ROOM 22 NEWSLETTERS
In order to simplify the creation and distribution of assignments in a "paper-free" manner, our classroom will be using Google Classroom and Class Dojo as the ('only') tools to distribute home assignments and other information to students. In addition, we've decided to not print/publish newsletters.
NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFETY TIPS FOR OUR STUDENTS
It is important for teachers, parents and students to be well-equipped with knowledge about how to keep our kids safe from dangerous situations. Please take a look at the video linked here for safety tips that can teach them(us) to be “street-safe” and aware of their(our) surroundings.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
• Bulling–We Can All Help Stop It (Government of Ontario)
A multi-lingual guide for parents of elementary and secondary students. Learn what to watch for, what you can do, and where you can go to get help.
• Every kid needs to feel seen — here are 2 ways you can do this (Ideas.Ted.com Jan 23, 2020)
One way to set up a child for success: Take some time every day to really see them for who they are, not for who you want them to be, says psychiatrist Daniel J. Siegel and social worker Tina Payne Bryson
• Inside Online World of Suicidal Teens (Toronto Star)
A subculture of depressed teenagers thrives out of sight. Mental health advocate talks about teens posting distressing emotional thoughts on social media and when to take action.
• Is your child ready for their own cellphone? (Washington Post/Toronto Star)
Your child is begging for a smartphone, but is he/she ready? Are you ready? Look for these independent milestones.
• The case against kids’ homework (Washington Post/Toronto Star)
Parents should consider “opting out” – and many teachers seem to agree.
• Social Media Linked to Depression in Teens (Toronto Star)
Spending too much time on social media or watching television is linked to increased symptoms of depression among teens
• A dark consensus about screens and kids (The New York Times / Toronto Star)
Parents who work for big technology companies are increasingly limiting their children’s access to screens. “I am convinced the devil lives in our phones."
• How and why to teach kids to be self-advocates (Washington Post / Toronto Star)
We’ve seen the research and read the sound advice underscoring the anxiety-reducing effects of giving your kids more agency over their own lives.
• Kids and Disability Inclusion (Toronto Star)
Teach your child(ren) to make peers with disabilities feel welcomed with other colleagues/playmates.
• It’s time to rethink sexual education (Toronto Star)
In the era of Brett Kavanaugh and Bill Cosby, we need to improve teaching about consent, intimacy.
• Never go on line when upset (Toronto Star)
Screens are rewriting young people’s brains.
Screen time can arouse negative feelings, so young people should be encouraged to drop the phone.
• How smartphones are harming young Canadians (Toronto Star)
Canadians are spending almost five hours a day on their phones, and the problem is not just what they are looking at, it’s what they are looking away from.
• Get involved without getting invasive (Toronto Metro)
• 10 Ways You Are Spoiling Your Kids (bundoo.com)
Recognize the negative behaviours that could work against your child, as she or he gets older.
• 9 immunizations required in Ontario schools (Toronto Star)
• Success is not just about smarts (New Telegraph)
Technology is more likely to widen the education divide.
• Words Can Mean Everything (Toronto Star)
Young children not immersed in words fall
behind before they enter pre-kindergarten.
• Nurturing Students, Naturally (Toronto Star)
Blocks, books and the great outdoors may be the best learning tools of all.
SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS
• The school publishes monthly newsletters outlining pertinent activities and events at Anson Park P. S. .
Please ask your child for his/her copy.
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Keeping Eyes, and Minds, SHARP
Literacy challenges for kids can often be traced to undiagnosed vision problems.
(Joanna Freketich - The Hamilton Spectator, August 31, 2015)
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OTHER IMPORTANT BITS ...
The Guide to Educational Apps
In light of the growing presence of touch screens in the lives of children and teens, and the ever-expanding number of available apps, parents need quality guides and references to help them make informed educational content choices.
Created for parents and teachers, EduLulu* is the first public evaluation service for educational apps available in Canada for iOS and Android. EduLulu is part of Groupe Média TFO, a world leader in education.
*EduLulu, the Canadian reference for educational apps in French and English for 2 to 17 year olds!
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A third of Canadian kids sleep deprived, most get too much screen time: report
By: Cassandra Szklarski, The Canadian Press, Thursday, Jun. 16, 2016
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Family Literacy Day is a national awareness initiative created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1996 and held annually on JANUARY 27 to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family.
Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with children is crucial to a child's development. Even just 20 minutes a day can improve a child's literacy skills dramatically, and can help a parent improve their skills as well. Check it out:
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• Updated: May 19, 2020