On October 10th, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. As children are returning to school and countries are still trying to manage the pandemic, this day has never been more important. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss mental health, warning signs for parents to watch in their children, and also suggestions to promote a health mental state.

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World Mental Health Day – Oct 10

As another school year commences, it is more important than ever that families and students re-establish their connections with the school, their teachers and classmates. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the importance of these connections and the vital role extra-curricular activities play in a child’s physical, social and emotional well-being.

Establishing Reconnections

It’s the beginning of August and a time when parents begin to plan for their child’s return to school. As families and educators await the Ontario government’s school plan, Jamie and Carol focus on the home/school partnership and what both parties can do to make this year’s return to learning successful for everyone.

Returning to Learning

Another school year has come to a close however, this year, the closure was very different for many students and families. As they move into the summer, families need to take an opportunity to focus on each other. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the many ways families can reduce their stress and recharge their batteries.

Recharging Your Batteries

This past school year has been tumultuous for parents, children and all educational stakeholders. Now the end of the school year is here and the decision has been made to keep Ontario schools closed in June. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the different aspects of this decision and the effect it has on families.

There's No Going Back

This past school year has been very disruptive for students, parents and educational staff and many parents are frustrated with the interruptions to their children’s learning. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss what is learning and suggest ways families can use the International Days of Celebration to enhance their children’s learning.

What is learning?

Ontario implemented a new Math curriculum this past fall with a focus on improving math scores for students, providing opportunities for students to solve every day math problems and increasing students’ employability for jobs of the future. Today, Jamie and Carol are joined by Jordan Rappaport, Regional Math Facilitator with the York District School Board. Jordan provides insights into this new curriculum in order to assist parents with developing a better understanding of the changes and how they impacts their children.

Ontarios New Math Curriculum

Many of us remember reading Dr. Seuss as children and March 2nd is Dr. Seuss Day. So, it’s a great time to celebrate a timeless author and discuss how reading Dr. Seuss can help develop a child’s early literacy skills. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol identify and discuss these early skills, as well as, reference various Dr. Seuss books that help to reinforce these essential reading skills.

Dr. Seuss and the Development of Early Literacy Skills

The pandemic has highlighted many inequities and disconnects within education but it has also provided Ministries of Education with some valuable lessons. Some of the changes that have occurred in education over the last 11 months will have a lasting impact. Today, Jamie and Carol discuss these issues and how they will become permanent practices.

Making Pandemic Positives Permanent

Family Literacy Day is coming up on January 27th and is a great opportunity for families to celebrate literacy in their homes. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the importance of literacy, what literacy looks like in the 21st century and provide some practical suggestions to create a rich, literate home environment.

Family Literacy Day — January 27th

2020 was quite a year for families and the impact the pandemic had on our children’s education has been concerning for many. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol look back at 2020 to discuss what they have learned from this experience and also their hopes for 2021.

It’s Been Quite a Year! – Looking Back on 2020

At the beginning of December, Jamie and Carol were joined by Addiction Therapist and children’s author, Joshua Andrus to discuss how children have been using technology during this pandemic. In today’s podcast, they continue their discussion about technology addiction and look at suggestions for parents to foster their family’s connection.

Tuning Out Technology with Joshua Andrus Pt 2

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Throughout this pandemic, children have turned to technology for their learning, their recreation and their social interactions. They are spending more time than ever on technology and what impact is this having on their development? In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol are joined by Addiction Therapist and children’s author, Joshua Andrus as they discuss technology addiction and the messages for families in his series of children’s books.

Tuning Out Technology with Joshua Andrus Pt 1

As the cold weather becomes a reality, we are seeing an increasing number of Covid cases and positivity rates. What impact is this having on our schools and the safety of all stakeholders? In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss this impact and the effect restrictions place on everyone’s mental health.

Increasing Communiity Case Counts and the Impact on Schools

Together, Jamie and Carol Bricker have over 60 years of experience in classrooms and schools. Listen as they bring that experience and insight to parents and educators, sharing specific strategies for strengthening the relationship between home and school.

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