I was an elementary school teacher in Ontario for over 20 years. I recently resigned from my job, disillusioned by the lack of change in our system, even though we know better. I had been deep down a rabbit hole about the intersection of neurodiversity, parenting, education, and trauma. I had railed for years againstContinue reading “Doing Education Better”
Tag Archives: change
The Year That Changed Everything
One year ago yesterday my twelve-year-old son and I packed up and climbed into our red SUV to set off on a cross-country adventure. Meanwhile, my husband and fifteen-year-old son boarded a plane for Victoria, BC, where we would meet them one week later. We left our family home – the place we had beenContinue reading “The Year That Changed Everything”
Anxiety, COVID, and School Closures
In the most recent wave of the pandemic, the Omicron variant has resulted in seven days of virtual learning for Ontario students. Schools were closed to students for the first two days following the winter break and then opened to virtual learning at the last moment, leaving parents scrambling to find child-care or to supportContinue reading “Anxiety, COVID, and School Closures”
In the Wake of the Election
Here in Canada, we’ve just come through an election. An election that many are calling a $600 million cabinet shuffle. Our government looks almost the same this week as last week – a minority Liberal government. People are angry about the wasted expenditure and about having an election at an inopportune time. The Prime MinisterContinue reading “In the Wake of the Election”
The Revolution is Coming!
Wow – what a summer! I thought I would use the time this summer to catch up on blog posting, but instead I’ve done none. I have been too busy reading, listening, and watching, not to mention the time and energy it takes to reconsolidate all of my thoughts and ideas. I’ve started a coupleContinue reading “The Revolution is Coming!”
Opting Out of Sex Ed
Last month we got a notice from our child’s school declaring that the unit on Human Development and Sexual Health would be taught in June. The purpose of the note was to give parents the chance to opt out of this part of the curriculum. Opt out, as in not participate, and not learn theContinue reading “Opting Out of Sex Ed”
Plan B, Engineering, and How Can I Help?
In my everyday life, I try really hard not to complain about things unless I have constructive ideas for a better way. I want to be part of the solution. For me, solutions start with good questions, and this blog gives me opportunities to ask questions, which in turn gets me thinking about possible solutions.Continue reading “Plan B, Engineering, and How Can I Help?”
Have We Lost Our Way?
So many communities seem to be in turmoil right now. Families. Schools. Neighbourhoods. Cities. Countries. The whole world is turning inside out, perhaps more visibly than ever before. When I see these struggles, I always take comfort in information. I read. I listen. I talk. And right now, I wonder, “Where are the Thinkers?” WhereContinue reading “Have We Lost Our Way?”
Building Maps
I have two sons, both of whom are good at math. One is in grade five and at the top of his math class. The other would be in grade eight, except that he is freelancing his education this year, taking a break from the standard school setting. His grade seven math teacher said heContinue reading “Building Maps”
A Case Against Punishment
Imagine the following scenarios: A six-year-old child is fooling around and breaks a family heirloom. A grade five student repeatedly talks back to the teacher when corrected for disruptive behaviour. A high school student regularly skips English class. A 20-year-old steals a car as part of a gang initiation. A 38-year-old new parent leaves theContinue reading “A Case Against Punishment”
Out of the Well 