](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/science-center/)
---
### [ontario science center](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ontario-science-center/)
---
### [middle schoo](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/middle-schoo/)
---
### [student life](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/student-life/)
---
### [rain](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/rain/)
---
### [puddles](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/puddles/)
---
### [rain boots](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/rain-boots/)
---
### [hiking boots for kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/hiking-boots-for-kids/)
---
### [running shoes for kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/running-shoes-for-kids/)
---
### [waterproof](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/waterproof/)
---
### [umbrellas](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/umbrellas/)
---
### [grad trip fundraiser](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/grad-trip-fundraiser/)
---
### [bottle drive](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/bottle-drive/)
---
### [bake sale](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/bake-sale/)
---
### [community event](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/community-event/)
---
### [senior trip](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/senior-trip/)
---
### [cherry blossoms](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cherry-blossoms/)
---
### [high park](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/high-park/)
---
### [april 2024](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/april-2024/)
---
### [nature school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nature-school/)
---
### [outdoor school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outdoor-school/)
---
### [shoreline cleanup](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/shoreline-cleanup/)
---
### [cleanup](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cleanup/)
---
### [garbage pickup](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/garbage-pickup/)
---
### [graduation](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/graduation/)
---
### [celebration](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/celebration/)
---
### [water rangers](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/water-rangers/)
---
### [ocean week](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/ocean-week/)
---
### [world ocean week](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/world-ocean-week/)
---
### [world ocean day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/world-ocean-day/)
---
### [mimico creek](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mimico-creek/)
---
### [etobicoke creek](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/etobicoke-creek/)
---
### [grant](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/grant/)
---
### [summer skill boosters](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-skill-boosters/)
---
### [summer academics](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-academics/)
---
### [academic support](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/academic-support/)
---
### [math tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/math-tutoring/)
---
### [trans canada trail](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/trans-canada-trail/)
---
### [trail care day](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/trail-care-day/)
---
### [scavenger hunts](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/scavenger-hunts/)
---
### [blue mountain](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/blue-mountain/)
---
### [grade eight](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/grade-eight/)
---
### [grade sevem](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/grade-sevem/)
---
### [middle school. grade eight](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/middle-school-grade-eight/)
---
### [life skills](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/life-skills/)
---
### [indigenous food](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/indigenous-food/)
---
### [three sisters salad](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/three-sisters-salad/)
---
### [elemenetary school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/elemenetary-school/)
---
### [crawford lake](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/crawford-lake/)
---
### [indigenous studies](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/indigenous-studies/)
---
### [primary school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/primary-school/)
---
### [student showcase](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/student-showcase/)
---
### [mimco](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/mimco/)
---
### [flight unit](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/flight-unit/)
---
### [base camp](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/base-camp/)
---
### [before and after school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/before-and-after-school/)
---
### [afterschool program](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/afterschool-program/)
---
### [flight](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/flight/)
---
### [canadian warplane heritage museum](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/canadian-warplane-heritage-museum/)
---
### [art show](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art-show/)
---
### [assembly hall](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/assembly-hall/)
---
### [art exhibition](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/art-exhibition/)
---
### [lakeshore campus](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/lakeshore-campus/)
---
### [silen auction](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/silen-auction/)
---
### [senior students](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/senior-students/)
---
### [silent auction](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/silent-auction/)
---
### [summer skill booster](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-skill-booster/)
---
### [learning lab](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learning-lab/)
---
### [differentiated instruction](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/differentiated-instruction/)
---
### [universal design for learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/universal-design-for-learning/)
---
### [red cross training](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/red-cross-training/)
---
### [pets](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/pets/)
---
### [grade eight graduation](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/grade-eight-graduation/)
---
### [cellar door](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/cellar-door/)
---
### [spring recital](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/spring-recital/)
---
### [school play](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/school-play/)
---
### [learning about flight](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/learning-about-flight/)
---
### [flight project](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/flight-project/)
---
### [timeline](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/timeline/)
---
### [math project](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/math-project/)
---
### [winter concert](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/winter-concert/)
---
### [perfiormance](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/perfiormance/)
---
### [emotional regulation](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/emotional-regulation/)
---
### [school routines](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/school-routines/)
---
### [summer break](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/summer-break/)
---
### [sensory seeking](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/sensory-seeking/)
---
### [sensory tools](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/sensory-tools/)
---
