Setting yourself up for virtual learning success

Welcome back to Aylen Stacey, a local 12 year-old middle schooler who guest blogs for Kids in the Capital! Have a child who likes to write and wants to share their tips for other kids? Send us an email! kidsinthecapital@gmail.com

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As you all know by know, we will all be returning to the dreaded virtual learning after Christmas break! (Editor note that English boards are already back, but French boards are back next Tuesday January 11th)

Now, if you are a person who doesn't mind online learning then keep scrolling, because this article is probably not for you.

But for everyone else, virtual learning can be stressful for everyone in the family: the kids that are actually doing the online school and even the parents. If you are a parent with younger kids, you’ll likely remember these familiar statements, like “The internet is not working” or “I can't hear anyone.” These tech glitches can get really annoying. There's also the problem of parents needing to go to work, but if they have a young child they can't leave home, so there's the trouble of one parent needing to stay home.

We all need a break from this big mess and I'm sure none of us are too excited at the thought of returning online. But since we have no choice, I’ve come up with a few tips for you.

1: Make sure to treat online as if you were in person. Which means that you can't be doing things that you wouldn't in person, e.g., Going on your phone, watching videos, leaving the meeting, going to do something else etc.

2: Have a good setup and make sure your work area is all clean before starting your class. When your area becomes too messy then you won't be able to do your work or be able to find the things you need.

3: It can be very hard being on screens all day, every day of the week. So to help you cope here’s are a few tips: Take time outside during breaks and after school. Don't have any extra screens that you don't need to have after school (e.g. video games). Give your brain a little break after class; this could mean reading, writing, singing etc.

4: Staying in contact with friends: while being online it can be very hard because you can't see your friends, so to make sure to keep in contact by texting and calling regularly!

5: Remember that it will be over soon, and take it one day at a time.

Shining a light in the darkness: picture book recommendations from the OPL

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some beautiful and bright books picture books, guaranteed to bring some light into the dark winter months. This list has been curated by Kirsten Partanen, Children's Programs and Public Service Assistant at the Greenboro Branch of the Ottawa Public Library

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We just passed December 21st, the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. Winter is dark. It is therefore no surprise that between November and February there are at least nine holidays which celebrate or centre around light. This month’s selections speak of light in the darkness and being light to the world around you.

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd

This is a delightful wordless picture book. A young child is camping with his family and goes out of the tent at night with his trusty flashlight. The artwork brings this wonderful story to life as he discovers with his flashlight all of the wonderful animal friends who are around in the night.

Every Color of Light, written by Hiroshi Osada and Illustrated by by Ryōji Arai

This book takes us through a day of many colours including the shades of a thunderstorm, and finishing with a gorgeous night with stars and moon. It is a wonderful reminder not only of the light from the moon and stars, but the beauty of the light to be found in the midst of the darkness. Ryōji Arai is an award award-winning illustrator and each page is a stunning work of art.

Superluminous by Ian De Haes

The main character, Nour (which means “light” in Arabic), was born with a special luminescence. She loves her special glow. When she starts school ready to show off this superpower, others claim it is not a real superpower and Nour’s glow begins to dim. When her glow helps a special someone at night, Nour learns to embrace her glow once again.

Grandma, How Do You Light the Qulliq? By Jeanie Joanasie

This is a wonderful tale of the sharing of culture from an Inuit grandmother who passes along the knowledge, use, and importance of the qulliq. The qulliq is an Inuit oil lantern (often made of soapstone), which provides light and warmth, especially important in the winter. Although the cover shown is the English version, this book is also published in Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun

Nightlights, By Paul Paolilli and Dan Brewer, Illustrated by Alice Brereton

A wonderful story about a family going out after dark and finding all of the light, both natural and manmade, which is found in the night. From stars and fireflies to city lights and passing trains, all are enjoyed. This story is written in rhyme which makes it a wonderful, soothing bedtime story.

Invitation to Create: books to get your kids creating over the holidays!

Do you have creative and curious kids who love tinkering, making and doing? The Ottawa Public Library is back this month with fiction, non-fiction and picture book suggestions to get your kiddos excited about being a “maker!” This post is written and curated by Amanda Spargo, the Children's Programming & Public Services Assistant at the Ruth E. Dickinson Branch of the OPL.

