Our Kids Blog

Nominate Your Favourite Teacher

Nominations are being accepted for the Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, but it’s important to act fast – the deadline for nominations is fast approaching: Saturday, January 31st. There are six categories of awards:

1. Teacher of the Year
2. New Teacher of the Year
3. Excellent Support Staff
4. Excellence in Leadership
5. Team of the Year
6. Lifetime Achievement

Note that the awards are open to staff in Ontario’s publicly funded schools and boards, but after that just about anybody working at the school is eligible, from the classroom to main office, and everywhere in between.
More »

Family Literacy Day

Today marks Family Literacy Day across Canada and there are lots of events taking place to celebrate. In the Toronto region children’s author Robert Munsch kicked off the day on CBC’s Metro Morning radio show (listen), who is also serving as the Honourary Chair of Family Literacy Day this year. ABC Canada makes it easy to find an event near you and the National Centre for Family Literacy has a wealth of information available year-round.

There are lots of good reasons to read with children, including increased performance in school and quality family time. I know that I read a lot as a child and to this day I still love reading. Below are some videos featuring my wife’s favourite children’s author (and maybe yours too), Robert Munsch.

More »

University of Toronto Schools at 100

One of Toronto’s most academically known private schools is certainly the University of Toronto Schools (UTS), and as they approach their centennial, it’s both an exciting and nervous time on campus. The Globe and Mail artfully illustrates the great achievements of UTS students but also the great challenges that lie ahead for the storied institution.

While parents still sometimes go to great lengths to help their children earn entrance to UTS, the school itself faces an unchartered financial future.

More »

Perspective on Individual Classroom Attention

To be successful in school every child needs some degree of individual attention, but just how much of that attention can students get in school? A common refrain from concerned parents is: “my child would be doing better if she could just get 30 minutes a day of individual attention from the teacher.”

On the surface, this makes sense. Teachers are there to help each child succeed and learn and would happily give their students the energy and attention they require. The problem is, however, quite simply a matter of time. More »

Do Teachers Talk Too Fast?

There are many reasons children may appear distracted or inattentive in the classroom, but a Wichita State University professor has found that one of them may be that teachers are talking too quickly (pdf). Ray Hull, an audiology professor, has found that most adults speak at a rate of 170 words per minute while most 5-7 year olds process speech at a maximum of 120 words per minute.

That gap could account for some of the challenges teachers identify in the classroom, and could even represent the real cause behind problems attributed to attention, learning disabilities or behavioural problems. Fortunately, Hull offers some simple solutions and practical advice.

More »

Letting Parents Choose Their Child’s School

There are many opinions about how to use public money to finance education, but one component many families appreciate is some degree of school choice. For parents considering a private school, experts will tell you that even though children can (and should) have input in the school selection process, it should ultimately be up to the parents to choose their child’s school.

The following video is from a British sitcom, and in this clip the matter of school choice is rather hilariously examined. The particulars of the British system vary from Canada’s, but the underlying notion that parents should have the ability to choose their child’s school is a nice one.

Newbridge Academy Offering Free Tuition

Families do extensive research before choosing a school for their child, including school interviews and campus visits, however very few schools have ever offered students a free “test drive.” This opportunity has presented itself at Newbridge Academy in Nova Scotia. They are offering new students free tuition for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.

For parents concerned their child may not be at the best school or for families considering the option of a private education, it is hard to find a better offer than this. There are a few caveats, though, since after all, nothing in life is truly free.

More »

Appleby College Requires International Service

As America gets ready to swear in their new President, Barack Obama, he and his wife Michelle are promoting a day of service to celebrate the U.S. holiday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Throughout his campaign and after being elected President, Obama has emphasized the value of service to one’s country or community.

At Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario, a similar ethic is practiced. Now a part of the graduation requirements, Appleby runs an extensive International Service Program.
More »