Bricker by Bricker

This is the final episode in this four-year-old podcast series which has addressed many different aspects of the home/school partnership. In the series finale, Jamie and Carol highlight key messaging from some of their most memorable podcasts.

Many highly respected educators have stressed that the inevitable achievement gaps will have to be addressed upon the return to in-person learning. There needs to be a comprehensive plan that outlines a multi-year commitment to address these gaps. Such a plan will obviously require a significant financial commitment, but, such a commitment pales in comparison to the price all educational stakeholders have had to pay throughout the pandemic.

Digital literacy is all about having the ability to access, use, create and share information and content from a range of on-line sources. Today's students are far more proficient at accessing this information, than actually analyzing its message. It is incumbent on both parents and teachers to teach children how to critically evaluate what they read, see and hear.

Financial literacy will allow our children to make sound decisions regarding money for the rest of their lives. In 2020, the Ontario government introduced the new financial literacy curriculum for students from grades 4–12. This document presents a wide range of important financial concepts to students, as well as provides parents with numerous resources to help guide their children to a better understanding of money matters.

In January, Jamie and Carol discussed how the pandemic has erected barriers which have made home/school communication difficult for parents. In this podcast, they continue this conversation, looking at some additional meeting frustrations that parents may encounter and provide strategies for working through those frustrations.

As we begin another new year, the pandemic continues to have a hold on our children's school experiences. This disruption also has an impact on parents and their ability to communication with their child's teacher and school. In today's podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss some common meeting frustration that parents may experience and provide strategies for working through those frustrations.

As parents continue to establish and re-establish connections with their child's school and teachers, it's important to establish ongoing, and respectful communication between both parties. In today's podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the whys and hows of communication and ways to support communication when a disconnection occurs.

It is well documented that a strong home-school partnership correlates to overall student success. This partnership, in many cases, was hindered by the pandemic and the transition of many students to virtual learning. As we move forward with the 2021-22 school year and the return to in-person learning, it is essential for families and educators to jointly re-ignite this connection between home and school.

On October 10th, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. As children are returning to school and countries are still trying to manage the pandemic, this day has never been more important. In today's podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss mental health, warning signs for parents to watch in their children, and also suggestions to promote a health mental state.

As another school year commences, it is more important than ever that families and students re-establish their connections with the school, their teachers and classmates. In today's podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the importance of these connections and the vital role extra-curricular activities play in a child's physical, social and emotional well-being.

It's the beginning of August and a time when parents begin to plan for their child's return to school. As families and educators await the Ontario government's school plan, Jamie and Carol focus on the home/school partnership and what both parties can do to make this year's return to learning successful for everyone.

Another school year has come to a close however, this year, the closure was very different for many students and families. As they move into the summer, families need to take an opportunity to focus on each other. In today's podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the many ways families can reduce their stress and recharge their batteries.

This past school year has been tumultuous for parents, children and all educational stakeholders. Now the end of the school year is here and the decision has been made to keep Ontario schools closed in June. In today's podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the different aspects of this decision and the effect it has on families.

This past school year has been very disruptive for students, parents and educational staff and many parents are frustrated with the interruptions to their children’s learning. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss what is learning and suggest ways families can use the International Days of Celebration to enhance their children’s learning.

Ontario implemented a new Math curriculum this past fall with a focus on improving math scores for students, providing opportunities for students to solve every day math problems and increasing students’ employability for jobs of the future. Today, Jamie and Carol are joined by Jordan Rappaport, Regional Math Facilitator with the York District School Board. Jordan provides insights into this new curriculum in order to assist parents with developing a better understanding of the changes and how they impacts their children.

Many of us remember reading Dr. Seuss as children and March 2nd is Dr. Seuss Day. So, it’s a great time to celebrate a timeless author and discuss how reading Dr. Seuss can help develop a child’s early literacy skills. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol identify and discuss these early skills, as well as, reference various Dr. Seuss books that help to reinforce these essential reading skills.

The pandemic has highlighted many inequities and disconnects within education but it has also provided Ministries of Education with some valuable lessons. Some of the changes that have occurred in education over the last 11 months will have a lasting impact. Today, Jamie and Carol discuss these issues and how they will become permanent practices.

Family Literacy Day is coming up on January 27th and is a great opportunity for families to celebrate literacy in their homes. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the importance of literacy, what literacy looks like in the 21st century and provide some practical suggestions to create a rich, literate home environment.

