We’re all trying to become better people and improve ourselves, so here's what I want to share with you ...!
Further, in her book, Ensouling Our Schools, Katz clarifies the difference between Western society’s self-actualization and the Indigenous culture’s self-actualization. In Western society, self-actualization is at the top of the triangle, stressing independence. In Indigenous culture, “The triangle, shaped like a teepee was meant to have self-actualization as the foundation, with communityy actualization in the Read more about Interdependence vs Independence[…]
I keep reading the same research over and over again about the benefits of mindfulness for any age. In her book, Mindfulness for Children, Camelia Gherib writes, “Mindfulness is a powerful tool. …to have greate self-awareness, feelings, and needs, and mindfulness improves concentration. … It helps (children) speak their mind, better communicate their needs, and Read more about Mindfulness is a Powerful Tool[…]
Today, on LinkedIn, Simon Sinek posted several posts on leadership. His quotes were about creating an environment where creativity can thrive. My response was that it is risky to be creative because that means imperfection must be honoured. Whenever a leader asks your protégés, employees, students to be creative, she/he must be willing to honour Read more about Creating Opportunities[…]
I just uploaded the following from LinkedIn posted by Michael McKnight which is amazing advice for anyone who works with children who have experienced trauma or toxic relationships. 1. Create Safety – If the child is overwhelmed, perhaps guide them to a quiet corner or allow them to decompress by visiting the restroom. If you Read more about What Do I Do – Trauma-Informed Support for Children[…]
Chapter 2 in Ensouling Our Schools by Jennifer Katz is most thought provoking, being as she challenges the reader to consider why Canadians perceive physical ailments treatable and normal but when it comes to mental illness, there is a stigma of shame, a lack of medical or psychological support. She states, “In Canada, only one Read more about Indigenous Views of Mental Health & Well-Being[…]
As a classroom teacher, I learned fairly quickly of the benefits of greeting students at the door each morning as well as at each recess. Another successful practice I had was to ask students to write a summary at the end of each day, listing 3 successes or happy moments they had during the day. Read more about Teachers Welcoming Students[…]
One of the best ways to teach a lesson is through story telling. When I looked for Mindfulness children’s books, I found Bryan Smith’s book “What Were You Thinking?” It’s a lovely book about third grader Braden who thinks he’s the funniest kid in school. However, his humor negatively affects the teacher, his classmates and Read more about Great Children’s Book on Mindfulness[…]
I am most intrigued by George Couros’ chart of the differences between school vs learning which is found in Jennifer Katz’s book, Ensouling Our Schools. This could challenge us to an amazing discussion with educators and parents. Note the following: SCHOOL – promotes starting by looking for answers – is about consuming – is about Read more about School vs Learning by George Couros[…]
Please note the following research findings from Science Direct about mindfulness, anxiety, and high-stakes mathematics performance in the laboratory and classroom. “Mindfulness enhances emotion regulation and cognitive performance. A mindful approach may be especially beneficial in high-stakes academic testing environments, in which anxious thoughts disrupt cognitive control. … In Study 1, we examined performance in Read more about Mindfulness Enhances Performance[…]
Throughout my years of working with students, parents, educators, administrators and leaders, I have seen many kinds of parenting and leadership styles. I guarantee all parents and leaders want to be successful in their relationships with their role as a leader and guide. However, not all are successful. I especially know as a parent myself, Read more about Courageous Parenting/Leadership[…]