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Want to find any of these titles at the library? Visit the handy link Amanda created for us, which connects you to all the recommended titles! https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/list/share/69231035_wordgurlz/2010246103_kids_in_the_capital_blog_invitation_to_create

Non-fiction best bets for kids and families (ages 2-12)

1) Little Helpers Toddler Baking Cookbook: Sweet and Savory Recipes to Make, Bake and Share

By Barbara Camperti

2) Girls Who Build: Inspiring Curiousity and Confidence to Make Anything Possible

By Katie Hughes

3) Cardboard Box Engineering: Cool, Inventive Projects for Tinkerers, Makers & Future Scientists

By Jonathan Adolph 

4) Craft Lab for Kids: 52 DIY Projects to Inspire, Excite and Empower Kids to Create Useful, Beautiful Handmade Goods

By Stephanie Corfee

5) Play, Make, Create. A Process-art Handbook: With Over 40 Art Invitations for Kids

By Meri Cherry

6) Hello Crochet Friends! Making Art, Being Mindful, Giving Back: Do What Makes You Happy.

By Jonah Larson

Fun STEM-inspired chapter books (ages 6-10)

1) Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asla Citro
With magical animals, science, mystery and adventure this is a series with something for everyone.

2) Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka
When a lightning storm brings his robot creations to life, science enthusiast Frank Einstein and his assistants Klink and Klank work to defeat his arch-nemesis' evil doomsday plot.

Fun STEM-inspired picture books (ages 3-6)

1) Nerdycorn by Andrew Root

Meet Fern! She's a smart, creative unicorn who prefers building robots and coding software to jumping through shimmering rainbows and splashing in majestic waterfalls.

2) This is Ruby by Sara O'Leary

Ruby is a little girl with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm that's too big to contain! Ruby is always busy -- she loves to make things, watch things grow and figure out how things work, with her dog Teddy by her side. And Ruby has lots of ideas about what she wants to be.

3) Our Shed: A Father-daughter Building Story by Robert Broder

A father teaches his daughter about woodworking and she contributes imagination and fun as they build a shed together.

4) Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall

Jabari is making a flying machine all by himself, but when it doesn't work the way he imagined, he learns about perseverance and problem-solving.

5) Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler

Celebrates the skilled women and men who work to see the plans of architects, engineers, and designers brought to life.

Holiday Gift Guide for Ottawa Kids (and their parents!)

I’m on a roll this year with early holiday shopping, in an attempt to save December as a (relatively) stress free month for family time. While we don’t go crazy with Christmas gifts for our kids, we try to prioritize well-made items they’ll actually use. And yes, there will be a couple of Amazon packages arriving at my door, but I’m also heading out to my favourite local shops to support the amazing business owners who have weathered SO MUCH in the past year and a half.

We polled our followers for some unique gift ideas, and got many great suggestions from local Ottawa artisans and business owners. Do you have other suggestions? Drop us a comment below!

Red Raspberry Studios

Barbi Defazio is an Ottawa-based artist and illustrator, who loves to create works of art and illustrations that bring joy to everyone who sees them. Red Raspberry Studios sells art, colouring books and prints that promise to be whimsical and FUN for any child who loves art! I mean - just look at this picture!

Pam in Ottawa

Are your teens hard to buy for? Check out these “Wearable Art” leggings from Pam Stewart, an Ottawa artist based in Kanata. Her leggings are sold at the Ottawa Artisans shop in the St. Laurent Mall.

Ottawa Artisans Shop

Did you know there’s an Ottawa Artisans shop in Ottawa, located in the St. Laurent Shopping Complex? Until November 16th they’re hosting an online craft market, where you can stock up on gorgeous crafts from all price points and have them delivered to your home (pick-up is also an option!) There are great options for whole family, with custom kids clothes, toys and games, bath products and more!

Ottawa Artisans

A whole store dedicated to hyper-local handmade artisan goods!

Tag Along Toys

A gift guide would not be complete without a mention of one of the best toy stores in Ottawa! They have unique gift items for kids of all ages, including lots of puzzle options! I’ve selected a few cool ideas in the image gallery below, but I think my fave has to be Stretcheez - the best of play food with the fun tactile experience of stretchy materials to create an amazing play experience. Stretch it, stick it, pull it, and twist it….always goes back to original shape! For the 18 month+ crowd, Maxi Topanijungle comes with five cubes and five animals, to allow little ones to construct and imagine stories with their animal friends

The Extraordinary Baby Shoppe and Hintonburg Kids

EBS is another iconic Ottawa shop for babies and kids, and is definitely worth a visit this holiday season! They have clothing, games, bath supplies, crafts, books and sooo much more. Check out the T-Rex Topple game, where the object is to pile your sticks on the wooden dinosaur without being the player who topples the pile. It is recommended for the 4+ crowd.

Backyard Liquid Smudge

This local Indigenous business makes handmade liquid smudge, and owner Jolene Saulis is a wonderful teacher and guide for how to use these traditional medicines in a healthy and culturally appropriate way. Liquid Smudge is a spray blend of First Nations medicines: sage, sweetgrass, cedar and tobacco. Combining these traditional medicines and other herbs creates combinations of smudge that have calming, changing positive and serene properties. They also sell creative bracelets!

