Canada Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our nation’s rich history and diversity with our children in a way that fosters curiosity and meaningful connection. At Western Heights Montessori, we believe that every holiday can be an invitation to learn, reflect, and grow, especially when approached with warmth and intention.
A Child-Friendly Introduction to Canada Day
In the Montessori spirit of storytelling and hands-on exploration, explaining the meaning behind Canada Day doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a gentle way to describe it to young children:
“A long time ago—before even your grandparents were born, Canada wasn’t just one place. It was made up of different parts, kind of like puzzle pieces. On July 1st, four of those parts: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, joined together to become one country, Canada! Now, we celebrate Canada’s birthday every year on July 1st with fun, music, and family.”
To make it tangible, invite your child to look at a map of Canada or create a simple paper puzzle representing the original provinces. You might even make a birthday card for Canada, just like you would for someone you love.
Montessori-Inspired Canada Day Activities
Maple Leaf Sorting Sensory Bin
Create a red-and-white themed sensory bin using dried rice, pom-poms, scoops, and felt or paper maple leaves of different sizes and shades. Children can sort the leaves by color, size, or texture, an activity that supports fine motor skills and early math concepts like categorizing and comparison!
Canadian Wildlife Matching Game
Print or cut out photos of native Canadian animals like moose, beavers, loons, polar bears, and caribou. Lay them out for a matching activity or pair each with a simple fact card. This encourages language development, concentration, and a love for nature, all key aspects of the Montessori approach.
For more Canadian activities outside the home, visit: https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/things-to-do/family-activities
Canada Day Story & Book Corner
Set up a cozy, quiet space with books that reflect Canada’s heritage, landscapes, and diverse voices. This is a wonderful way to connect with the country’s story while supporting literacy and emotional connection.
Some parent- and educator-recommended titles include:
- “Goodnight, Canada” by Andrea Beck
- “A is for Algonquin: An Ontario Alphabet” by Lovenia Gorman
- “My Heart Fills With Happiness” by Monique Gray Smith
- “Proud to Be Inuk” by Nicole Adams
- “My Canada” by Katherine Dearlove
You can find more curated reading lists for young children here:
https://themontessoriroom.com/collections/books-1/four?srsltid=AfmBOop7pRAxFPVCQ17QmW7cSs99KvY7PenGfqO5P-2NLoIeAamNcfa2
Staying Safe While Celebrating
If you’re celebrating outdoors, remember that little ones are more vulnerable to heat. Choose shady times of day, offer plenty of water, and keep clothing light and breathable. For helpful tips on summer safety for young children, visit: https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/safety-and-injury-prevention/sun_safety
Whether you’re reading, crafting, or simply enjoying time together as a family, we hope your Canada Day is full of learning, laughter, and love!
Happy Canada Day from all of us at Western Heights Montessori! 🍁