Freezing Winter Fun!

I do not love winter. Every winter my Instagram feed is filled with inspirational “Have fun in the cold! You only get so many snow days with your kids!” posts, and while I dutifully take my kids skating, sledding, and snowshoeing, I do so grudgingly. My favourite winter was the year my oldest was born because I had the best excuse to stay home and snuggle with my newborn all winter long.

So while I dream of warmer weather to come, I’ll keep looking for ways to enjoy winter so that my kids’ memories of winter don’t include my grumpy, frozen face. This week, I found out about Crazy Ice Bubbles, which made for an awesome distraction during the coldest day of the year! The bubble solution makes “extra strong” bubbles that rest gently on the snow and slowly freeze over. We have tried to make our own winter bubbles before using regular bubble solution or dish soap, and these yielded much better results!

If you blow them directly onto the snow, they’ll stick and slowly crystalize; if you blow them in the air they’ll start to freeze over in the air (my kids had fun seeing who could catch or pop the most before they fully froze). The bottle says they are most effective below -7 C (plenty of those days ahead in the forecast), and it’s helpful to play with these on a day without much wind or in a sheltered area. A word of caution though- the bottles get very messy, very quickly! (or maybe it’s just my kids… but I had to grab a towel for wiping hands and bubble bottles before I let anyone back in the house!) My kids played with these for over an hour, and even I had fun being out in the cold trying them out!

You can find these locally at Tag Along Toys on Bank Street (This post is not sponsored, just an honest review, and a reminder to shop local whenever you can!)

Oh, and for parents looking for learning extension activities (we homeschool so I’m always in teaching mode), we talked about surface tension (cue a sing along of Surface Pressure from Encanto) and why bubbles pop. We also bounced bubbles on cotton gloves to avoid natural oils that can pop bubbles- check out this video for some fun experiments! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--tem7JnVNI

Julia is a health educator and homeschooling Mama to three kids, and can usually be found on hiking trails or camping in the deep dark woods.

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.