Faith and Lilly

Fun locally made soaps and lip balms - perfect for stockings!

Kake Girl

An Orleans-based baker that offers cupcake decorating kits - perfect for the budding baker in your house!

Amy’s Little Plant Shop

If your child has a green thumb they will love a plant (succulents are so fun) and maybe even a DIY macrame plant holder.

Dipped and Dazzling Apples

Another amazing and unique stocking stuff - dipped apples in all different kinds of themes, including LOL Dolls and Pokémon Go.

The Creativity Studio

This online shop is the brainchild of Lara’s own child, Kiernan! Kiernan makes Christmas ornaments, and Lara also sells her beautiful rug hooking pieces and paintings.

20 things to do for the holidays in Ottawa: pandemic style

Some of you may recall a post we wrote many years ago, called “The Holidays in Ottawa: 25 things to do under $25.” It’s still one of our most popular holiday posts, and we update it every year with new dates and costs. But the pandemic put a halt to almost all of the activities we had suggested and we had to let the post go. This year, I was sure that I would be able to freshen it up and send it out once again, but alas, it’s proving more difficult than I thought!

Some of the decisions being made about certain activities are very last minute, and we STILL don’t have a date for the Santa Claus Parade. So I thought it was time to work with what we’ve got, and share 20 things that are “for sure” things (although you’ll have to wait for details on a couple of these activities!) While some suggestions are not under $25, I hope that there’s enough variety to get you planning a super awesome holiday season with your family.

The Log Farm

We’ve really enjoyed having the Log Farm as our Fall sponsor, and we’re excited to see the change in seasons and a shift to Christmas down on the farm! Visit to feed the animals, see Santa’s workshop, wagon rides, Christmas music and pick up your pre-cut Christmas tree. You need to pre-book your tickets using this link! When: November 28th through December 23rd. Cost: $11.97 per person.

Photo credit: elizabeth fulton photography

Christmas Markets

There are a couple of options for Christmas markets this year, including the Ottawa Farmers’ Market (November 27th to December 19th), and the Ottawa Christmas Market (4 weekends: November 26th to December 22nd - also at Lansdowne!). The Log Farm also hosts an the Barrhaven Farmer’s Market outdoor market that you can visit on Saturday November 27th. There is currently no Christmas market planned for North Gower or Cumberland. Cost: whatever you want to spend! If you want to travel a bit, head to Aylmer for their Christmas market November 26th, 27th and 28th and December 3th, 4th and 5th.

Visit Almonte or Kemptville and step into a Hallmark Christmas Movie

Hallmark Christmas movie makers love Almonte and Kemptville, and stay tuned to some upcoming scenes from movies being aired starting November 12th! These small towns just outside of Ottawa light up in a wintry wonderland during the holiday season, and there is plenty of shopping and snacking to be done! Cost: some gas, and the goodies you’ll be purchasing!

Sledding

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without an epic sledding adventure, followed by hot chocolate and Timbits. There are hills all over the region, and here's a handy map on the City of Ottawa's website. I've heard Walter Baker Park has some great sledding!

Credit: City of Ottawa/City of Ottawa Museums

Snowshoe or hike in Gatineau Park

Gatineau has one of the largest trail networks in North America with 60km of snowshoe trails! Cost: this will vary depending on whether you own snowshoes or not. Day passes to Gatineau Park cost $10 for adults, and are free for children under 12 (or $24 for a family) If you have young kids, a short winter hike might be a better option.

Free time at Ottawa's museums

National Gallery - Thursdays 5-8pm
Canadian Museum of Nature - Thursdays 5-8pm
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum - wed - sun, 4-5pm
Canada Aviation and Space Museum - every day, 4-5pm
Canadian Museum of History and War Museum - Thursdays 5-8pm
Canadian Science and Technology Museum - every day, 4-5pm

A drive to Taffy Lane

There's no website for this, but here is Taffy Lane on Google Maps. This is a street in Orleans that goes light-crazy every year, and people drive from all over to catch a glimpse. It's bright and fun, and the kids love it! (Expert tip: park your car at the Orleans United Church and walk the block…much more fun than sitting in a car!!) Cost: FREE!

Take a trip to the North Pole

The North Pole Express at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario returns on Nov. 20th, 27th and Dec. 4th, from 12 noon to 6pm. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Cost: Kids 4 and up cost $5.89 plus tax. HURRY because tickets are selling out fast!!

Cut down a Christmas tree

We try to do this every year - there's something so special about a real Christmas tree (although yes, yes I know some of you love your plastic!) It's the experience that counts, and there's nothing better than a cold walk through the woods and hot chocolate after carrying your tree back to the car. There are places all around Ottawa, but our favourite is Briggs Trees out in the East end. Cost: Depends! Do you want a Charlie Brown tree or something more majestic?

