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: education
Back To School!
Yesterday, along with millions of other Canadian parents, I sent my children back to school. I got a little teary. Honestly, it was a bit like kindergarten all over again. I sent them off believing they are ready, desperately hoping for good-fit teachers, and worrying about what MIGHT happen. I was looking forward to someContinue reading “Back To School!”
The Missed Opportunity Surrounding Will Smith’s Slap
Wow – it’s been a while! I’ve been mired in mental and emotional stuff lately, with so many ideas competing for space in my brain that I can’t seem to get any out. They’re all related and complex, and they keep getting tangled when I try to pull a thread. But the recent incident betweenContinue reading “The Missed Opportunity Surrounding Will Smith’s Slap”
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”
Education Frustration During Omicron
In light of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, Canadian provinces (like the rest of the world) have been trying to decide how best to handle children’s education. Some have delayed the start of school, others have moved online, and still others have implemented a staggered start. As numbers started to rise dramatically, there was aContinue reading “Education Frustration During Omicron”
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”
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”
An Open Letter on Re-opening Plans
First of all, thank you. Thank you to our leaders, who have worked tirelessly to learn about this new threat to society, to seek out and follow sound medical advice, and to explore creative ways to keep us safe. I am cautiously optimistic about the upcoming school year. In Ontario, we have done a fantasticContinue reading “An Open Letter on Re-opening Plans”
Out of the Well 