2020 was quite a year for families and the impact the pandemic had on our children’s education has been concerning for many. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol look back at 2020 to discuss what they have learned from this experience and also their hopes for 2021.

At the beginning of December, Jamie and Carol were joined by Addiction Therapist and children’s author, Joshua Andrus to discuss how children have been using technology during this pandemic. In today’s podcast, they continue their discussion about technology addiction and look at suggestions for parents to foster their family’s connection.

At the beginning of December, Jamie and Carol were joined by Addiction Therapist and children’s author, Joshua Andrus to discuss how children have been using technology during this pandemic. In today’s podcast, they continue their discussion about technology addiction and look at suggestions for parents to foster their family’s connection.

Throughout this pandemic, children have turned to technology for their learning, their recreation and their social interactions. They are spending more time than ever on technology and what impact is this having on their development? In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol are joined by Addiction Therapist and children’s author, Joshua Andrus as they discuss technology addiction and the messages for families in his series of children’s books.

As the cold weather becomes a reality, we are seeing an increasing number of Covid cases and positivity rates. What impact is this having on our schools and the safety of all stakeholders? In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss this impact and the effect restrictions place on everyone’s mental health.

We are almost a quarter of the way through the school year and many changes and disruptions have occurred for our children’s learning. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol look back over the past two months and discuss what has taken place for students in both the in-person and virtual learning settings.

In their last podcast, Jamie and Carol were joined by special guest, Heather Murray. Heather is a parent of 4 children and in this podcast, Heather continues to discuss the challenges of returning to school this fall both virtually and in person.

A month has passed since students began their return to school whether it was in person or virtually. To share insights from a parent’s perspective, Heather Murray joins Jamie and Carol to discuss the successes and challenges of schooling from home in March and also the process her family went through to make their decision about returning to school this September.

As we return to school this fall, families have had to make challenging decisions about returning to school in person or returning virtually. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol continue their conversation with Education Specialist, Michael McKnight as they discussion strategies for parents to support their children’s resiliency during these unsettling times.

There is no question that this pandemic has had a major impact on people’s physical and mental health and returning to school is just another stressor for many parents and families. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol are joined by Education Specialist Michael McKnight. Michael has had extensive experience working with students who are behaviourally and emotional at risk and he shares his knowledge about resiliency as we support parents and families through their return to school.

Recently, guidelines for the return to school in Ontario have been presented by the government. These guidelines provide stringent cleaning measures, social distancing recommendations, screening procedures and steps for contact tracing. However, it is the size of the cohorts that have many parents up in arms. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol are once again joined by retired principal, Jack Barclay to discuss the guidelines as parents face the decision whether or not to return to school.

As we begin our last month before students return to school, many parents are anxious about what this school year will look like and the safety measures that will be put in place to protect their children. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol are joined by retired elementary principal, Jack Barclay as they discuss the recommendations of medical professionals, the safety measures that should be in place and suggestions for families to assist preparing their children for back to school in 2020.

Continuing their virtual tour of Canada and the wonderful authentic learning opportunities families can share, Jamie and Carol explore Quebec, the Maritimes and Newfoundland. Join them as they discuss the many sites and attractions these provinces have to offer and the learning that can happen along the way.

There are lots of learning opportunities for families to celebrate over the courseof the summer months as they travel to various regions in our country andbeyond. And, this summer, what better way to travel than through a virtual tour.In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol take you on a tour of Canada’s Territories andWestern Provinces, celebrating the diversity of our magnificent country and thewonderful authentic learning opportunities along the way.

Summer time is a great opportunity for families to explore our wonderful country, whether it be through camping, hiking, boating, trips to the trailer or longer travel vacations. However, this summer, many families will be deciding to stay at home. Join Jamie and Carol as they take you on a virtual trip along Ontario’s waterways and celebrate the authentic learning opportunities along the way.

For many families, virtual learning has been a challenge to say the least! Parents have been juggling their own work commitments and family commitments, the availability of devices, and trying to find space in the home to meet everyone’s needs. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol suggest parents prioritize family well-being and resiliency and focus on authentic learning opportunities. As we move into the summer months, they discuss ways to bring the learning outdoors.

Jamie and Carol continue their discussion about Project Based Learning with Instructional Methods Advisor, Heather Buskirk. In this episode, they look at how Project Based Learning is approached and assessed in the classroom and how parents can support their child’s learning.

