As we move into 2020 we are happy to feature one playful lady who happily shares with us what she wants to be when she grows up which is her beautiful childlike self. 

Interviewed by Lorrie Holmes

As a ventriloquist and family entertainer, Kellie Haines started talking to her stuffed animals at the tender age of eight. When they started talking back, she knew she had a show to do! Kellie has made great use of her background – after all, she holds a BA with Specialized Honours in Drama and is a multitalented entertainer with a background in theatre, clowning, singing and dance, but none of this has stopped her from dreaming big. And her dreams came true when she was cast as a puppeteer on a Jim Henson project for television. She’s also represented Canada in the International Show at Vent Haven Convention in Kentucky last July and this summer she is returning to the USA to perform her singing vent act for both children and adults alike. Through her work as a ventriloquist and a teacher of drama, Kellie also works as a behaviour interventionist for the Ministry of Children and Family Development. 



“I know I’m getting older so this painting I made really captures that feeling of my childhood Christmases.”

By Youth Artist, Lexi L.

This year, 12 year old youth artist, Lexi, created a snowman for us which she explains best represents the warm and cozy feeling of her childhood memories. “Especially when I would come inside after building a snowman with my sister or even having a snowball fight, and we could warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. That was the best,” she explains with a smile on her face. Lexi adds, “When I think of Christmas, what comes to mind for me is playing in the snow. I love building snowman. I love building things in the snow. It feels weird, like playing with a cold cloud.”

When asked if she has a favourite snowman, she quickly answers, “Yes! Frosty, because he isn’t your regular snowman. He is so cartoony, and definitely very loveable. He doesn’t just have coal yes and a carrot nose. He’s just more cartoony and I really like that.”

When asked about some of her favourite things at Christmastime, Lexi answers that they are spending time with family and giving things to others and seeing their enjoyment. Thank you Lexi, for sharing your adorable snowman with us as our feature image in this story.

For our family, Christmas means family time, fun memories, and activities that we can experience year after year.

Zina, Early Childhood Educator and Mama to Kaiden

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Next, we expanded upon this story by interviewing a Mama and Early Childhood Educator who we like to follow on Instagram at @zina_ece. Zina adds that, “Christmas is a special time for my family. It allows us to create memories throughout the wintertime. It also gives us an opportunity to spend time with K, our toddler. Each year, we decorate the tree together. K always makes a special ornament to put on the tree. So in years to come, we will have a nice collection!” Mom pauses then continues, “Christmas through his eyes is magical. He is loving seeing all the lights at nighttime, decorating gingerbread houses, and eating all the cookies! We have done so many activities throughout the winter break that he is looking forward to seeing what’s next! He often says to me, “Mama, those lights were amazing!”, or “Thanks for getting the gingerbread house. It was so much fun!” I’m so glad that he appreciates and looks forward to all the things that we can do together. This year we have also asked K to pick some toys out to donate to those who need them. He understands that some children may not have toys this year. He was more then happy to wrap up toys with me to gift to other children. ” 

On behalf of all of us at KiDS NEWS & REViEWS, we wish you a Very Merry Little Christmas & A Happy New Year

The holiday season is more or less one of the few times a year when everyone gets together and visits with the family. Everyone’s definition of family is different for the most part, and so are their ideas of how to celebrate the holidays. And though we’re all different, one thing that we all have in common is the desire to share our favourite holiday treats and traditions with our loved ones.

Heath Newman of Newmans Fine Foods

That might mean getting together and having that nice turkey roast, or cooking a whole turkey. Maybe you prefer to offer your family a prime rib, or to cook up a ham or something that might seem less traditional to some, like lamb. There are so many different choices of meats and it all begins with the cuts.

There is always a reason for a child’s behaviour and it is our job as their caregivers to uncover where it’s coming from; to always be trying to understand it within the context of each individual child.

Written by Ana Cassidy, Early Childhood Educator & Author

No two children have the same exact experience in any given situation. Once you get to know each child, you understand where their behaviour stems from. Each one is unique and as such, they all react to any given situation differently. Some children thrive on adult attention and will often seek us out to play with them one-on-one. Others may have us rescue them from a situation they don’t yet have the confidence they can solve for themselves. We, of course, are always better off guiding them through their challenges as opposed to just solving them for them.

