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🌬️STEAM FUN: Make a Paper Pinwheel

Pinwheels are more than just a colourful toy, they’re a hands-on way to explore science, math, art, and even reading. This simple craft is a great little STEAM activity touching on various aspects of science, technology, engineering, art and math. 🌈 What You’ll Need A square piece of paper about 6x6 inches (construction paper or cardstock) Scissors A push pin/brad fastener or pipe cleaner (depending on child safety concerns) A pencil with an eraser or straw or even fort building sticks Single hole punch or sharp pencil for punching holes Glue stick or tape Ruler (optional) Markers, crayons, or stickers ✂️ Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Start with a square Trim your paper into a square (6x6 or 8x8 inches works well). 2. Decorate first Add colors, patterns, or drawing, this makes the spinning effect even more exciting. 3. Draw diagonal lines Lightly draw an “X” from corner to corner. (Think Jamaican or Scottish Flag) 4. Cut toward the center Cut along each line, stoppi...

I Live In Canada...Canada Day 2021 Reflections

A picture of 3 First Nations children in traditional dress
Photo Credit: Harvard Political Review 


I live in Canada...where are you from? What a question! I’ve asked it so many times during the videos I’ve shared over on the Tot Tutor channel but today this question has been cause for pause. Canada Day hit differently for many Canadians this year, following the grizzly discoveries of mass indigenous child burial grounds. 

Canada Day will never be the same again and maybe that's what's best. 

Many Canadians spent much of the day mourning and talking about the people who were here before us and the descendants who have been traumatized by the genocide.

I took time to learn about the Métis, the Inuk, the Mississaugas and the Three Fires Confederacy and others who stewarded the  land in days gone by and grieved at the historic mistreatment of the First Nations here and everywhere. 

Unfortunately this is a shared history in the Americas, Caribbean and elsewhere in the world and we need to make sure our young ones know the complete story of those who first inhabited these lands, their relationship to the land and how they took care of it.

We can also talk about big topics like friendship, broken promises, treaties and reconciliation.

Teaching accurate and complete histories (even if unpleasant and painful) to the upcoming generation is one way we can play our part in raising global citizens and  making sure the ugly parts of history never repeat themselves. ♥️




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