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JANUARY 2026 - STARS, STRIPES AND SMILES
- Paige Fink
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
If January felt a little extra exciting, that's because our we packed our bags and took an imaginative trip across the United States! Throughout the month, participants explored American geography, food, movement, art and entertainment through hands-on activities, games and community outings. From packing our suitcases to rolling bowling balls, USA month was full of laughter, learning and a whole lot of fun.
Week One: From Alaska to Hawaii (No Plane Ticket Required!)
We kicked off USA Month by talking about what we already knew about the United States. We quickly discovered that there was a lot to explore! Participants shared ideas, asked questions and set the stage for a week of discovery.
One standout activity was our suitcase packing activity, where participants imagined travelling to different regions like Hawaii or Alaska. What do you pack for snow? What do you need for the beach? Along the way, participants practiced folding and organizing items, turning a fun travel game into a practical life lesson.
The week was packed with action, including scavenger hunts, a flag hunt, and classic crowd pleasers like USA Bingo. Creativity shone during the Animals of the USA project, where participants made posters highlighting animals from different regions across the country.
We also turned up the volume with American Classics Karaoke, belting out familiar tunes! By the end of the first week, the participants had travelled the USA in spirit and were already eager for what was next!
Week Two: All About Food!
Week Two was dedicated to Food and Nutrition, and it was delicious from start to finish. Participants explored popular American foods while also learning about balance and healthy choices.
We rolled up our sleeves during the portion plate activity, helping everyone visualize what a balanced meal looks like. The Taste & Guess pop game kept our taste buds guessing, and the Kitchen tool scavenger hunt had all the participants racing around to find the tools.
The star of the week? Our Cooking Class! Participants made individual American Mac & Cheese dishes. Measuring, mixing and following steps independently led to some very proud (and very full) participants. Games like Guess the Ingredients, Food Relay Races and USA Food Bingo kept the energy high and the learning fun!
Participants prepared their own Mac & Cheese during the cooking class, practicing following steps, measuring and kitchen independence - with tasty results!
Week Three: Get Moving, USA Style!
By Week Three, it was time to get moving! We started with a discussion about American sports, sharing our favourites and learning about different ways people stay active across the USA.
A special highlight was our Boxing Class with Moose Jaw Boxing, where participants learned basic techniques in a supportive environment. Between jabs and laughter, confidence and coordination were clearly growing.
Movement continued with freeze dancing, line dancing and making our own sports collages. We also took time to discuss safety gear and went over the importance of wearing gear when we are exercising. This week proved that movement can be fun, expressive and confidence building!
Have you ever tried Boxing?
YES!
No, but I would like to try it!
No way!
Week Four: Lights, Camera... Celebration!
The final week of USA month brought together art, entertainment and community fun. Participants crafted their own Walk of Fame stars, giving everyone a chance to feel like a Hollywood star.
Games like charades and Jeopardy filled the room with laughter and friendly competition. After a discussion about movie theatres and movie etiquette, we headed out into the community for a special outing to the Gravelbourg RG theatre to watch Peanut Butter Falcon.
The celebrations didn't stop there. We also took time to celebrate the January birthdays, making sure everyone was celebrated. USA month wrapped up at the local bowling alley, where strikes, spares and lots of cheering marked the perfect end to a fantastic month.
As January comes to a close, USA month proved to be more than just a theme... It was a shared adventure. Participants explored new ideas, practiced real-life skills, tried new activities and built confidence along the way. Whether they were packing suitcases, singing karaoke, cooking, throwing punches in the boxing ring or cheering each other on at the bowling lanes, every activity created opportunity for connection, independence and joy.
With so many laughs, proud moments and meaningful experiences, USA Month set the bar high for the year ahead.
The journey doesn't stop here! In February, we will be travelling across the globe for Japan month, using the same weekly structure to explore culture, food, movement and art & film in new ways. If January showed us anything, it's that learning is best when it is hands-on, shared and fun! We can't wait for Japan month!
Which Japanese food do you love - or would love to try?
Sushi
Ramen
Mochi
Bento Box
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