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[…]
Training a group of Grade 4/5 students to be Peacekeepers at Ecole Robert Browning this week. Helping students become successful leaders in schools is the beginning of spreading peace in the world. These students learn not only about helping others, but especially about helping themselves become amazing at relationship skills as well as becoming solution Read more about Peacekeepers Training[…]
Today I read an article by The Military Wife And Mom about why kids don’t listen. The article reminded me of my training in Theraplay. Kids desperately need to move, take risks, hang upside down, swing, be creative with their bodies in order to grow up healthy listeners, thinkers and learners. The article stated, “According Read more about Children Need To Play[…]