### [classroom fidgets](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/classroom-fidgets/)
---
### [sensory therapy](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/sensory-therapy/)
---
### [classroom sensroy accomodations](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/classroom-sensroy-accomodations/)
---
### [round up](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/round-up/)
---
### [getting ready](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/getting-ready/)
---
### [prepare for success](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/prepare-for-success/)
---
### [new school year](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/new-school-year/)
---
### [best fall clothing](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/best-fall-clothing/)
---
### [clothing for kids](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/clothing-for-kids/)
---
### [outside education](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outside-education/)
---
### [outside activities](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/outside-activities/)
---
### [weather](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/weather/)
---
### [flower walks](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/flower-walks/)
---
### [nature learning](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nature-learning/)
---
### [forest school](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/forest-school/)
---
### [explore nature](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/explore-nature/)
---
### [environmental awareness](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/environmental-awareness/)
---
### [nature walk](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nature-walk/)
---
### [nature walks](https://oaklearners.ca/tag/nature-walks/)
---
## Product categories
### [Day Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/daycamps/)
**Description:** Summer camps, March break camps, and special day camps (eg strikes) are available at Oak Learners every year. As available they will be added for purchase.
---
### [Downloadables](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/downloadables/)
---
### [Music Lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/musiclessons/)
**Description:** While music may not be happening in schools and even in person we can’t let the music die. So, pick a music class or inquire about individual, virtual music tutoring.
---
### [Workshop](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/workshop/)
---
### [Oak Outside](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/oak-outside/)
**Description:** Outside is ripe with learning opportunities all year round. Oak Learners has been proud to offer forest school in the city with summer camps and other programs throughout the school year.
---
### [Classic Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/summer-camps-arts-adventure/)
---
### [Tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/tutoring/)
**Description:** Individualized, private tutoring is an amazing support for struggling students. When they can understand the work they build confidence in their skills.
---
### [Math](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/math/)
**Description:** Kinder math, tutoring, and other programs make numbers less intimidating and even fun.
---
### [Preschool (Onsite)](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/preschool/)
**Description:** Kindergarten Readiness is one of our most popular programs but we sometimes also have preschool music, story time, yoga, and other fun classes.
---
### [Academic Programs](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/academic-programs/)
---
### [All Summer Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/summer-camps-eco-adventures/)
---
### [March Break](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/march-break/)
---
### [Leadership](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/leadership/)
---
### [TShirts](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/tshirts/)
---
### [Summer Camp: Royal York Campus](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/royal-york-campus/)
---
### [Fundraising](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/fundraising/)
---
### [BASE Camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/base-camp/)
---
### [Space Rentals](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/space-rentals/)
---
### [Extended Hours](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/daycamps/extended-hours/)
---
### [Current Camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product-category/current-camps/)
---
## Product tags
### [camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/camp/)
---
### [camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/camps/)
---
### [day camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/day-camp/)
---
### [drums](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/drums/)
---
### [etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/etobicoke/)
---
### [guitar](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/guitar/)
---
### [homeschool](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/homeschool/)
---
### [kindergarten](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/kindergarten/)
---
### [march break](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/march-break/)
---
### [mimico](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/mimico/)
---
### [music](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/music/)
---
### [oak learners](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/oak-learners/)
---
### [piano](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/piano/)
---
### [preschool](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/preschool/)
---
### [private lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/private-lessons/)
---
### [private school](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/private-school/)
---
### [school age](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/school-age/)
---
### [tutoring](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/tutoring/)
---
### [ukulele](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/ukulele/)
---
### [worksheet](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/worksheet/)
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### [youth](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/youth/)
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### [summer camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/summer-camp/)
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### [toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/toronto/)
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### [virtual learning](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/virtual-learning/)
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### [learn at home](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/learn-at-home/)
---
### [family](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/family/)
---
### [kindness](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/kindness/)
---
### [download](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/download/)
---
### [booklet](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/booklet/)
---
### [activity](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/activity/)
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### [kind](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/kind/)
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### [social emotion learning](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/social-emotion-learning/)
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### [back to school](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/back-to-school/)
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### [worksheets](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/worksheets/)
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### [book](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/book/)
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### [writing](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/writing/)
