TOYBOX Day at UWSA Daycare: Where Learning Meets Fun!

On November 19th, all UWSA Daycare educators, wearing colourful TOYBOX t-shirts, led engaging TOYBOX activities that encouraged children to explore numbers, letters, and wellness.

TOYBOX Day at UWSA Daycare!

 In the afternoon, our special friend Nume joined the event to meet the children.

Nume visited each classroom, singing the ABC song, counting with children on their

fingers, and sharing high-fives and warm hugs. Many of the children were full of excitement,

asking question after question, like, “Nume! How come you are so big?”

To this, Nume proudly replied, “Because I eat lots of healthy foods!”

Later, Nume presented the TOYBOX Core Training Certificates to UWSA teachers, posing a

big thumbs-up for photos.

 A reporter from the Winnipeg Free Press also visited the daycare to capture the

children’s bright smiles and special moments. Our TOYBOX Day story was published in the

local newspaper on Thursday, November 20, 2025, on page A5 of the Local/World section.

Picture with Special Guests

Two special guests—Dean Dr. Laurie-Ann Hellsten (left, in a navy shirt) and Vice-

President Academic Dr. Pavlina Radia (third from the left, in an orange shirt)—joined this special event, sharing in the happiness and excitement with the children, educators, parents, and the Toybox team.

Animal Activity for Children & Parents

 At pick-up time, each child received a TOYBOX Animal Activity package, featuring

Manitoba toy animals. The Toybox team showed parents and children playful ways to learn

letters, numbers, and wellness by exploring animal names, counting limbs and body parts,

and acting like the animals—making wide eyes like an owl or howling like a wolf:

“Awooooo!”

Trisha's Reflection

“The TOYBOX Day at UWSA was remarkable, as I was able to provide opportunities for

children and parents to explore different animal species in Manitoba. I noticed children’s critical

thinking in numeracy, literacy, and wellness starting to take shape as we discussed various

prompts. Parents and guardians were delighted to see the joy on their children’s faces as they

thrived with TOYBOX!” —Trisha

Lexi's Reflection

"It was a great experience, and it feels awesome to collaborate with such a great team to make events like this happen—the children kept asking where Nume was even days after!”—Lexi

“It is always exciting to engage children with our friend Nume! The children are not only

learning letters, numbers, and wellness activities, but also learning how to be gentle and kind to one

another by treating Nume with care. Together, we discover that learning can happen in such a

playful and fun way, filled with joy and love!” —Yeong

“I can’t wait to visit more daycares and share TOYBOX’s playful learning ideas! If you’d like to join in the fun, reach out to the TOYBOX team. Let’s laugh, learn, and play together!” —Nume :)

Written by: Yeong Shin