CHILDREN WANT TO STAY CONNECTED TO US PARENTS & CAREGIVERS, AND IT’S EASIER TO ACHIEVE THAN WE THINK, ONCE WE STOP PUSHING THEM AWAY.

Written by Sue DeCaro, Parent Coach and Educator

Staying connected to our kids is easier than we think, but it takes work on our part. Children want us parents to see who they really are. When they feel that they are being supported AT THIS LEVEL, rather than molded into what we want or expect them to be, this is when CONNECTION truly happens. Today, parent coach, Sue DeCaro, explores ideas with us about how to see, reach, and stay connected with our children.

When I look at the scenarios being played out with my own clients, I can’t help but think back to the disconnection I had with my own parents which just seemed to be part of my generation. I was raised in a time when kids were to be seen and not heard. For this reason, us kids spent most of our time with each other, and usually outdoors. We practiced self-regulation naturally in our own environment and sorted out our own problems. As long as we were home in time for dinner, our lives were pretty much our own to manage.

Can kids learn complex creative skills like music, songwriting, creative writing, drama and dance through play?

Written by Lorrie Holmes

Based on my own experiences as a Creative Arts Instructor & Mentor, over the past decade, I’ve certainly learned that the answer is yes. As a matter of fact, the more creative freedom that’s given, the more focused these kids are on developing a skill or completing a project to the best of their ability. Provide these young artists with the right environment and support and their creativity will blossom. They will automatically:

I love to use fairies and other folklore in my songs that I create to teach my students about science and other fun topics.

Mr. Brown, Educational Songwriter & Science Teacher

This month’s playful personality is Mr. Brown. His songs are full of imagination and have a tenderness to them that is quite magical. I was instantly charmed by each of his videos on his Youtube channel which we’ve included at the bottom of this story. Topics covered in each of his songs are diverse and unique and range from his seasonal fairy series to many science-related topics, to a fun spelling song. You see, he’s a science teacher and has a playful approach to teaching through songs but what’s even more unique about his collection of songs is his use of fairies & folklore that can’t help but appeal to the magical side of a child’s imagination – the perfect place to teach from! He’s speaking to kids in their language – the language of wonderment and curiosity. We are excited to be featuring Mr. Brown and his educational songs just before Earth Day and appreciate his commitment to sharing his passions for nature and science with these impressionable, young minds – and hearts!

Lee Edward Fodi is Teaching Kids How To Put Their Own Daydreaming To Good Use

Interviewed by Lorrie Holmes

Lee Edward Födi is an author, illustrator, and specialized arts educator—or, as he likes to think of himself, a daydreaming expert. He is the author of Zoone series (HarperCollins) and the Kendra Kandlestar series (Simply Read Books). He has also illustrated books for other authors. Lee teaches kids how to put their own daydreaming to good use at schools, libraries, and through workshops with the Creative Writing for Children (CWC) Society, which he co-founded in 2004. During his free time, he’s a traveler, adventurer, and maker of dragon eggs. He lives in Vancouver, Canada, with his wife, son, and unhelpful cat. Lee’s latest book, The Secret Of Zoon, will be released on April 9th. Published by HarperCollins, this book is the perfect middle-grade fantasy for kids ages 8 & up. Let’s see what Lee has to say about this book and all the other wonderfully magical things he’s up to.

Because I am completely juvenile and haven’t grown up yet, I find it easy to relate to kids on that elemental level…. and I see how enthusiastically they respond to that.

Mr Doug, Children’s Performer

Mr Doug uses music, poetry, and storytelling while promoting themes that encourage positive child development. He does this quite effortlessly by engaging his audience with his unique brand of humour. Though we love Mr Doug’s appreciation for funny things, there is much more to him than just hitting our funny bones. His messages of love, self-worth, and kindness towards others resonate deeply with children, parents, and teachers alike. We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Mr Doug about the release of his Responsible Songables. I checked them out myself the other day and was very impressed with his catchy melodies, professional production, and the positive impactful lyrics and vocals that I feel will speak to the kids while also impressing their parents and teachers. I’m looking forward to testing each of these songs out in classrooms in the near future and will review them shortly. The messages in these songs are impactful but not preachy. Now let’s see what Mr Doug has to share with us about songwriting and kidding around.