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### [creative writing](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/creative-writing/)
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### [template](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/template/)
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### [outdoor education](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/outdoor-education/)
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### [leadership](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/leadership/)
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### [mindfulness](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/mindfulness/)
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### [etobicoke camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/etobicoke-camps/)
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### [fundraiser](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/fundraiser/)
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### [canada](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/canada/)
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### [winter camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/winter-camp/)
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### [outdoor camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/outdoor-camp/)
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### [holiday break](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/holiday-break/)
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### [musical theatre](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/musical-theatre/)
---
### [outdoor learning](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/outdoor-learning/)
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### [art camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/art-camp/)
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### [march](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/march/)
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### [theme camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/theme-camp/)
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### [vocal](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/vocal/)
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### [percussion](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/percussion/)
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### [piano lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/piano-lessons/)
---
### [music lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/music-lessons/)
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### [private music lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/private-music-lessons/)
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### [drum lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/drum-lessons/)
---
### [new toronto](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/new-toronto/)
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### [guitar lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/guitar-lessons/)
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### [ukulele lessons](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/ukulele-lessons/)
---
### [pink shirt day](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/pink-shirt-day/)
---
### [be kind](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/be-kind/)
---
### [pink shirt](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/pink-shirt/)
---
### [Anti Bullying Day](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/anti-bullying-day/)
---
### [T-Shirt](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/t-shirt/)
---
### [school break](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/school-break/)
---
### [arts camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/arts-camp/)
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### [yoga camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/yoga-camp/)
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### [nature camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/nature-camp/)
---
### [extended hours](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/extended-hours/)
---
### [winter break](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/winter-break/)
---
### [pa day camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/pa-day-camp/)
---
### [music lessons etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/music-lessons-etobicoke/)
---
### [music school](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/music-school/)
---
### [drum lessons etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/drum-lessons-etobicoke/)
---
### [piano lessons etobicoke](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/piano-lessons-etobicoke/)
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### [academic camps](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/academic-camps/)
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### [stem camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/stem-camp/)
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### [science kids](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/science-kids/)
---
### [counselor in training](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/counselor-in-training/)
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### [summer camp leadership](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/summer-camp-leadership/)
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### [summer camp youth](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/summer-camp-youth/)
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### [summer camp 2025](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/summer-camp-2025/)
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### [cit](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/cit/)
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### [youth programming](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/youth-programming/)
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### [youth leadership](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/youth-leadership/)
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### [kindergarten readiness](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/kindergarten-readiness/)
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### [preschool summer camp](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/preschool-summer-camp/)
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### [summer camp 2026](https://oaklearners.ca/product-tag/summer-camp-2026/)
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## Event Categories
### [Camp](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/camp/)
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### [Class](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/class/)
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### [Community Event](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/community-event/)
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### [Drop-In](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/drop-in/)
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### [Open House](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/open-house/)
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### [Special Event](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/special-event/)
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### [Workshop](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/workshop/)
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### [Music Class](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/class/music/)
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### [Dance](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/class/dance/)
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### [Summer Skill Booster](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/class/summer-skill-booster/)
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### [Summer Learning Lab](https://oaklearners.ca/events/category/summer-learning-lab/)
---