Go see a movie!

I have so many wonderful memories seeing movies with my parents over the holidays. Cine Starz ($5 per ticket) offers an affordable option, especially for larger families!

Christmas plays and concerts

Our 25 things post was always limited in terms of cost, so we never included some of the wonderful plays and concerts being hosted around Ottawa. But if you have a bit extra $$ to play with this holiday season, there’s nothing better than a night at the theatre! It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play looks like a fun all-ages production. The NAC also has a few things on the bill, including the Winnipeg Ballet and Holiday Cirque.

Santa Claus Parade

There is likely only going to be one day of parades this year, with a Kanata, downtown and Orleans version running on the same day. Rumour has it the date is December 4th, but stay tuned for an update!

Christmas Lights Across Canada

Every year the downtown core is magically lit up with thousands of twinkling lights. It makes for a perfect evening outing (paired with hot chocolate of course!) I’m waiting for word back on whether there will be an in-person launch date this year, which normally happens on Parliament Hill, complete with Beaver Tails and a winterscapes light show that is projected onto the Parliament buildings.

Alight at Night

The outdoor light festival at Upper Canada Village is always a treat, and while it’s definitely not under $25 for the whole family, it’s worth the drive and the cost of tickets! Stay tuned for dates and ticket purchases - these sell out quickly!

Stanley’s Farm Christmas Village

Christmas elves, Santa, sleigh rides and yummy treats make this a wonderful way to pass an hour. Tickets are on sale starting November 17th!

Wesley Clover Park’s Magic of Lights

Take a drive through a light tunnel that is sure to silence your bickering children for at least 5 minutes. Tickets are $20 per vehicle, so it’s an affordable activity for a family. A little tip: try to go during off times (weekdays or at dinnertime) because it can get BUSY!

Volunteer at Toy Mountain

I've been volunteering with this great cause for three years now, and I would highly recommend you check it out as a family. Email kristine_farnel@ottawaboothcentre.org for more information. Cost: your time.

Image Credit: City of Ottawa/City of Ottawa Museums

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Last year’s drive-through experience was incredible, and we’re so excited to hear that the Cumberland museum is planning their regular in-person Vintage Village of Lights this year! Check out their website for details on registration. Cost: $20 for a family pass (2 adults and all of your children!) When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from December 3 through December 19.

Do an online Christmas cooking class

Julianna Banana is one of our favourites, and we’ve adored her culinary boxes! You can also sign up directly for cooking classes without purchasing a culinary box. December 5th is Christmas Cookies ($65) and December 12th is Merry Macarons ($40). December 22nd is the Yule Log class ($40). Sign up on her website: https://juliannabanana.ca/

Go our for a special holiday feast

Now that our kids are older, dinners out at a restaurant are getting a lot easier. They can sit for longer, and we can actually enjoy our food and a drink. If your kids are very young, you could supplement this activity with a shorter trip to a local café for a drink and treat. Restaurants have been hit HARD over the pandemic, and we’d love to put some $$ back into their registers. My favourites for the East end are OCCO Kitchen, Maker Feed Co. and the Bad Alibi. Share your favourite locally-owned restaurant in the comments!

Virtual Phone Calls with Santa

*SOLD OUT* This is a FREE program offered by the City of Ottawa. Your little one(s) can log into a special Zoom call with Santa, in French or English. A festive photo of your call will be captured and emailed to you. This must be booked by someone 18+ for their family and requires a personal electronic device with internet connection. To register visit their website.

Visit the Christmas Tree at the National Gallery of Canada

Every year, the National Gallery lights up their gorgeous Christmas tree with a special ceremony. While the lighting ceremony won’t be taking place this year, you can still go visit the tree from December 3 until January 9, 2022. A trip to the gallery is also fun for the whole family.

Santa Claus Parades

The word is out!! In-person parades will be going ahead this year in Kanata, downtown and Orleans. Richmond and Carp will be once again hosting drive-by parades on December 4th as well, and one of our readers had these tips: “Get there early. Line ups were long. Bring food for the food bank to get in.”

Ian’s Christmas Tree Adventure Park

Located in Beckwith, Ontario. about 20 minutes from Richmond, you can visit this lovely tree farm and buy a tree to enjoy any number of fantastic activities: Sledding, skating, movie nights, bonfire, feeding animals. Or pay $10 just to enjoy the activities! Check it out here: https://www.ianschristmaspark.ca/faq

A country Christmas at Saunders Farm

Join Saunders Farm for a Christmas in the country. Daytime features snowy daytime fun for everyone, farm fresh food, holiday sweets & treats and visits with Santa. Night time features a sound & light show drive through with thousands of lights, following a heart-warming story line. From December 4 until December 30, 2021. Cost: tickets range from $23 to $35 depending on when you go.