Ode to the teachers, parents and students “grinding out” distance learning
Teaching Reflections

Ode to the teachers, parents and students “grinding out” distance learning

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In a matter of days in March 2020, our education system in Canada – and throughout the world- changed drastically due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Unceremoniously, teachers, parents and students were forced into the uncomfortable and challenging new world of ‘distance learning’: a place where nothing is certain and  no one is sure what to… Continue reading Ode to the teachers, parents and students “grinding out” distance learning

‘Questioning’ is OK and NECESSARY in the Coronavirus Pandemic
Teaching Reflections · Teaching Topics/Activities · Topics for Parents and Students

‘Questioning’ is OK and NECESSARY in the Coronavirus Pandemic

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When students learn how to question effectively, they are thinking deeply: about purpose, audience, reliability, bias, etc. We teach them to think rather than blindly accept everything that is communicated to them at face value. 

3 Steps to Successful Distance Learning
Literacy · Teaching Reflections · Teaching Topics/Activities · Technology in Education · Topics for Parents and Students

3 Steps to Successful Distance Learning

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Regardless of semantics, the function of teaching and learning online is the same wether you are using elearning courses or other technology based delivery methods. Moreover, for these digital learning platforms to be successful, teachers and students must follow three key steps: organization and routine, meaningful communication, and engaging content/work completion. 

Coronavirus Journal for Kids!
Teaching Reflections · Teaching Topics/Activities · Technology in Education · Topics for Parents and Students

Coronavirus Journal for Kids!

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After mulling it over for a couple days, I decided to create a Coronavirus Journal for my own kids and students. This journal can be adapted to kids of all ages, and includes 10 activities aimed at encouraging students to think, learn, research, read, write and even have fun with memes!

Ten steps too far…the dangerous vilification of teachers in Ontario
Education Labour Disputes · Health and Wellness for Teachers · Teaching Reflections · Topics for Parents and Students

Ten steps too far…the dangerous vilification of teachers in Ontario

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What will the vilification of great, hardworking teachers do to the profession? Also, how many potential teachers are being turned away from the teaching profession due to the public vilification of teachers on social media, in the news, by the government and public?

Dear Ontario Parents, don’t stress about withheld report cards…
Teaching Reflections · Teaching Topics/Activities · Topics for Parents and Students

Dear Ontario Parents, don’t stress about withheld report cards…

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Dear Ontario Parents,
Don’t stress about withheld report cards. Seriously. They really aren’t the ‘cat’s meow’ you think they are. 

This is actually a great opportunity for you to change the way you look at school assessment and feedback about your child. The ball’s in your court; here’s how you can make a play. 

It IS about the money…5 easy solutions to save $$$ in the Ontario education system
Teaching Reflections

It IS about the money…5 easy solutions to save $$$ in the Ontario education system

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The truth is that if the government, school boards and unions really wanted to save money there are many more logical methods than cutting programming or funding for students. Moreover, with the cash they’d save they could also most likely compensate teachers accordingly with inflation.

Assistive Technology IS NOT the “answer” for students struggling with literacy skills
Literacy · Teaching Reflections · Technology in Education · Topics for Parents and Students

Assistive Technology IS NOT the “answer” for students struggling with literacy skills

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Literacy is central to success in life – academically, socially and financially, but like everything else in life it comes easy to some and much harder to others. Unfortunately, since it is literally the vehicle of education this becomes incredibly problematic if children struggle with literacy skills. We all desperately want a solution to support them in moving along with their classmates, but handing them a computer with assistive technology programming is not the solution we should be leaning towards – it should be intensive, evidence based instruction – both at home and school. For literacy intervention to be successful, there needs to be a “all hands on deck” approach.