Project-based learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extending period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question or problem. During this pandemic, project-based learning may be one approach that parents use to enhance their child’s learning. In today’s podcast, Heather Buskirk, an Instructional Methods Advisor, joins Jamie and Carol to discuss the concepts of PBL.

For many students, their learning at home experience is now being supported online by their classroom teacher(s). However, what can families continue to do to supplement this learning? In this podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss a variety of math skills that families can embed into their daily routines, as well as, look at dice, cards and board games that can enhance a child’s math skills.

During this unprecedented time, parents are feeling the pressure to provide for their children’s educational needs. In this podcast, Jamie and Carol will address some of the anxieties parents are feeling and provide strategies and suggestions to make Learning at Home a positive, productive experience for all parties.

In the previous episode, Trevor MacKenzie, educator, author, international speaker and consultant for Inquiry Learning, joined Jamie and Carol to discuss Inquiry Learning and the positive impact it has for students. In this episode, they continue the conversation with a focus on assessment and how this process has changed. Using conferencing and feedback, students gain a better understanding of their progress and are able to set goals for continued growth.

Supporting parents with gaining a deeper understanding of current educational pedagogy has been the focus of this year’s podcasts. In this episode, Trevor MacKenzie joins Jamie and Carol from Victoria, B.C., Canada. Trevor is an educator, author of two book and an international speaker and consultant for Inquiry Learning. Trevor shares his wealth of knowledge and experience as he broadens our understanding of Inquiry Learning.

When we look at our children’s report cards, we often focus primarily on the grades they receive. However, Jamie and Carol advocate for the importance of a child’s learning skills or his/her executive functioning skills. In this podcast, they explain what are executive functioning skills, the importance of nurturing these skills, as well as, some suggestions for supporting your child’s development.

Continuing the Conversation: Play-Based and Project-Based LearningContinuing their conversation about current teaching practices and inquiry learning, Jamie and Carol focus today’s discussion on Play Based Learning for younger students and Project Based Learning for older students. They look at how both of these teaching methods are implemented in the classroom and how teachers assess students’ thinking, understanding and the application and analysis of their learning.

In today’s classrooms, students play a significant role in the learning process. They are encouraged to explore material, ask questions and share ideas. Join Jamie and Carol as they provide an overview of inquiry-based learning and discuss ways for parents to create a rich home environment that strengthens their children’s curiosities and questioning skills.

As we enter a new year and new decade, there are many uncertainties for parents, students and educators. Our educational system needs to evolve to meet the needs of our students both today and in the future. In their first podcast of 2020, Jamie and Carol begin their discussion about the evolution of educational practices by talking about the move from the Socratic method of teaching/learning to co-operative learning. Join future podcasts as the discussion continues to address the variety of current instructional methods.

As we come to the end of 2019 and get ready for a new decade, Jamie and Carol share their wish list for education. Wish list items include: school safety, programming and equity, school attendance, home/school partnerships and a prosperous 2020.

Report cards have been sent home and parents have participated in the annual Parent Teacher Interview but what does all this information really mean? In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss traditional methods of evaluation, current practices found in today’s classroom and also, where we need to go moving forward as we progress through the 21st century.

It’s time once again for the annual Parent-Teacher interview and knowing how tooptimize this time with your child’s classroom teacher is paramount. In today’spodcast, Jamie and Carol provide parents with tips to best utilize their interviewtime and make suggestions about the types of questions parents could ask to gaina comprehensive understanding of their child’s academic journey.

Last May, Jamie and Carol discussed the changes being proposed to Ontario’s Math Curriculum and the government’s initiative to go “Back to the Basics”. In this episode, Jamie and Carol continue their discussion about math focusing on recommendations from research and suggestions for parents to support their children’s math development.

As families work to once again balance school, work and family times, the inclusion of homework can be a daunting task. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the pros and cons of homework and why parents are seeing their children bringing home less work than they did when they were children.

The week of October 7 – 11 is Media Literacy Week in Canada and the theme this year is Break the Fake. To highlight Media Literacy Week, Jamie and Carol define media and media literacy and discuss why it is essential for everyone to look at media with a critical eye. Website links and tips for parents to foster their child’s critical thinking and media literacy are provided.

Parent involvement is an essential aspect of a child’s involvement in and success at school and a parent’s involvement is affected by his/her parenting style. In this episode, Jamie and Carol discuss four different parenting styles and the effect each has on a child’s development, self-esteem, self-confidence and academic success.